Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

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A master’s degree is the new bachelor’s degree, and that certainly applies to a high-caliber, top-paying field like engineering. According to the BLS, certain subdisciplines of engineering are expected to grow much faster than average (e.g., biomedical engineering, environmental engineering). But on the whole, the need for engineers is only set to grow 4 percent between 2016 and 2026—a rate that’s about half of the national average. The competition for jobs, contracts, and projects is set to increase, and having a master’s degree in engineering can make all the difference.

A master’s degree in engineering generally takes between one and two years to complete. Through a mixture of coursework, research, and practical applications, students gain a working mastery of their chosen engineering subdiscipline. Some degree programs can lead to doctoral study, while others can prepare a graduate to take on leadership roles in their career. Full-time and part-time options are often available, meaning that it’s possible to keep a job and build one’s academic resume at the same time.

There are many different types of master’s degrees in engineering, the two main distinctions being between a master of engineering degree (MEng) and a master of science in engineering degree (MS). The engineering profession views these two degrees as roughly equal. However, there are some key differences, the most fundamental coming down to a priority of either practice or research.

MS degrees are research-focused, often including a research project or research thesis, and generally take 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Many MS students receive financial support, usually through an assistantship in graduate research or graduate teaching.

On the other hand, MEng degrees are practice-based, and often focused primarily on coursework, with the option to participate in an independent design project or audit courses outside of the engineering department. MEng students rarely receive financial support. However, MEng degrees can often be completed in less than a year. Ultimately, the MEng is typically a terminal degree, while the MS can lead to a PhD.

The MS and MEng degrees are just two of several types of graduate-level engineering degrees. Others include:

Featured Online Masters Degree Programs
Arizona State University	Construction Management and Technology (MS)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Electrical Engineering (MSE)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Engineering Science (MSE) in Software Engineering	Visit Site
Grand Canyon University	MS - Software Engineering	Visit Site
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	Online MSE - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	Online MBA - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	Online MBA - Project Management	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	Online MS - Construction Management	Visit Site
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Online Master’s Degrees in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering covers the design and maintenance of both aircraft and spacecraft, and involves concepts of temperature, pressure, and the dynamics of flight.

North Carolina State University has an online master of science in aerospace engineering (MSAE) that can be completed within two years. Students may choose to concentrate in one of six areas: aerodynamics and applied aerodynamics; aerospace propulsion; computational fluid dynamics; dynamics and design of spacecraft and space systems; flight dynamics and control; or multifunctional materials and smart structures.

Courses are varied between many research areas and include topics such as fracture mechanics; compressible fluid flow; robust control with convex methods; airfoil theory; and linear control and design for MIMO systems. The program consists of 30 credits and costs $39,400 per year for non-residents.

Online Master’s Degrees in Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineering designs, tests, and produces automobiles and automobile systems through a combination of mechanical, electrical, software, and safety engineering.

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor’s College of Engineering Interactive Systems + Design has a master of engineering (MEng) in global automotive and manufacturing engineering that may be completed online.

Core subjects cover powertrains, structures and dynamics, and electrical systems and software. Electives go further in-depth regarding powertrains, materials, and dynamics and control, with classes that include: modeling analysis of vehicle systems; battery systems and control; fuel cells and fuel processors; and advanced energy solutions. As a 30-credit program, it can be completed in one to two years and costs $1,605 per credit-hour.

Online Master’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering uses an engineering ethos to design innovative medical technologies like prostheses, implants, pharmaceutical drugs, diagnostic tools, and more.

The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering offers a master of science (MS) in applied biomedical engineering that can be completed either online or in a hybrid fashion. After taking core courses in physiology, mathematical models, and biomedical engineering practice and innovation, students take two classes in a focus area of their choice: imaging, instrumentation, or translational tissue engineering.

Over 30 different electives are available, covering a broad range of topics, including human-robotics interaction; build-a-genome; systems pharmacology and personalized medicine; ionic channels in excitable membranes; and computational models of the cardiac myocyte. The program consists of 30 credits and costs $1,791 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering involves the production, transportation, distribution, and usage of chemicals, often those related to materials and energy.

North Carolina State University offers a master of science in chemical engineering (MSChE) that is ranked as one of the best in the nation. Courses include topics such as polymer science and technology; advances in pollution prevention; polymer rheology and processing; transport phenomena; colloid science and nanoengineering; and green chemical engineering. The 30-credit program can be completed in three years and costs approximately $1,277 per credit-hour.

Online Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering

Civil engineering involves the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, bridges, roads, and other elements of an interconnected civil society.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark College of Engineering offers a master of science in civil engineering (MSCE) that has a tech-driven curriculum focused on the intersection of innovation and management.

Students may specialize in construction management, transportation, or structural design. Each program is tailored towards this specialization. Transportation, for example, includes classes such as traffic studies and capacity; public transportation operations and technology; urban systems engineering; and traffic control. Construction management covers topics like project planning and control; underground construction; construction cost estimating; methods improvement in construction. Structural design has core courses in prestressed concrete design; structural dynamics; stability of structure; short-span bridge design; and applied finite element methods.

Each pathway consists of 30 credits, costs $29,960 per academic year and can be completed in 19 months or more.

Southern New Hampshire University has a master of science in management with a concentration in construction management that can be completed in 15 months. Courses may include topics such as cultivating organizational culture; construction budgeting, estimating, and bidding; construction law and contracts; construction quality management and productivity; and construction materials and methods. The program consists of 36 credits and costs $627 per credit-hour.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering offers an online master’s degree in civil structural engineering that can be completed in 19 months. Core courses include topics such as the advanced design of steel structures; advanced design of concrete structures; bridge design; prestressed concrete behavior and design; and structural dynamics and earthquake engineering.

Electives cover the following areas: advanced project management; construction liability and contracts; techniques of project planning and control; green building and sustainable structures; building information modeling; and advanced construction and engineering economics. All students pay in-state tuition for the 30-credit program, which is $500 per credit-hour.

Online Master’s Degrees in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering applies engineering concepts to the study of how the environment is affected by humans, and vice-versa, with applications in pollution reduction and public health.

The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering has an online master of science (MS) in environmental engineering that focuses on how today’s scientists can better treat waste and pollution in the air, water, and soil. Courses cover topics such as the principles of water and wastewater treatment; radioactive waste management; industrial processes and pollution prevention; sensor applications for environmental monitoring and exposure assessment; and measurement theory and practices in the environmental arena. The 30-credit program can be completed in two years and costs approximately $3,880 per course.

Online Master’s Degrees in Water Systems Engineering

Water systems engineering, also referred to as hydraulic engineering, deals with the movements of fluids like water and sewage, and has applications in the creation and management of dams, levees, and other water systems.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has an online master of science in civil engineering where students can specialize in water resources engineering and science. Coursework includes subjects such as hydraulic analysis and design; water quality engineering; water technology and policy; hydroclimatology; urban hydrology and hydraulics; and water quality processes. The 36-credit program can be completed in two years and costs approximately $1,084 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Engineering

Computer engineering involves the design, development, and testing of both software and hardware, including microprocessors, circuit boards, operating systems, and other components.

Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a master of science in computer engineering (MSCE) that can be completed in 15 months or more. Core classes revolve around computer and internet security, advanced computer architecture, and advanced data structures and algorithms.

Electives cover areas such as object-oriented programming; Android programming; software engineering; fundamentals of data and knowledge mining; machine learning; principles of operating systems; and cryptography. The program consists of 30 credits and costs $1,559 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science

Computer science includes the theory, development, and design of algorithms that store, process, and represent information.

The Stanford School of Engineering has an online master of science (MS) in computer science that is intended to be a terminal degree. Students may choose from one of ten approved specializations: artificial intelligence; biocomputation; computer and network security; human-computer interaction; information management and analytics; mobile and internet computing; real-world computing; software theory; systems; or theoretical computer science. The 45-credit program costs $1,260 per credit and may be completed in three years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the proactive protection of data and networks from outside attack, theft, and corruption.

NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering has an online master of science in cybersecurity program that’s linked to some of the best online labs and government programs out there. Core coursework covers both computer science and security, covering topics such as operating systems; computer networks; design and analysis of algorithms; network security; applied cryptography; application security; and information, security, and privacy.

Electives go over a diverse cross-section of areas, including computer architecture; penetration testing and vulnerability analysis; biometrics; digital forensics; and information systems security and management. Students may also choose to specialize in cyber operations, for which the curriculum culminates in an acknowledgement from the NSA. The 30-credit program costs approximately $1,720 per credit and takes two years to complete.

Online Master’s Degrees in Data Science

Data science involves the processing, management, and interpretation of massive quantities of data, and sits at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and machine learning.

The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering has an online master of science in data science (MSDS) that balances theory and applications. Core courses cover the following areas: data science; data visualization; statistical models and regression; principles of database systems; and computational statistics.

Electives go into subjects such as big data processing using Hadoop; queuing theory with applications to data science; stochastic optimization and control; and applied game theory. The 10-course program costs $3,880 per course and may be completed in two to three years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering

Software engineering involves the design, development, and maintenance of software applications.

The Washington State University Global Campus offers an online master of science in software engineering that’s specifically designed for workplace advancement. Coursework includes topics such as software requirements; advanced algorithms; leadership, supervision, and management; software design and architecture; software maintenance; project management; software quality; and software testing. The 30-credit program costs $582 per credit and can be completed in 18 months when taken full-time.

Online Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering

Involving electronics, electromagnetism, and electricity, electrical engineering houses subfields such as telecommunications, microwave engineering, signal processing, and control systems.

The Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University offers a master of science in electrical engineering (MSEE) that can be completed in as little as two years. Students choose from one of six concentrations: autonomous unmanned vehicles, communications and digital signal processing, computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronic navigation systems, and micro nano devices and systems. Each concentration comes with its own tailored curriculum of six to seven classes and three electives. The program consists of 36 credits and costs approximately $1,079 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and computer engineering (ECE) involves the interplay between computers and machines, and has applications in power generation, robotics, motors, lasers, and medical devices.

The University of Arizona has an online master of science (MS) in electrical and computer engineering perfect for working engineers who want to take on a more design-oriented role. Students may choose to specialize in one of the following areas: high-performance computing; digital signal processing, communications, and control; computer networks; software engineering and artificial intelligence; detection and estimation; holography and diffractive optics; simulation modeling and heterogeneous systems design; or wireless communications and networks. The 30-credit program takes two years to complete, and costs $995 per credit-hour.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nanoengineering

Nanoengineering deals with the design, production, and use of materials that fall on the nanoscale (one-billionth of a meter), with major applications in computing, medicine, and manufacturing.

North Carolina State has an online master of nanoengineering (MNAE) that gives students who already have an engineering background a fundamental understanding of nanoscale materials, devices, and systems. Core classes cover topics such as: conventional and emerging nanomanufacturing techniques; mechanical properties of nanostructured materials; nanoscale simulations and modeling; wearable biosensors; nanobiotechnology; and colloid science and nanoengineering. The 30-credit program can be completed in two years and costs approximately $446 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Power Systems Engineering

Power systems engineering involves the creation, transport, and use of electric power.

The Northeastern University College of Engineering has a master of science (MS) in energy systems for those pursuing an industrial or public planning career. Required courses include economic decision making; fundamentals of energy system integration; mathematical models for mechanical engineers; and the foundations of accounting and finance.

Students then select four classes from the following list: power systems analysis; engineering project management; engineering probability and statistics; environmental issues in manufacturing and product use; solar thermal engineering; general thermodynamics; and deterministic operations research. The 36-credit program costs $50,200 per academic year and may be completed within two years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering Management

Engineering management applies business and leadership skills like organization, administration, and problem-solving to the field of engineering.

ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering offers an online master of engineering (MEng) in engineering management that can be completed in 18 months. Courses include topics such as information systems engineering; simulating stochastic systems; applied deterministic operations research; strategic technology management; engineering administration; and financial engineering. Elective cover areas such as software, supply chains, reliability, and entrepreneurship. The program consists of 30 credits and costs approximately $929 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is focused on optimizing production in manufacturing and other fields.

North Carolina State University has an online master of industrial engineering (MIE) degree that is regarded as one of the best in the nation. Core classes cover topics such as manufacturing process engineering, modeling and analysis of supply chains, and logistics engineering. Students also need to complete breadth requirements through classes like systems analysis, production systems, and human factors and economics. The 33-credit program costs $43,300 per academic year and may be completed in two years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Materials Engineering

Materials engineering involves the discovery, design, and manipulation of materials, in particular solids (metals, minerals) and synthetics (plastics).

North Carolina State University has a master of materials science and engineering (MMSE) degree that can be completed online. Courses include ceramic processing; the thermodynamics of materials; phase transformations and kinetics; processing of metallic materials; material forensics and degradation; defects in solids; and polymer technology and engineering. As a 30-credit program, it costs approximately $39,400 per academic year, and students can graduate in two years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering designs and operates machines through the use of materials science, mechanics, electricity, and thermodynamics.

The University of Washington College of Engineering offers a master of science in mechanical engineering degree that can be taken either with a thesis option or as a purely coursework-based curriculum. Students may choose to concentrate in one of several different areas: biomechanics; controls, mechatronics, and robotics; dynamics and vibrations; energy; fluid mechanics and microfluidics; or mechanics, materials, and engineering.

Core courses cover numerical analysis and engineering analysis, while electives come from one of the concentration areas or an interdisciplinary field such as other engineering disciplines, mathematical and computational sciences, physical sciences, or approved biological sciences. The program consists of 42 credits, costs $985 per credit, and may be completed in as few as five quarters, if taken full-time.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear engineering involves the fission and fusion of atomic nuclei, with major applications in energy creation, radiation analysis, and medical devices.

Kansas State University’s Global Campus offers a master of science in nuclear engineering that can be completed entirely online. Coursework includes areas of focus such as: Prb/PRA and fire safety; PRb/Gen IV reactor design; nuclear reactor theory; radiation protection and shielding; neutronics; intermediate radiation measurement applications; and engineering analysis. The 30-credit program costs approximately $858 per credit and may be completed in two years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Robotics Engineering

Drawing from computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, robotics engineering designs and develops the various component systems in robots.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s online master of science in robotics engineering is the first of its kind in the nation. Foundation classes cover robot dynamics, robot control, and the foundations of robotics. Students may also add a specialization in autonomous vehicles.

Core classes include subjects such as: advanced robotics (parallel and walking mechanisms); deep learning for advanced robot perception; deep reinforcement learning; and project management. The 30-credit program can be completed in approximately two years and costs $1,408 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Safety Engineering

Closely tied to industrial engineering, safety engineering uses engineering processes to reduce risks in manufacturing and design.

Texas A&M University’s Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering offers a master of science in safety engineering administered by the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center.

Core classes cover the following subjects: process safety engineering; industrial safety engineering; quantitative risk analysis; fire protection engineering; and statistics. Electives include system safety engineering, industrial hygiene, and interdisciplinary classes. The non-thesis option of the 36-credit program costs approximately $1,280 per credit-hour and can be completed in two years.

Online Master’s Degrees in Systems Engineering

Related to engineering management, systems engineering addresses the logistics, reliability, coordination, and optimization of complex systems.

George Mason University’s Volgenau School of Engineering has a master of science in systems engineering that can be completed entirely online. Core classes include systems engineering principles; system definition and cost modeling; system design and integration; system management and evaluation; and system methodology and marketing.

Students then complete four courses in one of four areas of concentration: architecture-based systems integration (ABSI); systems engineering analysis (SEA); systems engineering of software-intensive systems (SESI); or systems management (SMG). The 30-credit program costs approximately $1,347 per credit and can be completed in two years.