The Best Online Engineering Master’s Universities

Offering 19 fully online master’s degrees in engineering, Johns Hopkins University is ranked as one of the best online engineering master’s universities. Though the programs can be completed fully online, students can also choose other modes of study, including on-site and hybrid, for most specializations. Working professionals looking to advance their knowledge and focus their studies can choose from the following programs:

• Applied and Computational Mathematics
• Applied Biomedical Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Data Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Engineering and Science
• Environmental Planning and Management
• Financial Mathematics
• Healthcare Systems Engineering
• Information Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Space Systems Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Most degrees require 10 academically rigorous courses, and total program costs typically come in just under $46,000. General admission requirements for all programs include a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 grade point average, completion of specific prerequisite courses, and transcripts. Most programs do not require GRE scores, but be sure to check out the desired program for specific details.

Voted one of the best online colleges for earning your master’s in engineering, Cornell University’s Engineering Management Program offers its students flexibility and quality. All of the classes for the Master in Engineering Management degree at Cornell can be completed online, with the exception of two one-week intensive sessions that take place in August on the university’s Ithaca, New York campus. Classes are also offered asynchronously so students can complete lectures and assignments at their own pace, making it easy for working adults to fulfill their professional responsibilities while furthering their education. While tuition can be costly, running about $2,440 per credit, Cornell offers fellowship opportunities for qualifying master’s in engineering students that can help cover tuition costs. Students also need two years of work experience to apply.

Students in the Engineering Management Program will take courses such as:

• Project Management and Leadership
• Managing a Culture of Innovation
• Economics and Finance for Engineering Managers

Additionally, students will choose two elective courses, which span topics like Design Thinking for Complex Systems and Negotiations and Contracts for Engineering Management Managing Operations.

With nearly 40 online master’s degrees available, it’s easy to understand why the University of Southern California (USC) ranks as one of the best online engineering master’s universities. While students have the option to pursue master’s degrees in engineering fields ranging from astronautical engineering to financial engineering to green technologies, USC is also unique in that it offers students several dual engineering degree paths, including:

• Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management
• Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management

Students enrolled in either the traditional or dual master’s programs can expect to complete their education in 1.5 to 3 years, depending on whether they are part-time or full-time students. Additionally, graduate engineering students pay about $2,148 per unit. USC does, however, accept financial aid and offers several veteran and active military programs to help with costs.

Ranked as one of the best, and best value online engineering colleges, Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) has several master’s in engineering degree paths for students to choose from. Program options range from a mix of professional master’s degrees to Master of Science degrees. The online professional master’s degrees include:

• Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering
• Professional Master’s in Manufacturing Leadership.

The online Master of Science programs offered include:

• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
• Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering
• Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

While both of the professional master’s degrees are taught in a hybrid format, meaning they have both online and in-person requirements, the Master of Science degrees can be earned 100% online. The professional master’s degrees consist of 10 courses, or 30 credits, and cost around $1,100 per credit. The course requirements for the Master of Science degrees vary, but online students can expect to pay around $1,100 per credit as well.

Vanderbilt University, one of the best online universities for earning an engineering master’s degree, offers two online programs for students hoping to earn an advanced engineering degree. Both the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management can be taken completely online and completed in as little as 12 months. These 30-credit degrees offer live weekly courses, allowing students to network and collaborate with their peers and professors online.

The engineering management degree caters to experienced professionals interested in adding management skills to their engineering and tech knowledge. Students in this program will take courses like:

• Technology Forecasting
• Program and Project Management
• IP for Engineers and Scientists

The computer science degree applies computer science to software engineering concepts, preparing students to contribute to innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges. Courses in this program will focus on areas like:

• Cybersecurity
• Software and systems engineering
• Computer science theory
• Intelligent systems

The cost for either of these two programs is about $2,087 per credit.

Ranked as one of the best value and overall best online universities for earning an engineering master’s degree, the University of Texas at Austin helps students further their engineering career goals with several highly-regarded advanced degree programs. The University of Texas at Austin offers two advanced engineering degrees online, though the format of each degree is different.

The Master of Science in Engineering Management is available online but in a synchronous format, meaning students are expected to attend classes at a specific time. The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree, however, is offered in an asynchronous format, meaning students can log in to classes during a time that’s convenient for them. Mechanical engineering students will take classes such as:

• Applied Thermodynamics
• Introduction to Automation Control
• Engineering Economics
• Engineering management students will complete courses such as:
• Marketing and Negotiation
• Engineering Operations Management
• Managing People and Organizations

Both degrees require the completion of 30 credits and consist of 10 courses. Students in the engineering management program can expect to pay about $4,600 per class, while mechanical engineering students pay about $4,200 per class.

Students can their engineering master’s degree online through George Washington University (GWU), which is ranked as one of the best online colleges for this degree. At GWU, students have six degree paths to choose from, including additional specializations:

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
• Specialization in Electrical Power and Energy
• Specialization in Communications and Networks
• Master of Science in Engineering Management
• Master of Science in Systems Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy
• Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
• Master of Engineering in Cloud Computing Management

The majority of these degrees consist of 30 credits and take about two years to complete, while both the engineering management and systems engineering programs require 36 credits to graduate and can take up to three years to complete. All degrees are offered 100% online and range in cost from about $975 to $1,075 per credit. Course requirements vary greatly from one of these degree programs to the next, though each program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends foundational knowledge with career-preparation training.

Noted as one of the best online and best value colleges for earning your master’s degree in engineering, Florida State University (FSU) offers students two types of master’s in engineering degrees along with additional specializations:

• Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
• Specialization in Structural Engineering
• Specialization in Construction and Infrastructure Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering

Core courses for civil engineering students include Sustainable and Green Engineering, Site Development, and Air Pollution Control. Core courses for systems engineering students include Systems Test and Evaluation, Cost Estimating for Engineering Economic Analysis, and Design Considerations for Systems Engineering. Additionally, each program offers several elective courses for students to choose from.

Both of these degree programs consist of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 18 months, though students can take longer if needed. Tuition costs average about $444 per credit for in-state students and $1,075 per credit for out of state. However, scholarship opportunities can lower the cost for non-resident students significantly.

Syracuse University, ranked as one of the best colleges for earning an engineering master’s degree online, offers its engineering students four Master of Science degree paths through their College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students can earn the following advanced degrees online:

• Master of Science in Computer Engineering
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity
• Master of Science in Engineering Management

While three of the degrees require 30 credits for graduation, the engineering management degree consists of 33 credits as well as a zero-credit exit paper. The required credits for each degree are a combination of core and elective courses that are unique to their field of study.

Online master’s students at Syracuse University pay $1,683 per credit. However, students also have the option to apply for scholarships and, if applicable, take part in the Employer Sponsorship program.

Ranked as one of the best online schools to receive a master’s degree in engineering, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) offers its students top-notch learning for four different master’s in engineering degree paths. Students hoping to earn their master’s degree online can choose from the following options:

• Master of Engineering
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science in Systems and Control Engineering.

While each of these master’s programs has a different focus and course requirements, students of the Case School of Engineering may earn any of these 30-credit degrees fully online. Those earning a Master of Engineering degree are required to choose from four different concentrations and will not have to complete a thesis. Additionally, CWRU offers two unique scholarship options for master’s of engineering students to help cover the cost of tuition. All qualified applicants can automatically receive a $19,000 scholarship, which is applied directly to tuition costs, and alumni of CWRU may be eligible to receive an additional $3,900 scholarship as well.

Students looking to earn an advanced degree in engineering can attend Lehigh University (LU), ranked one of the best online engineering colleges for earning a master’s degree. This school offers seven different engineering fields of study at the master’s level, some of which allow students to choose between earning a Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree. At LU, students can pursue the following degrees online:

• Master of Engineering in Biological Chemical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Chemical Energy Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Healthcare Systems Engineering
• Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Management Science and Engineering
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Polymer Science and Engineering

The degree programs consist of 27-31 credits and costs $1,500 per credit. Additionally, students have the unique opportunity to participate in the MBA + E program, a 45-credit program where students can simultaneously earn a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Engineering degree in one of the following four concentrations:

• Chemical Engineering
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering
• Management Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Ranked as one of the best valued and overall best online engineering master’s degrees, North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers 16 engineering-related master’s programs:

• Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
• Master of Civil Engineering
• Master of Science in Computer Engineering
• Master of Science in Computer Networking
• Master of Computer Science
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
• Master of Science in Electric Power Systems Engineering
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Environmental Engineering
• Master of Industrial Engineering
• Master of Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering
• Master of Materials Science and Engineering
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Nanoengineering
• Master of Nuclear Engineering

Programs range from 30-33 credits, and none require a thesis. Residents of North Carolina can expect to pay just under $450 per credit hour. Students pursuing the online master’s in chemical engineering degree will take courses like Transport Phenomena and Advances in Pollution Prevention. Students in the nanoengineering program can choose a concentration in materials science in nanoengineering, nanoelectronics and nanophotonics, or biomedical sciences in nanoengineering.

Texas A & M University – College Station stands out as one of the best value, most affordable, and best colleges for pursuing a master’s degree online in engineering. Students looking to earn an advanced degree in engineering will have 12 options to choose from at Texas A & M:

• Master of Engineering in Aerospace
• Master of Engineering in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
• Master of Engineering Technical Management
• Master of Industrial Distribution
• Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Engineering (Subsea Engineering)
• Master of Science in Safety Engineering
• Master of Science in Engineering Management

Each of these degrees requires a minimum of 30 credits to graduate, and some offer both a thesis and non-thesis option. Remote student tuition is determined based on each course, with fees ranging from $40 to $550 per credit.

Students hoping to pursue their engineering master’s degree online at Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT) will have numerous options to choose from. Ranked one of the best online colleges for earning an advanced degree, Stevens offers 11 online master’s programs in the following engineering categories:

• Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Engineering
• Construction Management
• Electrical Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Robotics
• Financial Engineering
• Engineering Management
• Software Engineering
• Space Systems Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Some programs also allow students to select specializations for their degree. While the degree program requirements vary greatly, students can expect to complete about 30 credits to graduate. Additionally, full-time online students, or those taking 9-12 credits, pay about $19,000 per semester. Students who take classes part-time pay about $1,700 per credit. Graduate students may also apply for scholarships or, if applicable, take advantage of the Employer Sponsored Tuition Assistance Programs. Depending on their chosen degree field, SIT graduates may be ready to pursue jobs like robotics engineers, project managers, pharmaceutical engineers, and aerospace engineers.

University of Central Florida Master’s Degree

Ranked as one of the best value, most affordable, and best online engineering master’s universities, the University of Central Florida offers multiple advanced engineering degrees. Working professionals can choose one of the following Master of Science degrees from the College of Engineering and Computer Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Smart Cities
• Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Transportation
• Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural
• Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources
• Engineering Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Healthcare Systems Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Students in the aerospace engineering program can choose guidance control and dynamics, space systems design, or thermofluid aerodynamic systems design and engineering as their focused track. Those in the industrial engineering program can choose from six concentrations:

• Human systems engineering/ergonomics
• Interactive simulation and training systems
• Operations research
• Quality systems engineering
• Simulation modeling and analysis
• Systems engineering

Though tuition for both resident and non-resident graduate students is the same, $288.16 per credit hour, non-resident students also have a fee of a little over $780 that is applied to each credit.

Engineering professionals looking to advance their careers can earn a graduate degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which is ranked as one of the best online engineering master’s universities. With 11 master’s degrees to choose from, prospective students can find the program that best suits their educational and career goals. These fully online degrees include:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Fire Protection Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Material Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Power Systems Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Systems Engineering Leadership

Most programs are 30 credit hours, and tuition for online graduate students is a little over $1,600 per credit. Students in the power systems program will take courses grounded in the fundamental topics of power engineering, and electives will highlight management, science, and engineering. The robotics engineering program prioritizes experimentation, and will prepare graduates for the technical, social, and ethical challenges of robotics. Graduate courses for the aerospace engineering program will focus on five areas:

• Fluid dynamics
• Propulsion and energy
• Flight dynamics and controls
• Materials and structures
• General aerospace engineering topics

Professionals looking to advance their knowledge and career goals can earn their master’s in engineering from the University at Buffalo, ranked as one of the best online and best value master’s in engineering universities. Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management fully online.

The program’s flexible schedule allows students to study part- or full-time and can be completed in as little as one year. This 30-credit program delves into topics such as production planning, process improvement, and sustainable manufacturing. Tuition and fees for an online, in-state graduate student are just over $6,500. For online, non-resident students, tuition and fees amount to a little over $7,600.

After completing the degree, graduates can qualify for diverse leadership positions, including,

• Engineering project manager
• Senior lead analyst
• Cost systems analyst
• Construction management engineer
• Industrial management engineer

Ranked as one of the best online engineering master’s universities, Florida International University makes earning your graduate degree simple. Each master’s program is 30 credits, and there is no GRE requirement. Florida International University awards a Master of Science in Computer Engineering: Network Security, a Master of Science in Logistics Engineering, and a Master of Science in Engineering Management with the following specialized tracks:

• Systems Engineering
• Quality Engineering and Management
• Production and Manufacturing
• Logistics Engineering
• General
• Enterprise Systems
• Engineering Entrepreneurship
• Construction Management

Each degree program has flexible enrollment, and tuition for each program is $25,000. The MS in Computer Engineering: Network Security takes 10 months to complete, and is distributed across six 8-week terms. The MS in Engineering Management – Enterprise Systems Track prepares students for SAP certification. Florida International University has also been regarded as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

At Liberty University (LU), ranked one of the best online colleges for earning a master’s degree in engineering, students can earn a Master of Science in Engineering Management in just one year. This degree also allows students to choose from two specializations, Leadership or Project Management. While the Leadership path trains students to build successful project teams, the Project Management path is geared toward students who want to use new approaches to strategically manage small- and large-scale projects. In this 30-credit degree, students can choose from classes that include:

• Operations Management
• Systems Engineering
• Risk Management
• Quality Management

These courses give students the chance to blend research, best practices, theory, and management strategies to help round out their engineering management knowledge and skills.

Tuition for full-time students is $565 per credit, while part-time students pay $615. However, military master’s students pay a discounted rate of $275 per credit, and all students have the option to transfer up to 18 credits.

Students pursuing their advanced engineering degree remotely can attend the University of Delaware, which is ranked one of the best colleges to earn a master’s degree online. Students at the University of Delaware can choose from three online engineering degree programs:

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Each of these 30-credit degrees is offered fully online; however, the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program also has a hybrid option for students who want to take both online and in-person classes. Additionally, the mechanical engineering degree offers a thesis option, which allows students to take 24 credits of graduate-level courses plus six master’s thesis credits. While the cybersecurity and the electrical and computer engineering degrees run just under $1,240 per credit, the mechanical engineering degree is a bit cheaper, at $1,100 per credit. The University of Delaware also offers several scholarship opportunities to help cover costs.