The Best Online Master’s in Systems Engineering

The Top 11 Best Online Master's in Systems Engineering
RankSchoolLocationScore
#1Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York99
#2Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, Maryland99
#3University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California93
#4Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, Pennsylvania88
#5George Washington UniversityWashington, District of Columbia87
#6North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, North Carolina86
#7Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, Ohio84
#8Florida State UniversityTallahassee, Florida83
#9Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, Missouri80
#10University of Central FloridaOrlando, Florida78
#10Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester, Massachusetts78

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary master’s degree program that emphasizes the complex systems underlying our technology, from electrical grids and fiber-optic networks to supply chains and public transportation systems. Earning an online master’s in systems engineering degree can provide you with both the skills and credentials to become a leader in the field, and to significantly improve your earning power.

Your study will combine practical engineering education with training in engineering management. You’ll gain the technical skills and organizational capabilities to coordinate numerous interdependent elements of a functional system. Your engineering master’s degree program will likely also include a research component, where you’ll work closely with an academic advisor or mentor to develop, execute and defend an original research thesis. Earning your online systems engineering masters degree will help prepare you for the complex demands of organizational oversight and coordination in areas such as civil engineering, process systems engineering, and project management.

Earning your systems engineering degree online provides a convenient, flexible and accessible way to balance the pursuit of your advanced degree with your existing career and personal responsibilities. Bear in mind that many online master’s degree programs may require you to meet in-person once or several times during a semester for face-to-face conferences, laboratory work or internship responsibilities. Be aware of any such requirements as you search for the right online engineering master’s degree program.

Learn more about the benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Engineering.

And if you’re interested in bundling your online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering into a single program, learn more about Accelerated 4+1 Online Engineering Degree Programs here.

These programs were ranked with eight factors: student-to-faculy ratio, degrees-awarded-in-field ratio, graduation rate, retention rate, percentage of online students, concentrated influence, desirability, and exclusivity. The program's cost grade is determined by the average in-state tuition levels and its percentile distribution compared to other online engineering institutions. Learn more about our methodology

The Best Online Master's in Systems Engineering Ranking

#1

Cornell University

Cornell Engineering

Program Score 99*
Relative Cost
#2 Best Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Cornell University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MEng - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment24,027 (0% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs3
AccreditationRegional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$29,500 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$29,500 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See CU’s full list of online degrees!
#2

Johns Hopkins University

Whiting School of Engineering

Program Score 99
Relative Cost
#1 Best Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Johns Hopkins University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Healthcare Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Information Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Space Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment27,079 (35% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs29
AccreditationRegional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$55,350 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$55,350 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See JHU’s full list of online degrees!
#3

University of Southern California

Viterbi School of Engineering

Program Score 93
Relative Cost
#3 Best Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
University of Southern California's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Industrial and Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Systems Architecting and EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment48,321 (14% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs31
AccreditationRegional: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$46,272 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$46,272 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See USC’s full list of online degrees!
#4

Lehigh University

P.C. Rossin College Of Engineering And Applied Science

Program Score 88
Relative Cost
Top Online Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Lehigh University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Healthcare Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment6,953 (5% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs7
AccreditationRegional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$27,000 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$27,000 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See LU’s full list of online degrees!
#5

George Washington University

School of Engineering and Applied Science

George Washington University's School Logo
Program Score 87
Relative Cost
#7 Best Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Military Friendly
George Washington University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment27,814 (18% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs3
AccreditationRegional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$31,770 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$31,770 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See GWU’s full list of online degrees!
#6

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

College of Engineering

Program Score 86
Relative Cost
Top Online Graduate School#4 Best Value Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Electric Power Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Integrated Manufacturing Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment36,304 (8% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs17
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$9,095 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$26,421 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See NCSUR’s full list of online degrees!
#7

Case Western Reserve University

Case School of Engineering

Program Score 84
Relative Cost
#10 Best Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Military Friendly
Case Western Reserve University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems and Control EngineeringLess than a yearLess than a year months
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment11,874 (4% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs4
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$46,524 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$46,524 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See CWRU’s full list of online degrees!
#8

Florida State University

College of Engineering

Program Score 83
Relative Cost
#8 Best Online Engineering Graduate School#1 Best Value Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Florida State University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment42,450 (8% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs2
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$9,684 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$24,116 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See FSU’s full list of online degrees!
#9

Missouri University of Science and Technology

College of Engineering and Computing

Missouri University of Science and Technology's School Logo
Program Score 80
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Missouri University of Science and Technology's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment8,088 (8% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs12
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$10,452 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$29,558 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See MUST’s full list of online degrees!
#10

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

School of Engineering

Program Score 78
Relative Cost
Top Online Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MEng - Power Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Systems Engineering LeadershipLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment6,894 (10% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs18
AccreditationRegional: New England Commission of Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$28,188 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$28,188 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See WPI’s full list of online degrees!
#10

University of Central Florida

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Program Score 78
Relative Cost
Top Online Graduate SchoolA Most Affordable Online Engineering Graduate School#2 Best Value Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving
University of Central Florida's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Healthcare Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment69,402 (16% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
Number of Online Engineering Programs8
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$6,916 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$25,759 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See UCF’s full list of online degrees!
#12

Iowa State University

College of Engineering

Ames, Iowa

Program Score 77
Relative Cost
#9 Best Value Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Iowa State University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MEng - Energy Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MEng - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment33,372 (4% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs7
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$9,758 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$24,720 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See ISU’s full list of online degrees!
#13

Arizona State University

Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering

Program Score 77
Relative Cost
#4 Best Online Engineering CollegeA Most Affordable Online Engineering College #6 Best Value Online Engineering College
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Arizona State University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MEng - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment53,286 (1% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs13
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$11,720 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$26,160 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See ASU’s full list of online degrees!
#14

Drexel University

College of Engineering

Program Score 77
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Drexel University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment24,205 (22% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs15
AccreditationRegional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$35,181 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$35,181 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See DU’s full list of online degrees!
#15

Florida International University

College of Engineering and Computing

Florida International University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Logistics EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment58,711 (23% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
Number of Online Engineering Programs6
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$8,912 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$21,393 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See FIU’s full list of online degrees!
#16

Northeastern University

College of Engineering

Northeastern University's School Logo
Program Score 76
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Northeastern University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Energy SystemsLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment22,207 (1% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate
Number of Online Engineering Programs2
AccreditationRegional: New England Commission of Higher Education
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$24,793 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$24,793 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See NU’s full list of online degrees!
#17

Oregon Institute of Technology

College of Engineering, Technology and Management

Program Score 72
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Oregon Institute of Technology's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment5,313 (14% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs2
AccreditationRegional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$12,108 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$20,325 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See OIT’s full list of online degrees!
#18

Mississippi State University

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Program Score 71
Relative Cost
#8 Best Value Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Mississippi State University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Industrial and Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment22,226 (9% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs15
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$8,800 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$23,840 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See MSU’s full list of online degrees!
#19

University of North Dakota

College of Engineering and Mines

University of North Dakota's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS/MEng - Energy Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MS/MEng - Systems EngineeringLess than a yearLess than a year years
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment13,581 (25% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs31
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$10,534 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$18,434 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See UND’s full list of online degrees!
#20

Old Dominion University

Batten College of Engineering & Technology

Program Score 69
Relative Cost
#8 Best Online Engineering CollegeA Most Affordable Online Engineering College A Best Value Online Engineering College
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Old Dominion University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MEng - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment23,675 (26% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs27
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$10,207 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$29,851 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See ODU’s full list of online degrees!
#21

University of Michigan-Dearborn

College of Engineering and Computer Science

University of Michigan-Dearborn's School Logo
Program Score 67
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
University of Michigan-Dearborn's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MSE - Automotive Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MSE - Energy Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MSE - Industrial and Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MSE - Manufacturing Systems EngineeringLess than a year
MBA/MSE - Dual Business Administration and Industrial and Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment9,191 (11% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs11
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$12,770 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$22,750 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See UMD’s full list of online degrees!
#21

University of New Mexico

School of Engineering

Program Score 67
Relative Cost
#4 Most Affordable Online Engineering Graduate SchoolA Best Value Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving
University of New Mexico's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Space Systems Electrical EngineeringLess than a year
MS - Space Systems Mechanical EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment22,729 (9% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
Number of Online Engineering Programs3
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$5,156 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$17,407 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See UNM’s full list of online degrees!
#23

The University of Texas at El Paso

College of Engineering

Program Score 58
Relative Cost
#6 Most Affordable Online Engineering Graduate School
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving
The University of Texas at El Paso's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment25,177 (9% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
USDE Special Government StatusHispanic-Serving Institution
Number of Online Engineering Programs2
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$5,497 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$14,766 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See TUTEP’s full list of online degrees!
#24

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Program Score 57
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
University of Colorado Colorado Springs's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MEng - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment12,807 (12% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs4
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$13,912 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$24,438 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See UCCS’s full list of online degrees!
#25

Kennesaw State University

Southern Polytechnic College Of Engineering And Engineering Technology

Kennesaw State University's Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
MS - Systems EngineeringLess than a year
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment37,807 (14% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs10
AccreditationRegional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Average In-State Graduate Tuition$5,328 per year
Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition$19,188 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See KSU’s full list of online degrees!

Online Master's in Systems Engineering FAQ

What Areas Of Research Can I Choose From With an Online Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering?

As a master of systems engineering, you’ll have the chance to pursue an independent research topic of your own design. Possible areas of specialization include:

  • Robotics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Manufacturing
  • Communications and Networking
  • Transportation or Process Systems

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What Industries Can I Work In With an Online Master’s Degree In Systems Engineering?

A master’s degree in systems engineering could be a pathway into a variety of industries, including:

  • Gaming
  • Telecommunications
  • Cybersecurity
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Informatics

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What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering?

This versatile engineering degree can open the door to a number of exciting career options. With a master’s degree in systems engineering, you could:

  • Become a virtual systems architect
  • Administrate cloud-based computing for a growing company
  • Provide security administration for a bank chain
  • Build mobile applications for media companies
  • Coordinate exchange of Electronic Health Records in a hospital system

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Online Master's in Engineering FAQ

Can You Get a Master's Degree in Engineering Fully Online?

You can earn a master's degree in engineering online. However, as with your bachelor's degree in engineering, you'll want to make sure that your online master's degree program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Only degrees from ABET-accredited institutions will be viewed as credible by employers, professional associations, scholarly journals, and others.

To learn more, find out what you can do with an online master's degree in engineering.

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What Kind of Accreditation Do I Need for an Online Master's Degree in Engineering?

Accreditation is important in higher education, but it takes on added importance in certain fields. Engineering is one of them. Engineering accreditation is actually an essential requirement if you plan to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). So in addition to seeking out a college or university with accreditation from a Department of Education-recognized accreditor, you should also seek out a school with an engineering program that has earned programmatic accreditation. In the engineering field, programmatic accreditation must be granted by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in order for the resulting degree to confer licensing eligibility.

To learn more, visit our Guide to Programmatic Accreditation for Engineering.

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What Kinds of Online Master's in Engineering Degrees Are There?
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
The Master of engineering is considered a terminal degree in the field. This is the highest credential you can earn without pursuing a Master of Science degree. You will typically be required to choose a specialization and complete a practicum or final project (as opposed to a thesis). A Master of engineering degree does not qualify you to pursue a PhD in the field.
Master of Science in Engineering (M.Sc.Eng)
The Master of Science in Engineering degree is required as a basic qualification for enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering program. If you plan to pursue your PhD in the field, which would qualify you to conduct research or teach engineering at the postsecondary level, you would need to earn your M.Sc.Eng. The Master of Science degree program typically requires the completion of a thesis based on your own original research question and undertaking.

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How Can I Get Into an Online Master's Degree in Engineering Program?

Your online master's in engineering program will likely require the following:

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related subject from an ABET-accredited undergraduate program;
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies; and
  • Any prerequisite math or science courses that might not have been included in your undergraduate degree program.

Additionally, some engineering masters programs may require you to complete a Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Because engineering is an interdisciplinary subject, some graduate schools may alternately accept, or require, The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). If the GRE or GMAT is needed, your program may either require a general exam, or a GRE specific to the subject of engineering. Some programs may require you to meet a certain scoring threshold while others may merely require that you complete the exam. These requirements will vary from one engineering master's program to the next.

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How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Master's Degree in Engineering?

An online master's degree in engineering will usually require you to earn between 30 and 50 credits, depending on the nature of your program.. For full-time students, this can typically be completed over the course of two to three years. Part-time students who are balancing their online education with job responsibilities and commitments to home and family may require longer. Your area of concentration or specialization may play a determinant role in the length of your commitment.

If you're interested in bundling your online bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering into a single program, learn more about Accelerated 4+1 Online Engineering Degree Programs.

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What Are Some Important Engineering Societies?

Engineering societies are an essential part of the engineering discipline and professional sector. In addition to the numerous benefits that these professional associations provide to members, many of the leading engineering societies also play a direct role in granting accreditation to degree programs and awarding licenses to professional engineers. It's a good idea to become familiar with the engineering societies, professional associations, and student-run groups that represent the engineering field. This can be especially appealing if you're working toward an online engineering degree. The following are some noteworthy professional engineering societies:

For a closer look, check out our Guide to the top Professional Engineering Associations.

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Career Information

Engineer Career Information

Engineer Hourly Wages by Percentile
PercentileHourly Wage
Mean$48 per hour
Tenth Percentile$28 per hour
Twenty-Fifth Percentile$35 per hour
Fiftieth Percentile (Median)$45 per hour
Seventy-Fifth Percentile$59 per hour
Ninetieth Percentile$74 per hour
Engineer Annual Wages by Percentile
PercentileAnnual Wage
Mean$100,770
Tenth Percentile$58,210
Twenty-Fifth Percentile$72,940
Fiftieth Percentile (Median)$94,500
Seventy-Fifth Percentile$122,420
Ninetieth Percentile$154,870
Engineer Employment Outlook 2019-2029
MeasurementEmployment
2019 Employment1,810,100 people
2029 Employment1,879,100 people
Employment Percent Change from 2019 to 20294%

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Updated: .