Online Master’s in Engineering Programs

Engineering combines creativity with technical know-how to solve complicated problems. Engineers help design technology or manufacturing that improves the health and safety of a community. Or, they can create new products that make life easier. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $79,840 for engineers and architects as of May 2021, though some engineering fields report much higher wages.

A master’s in engineering degree can enhance job opportunities, offer specialized study, or prepare people for management roles. These programs require 1-2 years of study. An online master’s in engineering allows engineers to advance their education while continuing their careers. Find the best engineering master’s program to reach your goals.

Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.

Yes. A master’s in engineering prepares professional engineers to advance their careers and explore leadership or managerial roles. Engineers can also gain expertise in a specialty area, like robotics or aerospace engineering. An engineering master’s can also provide a pathway to a new career.

But graduate school does come with a cost. Students with a master’s degree owe an average of $71,000 in student debt. Engineering offers strong career opportunities with high earning potential. The BLS projects a 4% increase in the employment of engineers and architects from 2021-2031. However, industrial engineer jobs are projected to increase by 10% during that time.

Colleges and universities offer many online engineering master’s degrees. These programs can incorporate management and business skills with a technical curriculum. Some programs provide a broad overview of an engineering discipline. Others extensively study a specific engineering area, such as subsea engineering or cybersecurity computer engineering.

Often, schools design their online master’s in engineering programs to allow for a flexible, customizable curriculum. Students can select from various engineering electives to complement core classes. This customization lets students build their degrees to meet their educational and career goals.

Engineering graduates may find many career opportunities. The BLS projects about 146,000 new engineer and architect jobs from 2021-2031. Additional jobs will open due to workers retiring or people leaving the field for other opportunities. Much of the demand for engineers will come from renewable energy, robotics, and oil and gas extraction industries.

The BLS projects much faster growth in the employment of industrial engineers. This engineering field works in various manufacturing industries, often looking for cost savings or improving efficiency. The BLS projects about 23,300 annual job openings in this field.

Engineers reported a median salary of $99,040 in May 2021, according to the BLS. Several factors impact salary projections, however. These factors include your specialization area, industry, education, experience, and where you live. Payscale reports engineers with a master’s degree earn an average of $96,000 as of August 2022. Engineers with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $87,000 as of August 2022 Payscale data.

The BLS reports that mechanical engineers earned a median salary of $95,300 in 2021. However, Payscale reports entry-level engineers earn an average salary of $65,180. Mechanical engineers with 10-19 years of experience earn an average of $94,840. Mechanical engineers working with oil pipelines reported an average salary of $157,210, as per the BLS.

Petroleum engineers report the highest median salary among engineers of $131,850, according to the BLS. Top-earning engineers work in the credit intermediation industry, earning an average of $230,810 per year. However, only a small number of petroleum engineers work in this field. Most work in the oil and gas extraction industry, which reports an average salary of $157,900.

But people with a master’s degree can also take on management responsibilities and, often, increased pay. The BLS reports that industrial production managers earn a median salary of $103,150 per year as of 2021. Most industrial managers work in machinery manufacturing. These managers report an average annual salary of $111,890. Scientific research services, however, offer the highest compensation at an average of $173,720 per year.

Feature Image: Nitat Termmee / Moment / Getty Images