Learn more about Northeastern's Online MS in Information Systems
Engineering is often perceived as a field reserved for those with highly technical backgrounds, however, this is changing. Today, more and more master's programs in engineering are opening their doors to non-engineers, offering opportunities for professionals from diverse backgrounds to enter and excel in the field.
Whether you're a business leader, project manager, or someone simply looking to shift career paths, here’s an overview of why non-engineers should consider enrolling in an engineering master’s program.
Can You Pursue an Engineering Master’s Without a Bachelor’s in Engineering?
Can a non-engineer pursue a master’s in engineering? The short answer is yes. Many master’s programs, including those at Northeastern University, are specifically designed to accommodate students from non-engineering backgrounds. These programs focus on equipping students with the foundational skills necessary to succeed in engineering roles, even without prior technical experience.
One of the key advantages of these programs is that they often don’t require you to be an expert in highly technical aspects of the field. According to Shannon Pettiford, a professor at Northeastern’s College of Engineering,
“Students who come from non-technical backgrounds can still succeed in our program. It’s about understanding enough to get the work done, rather than having to learn a computer language.”
Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, these programs emphasize understanding core engineering principles and applying them to real-world problems. Therefore, non-engineers can leverage their unique perspectives and professional strengths to thrive in these master's programs and pursue rewarding careers in the field.
Making the leap into a master’s in engineering might feel daunting without a technical background, but these programs are designed with career changers in mind. Let’s explore how the right master’s degree can equip you with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in your new field.
3 Key Benefits of Pursuing an Engineering Master’s Degree as a Non-Engineer
1. Gain Practical Skills Through Hands-On Learning
One of the primary reasons to pursue an engineering master’s degree is the opportunity to acquire practical, hands-on skills that directly translate to your given industry. Many programs, such as Northeastern’s, emphasize experiential learning, ensuring students are prepared for the demands of today’s industries.
“A lot of students are choosing Northeastern because we’re offering real-life knowledge of what’s taking place in the industry,” Pettiford adds. “We consistently hear that our curriculum is relevant, timely, and cutting-edge.”
This industry-relevant focus enables students, even those from non-engineering backgrounds, to develop the expertise needed to thrive in engineering roles. The hands-on approach is especially appealing to non-engineers, as it allows you to build confidence in your technical abilities through practical application, rather than purely theoretical study.
Beyond technical proficiency, these programs equip students with essential skills that are increasingly in demand across various industries, including:
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- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Leadership
These are critical skills for professionals looking to work at the intersection of technology and business, as many engineering challenges today require effective communication and problem-solving across multiple disciplines.
“One of the key skills is the ability to synthesize very complex ideas into actionable and understandable concepts for non-technical people in an organization,” Pettiford says.
As businesses increasingly seek engineers with both technical know-how and broader business acumen, non-engineers who gain these hands-on skills will find themselves well-positioned for roles across a wide array of industries.
2. Explore Unique Career Paths Beyond Traditional Engineering
A master’s in engineering isn’t just for aspiring engineers—it’s also a gateway to a variety of career paths that extend beyond traditional technical roles. Many industries are increasingly looking for professionals who can bridge the gap between engineering and business, creating a demand for individuals who possess both technical knowledge and strong leadership or management capabilities.
“There’s a business side of the engineering space that opens a world of opportunities,” Pettiford notes. For students with backgrounds in areas like business, finance, project management, or related fields a master’s in engineering allows you to blend your existing skills with newfound technical knowledge, positioning you for leadership roles that require a balance of both.
These programs provide pathways into roles such as:
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- Project manager
- Technical consultant
- Operations manager
These positions allow graduates to lead interdisciplinary teams, drive innovation, and ensure technical projects align with broader business goals. By leveraging both their unique backgrounds and the technical expertise gained in a master’s program, non-engineers can pursue fulfilling careers that go beyond traditional engineering work, offering you the chance to shape the direction of engineering projects and drive organizational success.
3. Develop Strong Teamwork and Leadership Skills
In engineering master’s programs, teamwork and collaboration are essential components of the learning experience. This is because engineering projects are rarely handled by a single individual. Instead, they require coordinated efforts from interdisciplinary teams, often including professionals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.
“You have to work together collectively, holistically as a team to be able to produce something in the real world,” Pettiford says. “So Northeastern’s programs are really geared to giving students opportunities to play that out in the classroom.”
These programs emphasize the importance of working together to solve complex problems, mirroring the real-world challenges that professionals face in the industry. For non-engineers, this focus on teamwork presents a valuable opportunity to excel in the program.
By participating in team-based assignments, students gain the ability to oversee complex engineering projects and ensure that all team members are working toward a shared goal. This emphasis on collaboration and leadership is key for those looking to take on more managerial or executive roles within engineering.
How to Overcome Common Challenges as a Non-Engineer
While pursuing an engineering master’s degree as a non-engineer comes with its own challenges, they are not insurmountable. The key is to approach the program with a growth mindset and take advantage of available resources.“Your drive and desire often trumps any obstacles you may encounter in the program,” Pettiford says. “It’s students’ drive that has them overcome any challenge; not having technical acumen.”
One of the most common concerns for non-engineers is mastering the technical aspects of the coursework. To overcome this, students should approach the program with a growth mindset, recognizing that the learning process is part of the journey. Programs are often designed to help students build on their existing skills and provide the resources needed to develop the technical competencies required for success.
Admissions is another challenge non-engineers often face, as they may feel intimidated by the traditional entry requirements. However, many institutions, including Northeastern, offer flexible admissions pathways that consider experience and potential over strict academic prerequisites. By demonstrating their commitment, drive, and relevant experience, non-engineers can secure admission through alternative means, even without a conventional engineering background.
Another significant challenge is planning for the future. Without a clear understanding of how this degree will translate into career opportunities, non-engineers may struggle to see how their new technical knowledge will fit into their professional trajectory.
“The biggest challenge that students have is trying to plan for their future,” Pettiford adds. “But they don’t have a frame of reference. So this program is really important not just for learning the concepts, but understanding what you can become in the field.”
Start Your Career in Engineering
For non-engineers who want to start a new career in the field, enrolling in a master’s program is the perfect way to develop both technical and leadership skills. These programs are designed to help you build the competencies needed to thrive in interdisciplinary roles.
At Northeastern, the Online Master of Science in Information Systems is specifically designed to accommodate professionals from non-technical backgrounds. This program focuses on equipping students with both the technical skills and business acumen necessary to succeed in the tech-driven world of engineering.
If you’re ready to become a leader in tech engineering, Northeastern can help you get there. Learn more about the program and how it can support your career goals by visiting the program page.
