Engineering isn’t as popular of a field as it once was. Automotive engineers for example have seen a decline in their field due to the problems in the automotive industry.  But those who pursue an engineering degree will find that there are many areas in which they will be highly employable.

Experts say that engineers who understand embedded software, math modeling, and electronic controls will be in demand. Moreover, the new breed of engineers will have to be ready to work with foreign automakers and suppliers. They’ll have to deal with counterparts abroad, which will nearly eliminate time-honored methods of physical prototyping, thus thrusting them more deeply into virtual design.

“It’s not as if an engineer in this country will only design U.S. products,” Cole says. “They’ll be engineering products from all over the world. They’ll need to work in global collaborative environments, be strong in their engineering fundamentals, and be proficient in all manner of modeling and simulation.”

Ironically, the most valuable degree might be one in mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering degrees, however, will need to be augmented with experience or education in software or embedded controls.

“A few years ago, electrical engineering was the hottest degree,” Cole says. “But electronics ultimately need to be integrated into a product, so you need an engineer with a systems point of view.”

Experts have noted a shortage of qualified engineers in our country.  As current engineers retire, there will need to be a whole new crop of engineers needed in various disciplines to fill job vacancies.  Earning your online engineering degree can give you unlimited options for fields of work.