If you’re currently working as an engineer, recently graduated with a bachelors in engineering, or wanting to change careers and enter this lucrative field, you might consider earning an online masters in engineering.
Pursuing an engineering masters could be a strategic next step in your professional development. An engineering graduate degree can help you access more job opportunities, higher earning potential, and more extensive knowledge in the field.
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Plus, with increasing remote degree options available, though it’s not the easiest engineering degree, earning an online master’s degree in engineering is more accessible than ever.
Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
A Master of Engineering (MEng) degree can help you deepen your knowledge and expertise in your chosen engineering specialization.
An M.Eng. degree program will likely let you specialize in the engineering sector that is most relevant to you. You can choose a concentration and continue to pick elective coursework that best reflects your professional interests. As you begin to research schools, you may get a better idea of the different engineering degree online programs and concentrations that interest you.
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Here are some of the broadest and most popular paths of online masters in engineering degree programs:
- Civil engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical engineering
Keep in mind, these are just a few of the paths available. If you are interested in aerospace engineering or biochemical engineering, for instance, there are plenty of online master’s in engineering programs out there designed for various specializations.
Companies often prefer to hire those with relevant master’s degrees for their senior and leadership positions. As the field of engineering is quite broad, engineering graduates often find themselves working in all sorts of different industries.
Common Online Masters in Engineering Specializations
Let’s take a look at these five popular specializations in a little bit more detail:
- Civil Engineering. A specialization in civil engineering can better prepare you to work with the government or private firms to create innovative bridges, airports, highways, and more.
- Chemical Engineering. Chemical engineers work on materials at the molecular and atomic level for a wide range of applications. Choosing this specialization can help you develop the in-depth knowledge required for this type of work.
- Environmental Engineering. A popular cross-section of civil engineering and chemical engineering, this concentration helps apply engineering principles for the health of our planet.
- Mechanical Engineering. For those who want to create innovative parts and machines, mechanical engineering is a fitting choice. Mechanical engineers work in many different industries involved in manufacturing.
- Electrical Engineering. For those interested in working with circuits, batteries, and emerging nanotechnologies, electrical engineering is a strategic choice.
The engineering degrees on offer at your chosen school will likely have additional, more specific specializations to choose from. You can browse their department webpage for an idea of their strengths, specialties, and available specializations.
Engineering Careers and Salaries
Engineering masters degrees, whether an online masters in electrical engineering or an on-campus computer engineering masters, can lead you down many different career paths, depending on your specialization and experience.
The skills and knowledge you can learn in your chosen concentration may be applied to different roles and industries as well. For example, one of the top-earning engineering fields is petroleum engineering. Petroleum engineers might come into the field with a civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering concentration or degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are various engineering careers, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $130,850 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $128,170 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,270 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $120,380 |
| Chemical Engineers | $105,550 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,780 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | $99,040 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $97,410 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $95,300 |
As you can see from this table, graduates with engineering degrees can apply their knowledge and education to a wide range of possible careers with high earning potential. If you have a particular career path in mind as you start your graduate degree, you can choose a concentration that’s in alignment with this goal.
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As you go through your program, you can choose as much elective coursework as you can that gives you knowledge and experience in your desired engineering field.
MS in Engineering Curriculum & Courses
While your exact coursework will be tailored for your degree specialization, here are some of the common courses you are likely to take during your program:
- Engineering Analysis: This course can be for all engineering students as they develop their necessary math skills for the field.
- Computer-Aided Engineering: This is a common course for all engineering majors as they learn the latest computer-powered engineering tools.
- Engineering Writing and Communication: This is a core course that helps engineers develop their professional communication skills.
- Engineering Management: This core course focuses on project planning and management for all types of engineering projects.
- Engineering Accounting: Some schools offer accounting and finance courses designed for engineers who are planning to keep their own books or run their own business after graduation.
- Infrastructure Policy: Civil engineering students will learn about the policy side of the projects they hope to design.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Both civil and environmental engineers will continue to develop their sustainable engineering knowledge through courses like this one.
- Thermodynamics: For mechanical engineering majors, diving deeper into advanced thermodynamic topics is common for their engineering field.
- Aerodynamics: Learning more about the principles of aerodynamics is typical for mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering students.
- Digital System Design: Electrical engineers will often dive into the world of microprocessors and advanced system design.
You can browse the course catalogs of the schools you are interested in to get a better idea of what course offerings will be available to you.
MEng Admissions Requirements
Here are some common admission requirements among engineering degree programs at the graduate level:
- Undergraduate transcripts. Your transcripts show your completed work as an undergraduate. Some schools might require this degree to be in engineering.
- Minimum GPA. Most schools require at least an overall college GPA of 3.0.
- GRE or GMAT scores. While this is optional for many programs, sending a successful GRE or GMAT score can often help boost your application.
- Recommendation letters. You may be asked to submit between one and three letters of recommendation from professors or colleagues.
For more detailed information, you can check out the admissions pages of the schools you are interested in attending.
Online Engineering Masters Programs Accreditation
No matter the type of online engineering masters degree program that you choose, it’s strategic to verify that it is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is a recognized marker of the value and quality of the education at a particular school. It demonstrates that your school has been approved by a standardized review board.
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In addition, engineering online degree programs can also be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Employers and other universities often only recognize and accept a degree if it is from an accredited institution.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You might enjoy the idea of getting a Master of Science in Engineering online, but what about the cost? Fortunately, there are a number of financial aid options available to students who qualify.
You can start by exploring your federal aid options by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also check with your state of residence to see what financial assistance options they offer students. Some companies and employers offer financial assistance to help their workers pursue masters degrees. If you are currently employed, you can check to see if your workplace offers any tuition benefits.
You can also check with your school for specific scholarship opportunities. Prospective schools can provide you with more information about the scholarship funding they have in place for their students.
What Can You Do with an Online Master Degree in Engineering?
A masters degree in engineering can help enhance your resume and career prospects. If you are already employed as an engineer, your masters might help you gain access to higher-level positions, more responsibilities, and greater earning potential.
If you are entering the workforce, a masters degree in your field might give you a competitive edge as an applicant. Some employers only consider applicants with a masters degree for certain positions, such as senior or management roles. In general, advanced, specialized engineering knowledge and skill sets can lead to more opportunities in the engineering field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Engineering Online?
Most online engineering graduate programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours. Depending on your school, you might have the option to complete a thesis or a capstone project.
Full-time students can usually complete a masters program in 1 to 2 years. It may take more or less time depending on your particular program and your personal schedule. Many professionals choose to work through the program part-time. This will take longer but can also be a strategic option if you want to continue working during your course of study.
Is a Master’s Degree in Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in engineering is worth it for many professionals. The advanced skills and knowledge that you can develop in your degree program are highly valued in a range of industries.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for architecture and engineering occupations over the next ten years. A masters in engineering can help you qualify more job opportunities in your specialization and beyond. There are many career paths you can follow as an engineer, depending on your experience, interests, and area of specialty.
Universities Offering Online Master of Engineering Degree Program
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 an online degree program for a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. The program consists of ten classes that are 7.5 to 15 weeks long. Coursework includes Information Systems Engineering, Web-Enabled Decision Support Systems, Applied Stochastic Operations Research Models, and more.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Case Western Reserve University offers a Master of Engineering that can be earned online. Concentrations are available in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Systems and Control Engineering, and Engineering Innovation, Management, and Leadership. The program is focused on practice rather than research and does not require a thesis.
Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Clemson University offers an online program for a Master of Engineering that is designed for professionals who want to work full-time while earning a graduate degree. Courses are asynchronous and 100% online, with students taking just one course at a time. Students typically spend about 10 to 12 hours per week on their studies.
Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cornell University offers an online degree program for a Master of Engineering. Students can typically earn the degree in 2 years while continuing to work full-time. The program does require students to make some visits to campus for intensive sessions, but the coursework can otherwise be completed online. Cornell’s online classes use a cohort model and include discussions with classmates and instructors.
Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Duke University offers a Master of Engineering Management that can be earned online. The program includes three, 1 week residencies on campus. Each cohort has between 20 and 30 students. Courses include Marketing, Finance in High-Tech Industries, Management in High-Tech Industries, and Intellectual Property, Business Law, and Entrepreneurship.
Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johns Hopkins University offers an online degree program for a Master’s in Engineering Management. There are more than 10 different tracks to choose from, including Applied Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and more.
The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Mississippi State University has a flexible, online program for a Master of Engineering. Students can choose a general track or a concentration in Military Engineering. The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework and allows for a high level of customization through elective options. Students can start in fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Master of Engineering Management. All classes follow the same academic calendar as ODU’s on-campus classes, but they do not all have set meeting times. The program requires the completion of 31 credits. Courses include Information Science for Systems and Engineering Management, Operations Research, and Analysis of Organizational Systems.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ohio State University offers a Master of Engineering Management program that can usually be completed in 2 to 3 years. The program is 100% online, with no campus visits required. Courses options include Visual Analytics for Sensemaking, Project Management for Engineers, Financial and Managerial Accounting for Engineers, and Leadership and Team Effectiveness.
Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Oregon State University offers an online program for a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering with an option in Engineering Management. Oregon State uses a quarterly calendar, so there are four start dates each year. Courses include Operations Management, Advanced Economic Engineering Analysis, Project Management in Engineering, and more.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
South Dakota Mines offers a non-thesis Master of Engineering program that includes both technical and management coursework.
Management courses are fully online, and some technical courses are also available online. The program offers several emphases to choose from. Options are Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering and Science, and Safety Management.
South Dakota Mines is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Texas A&M University offers an online program for a Master of Engineering that is identical to the on-campus program. While coming to campus is never required, online students do have the option to take some courses on campus if they want to. The program does not require a thesis but does require an oral exam.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Tech University offers a Master of Engineering that can be earned online. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Students can choose a Healthcare Engineering track or a standard track. Students without bachelor’s degrees in engineering may apply but will need to complete certain prerequisite courses before starting.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Connecticut offers an online Master of Engineering program. There are both synchronous and asynchronous courses, and the synchronous courses meet in the late afternoon or evening. Students in the program can study part-time or full-time. Numerous concentrations are available, including Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and more.
The University of Connecticut is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an online program for a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in ECE or a related field. The program requires the completion of 32 credit hours but no thesis. Students have opportunities to take professional development courses in business and entrepreneurship.
The University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Louisville offers an online program for a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. Courses are 100% online and are delivered in accelerated, 8 week terms. The degree can potentially be finished in 1 to 2 years. Students in the program may also pursue Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in Process Improvement.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland—College Park offers online Master of Engineering programs in several fields. Options include Bioengineering, Cybersecurity, Energy Systems, Engineering Systems, Engineering Software, Fire Protection Engineering, Project Management, and more. To apply, prospective students must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, but GRE scores are optional.
The University of Maryland – College Park is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Virginia offers a Master of Engineering that can be earned completely online. Programs include Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Before applying, students may take a class as a visiting student to see what the program is like.
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Wisconsin—Madison offers an online program for a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management that can typically be completed in 2 to 4 years. The program is similar to an MBA but geared toward engineers. It requires the completion of 30 credits. Courses include Engineering Economic Analysis and Management, Engineering Law, Marketing for Technical Professionals, and more.
The University of Wisconsin – Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Vanderbilt University offers a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management that can be earned online. Students can choose between the accelerated track that can typically be completed in 3 terms or the standard track that can typically be completed in 5 terms. Coursework includes Finance and Accounting, Marketing of Technology Products, Technology Forecasting, and more.
Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Master of Engineering Degree Online
With plenty of credible online options, it is easier than ever to get started with your Master of Engineering degree. With part-time options available as well, you might choose to continue working as you pursue advanced training in this lucrative field.
An engineering masters degree can help you enhance your expertise in your subfield. Some employers even require MEng degrees for senior or management positions. Some students also find it worth to continue on and earn a PhD in Engineering online or on campus.
If you’re interested in growing your engineering qualifications, you can start exploring accredited universities today to find the masters in engineering program that’s right for you.
