Duration of a Master's Degree in Engineering - Full-Time & Part-Time Programs

Find schools

Current degree is required

Specialization is required

State is required

*sponsored

The short answer is it depends! Most master’s degree programs require approximately 12 to 24 months to complete and some dual-degree engineering master’s programs require up to 36 months.

Survey results published by the U.S. News & World Report (2021) show that 55.4 percent of students completed a two-year master’s degree program in engineering within three years. The time required to earn a master’s degree in engineering depends on several factors: the type of engineering specialization, part-time or full-time enrollment, accelerated or traditional timelines, on-campus or online course delivery formats, and single or dual-degree programs.

For those who enjoy solving problems while putting their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills to use, an engineering career is a sound investment of time and resources. While most entry-level engineering positions require a bachelor’s degree (BLS 2020), pursuing a master’s degree in an engineering field makes practical and financial sense.

Engineering professionals wanting to specialize in a specific area have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a research-based or professional performance-based master’s degree program which can bolster their qualifications and enable them to take on more subject-specific projects in leadership as their careers grow.

Read on to learn more about the types of master’s degrees, part- and full-time options, accelerated and traditional timelines, dual-degree combinations, on-campus and online degree programs, specialization areas, and engineering program accreditation.

--<-->sb1=bach,mrs---->mrs--If--T1==ee,mgmt,se,sys,indus--Select `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.*, `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.* FROM `wp_oep_sb_school_data` JOIN `wp_oep_sb_program_details` ON `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.s_id = `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.s_id WHERE `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_degree = 'mrs' AND (`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'bach' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,bach,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'bach,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,bach' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'mrs' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,mrs,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'mrs,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,mrs') AND ( `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'ee' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,ee,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'ee,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,ee' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'mgmt' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,mgmt,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'mgmt,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,mgmt' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'se' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,se,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'se,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,se' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'sys' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,sys,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'sys,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,sys' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'indus' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,indus,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'indus,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,indus' ) AND `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.s_active = 'Yes'AND `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_active = 'yes' ORDER BY CASE `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.s_id WHEN 11 THEN 1 WHEN 11 THEN 2 WHEN 11 THEN 3 WHEN 11 THEN 4 WHEN 11 THEN 5 WHEN 10 THEN 6 WHEN 85 THEN 7 WHEN 30 THEN 8 WHEN 10 THEN 9 WHEN 85 THEN 10 WHEN 87 THEN 11 WHEN 92 THEN 12 WHEN 9 THEN 13 WHEN 36 THEN 14 WHEN 89 THEN 15 WHEN 37 THEN 16 WHEN 20 THEN 17 WHEN 20 THEN 18 WHEN 83 THEN 19 WHEN 5 THEN 20 WHEN 9 THEN 21 WHEN 36 THEN 22 WHEN 7 THEN 23 WHEN 39 THEN 24 WHEN 40 THEN 25 WHEN 8 THEN 26 WHEN 30 THEN 27 WHEN 42 THEN 28 WHEN 42 THEN 29 WHEN 82 THEN 30 WHEN 43 THEN 31 WHEN 44 THEN 32 WHEN 45 THEN 33 WHEN 43 THEN 34 WHEN 46 THEN 35 WHEN 44 THEN 36 WHEN 47 THEN 37 WHEN 45 THEN 38 WHEN 48 THEN 39 WHEN 46 THEN 40 WHEN 49 THEN 41 WHEN 47 THEN 42 WHEN 50 THEN 43 WHEN 48 THEN 44 WHEN 51 THEN 45 WHEN 49 THEN 46 WHEN 52 THEN 47 WHEN 50 THEN 48 WHEN 53 THEN 49 WHEN 51 THEN 50 WHEN 54 THEN 51 WHEN 52 THEN 52 WHEN 55 THEN 53 WHEN 53 THEN 54 WHEN 56 THEN 55 WHEN 54 THEN 56 WHEN 57 THEN 57 WHEN 55 THEN 58 WHEN 58 THEN 59 WHEN 56 THEN 60 WHEN 59 THEN 61 WHEN 57 THEN 62 WHEN 60 THEN 63 WHEN 58 THEN 64 WHEN 61 THEN 65 WHEN 59 THEN 66 WHEN 62 THEN 67 WHEN 60 THEN 68 WHEN 63 THEN 69 WHEN 61 THEN 70 WHEN 64 THEN 71 WHEN 62 THEN 72 WHEN 65 THEN 73 WHEN 63 THEN 74 WHEN 66 THEN 75 WHEN 64 THEN 76 WHEN 67 THEN 77 WHEN 65 THEN 78 WHEN 68 THEN 79 WHEN 66 THEN 80 WHEN 69 THEN 81 WHEN 67 THEN 82 WHEN 70 THEN 83 WHEN 68 THEN 84 WHEN 71 THEN 85 WHEN 69 THEN 86 WHEN 72 THEN 87 WHEN 70 THEN 88 WHEN 73 THEN 89 WHEN 71 THEN 90 WHEN 74 THEN 91 WHEN 72 THEN 92 WHEN 75 THEN 93 WHEN 73 THEN 94 WHEN 76 THEN 95 WHEN 74 THEN 96 WHEN 77 THEN 97 WHEN 75 THEN 98 WHEN 78 THEN 99 WHEN 76 THEN 100 WHEN 79 THEN 101 WHEN 77 THEN 102 WHEN 80 THEN 103 WHEN 78 THEN 104 WHEN 81 THEN 105 WHEN 79 THEN 106 WHEN 82 THEN 107 WHEN 80 THEN 108 WHEN 81 THEN 109 WHEN 6 THEN 110 WHEN 86 THEN 111 WHEN 94 THEN 112 WHEN 14 THEN 113 WHEN 93 THEN 114 WHEN 91 THEN 115 WHEN 90 THEN 116 WHEN 84 THEN 117 WHEN 88 THEN 118 WHEN 13 THEN 119 WHEN 41 THEN 120 WHEN 2 THEN 121 WHEN 38 THEN 122 WHEN 31 THEN 123 WHEN 32 THEN 124 WHEN 33 THEN 125 WHEN 34 THEN 126 WHEN 15 THEN 127 WHEN 26 THEN 128 WHEN 24 THEN 129 WHEN 22 THEN 130 WHEN 19 THEN 131 WHEN 3 THEN 132 WHEN 17 THEN 133 WHEN 27 THEN 134 WHEN 12 THEN 135 WHEN 16 THEN 136 WHEN 23 THEN 137 WHEN 28 THEN 138 WHEN 25 THEN 139 WHEN 29 THEN 140 WHEN 21 THEN 141 WHEN 1 THEN 142 WHEN 18 THEN 143 WHEN 4 THEN 144 WHEN 35 THEN 145 ELSE 99 END ASC, `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_name

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
Ohio University	Online MEM - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Ohio University	Online MSEE - Electrical Engineering	Visit Site
Purdue University Global	MSIT - Secure Software Development and QA	Visit Site
George Mason University	MS - Computer Science (No GRE/GMAT Required)	Visit Site
Sponsored

Types of Engineering Master’s Degrees

While there are several types of master’s degrees in engineering, most of them can be sorted into two distinct categories: practice-based or research-based degrees.

Master of engineering (MEng) degrees are practice-based and include an empirical independent project as part of the degree requirements. These degree programs typically can be completed in one year or less. Students in these programs do not typically pursue doctorate studies in engineering and instead go on to work in management positions related to engineering or as team leads for engineering projects.

Master of science (MS) degrees, by contrast, are research-based and typically call for a research thesis as part of the terminal degree requirements. Students in these programs have the option of pursuing doctoral studies and often require 18 to 24 months to complete their master’s degree.

Other master’s degrees in engineering include:

Master of aerospace engineering (MSAE)
Master of civil engineering (MSCE)
Master of chemical engineering (MChE)
Master of engineering management (MEM)
Master of science electrical and computer engineering (MSECE)
Master of software engineering (MSwE)

Part-Time vs. Full-Time Enrollment

These days, more and more on-campus and online degree programs are offering part- and full-time enrollment options to meet the diverse needs of today’s students. Part-time enrollment options allow students flexible scheduling to complete their degrees while maintaining employment in their current professions.

Part-time enrollment is reflective of the number of courses a student chooses to take in a semester, obviously fewer than that of full-time students. Colleges and universities may require that part-time students complete their degrees within a certain number of years.

Full-time enrollment indicates that a student is taking classes at the time-to-completion rate suggested by the academic department. Most master’s degree programs take approximately one to two years to complete in full-time formats.

An example of part-time and full-time enrollment would be as follows: if a master’s in engineering program reports its time-to-completion is 24 months and requires 32 credits to complete, students have two options for completing their degree. Full-time graduate students would take eight credits per semester and be able to finish their degree in four semesters or 24 months. Part-time graduate students taking less than eight credits per semester would complete their degree when all 32 credits are earned or before the completion deadline (typically eight years or less).

Accelerated vs. Traditional Engineering Degrees

Accelerated master’s programs are fast-tracked to allow students to complete their studies in 12 to 18 months—half of the time typically required in a traditional two- or three-year master’s degree program. Students who want to save time and money without sacrificing academic rigor are ideal applicants for accelerated degree programs.

Traditional program course formats are both on-campus and online and typically require coursework to be completed during summer semesters and, on occasion, nights and weekends. The intensive nature of traditional degree programs usually requires full-time enrollment.

Accelerated degree programs continue throughout the year, mostly with no breaks between academic years or even semesters. Bachelor’s degree programs can be earned in 12 to 18 months, while a master’s degree can be earned in 1 to 3 years. A master’s degree may be combined with a bachelor’s degree to earn two degrees in less time compared to traditional degree programs.

Dual-Degree Engineering Programs

Offering students the chance to apply credits earned toward two separate academic programs, dual-degree programs allow students to complete two degrees simultaneously. Dual-degree programs typically extend the average time-to-completion of graduate studies by one year or more, although it may be shorter than the two degrees separately.

Dual-degree programs include the combination of an undergraduate and a graduate degree or two graduate degrees. Combining an engineering degree with a degree such as an MBA allows students to apply credits earned from one course towards two degrees.

Full-time undergraduate students in dual-degree programs benefit from being able to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years, rather than six, and dual-degree graduate students can earn two degrees in three years as opposed to four. For students who want to save time and money, dual degrees allow “double-dipping” by earning course credit that counts towards two degrees rather than just one.

An example of a bachelor’s and master’s dual-degree program is the “PlusOne” accelerated master’s program at Northeastern University. Students enrolled in this dual degree program have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in eight different professional schools on campus, including the College of Engineering, and graduate with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as few as five years.

An example of a dual master’s degree program in engineering is the Wharton School of Business, which offers graduate students enrolled in the systems engineering degree program at the University of Pennsylvania the option of earning a second master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Students in these programs have the option of finishing a dual degree program in four or five semesters.

Dual degrees in engineering and business administration give students a competitive edge in searching for jobs with their combined technical and business leadership skills.

Other typical dual-degree combinations in engineering include:

Bachelor of Engineering (BE/BEng) and master of engineering (ME/MEng)
Master in engineering or systems engineering management (MEM/MSEM) and MBA
Master of Science (MS) and MBA

On-Campus and Online Engineering Degree Programs

In recent years educational institutions have followed economic trends and started offering online degrees in addition to on-campus degrees. Data from U.S. News and World Report shows that in today’s world where we are shaped by the COVID 19 pandemic, online delivery of education shined brightest in 2020. As many campuses closed down, colleges were made to shift their courses to remote delivery and were made to finish out their semester online.

Education experts believe that this sudden shift will further accelerate the growth of distance learning and will show its true potential. Due to this forced trial, experts say that colleges will now be looking forward to delivering more online offerings and will also be developing new degree programs.

If current trends hold, more students are opting to earn their degrees online to remain in their current jobs and avoid relocating themselves and their families. Online degree programs expand educational access for students who are unable or unwilling to disrupt their earning potential while completing their degree. A list of online engineering degrees can be found on this site’s online engineering degree programs page.

U.S. News & World Report in 2021 show the following trends to watch in online education:

Colleges will be adding new online programs.
Learning online will be increasingly data-driven.
Virtual reality will make it possible to offer hands-on programs online.
Better technological advances and course design will diminish the digital divide.
Badges, micro-credentials, and certificates will continue to grow.
Virtual programming and student spaces will expand.
Stackable online credentials are likely to become more popular.
Massive open online courses (MOOC) are on the rise.
Students will be making online learning their first choice.
More online learning options will require students to do their due diligence.

For students who live near a college or university, who can relocate, or who can attend classes in person, on-campus degree programs in engineering are also available from a variety of educational institutions.

Engineering Degree Specializations

The number of specializations available to prospective engineering students is vast and often combines well with other related fields in science and technology. Below is a list of some of the specializations available to students bound for graduate engineering programs.

Please note that some specializations may take longer than others to complete.

Aeronautical engineering
Biotechnology engineering
Civil engineering
Computer science engineering
Design and innovation engineering
Electrical engineering
Energy and sustainability engineering
Industrial engineering
Lean engineering
Mechanical engineering
Nanotechnology engineering
Nuclear engineering
Product design and development engineering
Robotics engineering
Systems engineering

So, How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering?

With all the information provided above, it is clear that a substantial amount of time commitment is required to earn a master’s in engineering. Programs mostly require a minimum of 30 credits and approximately two years of study (full-time).

Depending on the delivery structure and specialization, some programs may take three years, while some might take just one year to be completed. In certain cases, part-time students may be given up to six years for finishing their degree.

Several shorter programs usually focus on a very specific concentration or might also expect their students to apply for transfer credits towards their degree requirements. This tends to cut down the program duration even more.

Others might offer asynchronous courses which are presented in self-paced or accelerated formats. Students preferring a more structured experience might be interested in pursuing cohort-based programs, as these programs offer great faculty support but are generally longer in duration. As you go on to explore your course delivery methods and program options, it is essentially crucial to consider your career goals, personal preferences, and learning style.

Online Dual MBA/MSE Programs (MS in Engineering)

Upon completion of a dual MBA and engineering degree program, students will hold master’s degrees in two of the most coveted fields. They may be eligible to take up leadership roles such as vice president of engineering, chief technical officer, and chief operating officer.

Online Master’s Degree Programs in Operations Management

Operations management is an important cog in any business wheel. This role ensures that all products and services are produced and delivered on time; there is minimum wastage of resources; and quality is maintained across all units.

Online Master’s Degrees in Data Science

A master’s degree in data science trains students to expertly analyze data, as well as in other important disciplines such as machine learning, programming, database management, and data visualization. This degree is ideal for aspiring data scientists, data analysts, and pricing analysts.

Online Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering (EE) – MSEE, MSE

Electrical engineering is a field where professionals research, develop, and design various electrical components and systems. An online master’s degree can be valuable to students who wish to take up advanced positions in their career.

Online Master’s in Business Data Analytics

Businesses today have large amounts of data at their disposal, thanks to the increasing dependence on technology. The job of a data analyst is to dissect the information available, derive meaningful conclusions, and finally, help make sound business decisions. A master's degree in business data analytics helps students get on the fast track to a successful career as an analyst.