How an associate degree in industrial engineering prepares you for the future

If you were always the kind of kid who wanted a flying car in the future, you're not alone. That very inventive spirit drives engineers to create products that previous generations only dreamed about. An online associate degree in industrial engineering could be the educational choice that launches you into your own future.

Career Choices for Graduates with a Degree in Industrial Engineering

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for engineers in general is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations between 2008-2018. Industrial engineering is expected to grow by 14 percent during the same period, faster than average for all careers as employers look to streamline their businesses and increase productivity.

Earn a degree in industrial engineering, and you may enter a profession that combines all the aspects of industry--people, products, processes, materials, machines, information and energy--to create products, provide services and streamline production.

With an associate degree in industrial engineering, you can head into a specific industry to specialize or work as a technician, working under the supervision of a fully licensed engineer. The BLS reports industries with the highest employment levels for industrial engineering technicians and mean annual wages as of May 2009:

• Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing: $46,640
• Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: $54,150
• Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing: $48,260
• Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing: $47,740
• Employment Services: $45,300

In May 2009, according to BLS, annual mean wages for industrial engineering technicians were $49,030. Most engineering technicians work under supervision of experienced engineers. With further training and a bachelor's degree plus a licence, engineering technicians go on to become licensed engineers.

Coursework for an Industrial Engineering Degree Program

Boost your skills and knowledge with higher education. Advanced math and science courses are typical in engineering training programs. If you pursue an associate degree in industrial engineering, you'll likely concentrate on the following coursework:

• Math
• Physical and life sciences
• General engineering
• Design
• Computer technology

Learn more about industrial engineering degrees and get the details on what it means to work as an industrial engineer. For a more general view of the training required for different types of engineers, take a look at the majors in engineering guide.

Earning an Online Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering

You can choose to earn your industrial engineering degree online as well as on-campus. The benefits of online education include the ability to create a flexible schedule that allows you to work during your education. Most associate degree programs in industrial engineering require 2 years of full-time study.

If finances are a consideration, the National Science Foundation offers financial aid for some engineering programs, as do individual colleges. Additionally, filling out a FAFSA can give you access to federal loans, grants, and scholarships, each designed to help take some of the stress out of earning a degree.

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