--- title: "Master of Engineering vs. Master of Science: Which Degree is Right for Me?" description: View your quiz results in your email inbox. --- [Skip to content](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/meng-vs-ms-quiz/thank-you#main-content) [![Vanderbilt University](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/Engineering%20(1).svg "Vanderbilt University")](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu) [Home](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/vanderbilt-school-of-engineering-resource-library) ![table of contents icon](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vandy-2022/images/TOC%20Grid%20Icon.svg) Table of Contents Close [![Vanderbilt University](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/Engineering%20(1).svg "Vanderbilt University")](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/) [Home](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/vanderbilt-school-of-engineering-resource-library) - Professional Graduate Engineering Degrees - [Explore Master of Engineering Programs](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/embrace-innovation-with-a-master-of-engineering-from-vanderbilt-school-of-engineering) - [Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/bridge-the-leadership-gap-with-a-construction-management-graduate-degree-in-civil-engineering) - [Master of Engineering in Cyber-physical Systems](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/accelerate-technological-progress-with-a-master-of-engineering-in-cyber-physical-systems) - [Master of Engineering in Surgery and Intervention](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/transform-procedural-medicine-with-a-master-of-engineering-in-surgery-and-intervention) - [Master of Engineering in Risk, Reliability and Resilience](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/the-future-of-engineering-risk-management-and-analysis) - [Strategic Partnerships](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/strategic-partnerships/) - [Workforce Development](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/strategic-partnerships/workforce-development/) - [Engineering Design](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/strategic-partnerships/#engineering-design) - [Research Collaboration](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/strategic-partnerships/#research-collaboration) - Helpful Links - [The EngineeringVU Blog](https://blog.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/) - [Request More Information](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/school-of-engineering-request-more-information) - [Start Your Application](https://apply.vanderbilt.edu/apply/) - [Back to engineering.vanderbilt.edu](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/) #### Quiz results sent! # Check your inbox. ![rectangle](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/quizzes/rectangle.png) ![sqaure](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/quizzes/sqaure.png) ##### While you wait for and review your results, keep exploring what it would mean to pursue a master’s degree in engineering at Vanderbilt University. [![arrow-down](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/arrow-down.svg "arrow-down")](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/meng-vs-ms-quiz/thank-you#anchor) ## Why You Need a Graduate Engineering Degree ![square](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/quizzes/square.png) ![rectangle-1](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/quizzes/rectangle-1.png) Each year, thousands of ambitious and driven engineers enter the workforce with the desire to secure a lifelong, meaningful career — and [the number of skilled engineers seeking employment is projected to grow](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm). ##### So, how can you distinguish yourself from other job seekers who have an educational background in engineering? As the engineering landscape becomes increasingly competitive, more and more engineers are choosing to obtain graduate-level credentials to differentiate themselves. Data shows that obtaining a master’s degree in engineering leads to higher salaries, more career advancement opportunities and the ability to develop cutting-edge, specialized skills. ![career advancement](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/quizzes/career%20advancement.png?width=150&height=150&name=career%20advancement.png "career advancement") ##### Career Advancement In addition to the ability to command a higher salary upon hire, [engineers who hold a graduate engineering degree also qualify for more job opportunities](https://www.educationandcareernews.com/online-education/3-reasons-you-should-consider-a-masters-degree-in-engineering/). A graduate engineering degree will make you more competitive for upper-level leadership roles and managerial-level positions. An advanced degree will set you apart from competitors — especially in the increasingly competitive tech industry. Now more than ever, employers are looking for innovators in engineering who have the leadership and technical skills to enact real change in the industry. ![higher salaries](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/quizzes/higher%20salaries.png?width=150&height=150&name=higher%20salaries.png "higher salaries") ##### Higher Salaries On average, engineers who achieve a graduate engineering degree make thousands more upon hire compared to engineers who only hold a bachelor’s degree. For instance, engineers hired with a four-year degree make an [average annual salary of $90,000](https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Engineering_(BEng_%2F_BE)/Salary) while engineers with a graduate degree earn an [average annual salary of $99,000](https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Engineering_(MEng_%2F_ME)/Salary). ![Path 95](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Path%2095.png?width=40&height=40&name=Path%2095.png) Engineers with a graduate degree earn an average annual salary of $99,000 ![specialized skills](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/quizzes/specialized%20skills.png?width=150&height=150&name=specialized%20skills.png "specialized skills") ##### Specialized Skills In order to make yourself indispensable to employers, you need fine-tuned skills in a specific area of engineering. By choosing to go to graduate school, you have the opportunity to [focus your coursework on a particular area of engineering](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/academics/degree-programs.php) that appeals to you. Whatever your engineering interests are, a graduate degree will equip you with the sought-after skills needed to transform your specific industry. As the engineering landscape becomes increasingly competitive, more and more engineers are choosing to obtain graduate-level credentials to differentiate themselves. Research shows that obtaining a master’s degree in engineering helps you to “keep your skills fresh” and prepares you to “address not just the problems facing your industry today but those that are bound to come up in the future. In other words, a master’s degree in engineering will make you a valuable asset to any team, especially amidst the growing competition in the field.” — [The EngineeringVU](https://blog.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/5-reasons-to-earn-a-master-of-engineering-degree), [5 Reasons to Earn a Master’s Degree in Engineering](https://blog.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/5-reasons-to-earn-a-master-of-engineering-degree) ## Admissions Requirements and Financial Aid ![rectangle-2](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/quizzes/rectangle-2.png) ![square-1](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/quizzes/square-1.png) We understand that navigating the graduate school admissions process can seem challenging. In an effort to simplify the process for you, we’ve outlined some of the requirements below. [Applications must be submitted online](https://apply.vanderbilt.edu/apply/), but to help you understand the admissions criteria, here are some of the basic requirements: - **Online application** - **Academic performance in previous degree program(s)** - **Resume or CV** - **Three letters of recommendation** - **A statement of purpose** - **GRE (some programs require submission of GRE scores; check with your program of interest)** - **TOEFL score (if applicable)** An admissions committee with representative faculty from the involved departments will evaluate all applications for admission. Admission will be competitive and students will be selected on the basis of their scholastic preparation and intellectual capacity. ### Financial Aid We know that your choice of graduate institution is one of the most important decisions you will make for your future, and for that reason, we are dedicated to working with you to determine if Vanderbilt University School of Engineering is the right fit for you — especially when it comes to financing graduate school. We understand that financial planning is a must to help you finance graduate school. We invite you to visit Vanderbilt’s [Office of Financial Aid](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/graduate/index.php) website for the chance to learn more about the financial aid options and [graduate fellowships](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/gradschool/grad-fellowships.php) available to you. ### Explore financial aid and fellowship options: [![Explore Office of Financial Aid](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6893998/71bc351a-4d3e-4226-8a49-04bace8b2ded.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6893998/71bc351a-4d3e-4226-8a49-04bace8b2ded) [![Explore Graduate Fellowships](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6893998/3a4efd92-4ed0-4a6a-a2e5-dfc1e088d0de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6893998/3a4efd92-4ed0-4a6a-a2e5-dfc1e088d0de) ## Pursue Engineering at Vanderbilt University Diverse, innovative and collaborative — there are many ways to describe the community of driven engineering experts learning with and from one another at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, but most importantly, we are dedicated to preparing and inspiring the field’s future thought leaders to drive positive change in the world. As you consider joining the esteemed, progress-driven professionals at Vanderbilt University, we encourage you to connect with us — we are happy to answer any questions you may have about transforming your professional and personal future at Vanderbilt University. ## Take the first step today [![Request More Information](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6893998/4331d643-cdcc-4561-ad90-611c0789f7d9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6893998/4331d643-cdcc-4561-ad90-611c0789f7d9) [![Explore Engineering Programs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6893998/f6e6d458-b664-4caa-b00d-7f4297309756.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6893998/f6e6d458-b664-4caa-b00d-7f4297309756) [![View Resource Library](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6893998/26edc388-6c2a-4443-ad65-50abe8624e60.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6893998/26edc388-6c2a-4443-ad65-50abe8624e60) [![Start Your Application](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6893998/8c76c4ba-fe73-449b-8333-712dd315d7a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6893998/8c76c4ba-fe73-449b-8333-712dd315d7a4) --- [![Vanderbilt University](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/hubfs/Engineering%20(1).svg "Vanderbilt University")](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/) [Home](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/vanderbilt-school-of-engineering-resource-library?hsLang=en) [Table of Contents](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/meng-vs-ms-quiz/thank-you#on-page-toc) [Request More Info](https://info.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/school-of-engineering-request-more-information) [Back to engineering.vanderbilt.edu](https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu)