Discover why engineers are in high demand and how a master’s degree program in engineering can lead to a well-paying and respected career. Find the best engineering master’s degree programs offered online, including cost, curriculum, outcomes, and unique benefits.
Author: Blake Huggins, PhD
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningBusinessEditor: Kristin Marino
- Best Schools
School Spotlights: Inside Three Master's Programs in Engineering
Read more - Benefits
Why Earn an Online Master's in Engineering?
Read more - What You'll Learn
Types of Online Master's Degrees in Engineering
Read more - Accreditation
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Engineering Master's Degree Programs
Read more - Salary/Pay
Engineering Salary Potential with a Master's Degree
Read more - Top Programs
Best Online Engineering Master's Programs
Read more
School Spotlights: Inside Three Master’s Programs in Engineering
Below, we profile several schools to help your search for a quality online engineering master’s degree program. All three spotlights take a closer look at affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and overall school reputation.
Each university listed offers a range of engineering programs taught online by field experts using the latest educational technologies. Most extend additional support services for online students.
Johns Hopkins University
The Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University offers eight fully online master’s engineering programs. These programs cover a wide range of engineering subfields, including:
- Applied Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Information Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Space System Engineering
Each course of study offers optional hybrid components for students who would like to supplement their online learning with in-class experiences. The school also administers a materials and science engineering program in a hybrid format.
Each top-rated online engineering master’s degree requires 10 total courses that Johns Hopkins expects students to complete within 5 years. Designed for busy learners and working professionals, these programs offer maximum convenience and flexibility.
Students can choose from over 650 different courses to tailor a plan of study that fits their interests and career goals. Robust online courses also are available. The school also extends online career services and training webinars.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University administers over 15 different master’s programs in engineering entirely online. The programs cover all the main branches of the field, from chemical and civil engineering to electrical engineering, to applications in aerospace and computer science.
Each online engineering master’s program at NC State University calls for some prerequisites. Applicants without an academic background in the discipline may need to complete a fundamental engineering exam.
The 30 credits of courses develop core skills and knowledge in engineering and provide ample opportunity for specialization. Some students graduate in as few as 18 months and go on to land key mid-level roles in science, engineering, and technology.
Each program uses the same expert faculty as North Caroline State’s on-campus offerings and delivers all course material through innovative technologies. The school boasts competitive tuition with flexible payment options. Prospective students can submit admissions applications at four different start times throughout the year.
University of Washington
The University of Washington’s online engineering master’s programs focuses on civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering. Housed within the university’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education, each program entails 42 credits on average, which means even part-time students should be able to graduate in 2-3 years.
Those studying civil engineering can choose an additional specialization in construction engineering or energy infrastructure. New students can begin their studies in any quarter and have the freedom to determine their own course load each term.
Each program specifies its own admissions criteria, but in most cases, prospective students need an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering. The school administers all course material using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous tools and each class looks at topics in systems analysis, machine design, and thermodynamic theory. All students enjoy complete access to the school’s libraries, its range of student support services, and its engineering societies.
Why Earn an Online Master’s in Engineering?
Pursuing graduate-level study in engineering online not only both expands and deepens your expertise but also offers additional benefits not always available to residential students. For instance, in most cases, you can study at your own pace, which can expedite your path to completion or allow you to reduce school hours to match your active schedule. Find out more about additional advantages below.
- Convenience and Accommodation
These programs offer increased levels of convenience and accommodation beyond traditional instruction. In many cases, you can customize your plan of study to align with your career aims. Most schools also design their curricula with working professionals in mind, which means you can keep your current job and study at the same time. - Improved Diversity
Online engineering master’s programs transcend national and geographic boundaries by attracting a student body that reflects the diversity of today’s workforce. Interacting with future colleagues supports soft skills in communication and cultural differences. It also prepares you for real-world work conditions. - Potential Cost-Savings
Specifics on cost can vary quite a bit but earning an engineering master’s degree online can likely save you money in the long run due to lack of transportation costs and specific fees you may not be responsible for as an online student. You could ultimately finish school faster while spending less money, especially if you take advantage of accelerated or intensive study options.
Types of Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering
Most students choose an online engineering master’s degree within a specified subfield that aligns with long-term professional interests. This enables you to focus your study by integrating broad-based engineering principles with concentrations that anticipate future employment. Learn more about the degree types available to you below.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering combines the technical side of medical science and healthcare with core engineering principles. It provides training in medical imaging, genomics, and biomedical data science. Most programs give you the option to write a research thesis at the end or pursue additional expertise through specialized coursework.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in biomedical engineering
Civil Engineering
Programs in this area focus on engineering applications as they relate to construction and public works projects. They build core skills in complex data analysis and prepare you for work designing infrastructure, overseeing construction projects, and identifying where and how to improve structures like roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, airports, and water supply systems.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in computer engineering
Computer Engineering
Graduate-level studies in computer engineering can lead to lucrative careers designing physical hardware components for large-scale computer systems. An online engineering master’s degree in this subfield usually involves courses in electronic materials, electromagnetics, laser technology, and network architecture. Common specializations include optics and photonics, signal processing, and systems control.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in computer engineering
Electrical Engineering
Earning an online electrical engineering master’s means you can undertake specialized research and development projects that result in new and improved technologies. Electrical engineers often work in the telecommunications industry and possess advanced skills in mathematics and quantitative reasoning. Courses in this area look at digital signaling, wireless communications, and semiconductor devices.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in electrical engineering
Engineering Management
A degree in engineering management combines engineering fundamentals with principles of business administration and readies you for leadership roles in many of the subfield listed here. Engineering management professionals help bridge the divide between more technical or scientific requirements and organizational demands. Graduates of these online engineering master’s programs often work in healthcare, consulting, manufacturing, and other industry sectors.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in engineering management
Mechanical Engineering
One of the broader and more versatile engineering subfields, this area deals with power-producing machines like generators, combustion engines, and steam or gas turbines. A typical program develops core skills in assessing and designing objects and systems in motion. Mechanical engineers most often lend their expertise to the automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace industries.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in mechanical engineering
Environmental Engineering
Online engineering master’s programs in environmental engineering focus studies on resource management and sustainability. They generally concentrate on water-related issues such as hydraulics, wastewater treatment, chemistry, and contaminant transport. Professionals in this area improve water systems for the general public and often collaborate with civil engineers.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers use insights from the hard sciences to help solve problems related to fuel, food, chemicals, drugs, and other products. Online engineering master’s programs in this area provide high-level instruction in molecular thermodynamics, energy optimization, and chemical kinetics. Some programs offer electives in entrepreneurship and applied mathematics to broaden your skills profile.
Aerospace Engineering
Earning an online master’s in aerospace engineering prepares you for work designing satellites, spacecraft, and aircraft. Common course offerings include orbital mechanics, electric and rocket propulsion, wing theory, and computational aerodynamics. Many aerospace engineers find work within government agencies, private defense contractors, and research and development firms.
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
One of the first things you should do when assessing potential schools is check their accreditation status. Reputable online engineering programs are administered by schools that hold either regional or national accreditation.
Independent agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee this process. It acts as a quality assurance measure that ensures the value and staying power of your degree.
Some programs may have programmatic accreditation beyond the institutional level. Not all programs will possess this credential, but it does provide additional endorsement that could give you an advantage on the job market.
The best online master’s in engineering programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The ABET promotes industry excellence and establishes field-specific standards for a variety of engineering professions.
Engineering Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in engineering opens advanced roles in research, design, systems development, and technical leadership across industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, and tech. Graduates move into senior engineering positions, R&D roles, and engineering management — with the advanced credential often required for technical leadership and research-focused positions. The degree is a strong foundation for both industry and academic careers.
Engineers with graduate degrees command stronger compensation than those with bachelor’s credentials alone, particularly in specialized fields and research-intensive roles. Earnings vary by discipline and sector, with defense, aerospace, and tech typically offering the strongest packages.
Use the salary table below to explore engineering compensation by state, and benchmark the financial potential of an advanced engineering career.
Engineers
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $122,930 | $158,090 | $189,950 |
| Alabama | $152,550 | $183,040 | $195,190 |
| Alaska | $142,390 | $164,260 | $186,940 |
| Arizona | $102,280 | $137,730 | $167,380 |
| Arkansas | $76,940 | $103,380 | $147,980 |
| California | $130,850 | $169,830 | $212,130 |
| Colorado | $132,590 | $164,800 | $195,190 |
| Connecticut | $124,110 | $153,670 | $164,430 |
| Delaware | $103,580 | $120,120 | $144,250 |
| District of Columbia | $151,920 | $185,220 | $195,190 |
| Florida | $105,410 | $138,920 | $167,950 |
| Georgia | $112,260 | $135,040 | $163,210 |
| Hawaii | $122,800 | $159,570 | $176,410 |
| Idaho | $130,970 | $153,570 | $195,360 |
| Illinois | $111,930 | $139,170 | $168,770 |
| Indiana | $120,880 | $139,410 | $163,380 |
| Iowa | $103,090 | $125,440 | $129,760 |
| Kansas | $76,100 | $101,790 | $139,360 |
| Kentucky | $99,830 | $124,790 | $152,970 |
| Louisiana | $99,070 | $131,330 | $162,000 |
| Maine | $120,430 | $135,260 | $155,150 |
| Maryland | $129,770 | $172,580 | $195,190 |
| Massachusetts | $131,260 | $162,470 | $187,010 |
| Michigan | $121,000 | $135,410 | $166,360 |
| Minnesota | $108,850 | $132,410 | $167,120 |
| Mississippi | $111,030 | $141,130 | $166,000 |
| Missouri | $102,980 | $136,240 | $168,530 |
| Montana | $97,470 | $124,990 | $136,990 |
| Nebraska | $88,490 | $119,600 | $136,260 |
| Nevada | $103,780 | $133,370 | $189,750 |
| New Hampshire | $128,130 | $157,300 | $187,910 |
| New Jersey | $132,450 | $170,460 | $195,190 |
| New Mexico | $162,070 | $180,190 | $203,280 |
| New York | $117,600 | $154,310 | $192,900 |
| North Carolina | $112,450 | $140,790 | $173,370 |
| North Dakota | $100,250 | $127,920 | $154,910 |
| Ohio | $120,470 | $155,510 | $175,340 |
| Oklahoma | $119,810 | $138,400 | $158,040 |
| Oregon | $123,220 | $157,000 | $184,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $108,950 | $138,580 | $164,650 |
| Rhode Island | $117,080 | $166,300 | $199,410 |
| South Carolina | $110,490 | $139,760 | $180,960 |
| South Dakota | $112,260 | $129,960 | $156,890 |
| Tennessee | $96,640 | $125,420 | $155,960 |
| Texas | $115,810 | $153,940 | $177,780 |
| Utah | $110,320 | $136,990 | $163,340 |
| Vermont | $126,550 | $174,900 | $174,900 |
| Virginia | $148,160 | $181,660 | $195,190 |
| Washington | $134,570 | $168,550 | $196,120 |
| West Virginia | $118,800 | $136,990 | $169,500 |
| Wisconsin | $110,360 | $129,960 | $155,460 |
| Wyoming | $113,050 | $136,660 | $144,040 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Costs and Financial Aid for Your Online Engineering Master’s Degree
Engineering can be a lucrative profession, but you’ll still want to have a complete understanding of the costs involved in earning an online engineering master’s degree and a plan for lowering them as much as possible.
The table below is designed to give you a broad sense of the costs involved. Tuition rates can fluctuate and depend on individual factors like the type of school, your enrollment status, and your state of residence.
There are quite a few financial aid opportunities out there that can help reduce the costs. Many online engineering programs offer their own options, including scholarships and fellowships. Professional engineering organizations and potential employers also provide scholarship opportunities.
How Affordable Your Online Master’s in Engineering Could Be
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Online Civil Engineering M.S. Program | 36 | $1,180 | $42,480 |
| Purdue University Online Master of Industrial Engineering | 30 | $1,139 (in-state) $1,459 (out-of-state) | $34,170 (in-state) $43,770 (out-of-state) |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Engineering Management | 30 | $1,300/credit | $39,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Engineering Master’s Degrees
Best Online Engineering Master’s Programs
For those seeking an online master’s degree in engineering, evaluating factors like cost, program quality, and accreditation is crucial. To help guide you toward institutions that offer top-notch education, along with the flexibility needed to navigate this dynamic field, use our carefully curated list of today’s best online master’s programs in engineering.