Online Engineering Schools in Massachusetts

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in MA

In general, the entry-level degree for a career in engineering is a bachelor’s. Here are two standout online bachelor’s programs in engineering from Massachusetts-based institutions.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Northeastern University

Northeastern University in Boston offers an online BS degree in information technology, which is one pathway to a career in computer or software engineering. The program helps students build their strengths across all areas of information technology with a challenge-based, experience-focused curriculum. Notably, the program has optional concentration options in analytics; applications development; computer programming; and systems administration and cybersecurity.

This 120-credit program covers courses on data structures and algorithms; software engineering and security; e-commerce systems; data warehousing technologies; mobile and wireless networking; web and mobile development; information security management; intermediate statistics for data analytics; and software vulnerabilities, among other core and elective classes.

  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Students at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell campus can pursue an online B.S. in information technology, as well. Offered through UMass Lowell’s Richard A. Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences, this program helps students build a strong foundation in IT languages and systems through their industry-responsive curriculum. Moreover, the program allows students to incorporate a specialization, such as networking and security; website design and development; or Java development, by completing an IT certificate in tandem with the degree program.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as introduction to information systems; principles of information security; introduction to operating systems; database management systems; website development; systems analysis and design; project-based information systems; discrete structures; and engineering and ethics.

  • Location: Lowell, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One to three years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in MA

For aspiring engineers interested in higher earning prospects or leadership positions in business or academia, pursuing a master’s degree is generally a requirement. Here are four distance-based online master’s degrees in MA.

Master of Science in Engineering Management – University of Massachusetts, Amherst

At the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus, students are able to pursue an online M.S. in engineering management that is a collaboration between the nationally ranked College of Engineering and the Isenberg School of Management. This 10-course program can be completed fully online or in a blended format, depending on a student’s preference.

Courses in this program include the principles of systems engineering; human factors design; business intelligence and analytics; prescriptive analytics; descriptive analytics; economic decision-making; network optimization; advanced production planning; and supply chain logistics.

  • Location: Amherst, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One to two years

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering – Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Students in Massachusetts can earn a distance-based MS degree in environmental engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Emphasizing emerging research and contemporary topics, this online program covers advanced water-quality topics such as analysis, water flow, treatment, chemistry, resource management, and hydraulics. Students who choose a thesis option can explore research topics such as impact and sustainability, contaminant transport, source water protection, and pollution prevention.

This program requires 33 credits to complete, including courses on the advanced principles of water treatment; water chemistry; geohydrology; biosystems in environmental engineering; industrial waste treatment; surface water quality modeling; multiphase contaminant transport; treatment system hydraulics; and advanced project management.

  • Location: Worcester, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Computer Science – Tufts University

Designed for futuristic thinkers with prior programming experience, this online master of science program from Tufts University prepares graduates to develop innovative solutions for digital challenges, offering access to cutting-edge course content and transformative learning experiences. Graduates through this program will be able to enhance their confidence and knowledge in several areas of computer science such as artificial intelligence, algorithms, networks and protocols, machine learning, computer security, database systems, and software engineering.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as operating systems; introduction to security; software engineering; algorithms; computation theory; database systems; web programming and engineering; introduction to machine learning; and reinforcement learning.

  • Location: Medford, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Computer Science – University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth also has an online master of science program in computer science that provides a deep and broad knowledge of computer science emphasizing software development. Students who have a bachelor of science program in a field other than computer science or computer engineering may be required to complete four fully online courses in computer science fundamentals that may be finished within one year. The GRE is recommended but not required.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as paradigmatic software development; database design; software system design; advanced bioinformatics; mobile robotics; algorithms and complexity; and neural computing.

  • Location: Dartmouth, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in MA

In addition to the online bachelor’s and master’s programs in engineering, there are four other distance-based engineering programs in Massachusetts to consider.

Associate degrees in Engineering – Massachusetts Bay Community College

Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley offers several online associate degrees in various subfields of engineering, including electrical/computer; mechanical/industrial, and engineering design all requiring approximately 62 to 66 credits. These two-year programs are designed to facilitate students’ transfer to four-year institutions and are available in a hybrid format with many courses offered online, although campus attendance is required for some classes.

  • Location: Wellesley Hills, MA; Framingham, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Certificate in Computer Assisted Manufacturing – University of Massachusetts, Lowell

At the University of Massachusetts, Lowell campus, students can pursue an online certificate in computer-assisted manufacturing. Designed for students with basic drawing experience who wish to expand their knowledge of the latest computer-aided design software applications, this online program prepares students for in-demand careers in the field.

This 12-credit program covers subjects such as computer-aided drafting; introduction to SolidWorks; introduction to Pro/ENGINEER; and computer-aided design.

  • Location: Lowell, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One year

Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering – Boston University’s Metropolitan College

Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers an online graduate certificate in software engineering, providing students with detailed understanding and hands-on practice to plan, analyze, and understand the design, requirements, implement, test, and deploy high-quality software applications. Emphasizing important principles and concepts in software design, this program allows students to develop technical prowess along with valuable management and soft skills.

This 16-credit program includes courses such as information technology project management; software quality, testing, and security management; software design and patterns; and software engineering.

  • Location: Brookline, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 8 months to one year

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering – Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s graduate certificate in systems engineering will provide students with a solid foundation in the discipline, allowing them to develop a range of technical skills to better implement and design complex systems.

This 18-credit program includes courses such as concepts of systems engineering; systems architecture and design; systems integration, verification, and validation; engineering dependable and secure systems; design of software systems; applied statistics for engineers and scientists; and model-based systems engineering.

Notably, this online graduate certificate requires a BS in engineering from an ABET-accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Location: Worcester, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One year

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

The lure of a lucrative salary and relative job security into the future attract many people to the field of engineering. Prior to enrolling in an online program, however, aspiring engineers are strongly advised to ask the following questions about their schools of interest:

  • Can the distance-based engineering program be completed on a part-time basis?
  • How long does the online program generally take? Can students take breaks and resume studying later on?
  • Does the school provide job placement services after graduation or other student support services?
  • Are students allowed to complete practical experience credits in their home communities? Is campus attendance required during the program?

Additionally, prospective students are advised to apply to programs that are accredited and have appropriate “state authorization” status.

Accreditation

Accreditation—a program- or institution-based approval from a recognized authority—is often used as a proxy for academic quality. Also, graduating from an accredited engineering school has significant benefits. For example, many graduate schools only accept applicants with a degree from an accredited program, and financial aid organizations may offer money only to students who plan on attending a program with proper accreditation.

However, not all accreditation bodies carry the same weight. Applicants are encouraged to find programs that have received accreditation through an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which can be offered at a national, regional, or programmatic level. Some of the recognized accreditation bodies include:

National accreditation

  • Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
  • Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
  • Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Regional accreditation

  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Programmatic accreditation

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

State Authorization

State authorization status is also an important consideration for individuals interested in applying to an online engineering program in Massachusetts. Online schools based in one state may offer their programs only to students from approved states; sometimes, when there’s a mismatch between a student’s state of residence and where the program is located, they’re unable to enroll. Generally, students can find this information on a school’s website (e.g., University of Massachusetts, Amherst). For schools that don’t have their state authorization status readily available, students are encouraged to contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs in MA

The application process for online engineering programs in Massachusetts is typically identical to an on-campus counterpart. These are the common application requirements for online programs in engineering at different levels.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

  • Application and fee
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Competitive GPA (e.g., >2.5 or 3.0)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • A personal essay

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

  • Application and fee (NOTE: Some programs require separate applications to the graduate school and the Department of Engineering)
  • An undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field
  • Competitive GPA, typically >3.0
  • GRE scores
  • A personal essay
  • Two or more letters of recommendation

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

  • Application and fee
  • An engineering bachelor’s degree
  • CV or resume
  • Two or more letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose

Please note that some online engineering programs have additional requirements such as school-specific tests, portfolio reviews, or candidate interviews.