Impact of Covid-19 – How it’s Changed Testing Requirements in University Admissions

At the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, universities were forced to readjust their admissions requirements. Several standardized testing centers were closed down (where applicants would visit to take their GRE or GMAT scores). Face-to-face interviews were not possible and applicants were forced to submit applications without their testing scores.

This resulted in universities adding extra flexibility to their admission requirements. This flexibility included waiving GMAT or GRE test scores, transitioning to online admission, shifting application deadlines, and moving program start dates. Schools also started conducting virtual admission interviews and holding orientation events online.

This guide covers the best master’s programs in engineering that do not require submission of GMAT/GRE scores.

Online Masters Programs in Engineering with No GRE or GMAT Requirements

Arizona State University

Applicants to Arizona State University’s online master of engineering and engineering management must have a bachelor’s or master’s in computer engineering, or related subject from an accredited institute, a GPA of at least 3.0, official transcripts, and proof of proficiency in English.

The 30-credit program teaches students to use their technical skills to solve management problems. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are project management; financial engineering; information systems engineering; engineering administration; and web-enabled decision support systems. Along with theoretical knowledge, the program also provides practical opportunities to lead diverse teams, projects, and operations in engineering. Students learn how to manage tasks and teams to deliver successful projects.

A master’s in engineering management helps graduates become future leaders and problem-solvers through its unique blend of engineering and management courses. Graduates can pursue roles as engineering educators, architectural managers, engineering administrators, systems and software managers, and strategic technology developers.

  • Location: Tempe, Arizona
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers an online master of civil engineering as well as a graduate certificate of civil engineering. Students can choose to complete the program entirely online or select the hybrid—i.e., online plus on-site—option. Experienced civil engineering professionals teach the classes. Applicants need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from an accredited bachelor’s or graduate degree in a technical discipline.

The program consists of ten courses spread over five years and explores topics in sustainable coastal engineering; mathematical methods for engineers; structural mechanics; applied finite element methods; design of ocean structures; structural dynamics; and wind engineering. Students will delve into earthquake engineering, marine geotechnical engineering, and the design of ocean structures. They also learn how to combat various environmental, social, and economic challenges.

The program equips students with modern engineering tools and techniques so that they can solve complex civil engineering problems. Their skills are applicable in many fields such as traffic planning, transportation, aerospace, architecture, sustainability, and geotechnical engineering.

  • Location: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Expected Time to Completion: within five years

Iowa State University

Iowa State University’s online master of engineering in engineering management helps students develop technical and business skills so that they can thrive in today’s fast-paced technology-driven world. It provides them with various practical opportunities such as managing design teams and solving technical problems. Students can complete the program online or on-campus on a full-time or part-time basis.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from an ABET-accredited engineering program, two years of experience in engineering, official transcripts, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

The 30-credit program is broken down into ten courses. Five are from ISU’s MBA program, and the other five are from the systems engineering program. Students are introduced to MBA topics such as marketing, financial valuation, accounting, strategic management in innovation, and professional responsibility in business. The engineering-focused courses include systems engineering project management; decision analysis in system design; engineering law; inventory control; and quality improvement. Graduates are prepared to take up leadership positions in engineering.

  • Location: Ames, Iowa
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers an online master of science in aerospace engineering. Along with video lectures, the program provides opportunities to interact with and learn from instructors and students all over the world. The entirely online program is ideal for students with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

Program requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if they do not have a degree from a U.S. university.

This master of engineering program provides students with the flexibility to select courses that best meet their career goals. Some of the classes they can choose from include: foundations of fluid dynamics; advanced engineering thermodynamics; heat transfer theory; mechanical design engineering; design of electromechanical systems; and hydrodynamic stability and transition. Students also have access to North Carolina’s virtual computing lab and bookstores.

  • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers an entirely online electrical engineering master’s program that is exceptionally well-suited for working professionals. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the university’s college of engineering is one of the best engineering schools in the nation.

Applicants to the program must submit official transcripts of their bachelor’s degree, a resume, a personal statement, and proof of a minimum GPA of 3.0. While GRE and GMAT scores are not a requirement, they can be submitted for consideration.

The 30-credit program explores probability theory, technology, research, and its applications. Students learn about the concepts of random variables, probability, time domain, stochastic processes, and engineering electromagnetics. They also gain knowledge of electronic communication systems, signal processing, control systems, and power systems.

The program opens up several opportunities for graduates in chemicals, electronic manufacturing, military, defense, transportation, power generation, bioengineering, consumer electronics, and scientific research.

  • Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Outside of the programs listed above, there are several other master’s programs in engineering without GMAT or GRE requirements, listed below.

Penn State University:

  • Engineering management
  • Acoustics
  • Additive manufacturing and design
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Systems engineering
  • Software engineering

University of Massachusetts Lowell:

  • Engineering Management
  • Plastics Engineering

The University of Idaho:

  • Engineering management
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Geological engineering

Iowa State University:

  • Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Energy Systems Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Engineering

George Mason University:

  • Data analytics engineering
  • Systems engineering (waiver available)