Perhaps you’ve worked in the engineering field for several years and are ready to take on a master’s degree in order to join the management team at your company. Maybe you’re preparing to graduate with your bachelor’s degree in engineering and you want to dive deep into an engineering specialty by earning a master’s degree.
Whatever your reason for considering grad school, an online engineering master’s degree program can help you develop the advanced skills and technical knowledge you need to reach the upper levels of the engineering field, but it’s vital that you find the best program for your specific needs, wants, and goals.
The online master’s engineering degree programs featured in our college rankings below stand out for many reasons, but above all, they offer student-centered, personalized education that works with your busy schedule and lets you earn your grad degree how and where you want. See which programs stand above the rest for 2023 – then keep reading to get answers to your key questions, see what you’ll learn, and explore specialization options.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Raleigh, NCPublic $$
For budding graduate engineering students seeking a wide selection of online programs, North Carolina State University in Raleigh is a strong option. Not only does it offer 18 online master’s degrees, but most of these programs are offered asynchronously. This means students can attend class from any location with broadband internet access and at any time. The only time constraint is that students must complete their coursework and exams based on the on-campus class schedule. Another major benefit from these online master’s programs in engineering is that no GRE is needed to apply and students don’t have to complete a thesis or any on-campus residency requirements to graduate.
Program Highlights:
MS in Aerospace Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $505.28/credit (in-state); $1,572.28/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
MS in Civil Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $505.28/credit (in-state); $1,572.28/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
MS in Computer Engineering
- Credits: 31
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $505.28/credit (in-state); $1,572.28/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
16
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
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Fort Wayne, INPrivate not-for-profit $$$
The Indiana Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Engineering Management is a very unique program in that it combines the technical learning of an engineering program with the management development of a MBA program. This engineering management program is designed for incoming students with engineering experience who have a desire to shift into professional roles that have greater managerial and supervisory responsibilities. In addition to the flexibility offered through online coursework, students also have the option of graduating with a joint MS/MBA degree by taking a few more classes in human resources, marketing, and management.
Program Highlights:
MS in Engineering Management
- Credits: 33
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $568.00/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Memphis, TNPrivate not-for-profit $$$
The online Master of Science in Engineering Management program from Christian Brothers University stands out from many other similar programs because of how coursework is delivered. Students seeking a 100% distance education can take all classes online, but those who want to have an in-person educational experience can also attend classes at the main campus. A few other online programs allow for this, but what makes Christian Brothers University unique is that students can mix and match online and in-person courses throughout a single semester. The online lectures are also offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, allowing students to directly interact with their peers and professors if they so choose. Students enrolled in the part-time track can graduate in 24 months or attend full-time and graduate in 19 months.
Program Highlights:
MS Engineering Management
- Credits: 33
- Length: About one to two years
- Cost: $680.00/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
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Mississippi State, MSPublic $$
If a student is interested in a fully customizable and one-of-a-kind engineering degree, the Master of Engineering program from Mississippi State University is the way to go. What makes this online engineering program so special is that its curriculum has few required courses, allowing students the opportunity to choose a large number of courses to meet their personal and professional engineering needs. These can be courses in other subject areas or departments, such as military engineering, materials and fluids, water management, construction systems, and management and leadership. Students can also choose to earn their degree with or without a thesis.
Program Highlights:
Master of Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: About one to two years
- Cost: $514/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Las Cruces, NMPublic $
The engineering program at New Mexico State University offers three online programs to choose from. The first is the Master of Engineering degree in electrical engineering, which requires no thesis or project for graduation. This program is best suited for engineering professionals who are primarily interested in knowledge they can apply to their current mechanical engineering jobs. The other two programs are the Master of Science degrees in electrical and industrial engineering. Unlike the Master of Engineering program, students in these two programs must complete a project or thesis to graduate. Therefore, the M.S. programs are best suited for engineers who have professional goals related to research and development. Regardless of which program a student chooses, they can expect the vast majority of their coursework to be offered online.
Program Highlights:
ME in Electrical Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: About one to two years
- Cost: $287.80/credit (in-state); $359.75.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
MS in Electrical Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: About one to two years
- Cost: $287.80/credit (in-state); $359.75.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
MS in Industrial Engineering
- Credits: 30
- About one to two years
- Cost: $287.80/credit (in-state); $359.75.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Moscow, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Villanova, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
7
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Macon, GAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
West Lafayette, INPublic $$
Online Programs
9
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Tucson, AZPublic $$$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Rolla, MOPublic $$$
Online Programs
11
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Northfield, VTPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Socorro, NMPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Salt Lake City, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Stillwater, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
College Station, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
11
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Spokane, WAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Jonesboro, ARPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Edmond, OKPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Columbus, OHPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Lincoln, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Lubbock, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
8
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Gainesville, FLPublic $$$
Online Programs
9
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Ames, IAPublic $$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Carbondale, ILPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Norman, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Rapid City, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Fort Collins, COPublic $$$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Auburn, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
11
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Madison, WIPublic $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Columbia, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Dearborn, MIPublic $$$
Online Programs
10
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Manhattan, KSPublic $$$
Online Programs
7
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Dekalb, ILPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Buffalo, NYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Athens, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Ann Arbor, MIPublic $$$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Denver, COPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Laurel, MDPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Champaign, ILPublic $$$$
Online Programs
8
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Southfield, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Birmingham, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Lexington, KYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Charleston, SCPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Huntsville, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Atlanta, GAPublic $$$
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Columbia, SCPublic $$$
Online Programs
8
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Kingsville, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
What You’ll Take Away from Your Online Master’s Degree in Engineering
While the best online master’s engineering programs may vary in terms of learning methods, specialties, and courses offered, there are some fundamental similarities that you’ll find among the top accredited programs, including clearly defined goals and learning outcomes. Pay attention to a program’s learning outcomes, because they tell you what the end result should be when you graduate. Below are several learning outcomes you should expect to find in the top online engineering master’s programs.
Specialized Field Knowledge
Graduate engineering students can expect to develop specialized field knowledge in an emphasis area of their choosing and will learn how to integrate that knowledge in other content areas. You should graduate with the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary to bring your engineering practice to a higher level than it was before, and you should be able to combine mathematical foundations and engineering principles to solve real-world problems. Upon graduation, you should be knowledgeable about contemporary engineering issues in your field and recognize the need for lifelong learning.
Communication
Throughout your master’s studies, you may have the opportunity to work not only with other engineers but with construction superintendents, factory supervisors, and other people, depending on your engineering specialty. You will learn the engineering language required to effectively communicate with other members of your team, but you’ll also learn how to articulate your ideas, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be able to sharpen the presentation skills you’ll learn to lean upon as an effective way to communicate your ideas to both large and small groups.
Critical Inquiry
In your online master’s engineering program, you will learn to assess the appropriate use of modern techniques, skills, and tools in developing engineering solutions. You’ll engage in problem solving and analysis through principal approaches or methods and through efficient and ethical information search. You’ll learn various evaluation strategies to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Applied Learning
You will be able to apply general and specialized engineering concepts in multiple contexts and various scenarios. You will be able to integrate knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering with related practice. As an engineering graduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply these principles in one or more hands-on projects.
Popular Courses in Online Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
Though every online engineering master’s degree is different, there are some courses that overlap and that you will most likely gain exposure to, no matter your chosen emphasis. These courses typically make up a core engineering program and will give you a good idea of what base you’ll be building upon.
Structural Dynamics & Simulation
In this online engineering master’s course, you should become familiar with concepts and computer programs for the dynamic analysis and design of various structures that are subjected to earthly forces including earthquake, wind, and blast loads. You’ll learn the dynamic response of structures and structural components to transient loads and foundation excitation. This course also teaches the dynamics responses of single and multi-degree freedom systems. You’ll develop and use discrete-event simulation models to analyze the design of systems found in manufacturing, distribution, and service contexts.
Data Analytics
This course introduces students to introductory and advanced concepts in data analytics. You will learn how to identify data patterns, survey well-known data science techniques, communicate through the language of data science, and construct prototype data analytics pipelines demonstrations. You’ll also learn how to integrate static and dynamic data and will go over data classification, data correlation, conditional simulation, and non-Gaussian approaches and data driven methods. Students will also experience building and interpreting descriptive and predictive data analytics models.
Technical and Scientific Writing
No matter what engineering field or specialty you pursue, you will need to be proficient in written communication. This course covers research methods, planning, outlining, drafting and paper organization, journal selection, correspondence, and technical papers and procedures for workplace and academic applications. It will also go over citation guidelines, working with templates, and how to use effective figures such as graphs and tables.
Risk Analysis
This online engineering master’s course will teach you how to use the necessary tools to identify, assess, communicate, and manage risk. You will learn the methods to identify risks, how to develop risk models, how to assess risk, and how to evaluate risk management options. You’ll go over real-world scenarios to help you understand risk management challenges in complex organizations. You will also learn the fundamental concepts, techniques, and applications of quantitative risk analysis and how to make risk-informed decisions.
Sustainability in Engineering
In this course, you’ll learn how to navigate engineering decision-making when it comes to sustainability and qualify and quantify the economic, environmental, societal, and engineering drivers behind sustainability in the engineering field. you’ll consider the justification, feasibility, and benefits of environmental, geotechnical, structural, and transportation sustainability. You’ll also learn about economic and environmental sustainability assessments and how to link these tools to design decisions under uncertain conditions.
Alternative Energy
In this class, you will discuss the current status of energy supplies and will receive an overview of energy source trends and a forecast of what will be seen in the future. you’ll examine renewable energy sources and their technology and discuss the related challenges and how to overcome them. Topics covered may include alternative energy conversion processes and systems based on converting energy directly, using non-combustible heat sources, and obtaining energy from the environment. You should also learn to apply the basic principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and electrical machinery to the analysis and design of industrial system components. Overall, you’ll learn improved energy utilization.
FAQs About Earning Your Engineering Master’s Degree Online
When you make the choice to pursue your online engineering master’s degree, you’re making a significant time and financial commitment. You’ve got serious questions that demand serious and concrete answers. Below, you’ll find thoughtful answers to seven of the most pressing questions you and other students may have about earning an online engineering master’s degree.
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Can I earn my master’s degree in engineering 100% online?
There are many programs that offer 100% online engineering master’s degrees. Because of the collaborative nature of master’s degrees, you may find that while some schools offer coursework online, this may exclude testing, specialized projects, and hands-on experience. Sometimes a campus visit is also required at the beginning of the program or each semester.
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What career paths are open to me with a master’s degree in engineering?
The engineering field is vast and offers an array of specialized careers to fit your interests. While many careers in the engineering field require only a bachelor’s degree, you may need a master’s degree to become an expert in a specialized field, have the best chances for career advancement, and receive a substantially higher salary. Here are a few careers you can have with an online master’s engineering degree.
- Biomedical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Electronic Engineer
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What accreditation should an online master’s engineering degree program have?
There are a lot of programs out there, so you need to be sure you’re attending an accredited program at an accredited school. While there are many individual program and state accreditations you’ll run into, look for school accreditation by a regional accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission, and programmatic accreditation by an accrediting body such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
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What are the admission requirements for an online master’s in engineering?
While each university or college may have different admission requirements, there are a few that are fairly universal. To be admitted to an online master’s engineering program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in engineering (or equivalent), a 3.0 GPA, and three references. To check for exact requirements, check the university website before choosing a program.
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How much does an online master’s degree in engineering cost?
Each university and college will have a different tuition, but the cost of an online master’s engineering degree typically falls between a total of $12,000 on the low end and $60,000 on the high end. This will vary between schools, and can change with grants, scholarships, or any other kind of financial aid. Before choosing a program, be sure to check the tuition of the school you’re thinking about attending.
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How long do online master’s degrees in engineering take to finish?
An online master’s engineering degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, but it can take longer depending on your situation. The length of the degree will depend on if you are attending school full-time or part-time, whether you’re working while attending school, and if you take any hiatus for specialized or practical hands-on training.
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How can I specialize my master’s degree in engineering?
There are a few opportunities to specialize with a bachelor’s degree, however, most master’s degrees are offered for the sole purpose of specialization, whether it’s the whole degree itself or through various concentrations. With a specialized master’s degree, you can become an expert in an engineering area of your choice, which will make you more marketable and give you a more sought-after skill set. This can increase your career advancement and salary potential. Below are several engineering specialization options.
- Civil Engineering
- Coastal Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Systems Engineering
- Water Resource Systems Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Chemical Engineering
- Engineering Education
- Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Environmental Engineering Sciences
- Agricultural & Biological Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Examining the Value of a Master’s Degree in Engineering
If you’re still considering whether or not it’s worth it to obtain a master’s degree in engineering, let’s take a look at the salary and projected job growth if that’s something that’s important to you. With an advanced degree, you can expect a path for career advancement as well as an increased salary potential. We’ve created a table below to give you a few salary examples for an engineer.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $128,170 | 5% |
| Civil Engineers | $88,050 | 7% |
| Mechanical Engineers | $95,300 | 2% |
| Industrial Engineers | $95,300 | 10% |
| Electronics Engineers | $101,780 | 3% |
| Environmental Engineers | $96,820 | 4% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics