Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
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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.
Accredited Online Master's in Engineering Programs
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $543-$1,343
Out of State | $543-$1,343
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
Online ASU students can choose from six master's in engineering degrees. Programs include electrical engineering, systems engineering, and engineering management. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a program accredited by ABET and a 3.0 GPA. Some engineering programs require GRE scores. Learners can choose from traditional 15-week courses or accelerated 7.5-week classes. ASU allows students to begin classes any semester.
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,692
Out of State | $1,692
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
CWRU offers four fully online master's degrees in engineering. Students can choose from engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems and control engineering degrees. Admission requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited school and a 3.0 GPA. Some programs require taking the GRE. New online master of engineering students receive a $19,170 scholarship, which reduces total tuition to $39,000. Alumni of the school's undergraduate engineering program qualify for an additional $3,900 scholarship.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $705-$1,118
Out of State | $705-$1,118
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
CSU's online graduate degrees in engineering allow students to deepen their knowledge of engineering practice and research. The school offers master's degrees in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and electrical engineering. Other options include computer engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering. Multiple certificate programs provide extra specialization options.
Applicants need a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies, though students can take up to nine credits before gaining admittance to the program.
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit Hour
In State | $258
Out of State | $258
Credits to Graduate
33-36
Program Information
N/A
Louisiana Tech combines online master's in engineering programs with in-demand graduate certificates. The school offers a master's in engineering and a master's in engineering and technology management. Industrial engineering focuses on quality control, automation, systems thinking, and logistics.
Students can also seek certifications in Six Sigma, a high-value certification for industrial and manufacturing careers. The school's quarter system allows students to take six credits year round. Admission requires an undergraduate degree in engineering and a 2.5 GPA.
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit Hour
In State | $258
Out of State | $258
Credits to Graduate
33-36
Program Information
N/A
Louisiana Tech combines online master's in engineering programs with in-demand graduate certificates. The school offers a master's in engineering and a master's in engineering and technology management. Industrial engineering focuses on quality control, automation, systems thinking, and logistics.
Students can also seek certifications in Six Sigma, a high-value certification for industrial and manufacturing careers. The school's quarter system allows students to take six credits year round. Admission requires an undergraduate degree in engineering and a 2.5 GPA.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $513
Out of State | $513
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
MSU's highly customized online master's in engineering allows students to combine engineering classes with other disciplines. This flexible program offers multiple specializations, from mechanical and structural engineering to military engineering. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission.
The program meets continuing education requirements for the Mississippi Engineering Board of Registration. Students can choose a thesis or non-thesis option. The non-thesis route includes a professional project as a capstone course.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $505
Out of State | $1,572
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
Students seeking an online master's in engineering can choose from 18 degree options at NC State. The programs offered include emerging fields of nanoengineering, multidisciplinary degrees in engineering management, and a research-based curriculum in mechanical engineering.
While the variety of programs offers students opportunities to choose a degree in their field, the engineering master's degree allows greater customization. Students select courses from two engineering areas. Applicants need an undergraduate degree in a related field and a 3.0 GPA. While some programs do not require the GRE, scores are preferable.
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,740
Out of State | $1,740
Credits to Graduate
32
Program Information
N/A
Students in Northeastern's Lifelong Learning Network's master's in engineering management can choose from a traditional curriculum or an accelerated experiential program. This interdisciplinary program combines engineering technology with core business and finance courses. The experiential track allows students to complete a co-op and graduate in one year.
Northwestern welcomes applicants with an undergraduate degree in engineering or another closely aligned subject. GRE scores remain optional for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,067
Out of State | $1,267
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
The Ohio State master's in engineering management program incorporates business principles, policy considerations, and management training. Students can also earn their Six Sigma certification. Electives are selected from engineering, business, and public policy colleges. The capstone experience allows students to work on real-world organizational problems, focusing on lean systems and operational excellence. Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies or satisfactory GRE scores.
Ohio University
Athens, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $737
Out of State | $756
Credits to Graduate
24-34
Program Information
N/A
Ohio's college of engineering offers practice-based online master's in engineering degrees for electrical engineering and civil engineering. Engineers looking to enhance their management and leadership skills can choose from engineering management or project management degrees. Each degree offers specialization options, such as environmental engineering within the civil engineering program. The curriculum prepares learners to earn professional certifications such as project management professional or Six Sigma.
Admission requires a 3.0 GPA or higher in undergraduate study. However, Ohio's admissions team evaluates each candidate based on their academic and professional experience.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $571
Out of State | $1,394
Credits to Graduate
24-30
Program Information
N/A
Students seeking an online master's in engineering can choose from 10 high-quality programs at ODU. Programs include biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering management, and systems engineering. Several programs offer an interdisciplinary curriculum and specialization options.
The aerospace program boasts partnerships with government agencies like NASA. Applicants need a degree in engineering or a closely related field. Students should have a 3.0 GPA and adequate GRE scores.
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $470
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
SDSU designed its master's in engineering to help engineers move into leadership positions. Half of the courses focus on management and leadership. The rest of the curriculum incorporates advanced engineering courses. Students take courses in project management, operations, and leadership. The flexible curriculum allows students to pursue graduate education at their own pace.
SDSU does not require a thesis. Instead, students complete a professional project. Applicants need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree for unconditional admission.
Texas A & M University
College Station, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $718
Out of State | $1,247
Credits to Graduate
30-32
Program Information
N/A
Texas A&M's multidisciplinary engineering master's degrees incorporate emerging technology and allow students to tailor their education to their interests. The university offers specializations in subsea engineering and transportation. Programs incorporate leadership and management courses with classes that build technical knowledge. Instructors are industry experts.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in engineering and a 3.0 GPA. They must submit their resumes, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $482
Out of State | $1,141
Credits to Graduate
30-33
Program Information
N/A
The master's in engineering concentrations offered by UAB include in-demand careers in engineering management and sustainable planning. Students can choose from various concentrations. Many students complete their graduate degree in about two years while continuing to work. Popular options include construction management, structural engineering, and advanced safety engineering.
Some programs do not require entrance exams, with admission windows three times a year. Applicants need an undergraduate engineering degree from an accredited program and a 3.0 GPA. All online students pay in-state tuition.
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $789
Out of State | $1,782
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
Students interested in mechanical and aerospace engineering benefit from UAH's close connections with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. But the school offers multiple online master's in engineering degrees. Program offerings include engineering management, industrial engineering, systems engineering, and civil engineering.
Students can choose from thesis or non-thesis tracks. The curriculum builds on formal mathematics to solve complex engineering problems. Engineering graduate students may need GRE scores. They should have an undergraduate degree in engineering and a 3.0 GPA.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $650-$1,332
Out of State | $650-$1,332
Credits to Graduate
30-33
Program Information
N/A
Engineers seeking graduate education can choose from 11 options offered online by UA. Degree paths include management, cybersecurity, geophysical, and engineering innovation. The degrees encourage customization with interdisciplinary courses. Students pursuing an online master's in engineering gain experience in research, management, and technical subjects.
UofA offers thesis or non-thesis options. Several programs incorporate graduate certificates in their curriculum. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA in their accredited undergraduate engineering degree.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $384
Out of State | $384
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
U of A welcomes students with various engineering interests to complete its online master's degree. The school's 30-credit graduate program offers civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering courses. Students choose from a project or coursework track and work with their advisor to craft a curriculum aligned with their interests and goals.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering and a 3.0 GPA. U of A does not require the GRE. Learners can choose from five start dates each year, with accelerated class schedules.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,050
Out of State | $1,050
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
N/A
UCLA launched its online master's in engineering in 2007. Concentrations include aerospace, electronic materials, manufacturing and design, and structural materials. Online students enjoy access to faculty and teaching assistants. Learners can attend interactive problem-solving sessions live or watch them later.
UCLA admission requires an undergraduate degree in engineering or related degree and a 3.0 GPA. The school may waive the GRE requirements for well-qualified applicants.
University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Quarter
In State | $3,900
Out of State | $3,900
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
N/A
UC Riverside's online master's in engineering allows students to specialize in one of six engineering disciplines. The environmental engineering track focuses on water resources. The nanotechnology engineering degree teaches emerging manufacturing technology. All programs require a core curriculum, specialization courses, and a design project.
Students can graduate in 13 months while continuing to work. Applicants need an undergraduate degree in engineering, GRE scores, and professional engineering experience.
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $667
Out of State | $667
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
CU Boulder's online electrical engineering master's degree uses the Coursera platform to provide flexible learning options. Students can stack their courses, earning certificates while also earning their degree. Learners complete classes over eight weeks at their own pace. The university does not require transcripts, test scores, or recommendation letters. Instead, students complete for-credit courses and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. However, the program does not qualify for federal financial aid programs.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $940
Out of State | $940
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
At UCCS, learners can select from a master of engineering in management, space operations, or systems engineering. The management path includes business courses in operations, marketing, and statistics. Space operations incorporates mission design and analysis with astronautics and spacecraft dynamics. Systems engineering allows students to focus on space engineering or management from a systems perspective. Applicants need a related undergrad degree, a 3.0 GPA, and professional experience in an engineering or science field.
University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $667
Out of State | $780
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
Learners can choose from a master of science or a master of engineering in civil engineering from CU Denver's online graduate programs. Both programs focus on construction engineering and management, and geomatics and geographic information systems. The master's in engineering welcomes students without an undergrad degree in engineering. The master of science track builds on undergrad and professional knowledge in civil engineering.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $896
Out of State | $896
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
N/A
Students can specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning with UCI's master of engineering online degree. The curriculum builds on engineering, math, and computer science skills to prepare graduates for the fast-growing data science field. The flexible program allows students to pay by the course. The accelerated format allows many students to graduate in 12 months. Applicants need an undergraduate degree in a related field, a 3.0 GPA, and two years of work experience.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,297
Out of State | $1,297
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
UMD offers master's in engineering students the flexibility of fully remote learning with the option for on-campus classes. Online learners can select from various programs, including nine fully online degrees. These programs include bioengineering, cybersecurity, fire protection, and project management. Other options include electronic packaging, reliability engineering, and energy systems. Several programs also offer graduate certificates that require only 12 credits.
The programs focus on real-world skills and professional projects. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA or higher from their undergrad studies. They should hold an undergrad degree in engineering or a related field.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $715
Out of State | $715
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
N/A
UW-Platteville's online master's in engineering allows students to customize their degree while incorporating management and technical courses. Concentrations include engineering management, control systems, and engineering design. The accelerated classes allow learners to complete courses in eight weeks. The school also offers academic credit for professional credentials, such as the project management professional credential. Applicants need a 2.75 GPA or higher in their undergraduate studies.
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $1,150
Out of State | $1,180
Credits to Graduate
57
Program Information
N/A
YSU's engineering management master's degree incorporates business and management courses with a technically focused curriculum. Learners study financial accounting, talent management, and cost-based decision-making. Students graduate with the organizational and team skills necessary for project management. They also graduate equipped with the analytical and critical thinking skills to solve complex engineering problems.
Applicants need an accredited undergraduate degree and a 2.70 GPA or higher. Students with a lower GPA may submit GRE scores.
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How We Selected These Schools
In order to create our directory list of online master's in engineering programs, the BestColleges Rankings Team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 26 schools that qualify for our alphabetical list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a master's degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.
Popular Online Engineering Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Engineering Programs
Is a master's in engineering worth it?
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.
What can I do with a master's in engineering?
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.
Are engineering majors in demand?
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.
How much money can I make with a master's in engineering?
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.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in engineering?
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
