The field of engineering offers one of the highest starting salaries in the country. It's little wonder that there is a high demand for places on engineering courses. All too often though, employees are looking for engineering students with a particular skill set which prompts many graduates to go for a specialist field in engineering.

In recent years, universities have begun to embrace the notion of delivering graduate and postgraduate courses online, which allowed more opportunities to students who wanted to pursue the option. Additionally, courses offer several start dates throughout the year which allows you to start at your convenience.

Online courses are not without their issues however. Below is a list of pros and cons of taking an online master's degree in engineering.

The Pros of Getting an Online Engineering Degree

Time management: Online courses are designed to fit around you. Of course, you need to be able to dedicate the hours that the course requires. But if you wish to continue to work, or have young children to raise, you probably will be working on your degree in unsociable hours. Online degrees allow you to create a schedule that works best for your current work/family.

Variety of choice: If you are interested in a very specific field of engineering, then you might find that the traditional route might be virtually impossible due to the location of the school and the limited number of places. With many universities starting courses at several times of the year, there is naturally a higher number of places available, thus increasing your chances of landing a spot.

It is also worth noting that many schools are now able to provide a greater number of specializations on their online courses that allows for greater focus in your specified field. The University of California Riverside, for example, now offers six highly specified masters of engineering courses.

Cost effective: If you have a family or other commitments that require your financial support, then obtaining your masters in engineering online is far more cost effective. Most online courses will ask you to pay the cost per credit and allow you to take a break if your financial situation changes. Furthermore, with no rental charges, no commuting expenses and, for some, no child care costs, online learning will work out cheaper in the long run.

The Cons of Getting an Online Engineering Degree

Employer Misconceptions: There are still a few businesses out there that view online engineering degrees as secondary qualifications. But in reality, the level of education you’d get from a brick and mortar institution would be the same. The only difference is the way that the content is structured and delivered.

Thankfully the engineering world is a little more understanding towards the vast improvements in distance learning over the last few years, but be aware that you may find a few bigots still out there.

Lab time: This might be considered the greatest hurdle to overcome, but there are very few online courses that don't have time dedicated to practical application of your knowledge. Yes, access to labs is less difficult if you attend a traditional course, but with online courses, you will be given a particular time when you will need to attend labs or labs nearby that have agreed to cater to your needs. Be sure to book the time off however if you don't want to miss your slot.

Self Motivation: While the best courses not only encourage but expect you to work with fellow students on your course, an online degree can be a solitary experience. This is fine for people who are ambitious and thrive on working independently but if you are someone who tends to procrastinate you might wish to consider whether you have the drive to complete a course of this nature.

There are a huge number of benefits to furthering your engineering career with an online master's degree. For many people, it might be the best way to further their careers at their pace and convenience. However, one has to have the temperament and drive to succeed in order to reap the full benefits of an online education.