Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in VA
A master’s degree can help engineers further develop their skills and attain a higher degree of specialization. Graduate studies can also enhance an engineer’s employability, salary prospects, and management opportunities. Here are two online master’s degrees in engineering from VA-based schools.
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering – Virginia Tech Online
At Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, students can pursue an online MS degree in ocean engineering that is concentrated on naval ship design and related topics. Students will have the option to choose from a thesis and a non-thesis track. The program involves the same courses and is taught by the same faculty members as Virginia Tech’s on-campus classes.
This 30-credit hour program includes courses in advanced naval architecture, boundary layer theory, advanced dynamics of high-speed craft, vehicle structures, advanced ship structural analysis, advanced aero and hydrodynamics, and advanced ship dynamics.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree, typically in mathematics, physics, or engineering from an accredited institution, a grade point average of 3.0, official transcripts, statement of interest, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL scores for international applicants. GRE scores are also required (can be waived for students who have significant work experience).
- Location: Blacksburg, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
- Estimated Tuition: Virginia resident ($842.50 per credit); non-Virginia resident ($1,642.25 per credit)
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering – Old Dominion University
Engineers can also consider an online M.S. (or M.S. in engineering) degree in aerospace engineering from Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Students in this program will learn about designing and analyzing the systems that are used in aeronautics, astronautics, and aerospace.
Comprising 30 credits, the program includes courses such as computational fluid dynamics, flight mechanics, flight vehicle aerodynamics, ground vehicle aerodynamics, introduction to gas dynamics, aerospace structures, and advanced classical thermodynamics, among others.
To get accepted into the program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, or any other closely related discipline, an overall grade point average of 3.0, GRE scores (can be waived off), and English language proficiency requirements for non-native speakers of English.
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for rewarding and challenging employment in government agencies, consulting firms, research organizations, and high-technology industries. They can take up roles such as aerospace engineers, aerospace engineering and operations technicians, aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers, and aviation inspectors.
- Location: Norfolk, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
- Estimated Tuition: Virginia Residents ($551 per credit); Out-of-state Students ($595 per credit)
Master of Science in Engineering Management – Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online master of science in engineering management program helping students develop advanced engineering knowledge and business skills needed for navigating and overcoming the challenges in leading an engineering focussed business. Students in this program will have the option to choose between leadership and project management areas of study.
Comprising 30 credit-hours, the program includes courses such as systems engineering, law for engineers, operations management, strategic planning, risk management, and quality management, among others.
For admission to the program, applicants need a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, a grade point average of 3.0, official college transcripts, and proof of English proficiency for international students.
Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work as cost systems analysts, engineering project managers, engineering analysts, and processing engineers.
- Location: Lynchburg, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
- Estimated Tuition: $565 per credit
Master of Science in Systems Engineering – George Mason University
George Mason University offers a 100 percent online master of science in the systems engineering program preparing students for a professional career working with large complex systems of the future. This program is ideal for engineers who are looking to attain technical leadership positions and for those who are preparing for a career in the designing, development, and management of large complex systems.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, engineering, computer science, economics, physical sciences, or a related field, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended, educational and professional goals statement, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume. GRE scores are required only for students who do not have a US bachelor’s degree.
Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as systems engineering principles, system definition & cost modeling, system design and integration, system management and evaluation, and system methodology and modeling.
Many of the leading IT-based companies, as well as engineering consulting firms, defense contractors, aerospace developers, software developers, and informatics & communication companies, need systems engineers (SEs).
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
- Estimated Tuition: Virginia residents ($797 per credit); non-VA residents ($1,575 per credit)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University offers an online master of science in mechanical and nuclear engineering degree providing students with a solid foundation of engineering knowledge that includes manufacturing and business aspects. They also gain advanced technical, problem-solving, and communication skills for professional development and lifelong learning.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent.
The program comprises 30 credits including courses such as mechanical and nuclear engineering analysis, mechanical and nuclear engineering continuum mechanics, and topics in nuclear engineering, among others.
Graduates will be able to apply advanced knowledge of science, engineering, or mathematics to engineering problems, communicate effectively, and identify, and solve engineering problems.
- Location: Richmond, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: Virginia resident, part-time ($1,052 per credit); non-resident, part-time ($2,163 per credit)
James Madison University
A master of science in information security program offered at James Madison University is a 100 percent distance-based program suitable for working professionals. This online program offers them the flexibility to interact and learn with expert faculty members and quality students, obtain feedback from faculty, and complete assignments.
Applicants to the program must submit a completed online graduate school application, a current resume, a personal statement, official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended, a brief personal statement, and official TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE test scores are optional but recommended.
Consisting of 33 credits, the program includes courses such as operating systems, computer security, secure programming, networks & network security, computer forensics, and ethics, law & policy in cyberspace.
The program opens up several opportunities for graduates. They can take up roles such as Chief Information Officer Security Engineer, Information Systems Security Engineer, Information Security Specialist, and many such roles.
- Location: Harrisonburg, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Five semesters
- Estimated Tuition: $775 per credit
