Engineers are typically thought of as graduates of programs that are mostly science-focused, not business-focused. Lately, however, it is becoming more and more valuable for an engineer to have a solid business education to help them start their own business, take a leading role in their engineering firm, and relate to customers and clients in a way that satisfies their financial, marketing and basic business needs, not just their technical ones. New degree programs that offer an MBA and a Master of Science in Engineering prepare engineers for this type of work and give them an edge when applying for jobs against candidates who only have one of the two specialties.

A program that combines a higher level education and training in engineering with business focuses on project management, supply chain management, accounting, organizational behavior, economics, information systems and the specific engineering classes. Some programs offer an MBA in conjunction with many types of engineering degrees, like manufacturing, industrial, electrical and computer, materials science, chemical and civil engineering. Even though the student is earning two degrees simultaneously, he or she is not getting cheated out of any core or elective courses. These joint degree programs, especially when offered through an online format, can even be completed in a much shorter amount of time than if the student completed the degree at a traditional university. Online classes allow students to work more continuously and to work at their own pace, without having to wait on other students or adhere to a very strict schedule.

There are many different career options for graduates of MBA/ME programs, including industrial planning, engineering management, and consulting. These professionals are highly qualified individuals who can bring a lot to their customers and companies in engineering and business, making them extremely marketable and highly desirable job candidates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary potential for engineers in 2007 is extremely varied, but managers and senior level executives with higher degrees tend to earn at the top of their field. Those with master’s degrees typically earned between $6,000 and $10,000 more than engineers with bachelor’s degrees, with the highest difference appearing among aerospace, chemical, electrical/electronics, and industrial/manufacturing engineers.