Online PhD in Engineering
Online PHD Programs
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The online PhD in engineering enables students to acquire knowledge of scientific and mathematical principles to facilitate their transition into management and executive-level careers. The combination of classroom instruction and skill development in problem-solving and decision-making techniques equips online PhD engineering students to assume leadership roles within diverse workplace settings. Through the application of theories, concepts and methodologies, students enrolled in online doctorate programs in engineering are well able to enter professions in business and industry, social, public and research organizations and the academy. Moreover, they are able to drive lasting, informed change both internally and externally through solutions that yield far-reaching outcomes.
Graduates of online doctoral programs in engineering are awarded one of three types of credentials:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Management and Technology,
which emphasizes the application of research to solve organizational complexities in an ethical, effective manner; - PhD in Business Administration, Management of Engineering and Technology,
which emphasizes research methods that thoughtfully integrate technology into management practice; and - PhD in Management, Engineering Management,
which emphasizes specialized research in online engineering PhD students’ areas of interest to enable either practicing engineers to transition into management positions or current engineering managers to enhance their abilities.
Online PhD in Engineering Requirements
Students enrolled in online PhD programs in engineering undertake coursework that is inquiry-based, research-oriented and technology-focused so that they can more easily segue from classroom to career.
Online doctorate degrees in engineering require a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. This degree may be in disciplines such as:
- Engineering, e.g., Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering;
- Computer technology, e.g., Information systems and Software Development;
- Business administration.
Admission to online PhD engineering programs may require at least three years of relevant professional experience such as work in engineering, technology or scientific research positions. A list of professional references may also be a prerequisite for admission.
Online PhD in Engineering Education
Online PhD programs in engineering are generally accommodating of individuals’ schedules and offer flexibility through self-paced, Internet-based coursework and faculty-guided independent research. Coursework varies in accordance with the type of credential sought, but generally includes studies in project management, decision theory and knowledge management to ensure relevancy to the practices, trends and issues that online engineering PhD graduates will encounter in the workplace. The Doctor of Business Administration requires a cumulative research project that demonstrates students’ ability to investigate a real-world problem and to recommend a plan of action. Students enrolled in online doctoral programs in engineering for engineering management must complete a dissertation on a research topic chosen in consultation with their advisers.
Information on Engineering Courses
Top online doctoral degrees in engineering blend coursework in fundamental elements of management theory and research methodologies with specific instruction that is unique to the type of credential sought. Graduates should be able to identify linkages between what they learn through their textbook studies and what they experience within their workplaces so that they can resolve complexities that may arise on the job.
Individuals who pursue online PhD degrees in engineering have classes such as:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Management and Technology
- Applications of Decision Theory:
Students are instructed to understand how problems are resultant of a lack of information about the contextual framework in which they occur. They learn how managers must not only be able to recognize challenges as being such, but to also identify them with the goal to make decisions about how best to address them. - Enterprise Project Management
Students examine how project leaders manage by information, by action and by working through others. The course also focuses on iterative leadership approaches that necessitate ongoing data collection and efficient operation within project boundaries. - PhD in Business Administration, Management of Engineering and Technology
- Advanced Business Statistics Course
The online doctorate in engineering for this credential requires students both to understand and to utilize statistical techniques to analyze quantitative data. Topics include linear and non-linear regression, multivariate statistics and the use of SPSS software to conduct analysis. - Qualitative Methods
Students learn how to collect and to analyze qualitative data as well as the appropriate research methods to utilize for qualitative inquiry. - PhD in Management, Engineering Management
- Project Management
Students explore the theory and practice of how to manage projects, including management styles and ethics in project implementation. They also examine elements of projects, e.g., cost and schedule, and employ project management software to plan and to track activities. - Management Information Systems
Individuals who wish to attain the online engineering doctorate for this credential acquire knowledge in implementing effective information technology through a case-based business study. In addition, they enhance their reasoning skills through the examination of current and potentially future concepts in information management.
Careers in Engineering
The best online PhD in engineering programs facilitates students’ transition into leadership roles within their choice of careers that draws on both their academic studies and professional interests. The opportunity to practice as a manager, a chief executive or an academic demonstrates the broad application that the online doctorate in engineering affords.
Online engineering PhD graduates are prepared for a myriad of career options, such as:
- General and Operations Manager
Individuals can practically apply their knowledge as professionals in the field to plan, direct and coordinate the operations of either businesses or public and private sector organizations. Specific responsibilities may include policy formulation, oversight of day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the use of material and human resources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for
general and operations managers is $110,550. - Computer and Information Systems Manager
These professionals coordinate activities in fields such as data processing and computer programming. On average, individuals in this career earn $120,640 annually. - Engineering Manager
Individuals in this role direct the operations of engineering-related fields as well as the research and development within these fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median income for
engineering managers is $122,810 with the number of professionals in the field projected to grow by 6% by 2018. - College/University Professor
Engineering PhD online graduates may decide to join the academy as professors who both lead course instruction in the principles of the field and conduct research. On average, professors of engineering earn $92,970 annually.
Chief Executive
Persons in this career, which includes positions within industries such as companies, government, finance and research organizations- plan and direct operational activities at the highest level of management. On average, chief executives earn $167,280 annually.
An accredited online PhD in engineering provides the skills necessary to lead organizations and to meet logistical complications head-on with an expertise in solutions management. Earning an online doctorate in this discipline allows individuals to apply their knowledge and skills to industries in which they can be most effective.
