Does a Master’s Degree Help You Take the PE Exam Quicker?
Wasim Asghar 
October 24, 2022You have crossed the first barrier, taken and passed the FE exam, and become an EIT.
Now, you can’t wait any longer and want to take the final leap of taking the PE exam as quickly as possible to get the PE license and become a licensed engineer.
Correct?
What if we tell you that you can achieve this dream one year before it is supposed to come true?
Indeed a relief, right?
So here’s a piece of good news for you:
In several states, obtaining a master’s degree in engineering can help you take the PE exam one year quicker by decreasing the amount of experience required, which is usually four years. But, you will have to finish your master’s degree before it adds to your engineering experience. Otherwise, you won’t be given any credit for your graduate degree while you are pursuing it.
However, as each state has its different PE exam requirements for the master’s degree credits, you must visit the official webpage of your respective licensing board just in case to be sure.
What other perks can you actually enjoy by acquiring a master’s degree in engineering? Let’s have a look at them one by one.
Benefits of Master’s Degree in PE
Here are some advantages of earning a master’s degree in PE:
- Opportunities for Leadership
- Increase in Salary
- Career Change
- Development in Skills
- Relationships With Other Engineers
1. Opportunities for Leadership
Although acquiring a bachelor’s degree in PE is sufficient to climb the ladder to a managerial position, a master’s degree can accelerate the process. Engineers with master’s degrees will have most generally completed curricula that included some form of in-class guidance on leadership strategies and gain extensive experience collaborating with or supervising workgroups in extremely challenging engineering projects.
Incorporating these soft skills into a resume that already boasts solid technical expertise is an indispensable factor to consider in obtaining a master’s degree in PE.
2. Increase in Salary
Another key benefit of pursuing a master’s degree in engineering is the substantial boost it can give to your income capacity in the workplace.
In general, individuals with a master’s degree in engineering typically earn large amounts in contrast with those who merely possess a bachelor’s degree under their belts. For example, candidates recruited with a bachelor’s degree in engineering receive a median pay of approximately $87,000 per year. On the other hand, candidates with a master’s degree earn a median income of around $96,000 per year. This implies a difference of roughly $9,000 each year.
3. Career Change
Obtaining a master’s degree may also be one of your wisest moves if you wish to shift the trajectory of your career path. This is because a master’s degree can allow you to specialize in a subject other than the one you studied in your bachelor’s program.
For instance, suppose you hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and spent four years working in the oil and gas industry. However, you developed a greater interest in electrical engineering throughout that period and would like to switch the field. Completing a master’s in electrical engineering may assist you in accomplishing that change more readily.
4. Development in Skills
Individuals with bachelor’s degrees will probably gain some specialized abilities if they remain with one organization or sector for the first few years of their careers. However, their selection of specialization will most likely depend on the demands of the firms they serve for.
On the flip side, candidates with master’s degrees will have established much more polished skillsets and inclinations throughout their graduate studies. This will increase their odds of landing a position that fits the type of tasks they are zealous about performing.
Therefore, individuals who hold master’s degrees receive a higher salary and are likely content with the duties they conduct.
5. Relationships With Other Engineers
Ultimately, your career advancement is frequently closely associated with the connections you establish. So, enrolling in a master’s degree program will help you interact and form ties with your instructors and fellow engineers in your industry. These links could result in better job prospects down the road or simply a relatively successful career.
Master’s in Electrical Engineering Salary
The average salary for a person with a master’s in electrical engineering is around $101,000 per year in the United States.
An entry-level electrical engineering master’s salary starts from $67,000 per year, whereas the most experienced electrical engineering position can go up to around $116,000 per year.
If you are interested in knowing what you can do with an electrical engineering degree, we suggest you check out our separate blog.
Conclusion
Getting a master’s in engineering has several advantages, regardless of whether it contributes to your qualifying engineering experience.
With a master’s degree, you will advance professionally more swiftly, earn higher pay, make career changes smoothly, and have a higher possibility of operating on projects you are enthusiastic about. Nevertheless, as the PE exam requirements for the master’s degree varies for each state, don’t forget to verify with your state board whether they will consider it in your experience or not.
Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (PE), Florida (PE) and Ontario (P. Eng) with consulting experience in design, commissioning and plant engineering for clients in Energy, Mining and Infrastructure.