Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering
More students seek online master’s in engineering degrees than ever. The ability to work and study likely contributes to the trend, as do increasing employer expectations. Because much of an engineer’s hands-on practical training takes place at the undergraduate level, online engineering master’s degrees are more prevalent than bachelor’s degrees.
Graduate programs build upon one’s undergraduate studies, deepening students’ understanding of the field and preparing them to advance their careers. A few of California’s online engineering master’s degrees include:
Arizona State University |
Electrical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
Arizona State University |
Mechanical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
ECPI University |
Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
ECPI University |
Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
University of Tennessee, Knoxville |
Online MS - Computer Science (No GRE Required) | Visit Site |
Grand Canyon University |
BS - Information Technology | 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 |
University of West Alabama |
Computer Engineering Technology (BS) | Visit Site |
Online MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics – Stanford University
Stanford University’s online engineering programs offer the prestige of Stanford education with the flexibility and accessibility of online education. Its MS in aeronautics and astronautics is ideal for working professionals attending on a part-time basis. Full-time options are also available.
Core classes fall into one of five specializations: fluids, structures, propulsion, experimentation, and guidance and control; math courses and electives round out the curriculum. According to Stanford, most part-time students complete the 45-unit program in three to five years; five years is the maximum period allowed.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must either hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university. Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. Application requirements include a completed online application, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and official TOEFL scores for international students.
- Campus Location: Palo Alto
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (12 to 24 months); part-time (36 to 60 months)
- Required campus visits: Minimal campus visits required
Online MS in Biomedical Engineering – University of Southern California
The University of Southern California’s online engineering programs are highly regarded: the US News & World Report ranked USC at #8 in the nation in 2024 among the best online master’s in engineering programs. According to USC, the online MS in Biomedical Engineering program aims to provide a broad background in the field—one ideal for students entering interdisciplinary medical technology careers or doctoral studies. The program can be completed with or without a thesis.
Made up of 28 credits, the program includes core courses such as advanced topics in biomedical systems; integration of medical imaging systems; physiological control systems; advanced studies of the nervous system; signal and systems analysis; analog integrated circuit design; and more.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related discipline, electronic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students whose first language is not English.
At the end of the program, graduates will be able to pursue opportunities in the areas of bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, pharmaceuticals, orthopedic surgery, and systems physiology.
- Campus Location: Los Angeles
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Required campus visits: None
Online MS in Engineering – University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA’s graduate-level online engineering programs are perhaps among the most prestigious in the United States: the US News & World Report ranked them 1st nationally in 2024 among the best engineering schools.
Though this program leads to an MS in engineering, most students choose one of five major specializations: electrical engineering; computer science; materials science and engineering; civil and environmental engineering; and mechanical and aerospace engineering. Additional programs include system engineering, engineering management, reliability engineering, and mechanics of structures.
Note that UCLA also offers several online engineering graduate certificates. Most students complete programs within two years, including two summer sessions, but are allowed to do so within three. Students can learn more about each specialty track on the UCLA website.
This program offers highly qualified engineers the advantages and accessibility of a fully online master’s program. Students will be able to strengthen their knowledge of industry and technology while maintaining prior outside commitments.
Applicants to the program require a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, mathematics, or physics, a grade point average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, GRE test scores (can be waived), and TOEFL/ or IELTS scores for international applicants.
- Campus Location: Los Angeles
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Required campus visits: None