More professionals are pursuing advanced degrees than ever before. This is especially true of engineering and other science-related fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) found the number of doctorates awarded in the science and engineering category rose from 41,187 in 2021 to 46,394 in 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many, obtaining a doctorate is viewed as a necessary step in gaining additional technical knowledge, enhancing credibility within one\u2019s chosen industry and addressing real-world problems. While the reasons for earning a doctorate may vary, one detail does not: a doctorate degree increases the odds of a higher salary and better career opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Investment in additional education is often a solid move. Of those doctorate recipients surveyed by NCSES in the \u201cengineering\u201d and \u201cmultidisciplinary\/ interdisciplinary sciences\u201d subcategories, 72 percent had definite job commitments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Imed Bouchrika, Research.com\u2019s co-founder and chief data scientist, wages are almost 50 higher for professionals with doctoral or professional degrees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChoosing the right doctoral program can mean the difference between a good salary and a six-figure career path,\u201d he wrote (Research.com, 2024). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right program, however, depends on a variety of factors, including job demand, job growth outlook and career path, Bouchrika said. For example, some degrees may lead to a high salary, but face \u201csluggish hiring trends\u201d long term. Computer and information research scientists, on the other hand, not only earn high salaries but also enjoy a 23 percent projected growth rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTech-focused roles are especially strong… The balance of high earnings and strong outlook makes certain doctoral programs much safer bets,\u201d Bouchrika said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For any potential doctorate candidate, research is invaluable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hedging your bet with a proven performer<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Long respected for its innovative approach to higher education, rigorous STEM programs and collaborative research opportunities, Purdue University offers two online doctoral programs in fields with robust projected job growth: Doctor of Engineering<\/a> (DEng) and Doctor of Technology<\/a> (DTech).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purdue<\/a> was ranked No. 1 by American Caldwell as the most recognized public university in the U.S. in 2025 and No. 1 public university for graduating Fortune 500 CEOs by Strategas in 2024. In 2025, Purdue was named one of the 10 public \u201cNew Ivies\u201d by Forbes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The DEng program is offered by the Purdue\u2019s College of Engineering. Its online master\u2019s in engineering portfolio was ranked No. 2 in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report in 2026. Five programs in this portfolio of engineering programs were ranked No. 1 (the U.S. News and World Report, 2026). The news agency also ranked Purdue\u2019s College of Engineering<\/a> No. 5 in the US in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DTech degree is offered through the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. This cutting-edge multidisciplinary program is the first of its kind at a top-tier research university. Purdue was ranked No. 10 globally for Interdisciplinary Science by the Times Higher Education<\/a> in 2026. Forbes Advisor named Purdue No. 1 for Best Online Master\u2019s in Information Technology Programs in 2025, and the university was tied at No. 11 for Most Innovative Schools (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). In 2022, Purdue was ranked No. 3 as America’s Best Online Learning Schools by Newsweek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Purdue provides academic excellence to its global community by featuring the same internationally recognized professors who teach at Purdue West Lafayette and offering its online students access to world-class research facilities and resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With fewer than a dozen U.S. universities offering an online DEng program and the only top-tier research institution providing the online DTech program, Purdue has positioned itself as a viable option for working professionals who need flexibility as they reimagine the future of their industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Closer Look<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n At first glance, the DEng and DTech degrees look similar. Both: <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, thanks to the 100 percent online modality, earning either degree from Purdue allows career professionals the flexibility to manage their personal life and career aspirations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But that\u2019s where the similarities end, and the possibilities begin. Let\u2019s take a closer look at both: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctor of Engineering<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Research.com, a Doctor of Engineering degree allows professionals \u201cto enhance their technical skills while tackling practical, industry-related challenges…DEng focuses on applying engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn recent years, the demand for qualified engineering talent has soared, driven by rapid growth in automation, robotics, and renewable energy sectors,\u201d reported Acara, a global recruiting firm, in their Engineering Salary Guide. \u201cNew roles in engineering are emerging almost daily, reflecting the evolving technological landscape.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The need for solution-minded tech leaders has never been greater, according to Dr. Jack Feng, the academic director for Purdue\u2019s online Doctor of Engineering program and a professor of practice in Purdue\u2019s Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAdvanced, research-intensive technology roles in today\u2019s job market increasingly require significant technical expertise and doctoral-level preparation,\u201d noted Tamara Kinzer-Ursem, associate dean for graduate and professional education in Purdue’s College of Engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPurdue University is responding proactively by creating clear, industry-aligned pathways for students to earn these advanced credentials through the DEng program.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook<\/a>, nearly 187,000 engineering jobs are expected to be created annually between 2024 and 2034 with a median annual wage of $97,310. That jumps to $101,752 if the candidate has a DEng degree, or a 5% increase, according to ZipRecruiter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible careers for those with a DEng degree include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about Purdue’s 100% online Doctor of Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Purdue\u2019s DEng program is designed for professionals with an engineering degree. It requires a minimum of five years of industry experience. And its final research project requires an industry partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All DEng courses are taught by the same full-time, on-campus instructors, who have expertise in their various disciplines. New courses are added in response to industry trends to prepare students for emerging conditions and fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Doctor of Engineering program reflects Purdue\u2019s commitment to preparing engineers who can lead at the highest levels of technical innovation while addressing complex, real-world challenges,\u201d Kinzer-Ursem said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctor of Technology program <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike the well-defined, straightforward path of engineering, the world of technology is broad, fluid and customizable, easily transformed to fit the demands and visions of its individual architects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a 2026 Research.com article, Bouchrika noted that careers in the tech industry ranged from jobs working with AI and virtual reality to designing software to IT support. Bouchrika calls tech careers \u201cfuture-proof.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHaving a technical career means you can be part of a growing industry,\u201d Bouchrika said. \u201cGlobally, the technology industry outlook is also bright.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The BLS<\/a> predicts faster than average growth in computer and information technology sector from 2024 to 2034, forecasting about 317,700 openings annually in the sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The median annual wage is equally robust. The BLS reported $105,990 in May 2024, more than double the median annual wage for all occupations of $49,500. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible careers available for those with a DTech degree include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about Purdue’s 100% online Doctor of Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as the tech field encourages customization and exploration, so does Purdue\u2019s DTech program. Offered through Purdue Polytechnic, which houses six academic departments, the program allows students to select electives across several disciplines after completing core tech courses. It is perfect for the practitioner who is ready to become a thought leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne of the primary benefits of earning a Doctor of Technology (DTech) degree is its strong alignment with applied practice and industry leadership,\u201d said Jung Han, visiting assistant professor in the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation at Purdue Polytechnic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUnlike traditional research-focused doctoral programs, the DTech is designed for experienced professionals who want to address complex, real-world challenges while continuing to work in industry. The emphasis is on implementation, systems-level thinking, and translating advanced technical knowledge into measurable organizational impact.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Han said another benefit is the real-time integration of research and practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStudents often focus on problems that emerge directly from their professional environments, allowing their doctoral work to create immediate and tangible value for their organizations,\u201d she said. \u201cThis applied orientation makes the degree especially attractive for technology leaders who aim to influence innovation strategy, operational efficiency, and digital transformation at higher levels of responsibility.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The courses are taught by both on-campus instructors and limited-term lecturers who are actively working in their industries. DTech recommends a minimum of two years of industry experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chart your course<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Only you can determine the best path for your career. But if you want to explore your options, visit the Doctor of Engineering<\/a> and Doctor of Technology<\/a> websites to learn more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Research can help you determine which online doctorate is the best choice for your career goals. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":6961,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[68],"tags":[],"area-of-study":[38,11,18],"person":[74],"class_list":["post-9884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","area-of-study-data-information","area-of-study-engineering","area-of-study-technology-computer-science","person-students"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2.jpg",1800,1202,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2.jpg",1800,1202,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2.jpg",1800,1202,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2-1024x684.jpg",1024,684,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2-1536x1026.jpg",1536,1026,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2.jpg",1800,1202,false],"rt_custom":["https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Doctor-of-Technology_Image-2.jpg",1800,1202,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Marcia Sweet","author_link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/author\/sweet10\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"Features<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Research can help you determine which online doctorate is the best choice for your career goals.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9884"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9905,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9884\/revisions\/9905"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9884"},{"taxonomy":"area-of-study","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area-of-study?post=9884"},{"taxonomy":"person","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/person?post=9884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
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