Many people think that obtaining a PhD is only relevant for those who wish to enter academia or research within their field. While this may be the reason for a majority of students, it does not mean that this is the only possible outcome. A PhD degree allows students to push the boundaries of their knowledge in their field, and use this to explore new areas of research. Individuals with a doctoral degree could then take their new ideas and understanding and apply them practically or teach them to other students. PhD programs are highly rigorous and require students to work on a dissertation in which they conduct research on a new topic within their field. They will also take courses along the way to supplement what they have learned during their undergraduate and graduate programs.
PHD in Engineering
There is a consistent debate over the usefulness of obtaining a PhD in engineering. It is true that individuals with an engineering background at an undergraduate or graduate level are able to sufficiently handle most real-world problems and also earn high income. In light of this fact, there are engineers who believe that there is little additional advantage in a PhD in engineering. However, the ability to conduct research in an area of your interest, and develop a novel method of tackling existing problems is one potential reason to consider a doctoral program.
What Areas Could A Student Obtain An Engineering PhD?
The most common fields within engineering in which a student could obtain a doctoral degree are computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. However, fields like biomedical engineering and industrial engineering could also be studied at an advanced level. The main emphasis in these programs is to conduct some form of research which could be used in practical applications or help understand problems in this field. For instance, computer engineering PhD candidates could use this time to work on new protocols for making energy-efficient microprocessors. This idea will have huge impacts on the real world, which would make it highly important.
Online PhD Programs
If you have a passion to learn more and engage in new and unique research as a PhD candidate, you should know that these programs are highly competitive and stringent on funding for projects. You may want to complete a PhD degree for the sake of learning, without wanting to quit your current job. In these cases, consider an online PhD. Engineering schools are now offering candidates a chance to enroll in these online courses, and complete their degree requirements on a part-time basis, thus providing a convenient and flexible way of obtaining advanced qualifications.
Some online PhD engineering programs will require students to attend classes through online streaming sessions, while others will simply upload lectures for future access. In either case, students are able to access materials regardless of geographical location and still 'attend' class. These programs also may cost less than their campus-based counterparts, and since you don't have to quit your job to resume studying, it becomes much easier to maintain a balance between your work life and your studies.
Marketing
Marketing departments are essential for creating, capturing, communicating, and sustaining value for a business organization. Marketing professionals help businesses create value by working to understand the needs of customers and provide them with innovative services and products. A degree in marketing, especially a master's degree in marketing could lead to a challenging, exciting, and fulfilling career. Marketing professionals help in making businesses succeed in competitive markets, and they may earn just as competitive salaries.
Advertising, Promotions, Marketing Managers, And Market Research Analysts
While a master's degree in marketing may lead to a variety of careers, market research analysis, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are the preferred careers for many marketing professionals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), market research analysts with a bachelor's degree in marketing and no prior work experience earned in excess of $60,000 per year in 2010. It may be safe to assume that those with a master's degree in marketing and some relevant work experience could earn more than the quoted salary amount.
BLS statistics for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are even more impressive. In 2010, these professionals with only a bachelor's degree in marketing and 1 to 5 years of work experience earned in excess of $100,000 per year. The projected job growth of the profession is great too; the number of advertising, promotions, and marketing manager jobs are expected to increase at a rate of 14 percent from 2010-2020.
Online Master's In Marketing
Many accredited online colleges and universities are offering online master's in marketing programs. While these programs may take one to two years to complete, the actual duration to complete the program will largely depend upon the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Students studying in a graduate marketing program may develop better understanding of:
-
Brand management
-
How to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy and blending old and new media
-
Engage multiple audiences and build customer loyalty
Graduates of a master's in marketing program may elect to pursue a career in the fields of:
-
Sales management
-
Product development
-
Marketing research
-
Advertising
-
Corporate communications
-
Brand management
Online Degree In Marketing
An online degree in marketing is within reach for many students who thought they could not pursue one; especially the following categories of students:
-
Older students who prefer to study independently or prefer not to study with those less than half their age.
-
Students looking for cost-effective programs - in some cases online education may be cheaper than traditional on-campus education, while imparting the same quality of education.
-
Full-time working professionals - some marketing professionals with a bachelor's degree may be asked to upgrade their academic credentials. They may however have no time for formal, on-campus education. Online education is ideal for them since lectures and course materials are accessible from home, and they are able to make their own study schedule.
An online master's degree in marketing, once again, is a great way to pursue senior level positions in marketing. It is ideal for those marketing professionals who intend to further brighten their career prospects and play a larger role in the success of the business at which they work.