Is 45 Too Old to Get an Engineering Degree?

Interested in becoming an engineer? Maybe you'd like to advance in your current career and a degree in engineering would help you do that. But you're concerned about your age, and you'd like to know: is 45 too late in life to get started?

It's never too late to start college, so you're not too old to get your engineering degree at 45. Waiting until you're older to get your degree can help you gain life experience that will help you in school and in your new career path.

Keep reading to learn more.

Reasons To Earn Your Engineering Degree at 45

There are many reasons why you might consider going back to school at 45. Some common reasons are listed below:

To Pursue Career Advancements

Perhaps you already work in an entry-level role related to engineering. You enjoy the field and would like to pursue career advancements, promotions, or pay increases.

Getting an engineering degree will make you eligible for many new job opportunities in the industry. It will give you the credentials you need for a variety of positions and make you a more desirable job candidate, possibly helping you earn that coveted raise or promotion.

To Change Careers

Maybe you've never worked in an engineering-related field but you want to try something new. You're good at science and math and intrigued by the possibilities the engineering field presents.

A degree in engineering can help you make the transition from your current job into an exciting and challenging new industry.

To Finish What You Started

Many people start college when they're young but end up dropping out or having circumstances arise that prevent them from earning their degree. If this sounds like you, then perhaps you want to go back to school to finish what you started.

Returning to college as an older adult allows you to bring years of life and work experience to the table, which can not only help you as you work toward your degree but may make it easier if you decide to pursue a new career. Leadership, communication, and technical skills learned in your engineering program and in various careers often translate well to other careers.

What Will I Learn In an Engineering Degree Program?

Degrees in engineering can be completed at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Each type of degree will vary from the others, as more advanced degrees will include more challenging coursework and lead to a wider array of job opportunities.

Additionally, engineering programs will vary somewhat from school to school. That said, all engineering programs are designed to teach various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles.

Common types of courses you can expect to complete in most engineering degrees include:

• calculus
• physics
• engineering analysis
• thermodynamics
• mechanics of materials

There are many different types of engineering, such as civil, electrical, and mechanical. Degree programs often allow students to specialize in one particular branch of engineering and include advanced courses in that particular branch.

Students in engineering degree programs spend time in both the classroom and lab. They often complete their program with a capstone or research project to demonstrate practical knowledge of what they have learned.

What Can I Do With My Engineering Degree?

An engineering degree can lead to many different career prospects. A few of the job titles you could pursue with an engineering degree include:

Technical Writer

Technical writers create and update various types of technical documents, using their research abilities and knowledge of engineering to ensure accuracy. It is possible to get a technical writing job with an associate degree in engineering.

Machinist

Machinists are tasked with operating and maintaining various types of industrial machines and equipment. They must have good mechanical skills to use various types of machinery, and they perform regular inspections to make sure the machines are in good working order. You need at least an associate degree to work as a machinist.

Engineer

There are many different kinds of engineers: chemical, environmental, electrical, and civil engineers are just a few of the options. Their job is to design, create, implement, troubleshoot, and repair various systems, operations, and equipment within their specialization. Engineers commonly hold a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering.

Engineering Manager

Engineering managers oversee engineering teams to ensure all requirements and duties are fulfilled. Some of their other duties include training new engineers, preparing reports, and managing budgets. Most engineering managers hold at least a master's degree in their field.

Research Engineer

Research engineers collect and analyze data and samples related to engineering. They perform tests to determine the best applications for engineering principles. They may also design new systems and write research proposals and grants. Research engineers usually hold a doctoral degree in engineering.

FAQs About Starting an Engineering Degree at 45

Do you still have questions about getting your degree at this time of life? Read on as we explore answers to frequently asked questions you may have.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Engineering Degree at 45?

Waiting until you're older to get your degree allows you to gain life experience, which can be beneficial as you work through your degree program. It also gives you time to determine your long-term career goals, which in turn can help you stay focused on your coursework once you decide to take the plunge and get your degree.

Can I Work and Go To College?

Working and going to college at the same time can be challenging, especially if you're trying to do both full-time. Nevertheless, it can be done if you are highly motivated, skilled at managing your time, and have a good support system in place.

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Engineering Degree?

In most cases, yes. Colleges and universities typically accept transfer credit, but they may differ in the amounts and types of credit they accept. Check with your school to find out more about its individual transfer policy.