An online masters in engineering can open up opportunities to various careers in this rewarding field.
If your goal is to become a leader in a branch of this field—including chemical, computing, mechanical, and aerospace engineering—earning a master’s degree is often a prerequisite for securing advanced engineering positions.
Online engineering graduate programs can provide a convenient path toward expanding your engineering expertise. With online studies, you may be able to earn a master’s education while also holding down a job, caring for your family, or keeping up with other responsibilities.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers online masters in Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
Other available options include an online master’s in electrical engineering, industrial engineering, sustainable engineering, and materials science and engineering.
All of these programs are fully online and taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Auburn University offers online Master of Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, and Engineering Management. Other concentrations available are Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Cybersecurity Engineering.
Computer Science and Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Software Engineering are also available. Auburn University can accept distance learning students from most states.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Case Western Reserve University offers a variety of online master’s degree programs in engineering, including Master of Engineering and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering online.
They also offer an online master’s degree in mechanical engineering and an online master’s degree in systems and control engineering. Some of these degrees can be earned with as few as 10 courses and a comprehensive exam.
Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
George Washington University’s engineering programs include master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, and Systems Engineering. These degrees are available entirely online.
The Engineering Management program is intended for technical managers, and the Systems Engineering program is designed for people who need to manage large-scale projects. The Electrical Engineering program teaches specialized knowledge related to electrical systems.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Missouri University of Science and Technology offers several online master’s degrees in engineering, including aerospace engineering, computer engineering, and an online civil engineering master’s degree.
Others available are MS in Systems Engineering online, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, and Mining Engineering. They also offer Environmental Engineering, Explosives Engineering, Geological Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
Missouri University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
North Carolina State University offers a variety of online engineering master’s programs. These programs include Aerospace Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering. NCS also offers an MS in Chemical Engineering online.
Other options are Electric Power Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Students can also pursue degrees in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Nanoengineering.
North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Ohio State University, you can earn an online Master of Engineering Management, a Master of Global Engineering Leadership, or a Master of Science in Welding Engineering. All of these degrees are offered entirely through distance learning by Ohio State University’s College of Engineering.
The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pennsylvania State University offers a variety of master’s degrees in engineering, including electrical engineering, engineering management, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, systems engineering, and a master’s degree in industrial engineering.
All courses are fully online, and scheduling is flexible. The online platform allows you to communicate with your instructor and classmates in multiple ways.
PSU also offers a master’s degree in software engineering online.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Purdue University offers several online master’s degrees in engineering, including Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
Others are Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Interdisciplinary Engineering. These online degree programs are designed to be both interactive and convenient.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Texas A&M University’s distance learning program offers a variety of online Master of Engineering degrees, including Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Engineering.
Others available are Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Multidisciplinary Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. As part of Texas A&M’s distance learning program, you will have access to your courses any time and to the same resources as on-campus students.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Tech University offers master’s degrees in engineering in a variety of concentrations, including Healthcare Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
Other concentrations include Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering master’s programs. Students can also pursue a degree in Systems and Engineering Management. Online and distance students are charged tuition rates comparable to in-state tuition.
Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama currently offers online master’s degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. Hybrid formats are also available so that you can take some courses online and others on campus.
Online courses include streamed video lectures and the same academic requirements as on-campus courses.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of California – Los Angeles offers a variety of online Master of Science in Engineering programs in several different disciplines.
Degrees can be earned in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Students also have the option of developing a custom program of study.
UCLA is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Florida offers a variety of online master’s degree programs in engineering, including Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Other concentrations available are Environmental Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. An online degree from UF is the same as one earned on campus.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland – College Park currently offers online master’s degree programs in Bioengineering, Fire Protection Engineering, and Reliability Engineering. Admission to any of these programs requires a statement of purpose, transcripts, and 3 letters of recommendation. GRE scores and a CV or resume are optional.
The University of Maryland – College Park is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
At the University of Virginia, you can earn an online master’s degree in engineering in a variety of disciplines. These include Chemical Engineering, Engineering Systems and Environment, Civil Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.
Students can also pursue Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering. These degrees are all available in both online and on-campus formats.
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers several online graduate degree programs in engineering, including an online master in environmental engineering. It also offers programs in civil, electrical, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering.
They also offer several concentrations in Engineering, including Engine Systems, Engineering Data Analytics, Engineering Management, and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Polymer Engineering and Sustainable Systems Engineering can also be studied.
The programs at the University of Wisconsin – Madison are designed to help students pursue a master’s degree without having to leave their careers.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Through its online degree programs, Virginia Tech University offers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Systems Engineering.
The programs are entirely online and designed to provide the same quality of education as the on-campus equivalents. You may arrange to take proctored exams at a location convenient to you.
Virginia Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Washington State University offers 100% online graduate programs in Electrical Power Engineering, Engineering and Technology Management, and Software Engineering. WSU’s online programs are designed to be flexible and convenient.
Online students at WSU are able to connect with each other and with presenters through webinars and live streamed events.
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s online programs are designed to emphasize relationships and personal support. They offer online master’s degrees in the following engineering specializations: Aerospace, Civil and Environmental, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
They also offer Fire Protection, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Power Systems, Robotics, and Systems engineering specializations. Students can also pursue Materials Science Engineering and Systems Engineering Leadership.
WPI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Engineering is an incredibly diverse field, so choosing a particular branch to study is typically one of the first decisions you make when considering an online engineering masters degree. Your career goals are likely to influence which of the following specializations you’ll choose.
Regardless of the specialty you select, you will still receive a strong foundation in engineering and related courses.
Aerospace engineering makes air and space travel possible. If you’re interested in contributing to the design and construction of airplanes or spacecraft, then this might be the engineering branch for you.
This branch of engineering encompasses both aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Topics you’ll study for this degree can include aircraft design and the materials used to build these crafts. Other courses may cover combustion, propulsion, robotics, and fluid mechanics. Mathematics courses typically address statistics and linear algebra.
Aerospace engineers tend to work for manufacturers of aircraft or navigation tools, research and development firms, or the federal government. Both aeronautical and astronautical roles are available in these industries.
The discipline that focuses on applying engineering principles to healthcare and medicine is biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineers deal not only with medical equipment but also with cellular research, bioinformatics, and pharmaceuticals.
Biomedical engineers prepare for the field by taking courses in systems physiology, biomechanics, mathematics, and statistics. Some course topics may include optical and digital imaging, tissue engineering, the science of polymers, and medical instrumentation.
Graduates with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering typically hold job titles like biochemical engineer, systems physiologist, or genetic engineer. Potential employers include medical supply companies, research and development institutions, universities, and healthcare organizations.
Chemicals are ubiquitous throughout modern life, and a degree in chemical engineering can help prepare you to produce chemicals or use chemicals to make other products. A deep interest in chemistry can be beneficial in this field, but you can also expect this type of work to draw on principles from physics, biology, and mathematics.
Some of the major themes covered in a chemical engineering program include thermodynamics and kinetics. You’ll likely take classes about heat transfer, reactions, transport, and fluid mechanics. Chemical engineers work in a variety of industries, but coal, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals are some of the most common.
Civil engineers contribute to the infrastructure and buildings that support modern society. Some of the projects that civil engineers contribute to include bridges, roads, pipelines, and dams.
Classes for a civil engineering master’s degree typically address construction principles, budgetary considerations, and structural analysis. Specializations that you might pursue within your civil engineering program include hydrology, transportation, environmental engineering, and power supply infrastructure.
Many civil engineering graduates hold local, state, or federal government jobs. In addition to being known as an engineer, there are other potential job titles for professionals in this field, such as regional planner or construction manager.
A masters degree in computer engineering can prepare you to apply engineering principles to computer design and development. If you desire to advance technology and computers, then this degree program can help provide the needed foundation.
Students in an online computer engineering degree program study operating systems, computer security, algorithms, digital communication, and computer coding. Your options for a program concentration may include networking, computer architecture, or software systems.
Some graduates become computer hardware engineers who work in research, manufacturing, or government roles. Others pursue careers as computer research scientists or practitioners who deal in databases, software design, or systems analysis.
Electrical and electronic devices and components are designed based on the principles of electrical engineering. This field of study plays a significant role in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, energy production, telecommunications, and computer hardware design.
The curriculum for a masters in electrical engineering program typically covers circuits, semiconductors, electromagnetism, and signal processing. Because electrical engineering influences so many different spheres, you may have the freedom to select multiple electives that can contribute toward your career goals.
Potential job titles in this field include electrical engineer, electronics engineer, energy manager, or quality control manager. Graduates may pursue work in research or an industry like telecommunications, power transmission, or computer component manufacturing.
Getting a master’s degree in engineering management involves learning business skills that directly relate to the engineering profession.
If you currently have a job in engineering but want to develop the leadership skills that could lead to management roles, this might be the academic track for you. To get a degree in engineering management, you’ll study technical communication, budgeting, leadership, and project management.
There may be electives related to your specific area of engineering expertise, but many courses will be applicable to any branch of this field. Graduates tend to pursue manager or director roles in a variety of engineering settings.
The field of environmental engineering applies engineering principles to the ways that society uses and cares for natural resources. This discipline most frequently addresses air quality, water quality, and waste disposal.
To develop your expertise in these areas, you’ll likely study hydraulics, microbiology, and chemistry. Other courses can cover modeling, pollutants, waste management, resource management, and human health.
Many graduates pursue careers as sustainability consultants, wastewater plant managers, or environmental managers. Environmental engineering and civil engineering are closely linked, so graduates may also work as civil engineers.
Financial engineers take a data-driven approach to making sound decisions about investments and other money matters. This discipline draws heavily from the disciplines of mathematics, science, business, and computing.
The curriculum for a financial engineering program usually addresses risk management, modeling, and machine learning. You may also take classes on software and other types of technology that are used in the finance sector.
There are a variety of finance-related career paths that could benefit from a masters in financial engineering. Examples include portfolio manager, financial analyst, stockbroker, and risk analyst. Employment settings can include banks, insurance companies, hedge funds, and government agencies.
Industrial engineers work to develop or oversee large systems to improve productivity and reduce waste. Because industrial engineering is so closely tied to the idea of production, this line of work is particularly important in manufacturing settings.
The courses in a masters in industrial engineering program will cover topics related to factory processes, quality management, and supply chain logistics. Not only will you focus on the machines and facilities that are crucial for production, but you may also discuss ways to optimize human contributions to the process.
Industrial or manufacturing engineers often work in organizations that make vehicles, computer components, or machinery.
If you’ve always been fascinated by gears and other moving parts, then a mechanical engineering masters degree can allow you to build on that passion. Mechanical engineers design machines, troubleshoot issues, and bring new mechanical products to market.
To earn this degree, you’ll take classes in thermodynamics, fluids, biomechanics, and materials. Some colleges offer specializations in robotics or energy production. Graduates tend to pursue jobs related to product development and improvement.
Manufacturers of automobiles, biomedical equipment, and electronic devices often hire mechanical engineers. Engineers can also work to improve manufacturing processes through the use of robotics and other mechanical devices.
A master’s in petroleum engineering program can help you develop the needed skills to advance in the oil and gas industry.
Petroleum engineering requires specific skills and knowledge, so this degree is generally best for those with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. Other engineers may need to take catch-up courses before beginning this program.
Master’s-level classes cover topics related to well logging, geomechanics, well drilling, and reservoirs. You’ll typically learn about computer-aided design as well. Petroleum engineers often work in organizations that extract oil and gas or manufacture petroleum products. Jobs in this field are often related to drilling, production, or reservoir health.
Engineering principles can be used to design software applications and systems. Software engineering deals not only with developing programs but also with other steps in the software life cycle, such as product testing and maintenance.
In this program, you’ll generally take classes like database design, mobile applications, and software quality management. You can explore best industry practices, consider how to balance goals and budgets, and undertake a software engineering project of your own.
Software engineering graduates tend to work as web developers, software developers, or security analysts. You may also focus on a specific type of software, such as mobile applications or video games.
Complicated projects require cultivating input from many different disciplines. Systems engineers are experts who know how to carry out communication across various disciplines and produce results that balance complex needs and achieve complicated goals.
To earn a systems engineering masters degree, you’ll likely study systems theory, risk analysis, project management, and modeling practices. Some students pursue concentrations, such as energy systems or manufacturing systems.
Jobs for systems engineers are available in sectors like healthcare, computing, energy distribution, farming, and regional planning. There are also government and military organizations that can benefit from the input of systems engineers.
Engineering is an incredibly diverse field. Overall, though, professionals in this field apply the basic principles of engineering to their specific areas of focus. Your particular area of work will likely build upon the foundation you gained during your undergraduate or graduate studies.
For example, a civil engineering student may go on to work as a civil engineer who constructs bridge-building projects, and an environmental engineering graduate may oversee a wastewater treatment plant.
Teaching engineering at the college level may also be possible with a master’s degree. Tenured professors often need a doctorate, but there may be opportunities for a masters graduate to work as an adjunct professor or teach at a community college.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for architecture and engineering occupations is $81,440. The following are some of the highest-paying engineering careers:
Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
Petroleum Engineers | $137,720 |
Computer Hardware Engineers | $117,220 |
Aerospace Engineers | $116,500 |
Nuclear Engineers | $113,460 |
Chemical Engineers | $108,770 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,250 |
Materials Engineers | $93,360 |
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $91,410 |
Health and Safety Engineers | $91,410 |
Mining and Geological Engineers | $91,160 |
The above salaries represent national averages, but personal earnings can vary considerably. Factors at play may include experience, education, job title, and geographic location.
Some engineering graduates are practitioners. They carry out engineering processes to produce chemicals, build medical equipment, design computer hardware systems, or construct bridges.
Others are researchers whose discoveries could fuel innovations in their respective fields. Scientific work with theories, data, modeling, and experimentation may contribute to policy decisions or the development of new technologies and inventions. Researchers can work for research and development firms, universities, or government institutions.
For your online master’s degree in engineering, you’ll likely take at least 30 credit hours of graduate courses. Your curriculum will depend heavily on the branch of engineering you choose to pursue, but you may take some courses similar to those listed below.
A Master of Science in Engineering program typically wraps up with a research-heavy thesis. A Master of Engineering may end with a capstone project instead.
Online engineering masters programs may expect you to already hold a bachelors degree in a related engineering field. If you don’t, you might need to take bridge courses to prepare you for graduate studies.
In addition, admission requirements may include:
GRE scores have long been a traditional requirement for admission to grad school, but a growing number of colleges are moving away from that model.
For a respected masters degree in engineering, it’s strategic to attend a school that’s been approved by a regional accrediting agency.
Regional accreditors are authorized to evaluate and approve higher education institutions. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) provides information on regional accrediting agencies.
Employers appreciate regionally accredited degrees because they’re a sign that the applicant has received a quality education. Also, accredited college credits are more likely to transfer to another school or help you get into a doctoral program.
The government offers resources that can help qualifying students afford to go back to school. Both state and federal programs are available. Your options may include grants, loans, or work-study arrangements.
To get started, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships and fellowships may also contribute to your financial package. You can apply to awards programs offered by your college or another organization. Some scholarships are sponsored by professional associations in the engineering industry.
Your employer might help pay for your schooling as well. If you currently work in the engineering field, your workplace may view graduate studies as beneficial to the organization.
As a leader in the engineering industry, you can benefit from spending time with other engineering professionals. Joining a professional organization can help provide that opportunity.
Some resources, such as local chapters and annual conferences, can allow you to network in person. Other resources, like webinars and journals, allow you to learn from others throughout the year.
You can likely find an organization that’s tailored to your specific branch of the engineering industry.
Online master’s degrees in engineering can help qualify you to pursue leadership roles within your engineering discipline. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some high-paying jobs within the engineering field include petroleum engineer, computer hardware engineer, and aerospace engineer.
A master’s degree in engineering could also lead to job titles that don’t include the word “engineer.” For example, some graduates secure jobs as urban planners, information security analysts, and quality assurance managers.
Yes, there are master’s degrees in engineering that can be earned completely online. Formats for online colleges vary, but you might be able to log in according to your own schedule and complete classes at your own pace.
Online studies can be helpful if you want to balance school with other aspects of a busy lifestyle. Since online programs are typically designed with working professionals in mind, you might be able to keep up with your full-time job while also earning a degree.
A master’s degree is often considered a 2 year program. The coursework is commonly broken up over four 16 week semesters. While full-time enrollment may take about 2 years, part-time enrollment may take 3 years or more.
Some online colleges choose to offer their courses through short terms that each last a handful of weeks. The terms are usually offered back to back throughout the year. With this scheduling, you may be able to finish such a program between 12 months and 18 months.
As a general rule, master’s programs in engineering expect you to have a good deal of foundational knowledge before beginning graduate studies. There are ways to get this knowledge without earning another bachelor’s degree, though.
Some schools offer bridge programs that begin with foundational courses and then transfer you into a master’s track that’s designed specifically for those without an engineering background. Other schools may allow you to take a set of prerequisite classes before beginning a standard master’s in engineering program.
Not every engineering masters program will be a good fit for students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. There are some graduate programs, though, that are specifically designed for helping non-engineers enter the field. These are sometimes called bridge programs. You might be grouped into a cohort with other non-engineers.
This type of program typically starts with pre-masters classes to introduce you to the basics of the field. You’d then move into a graduate program with courses designed to continue developing your foundational knowledge while also providing advanced information.
Both a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering are respected ways to earn a graduate degree in the field.
A Master of Engineering is centered around engineering practice. It’s for those who plan to work in the field, whether as a construction supervisor, a sustainability consultant, or a quality management director.
A Master of Science is a degree program that focuses more heavily on research. If your goal is to work for an R&D firm or become a college faculty member, an MSc engineer degree could be beneficial. It can also prepare you for PhD studies.
A Master of Engineering is a professional degree for those who want to hold leadership roles within the engineering world. This program is meant to help students acquire advanced engineering knowledge and learn to apply it in workforce contexts.
A Master of Business Administration focuses on professional skills and knowledge for business leadership. While some of the principles might be useful in certain engineering roles, an MBA won’t include the scientific and technical concepts that are essential for senior-level engineers to understand.
For a business-focused engineering degree, you may want to consider studying engineering management.
Yes, a master’s degree in engineering is worth it for many students. This degree can help you develop the advanced skills and knowledge that employers are often seeking for their leadership roles in engineering.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain engineering disciplines are experiencing noteworthy job growth. Positions for industrial engineers are growing at a 10% rate, and bioengineering roles are increasing at a 5% rate, faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment for the architecture and engineering field as a whole is predicted to grow 3% in the next ten years.
While you can qualify to enter the engineering industry with only a bachelors degree, earning a masters can help you further develop your engineering career. Having a graduate education in this field may better qualify you for senior roles or leadership positions.
There are a wide variety of engineering programs that can be completed through online study, such as an online master’s degree in computer engineering, civil engineering, or electrical engineering.
Or you might choose to study chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or another one of the many engineering disciplines. Some universities even offer a Master of Financial Engineering online.
Regionally accredited engineering degree programs online are recognized by the same accrediting agencies as traditional campus programs. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of online education, you can start by looking at the various online engineering graduate programs to find the one that’s best for you.
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