The number of open positions in engineering is expected to increase in the coming months, which could prove beneficial to individuals who have completed classroom-based or online college degree programs in this field.

However, jobseekers who wish to compete for the highest-paying jobs may need to couple a degree program with hands-on experience. As a result, many campus-based and online schools are working to integrate professional opportunities into their curricula.

For example, a Florida-based school recently announced a partnership with IBM to enhance its systems engineering program. The technology company will provide more than $2 million in software, consulting services and other donations, which could help students better prepare to enter the job market.

Furthermore, these types of partnerships could help prospective engineers network with potential employers, as they may have instant access to industry professionals. In turn, they could increase their chances of launching high-paying careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers who were working in May 2008 earned an average of $88,570 per year.