Do you need a Ph.D. to be a principal engineer?

The majority of principal engineers have a bachelor's degree in engineering management or the engineering field of their choice, such as nuclear, environmental, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or civil. It really just comes down to the field you wish to work in as long as the program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Some principal engineers have a master's degree in engineering management (MEM or MsEM) or a master's in business administration (MBA). This will undoubtedly improve your chances of being promoted to a management position faster. It may also increase your earning potential.

Beyond this, the return on investment in education declines. A Ph.D. is largely research-based, which is not typically needed for this role that is more managerial-based. Not only that, the time spent earning a Ph.D. could be better spent gaining real-world experience.

After all, it takes over ten years of experience climbing the corporate ladder to be considered for this position. With that said, when push comes to shove, an employer would most likely favor a candidate with a Ph.D. over one with just a bachelor's degree.