Best Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs

An online master’s degree in mechanical engineering can open doors to high-paying, high-impact careers in fields like robotics, aerospace, and environmental systems. If you’re looking for a flexible path to get there, an online master’s program might be exactly what you need. This guide spotlights the top programs available today, breaks down what you’ll learn, and explores where a degree can take your career.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: James Mielke

BusinessOnline LearningGraduate Ed.

Editor: Kristin Marino

EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning

Updated: 06/02/2026

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Inside 3 Popular Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering
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Benefits of Earning an Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering
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What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in an Online Mechanical Engineering Program
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Accreditation
Accreditation for Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering Programs
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Mechanical Engineering Salary Potential with a Master's Degree
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Best Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree Programs
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Inside 3 Popular Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Although an online master’s in mechanical engineering degree includes tough coursework, it offers flexible timetables for achieving your goals. We’re highlighting three popular online master’s in mechanical engineering that routinely attract fully and partially online students. See if one of these programs could help you accomplish your higher educational and career goals.

Purdue University

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University offers one of the best online master’s in mechanical engineering programs in the nation. Designed for people with demanding schedules, this online degree provides the flexibility needed to meet personal- and work-related obligations while completing coursework.

This online master’s in mechanical engineering degree is typically completed in 1-4 years. Degree-seekers tackle a curriculum comprised of 6 credits of graduate-level math, 15 credits of mechanical engineering courses, and 9 credits of technical electives. Course topics include computational engineering, nanotechnology, and manufacturing.

To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, such as physics or mathematics. You must also submit a completed application along with all academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.

Penn State University

Offering an expansive catalog of degrees through its World Campus, Penn State University’s online master’s in mechanical engineering degree is nationally recognized and can open many professional doors.

This 100% online, 32-credit program, offers the same curriculum and instructors as on-campus programs. Advanced skills in analysis, design, and research are taught through coursework that includes heat transfer, turbomachinery, and engineering optimization.

Along with a completed application, you must submit all academic transcripts, provide three academic or professional references, and supply a 1-2 page statement of purpose laying out career goals. While the GRE is not required for admission, submitted scores are considered alongside required application documents.

Georgia Tech

Recognized as one of the premier STEM-focused institutions in the United States, Georgia Tech’s online MS in mechanical engineering program provides the STEM capabilities and leadership skills needed to compete in this field. This fully online degree employs lectures, discussion boards, and web conferencing to ensure you get the most out of the degree.

Plan to complete 30 credits for this degree and study topics such as digital control systems, applied acoustics, and wind engineering. You can choose a thesis or non-thesis tracks.

Applicants for this program must have a bachelor’s degree in a related, STEM field. They should also submit a completed application along with official transcripts, academic or professional recommendations, and a personal statement laying out career goals. GRE scores are required for admission.

Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Online mechanical engineering master’s degree programs provide the flexibility needed to maintain personal and professional obligations. Here we take a look at three major advantages of online graduate-level learning.

1. Flexibility

Online programs offer the flexibility needed to keep up with all the requirements of daily life. Online degrees allow you to complete coursework at your own pace while still meeting required academic deadlines. Whether synchronous or asynchronous in structure, you engage with other students and instructors through message boards, lectures, and web conferences.

2. Affordability

While tuition rates can vary between programs, especially when comparing public vs. private institutions, many online mechanical engineering programs offer relatively affordable tuition. Online programs often provide a flat tuition rate, regardless of location. Additionally, online tuition rates are traditionally lower than in-person classes, and many programs offer accelerated academic tracks, reducing the number of semesters required.

3. Competitiveness and Compensation

In addition to making more money with a master’s degree, these programs allow you to gain specialized, focused knowledge, translating it into the expertise that many employers seek. Many graduate programs offer courses that translate into leadership roles, and management positions often pay more than non-managerial positions. The right program can help you harness this managerial potential.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Mechanical Engineering Program

Coursework for an online mechanical engineering master’s degree program varies from school to school, but you can expect STEM-heavy coursework. Mechanical engineering comprises a broad field with many concentrations and sub-fields, but students often tackle fundamental topics such as thermodynamics, renewable energy, and robotics.

In addition to traditional coursework, programs often supplement engineering courses with classes focused on management. Some programs will require you to complete a degree-culminating thesis project, while others require additional engineering coursework.

Keep reading to learn about common mechanical engineering graduate classes.

Popular Courses

Mathematical Methods for Engineers

Covering a wide variety of mathematical techniques commonly used to solve advanced engineering problems, this course reviews topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and complex variables. Through these techniques, students engage with practical physics and engineering problems.

Data Analysis

This online course provides a survey of the techniques used to extract data from research and experiments. Topics include uncertainty analysis, data fitting, and probability density functions. You’ll also be introduced to the theoretical foundations of each topic followed by practical applications to real-world engineering problems.

Introduction to Biomechanics

Through an examination of the human body as a mechanical system, this course explores how mechanical engineering principles apply to the complex web of bodily systems. Topics include fluid mechanics, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and the mechanics of bone and soft tissue. Students connect with extensive research and are challenged to solve biomechanics problems.

Mechanical Design

Providing a foundational understanding of the scientific principles and mechanical techniques used to design complex machines, this course covers the implementation and design of bearings, actuators, and sensors. Plan to engage with lectures and cohort discussions, and familiarize yourself with deterministic design, positional accuracy, and error modeling.

Specialization Options

Many specializations exist within mechanical engineering. While an undergraduate provides a broader introduction to the field, an online master’s allows you to narrow your focus and choose from specializations that can increase career opportunities and paychecks.

From fields as diverse as sustainable energy and robotics, an array of concentrations exists where you can use your talents. Read more to learn about common specializations within online mechanical engineering master’s degree programs.

Biomechanics

This specialization allows you to engage with coursework combining the medical and biological sciences with engineering principles. With an eye towards the biomedical industry, you can design healthcare equipment, computer systems, and software. Common courses include cardiovascular fluid mechanics, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and modeling of cell mechanics.

Energy

Focusing on developing ways to convert energy into beneficial forms from a variety of sources, this concentration provides a deep understanding of the analytical, computational, and experimental methods used in an energy-focused mechanical engineering design. Common coursework includes water quality management, energy infrastructure, and advanced fluid mechanics.

Manufacturing

By studying various production methods and techniques, this specialization allows you to gain experience with computer-based processes and manufacturing methods. Through classes that focus largely on computer-oriented manufacturing, you’ll tackle topics such as continuum mechanics, materials fatigue, and composite material mechanics.

Thermofluids

Through a combined study of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and combustion, a thermofluids concentration supports work in efficient engine design, heating, and air-conditioning. Coursework includes topics like solar thermal engineering, gas turbine combustion, and statistical thermodynamics. If you’re interested in renewable energy, this is a great specialization to consider.

Robotics and Control

With career applications in fields such as logistics, transportation, and healthcare, a robotics and control specialization prepares you for jobs in robotics. Topics covered include robotic manipulation, human interaction, and medical robotics. This specialization also supports careers in fields like automation, manufacturing, and computer graphics.

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs

Accrediting organizations ensure the quality of academic programs and review essential functions like curriculum, admissions, and finances. When weighing options to determine which school best suits you, make sure the program holds accreditation.

Academic accreditation provides an academic and/or professional stamp of approval, showing that a school or program meets certain standards. Institutional accreditation is either regional or national. Nonprofit schools usually seek regional accreditation, while technical schools aim for national accreditation.

In addition to institutional accreditation, the best online master’s in mechanical engineering programs also typically receive programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Mechanical Engineering Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree

A master’s in mechanical engineering deepens your expertise in areas like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and system design — opening advanced roles in aerospace, automotive, robotics, energy, and manufacturing. Graduates work as senior mechanical engineers, R&D specialists, product development leads, and technical managers. The credential is valued for roles requiring deep technical design capability and systems-level thinking.

Mechanical engineers with graduate degrees tend to command higher salaries than those entering with a bachelor’s alone, particularly in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. Earnings grow significantly with experience and technical specialization.

Use the salary table below to see what mechanical engineers earn across the country, and benchmark engineering compensation in your state.

Show entries

Mechanical Engineers

Area ↕	Median ↕	75th Percentile ↕	90th Percentile ↕
U.S.	$104,110	$132,590	$164,340
Alabama	$100,230	$128,100	$162,420
Alaska	$124,340	$157,610	$174,320
Arizona	$100,270	$128,880	$159,040
Arkansas	$80,180	$103,850	$131,840
California	$130,900	$166,580	$203,620
Colorado	$124,430	$149,790	$170,810
Connecticut	$105,090	$133,540	$157,980
Delaware	$125,130	$128,140	$168,180
District of Columbia	$133,300	$166,360	$195,190
Florida	$99,980	$128,320	$153,950
Georgia	$100,620	$128,350	$156,320
Hawaii	$98,740	$119,700	$141,500
Idaho	$93,190	$108,570	$141,020
Illinois	$102,680	$130,730	$160,160
Indiana	$99,590	$127,700	$143,090
Iowa	$97,700	$108,580	$137,540
Kansas	$86,260	$104,890	$131,660
Kentucky	$101,050	$120,690	$139,810
Louisiana	$119,540	$147,560	$181,550
Maine	$102,430	$127,300	$137,280
Maryland	$122,870	$156,560	$176,680
Massachusetts	$119,300	$140,590	$166,480
Michigan	$104,890	$132,160	$159,840
Minnesota	$99,140	$128,690	$151,580
Mississippi	$98,000	$127,410	$136,990
Missouri	$99,330	$120,990	$142,100
Montana	$94,190	$119,820	$133,270
Nebraska	$88,060	$108,900	$136,870
Nevada	$102,680	$130,390	$160,210
New Hampshire	$103,660	$130,120	$165,500
New Jersey	$112,300	$136,910	$162,800
New Mexico	$157,710	$162,880	$203,140
New York	$102,440	$129,410	$160,220
North Carolina	$100,720	$125,050	$155,550
North Dakota	$86,330	$114,830	$136,060
Ohio	$99,100	$115,770	$138,020
Oklahoma	$101,850	$128,320	$136,110
Oregon	$103,470	$130,230	$162,550
Pennsylvania	$97,920	$125,270	$150,950
Rhode Island	$116,230	$154,690	$195,190
South Carolina	$104,580	$133,480	$166,340
South Dakota	$88,380	$106,850	$134,140
Tennessee	$99,550	$127,500	$156,150
Texas	$112,410	$145,090	$175,210
Utah	$102,500	$127,780	$160,640
Vermont	$107,330	$127,100	$150,380
Virginia	$104,180	$131,250	$160,770
Washington	$110,430	$139,870	$167,680
West Virginia	$97,390	$118,490	$143,030
Wisconsin	$95,870	$106,950	$130,360
Wyoming	$117,750	$140,600	$151,810

Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025

Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.

Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Understanding the total financial commitment of earning an online master’s in mechanical engineering degree is a must. While tuition prices vary from program to program, each requires a significant investment.

One of the biggest hurdles potential graduate students face is figuring out how to pay for it. All applicants should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA helps students figure out if they’re eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs.

In addition to the FAFSA, financial aid opportunities in the form of scholarships and grants are available through many public and private institutions and organizations. Since there is a historic shortage of women entering STEM fields, groups like the Society of Women Engineers are quite generous with scholarship funding.

What Your Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Could Cost

Program	No. of Credits	Cost/Credit	Total Cost
Stanford University	45	$1,575	$70,875
University of Washington	42	$1,330	$55,860
University of Virginia	30	N/A	$42,000

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degrees

What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in mechanical engineering?

Common application requirements include:

3.0 undergraduate GPA
Admissions interview
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Completed application and fee payment
GRE scores if required
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement outlining career goals
Resume outlining professional and volunteer work

Admissions requirements for online master’s in mechanical engineering programs vary, with prestigious institutions maintaining more demanding academic standards and prerequisites. Make sure to check out the specific admissions requirements for each program.

How long will it take to finish my master’s in mechanical engineering online?

Academic requirements and program lengths vary by program, but most online master’s degrees take between one and three years to complete. Your status as a part-time or full-time student can dramatically affect the time it takes to receive a diploma.

Additionally, some programs offer accelerated tracks and summer classes to reduce the academic timeline. Check with admissions professionals to sort out the specifics of each program.

Can I earn a master’s in mechanical engineering 100% online or do I need to visit campus?

While you should check with each prospective program, many mechanical engineering master’s programs can be completed 100% online. As a result, fully online programs use online platforms, message boards, and web conferencing to best replicate the in-person experience. Most online programs give busy students the flexibility needed to complete academic work while seeing to personal and professional obligations.

Best Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

Public · SACSCOC

The UAB Mechanical Engineering MSME program offers a research-intensive curriculum with thesis and non-thesis options, featuring advanced engineering methods, mentorship, and concentrations in Engineering Management or Research/Design. It supports exploration of diverse research areas to prepare students for innovation and doctoral studies.

Program Highlights:

The UAB Mechanical Engineering MSME program offers a research-intensive curriculum with unique hands-on experiences and personalized mentorship from nationally and internationally recognized faculty to enhance practical skills and research opportunities.
Students benefit from flexible thesis and non-thesis options, allowing them to tailor their degree with emphases in engineering management, research/design, or technology management to align with career goals.
There are available research assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships to financially support graduate students, making advanced education more accessible and rewarding.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,424
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 5,214

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Public · HLC

Purdue’s Mechanical Engineering master’s offers thesis, non-thesis, and professional options, blending advanced coursework and research. Students engage with world-class faculty, innovate across diverse fields, and benefit from strong industry ties and a global alumni network, enhancing career opportunities in engineering innovation and leadership.

Program Highlights:

All PhD and thesis-based Master's students in Purdue Mechanical Engineering are guaranteed funding, including tuition waivers and stipends, contingent on satisfactory progress.
The Professional Master's Program combines 21 technical credit hours with 9 professional development credits, offering a practice-oriented degree for quick industry entry or career advancement.
Purdue ME's extensive industry collaborations and a global alumni network of 82,000 engineering professionals provide unparalleled career and networking opportunities.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,718
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 5,227

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Public · SACSCOC

Florida Atlantic University’s M.S. in Mechanical Engineering offers thesis and non-thesis options, an online track, and a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. The program emphasizes research in areas like energy systems, biomechanics, and nanomaterials, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission. Full-time enrollment is mandatory for financial aid recipients.

Program Highlights:

Florida Atlantic University offers an online option for the MS in Mechanical Engineering, providing flexibility for working professionals and remote learners.
The program includes a unique aerospace engineering concentration with advanced research opportunities in areas like fluid mechanics and bioengineering.
Graduate students have access to an interactive curriculum supported by exceptional faculty, enhancing practical learning and high graduate employability rates.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $5,467
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,648

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID

Public · NWCCU

The University of Idaho’s Mechanical Engineering master’s program deepens technical expertise through advanced coursework and hands-on research in areas like thermal and mechanical system design. Students collaborate on projects with faculty and industry partners, preparing for careers in aerospace, robotics, energy, and manufacturing.

Program Highlights:

University of Idaho's Engineering Outreach offers flexible, fully online master’s degree and certificate programs with personalized support, allowing completion from anywhere in the world.
Courses are delivered using high-definition recorded lectures accessible via a secure portal, combining innovative technology with convenient, self-paced learning.
The program is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, enabling eligible veterans to use GI Bill benefits for tuition support in Engineering Outreach courses.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,272
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 1,308

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL

Public · HLC

The MS in Mechanical Engineering at UIUC offers thesis and non-thesis options for on-campus and online students, requiring 32–36 credit hours. It includes core courses in Mechanical Engineering and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, with optional concentrations in computational science and others. Admission requires a strong academic record.

Program Highlights:

The University of Illinois MS in Mechanical Engineering program offers an optional graduate concentration in computational science and engineering, integrating cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that includes nanomechanics, biomechanics, and computational science.
Students can gain valuable graduate teaching experience, considered an important professional development component uniquely emphasized in this program beyond standard coursework requirements.
The online MS degree is identical to the on-campus degree with flexible completion timelines up to five years, enabling working professionals to advance at their own pace without compromising degree quality.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $15,545
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 11,179

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

Public · SACSCOC

The UCF Mechanical Engineering MSME program offers 30 credit hours with tracks in Mechanical Systems and Thermofluids, emphasizing advanced mechanics, design, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics. It provides flexible online options, thesis or non-thesis paths, and research opportunities with faculty funded by industry and federal agencies.

Program Highlights:

The UCF MSME program offers an accelerated BS to MSME track that lets students complete both degrees in five years, saving time and advancing careers faster.
Students have access to cutting-edge research opportunities with faculty funded by local and national industry and federal agencies, supporting hands-on learning and specialization.
Choosing the fully online Mechanical Systems track allows students to reduce campus-based fees while balancing work, school, and life with flexible course options.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,916
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 5,106

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX

Public · SACSCOC

Texas A&M’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering offers thesis and non-thesis options, requiring 30 credit hours. It emphasizes advanced coursework in modeling, mechanics, and design, with flexible electives, preparing students for professional practice or doctoral research in as little as one year. Key math and core courses are included.

Program Highlights:

The Texas A&M MS in Mechanical Engineering non-thesis option allows completion in as little as one calendar year, offering accelerated degree attainment for motivated students.
Thesis-option students engage in cutting-edge research, preparing them for advanced R&D careers or doctoral studies with specialized faculty expertise.
The program features flexible technical elective choices, enabling students to tailor their curriculum to specific interests within mechanical engineering.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,885
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 4,670

University of Houston

Houston, TX

Public · SACSCOC

The University of Houston’s online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering offers advanced study in applied mechanics, controls, materials science, thermal/fluid sciences, and biomedical engineering, matching the traditional program’s rigor. It prepares students for leadership through a thesis track requiring 30 credit hours and diverse core and elective courses.

Program Highlights:

The University of Houston's Mechanical Engineering graduate program offers a Master of Mechanical Engineering (MME) non-thesis option designed for working professionals, allowing flexible course selection including electives outside mechanical engineering for tailored career advancement.
The Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Mechanical Engineering Technology (MS-MET) track provides a project option replacing thesis with faculty-mentored industrial projects, enhancing practical skills aligned with abundant Houston area job opportunities.
The department features cutting-edge research in advanced areas such as dynamics and controls, fluid mechanics, materials science, computational fluid dynamics, and biomedical applications, supported by state-of-the-art labs for hands-on experience.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,723
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,490

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

Private · WSCUC

USC Viterbi’s online MS in Mechanical Engineering offers a flexible, technical education tailored to industries like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and robotics. The program includes specialized areas and prepares students for diverse careers with a 27-unit curriculum emphasizing both fundamentals and applied skills.

Program Highlights:

USC Viterbi’s Mechanical Engineering MS online program offers the same faculty, curriculum, and degree as the on-campus option, ensuring academic rigor and degree value.
The program is delivered through DEN@Viterbi, allowing students to attend classes anytime, anywhere, facilitating education while maintaining work and life commitments.
Students can specialize in one of ten advanced areas, including advanced manufacturing, combustion, design, and quantitative medical engineering, tailoring education to specific technical career goals.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $66,640
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 12,927

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA

Public · SACSCOC

Virginia Tech’s Mechanical Engineering master’s program requires at least 30 credit hours of technical courses, including core coursework mostly at the 5000-6000 level, alongside research credits and a seminar each semester, emphasizing interdisciplinary study and faculty-aligned research opportunities. Full-time students participate in ongoing seminars.

Program Highlights:

The Virginia Tech online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program offers flexible course-based options for both part-time and full-time students, enabling personalized curriculum design under faculty advisory.
Students benefit from opportunities to work on real-world projects with proprietary data or processes, enhancing practical skills relevant to professional advancement.
The program supports remote collaboration and networking opportunities, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to expand their engineering knowledge and professional connections.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $15,234
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,239

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Public · SACSCOC

Kennesaw State’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals and full-time students, available both online and on-campus. It includes core courses in engineering mathematics, solid mechanics, thermodynamics, and dynamics, plus electives in specialized areas like fluid mechanics and nanoscale modeling.

Program Highlights:

Kennesaw State’s Mechanical Engineering master’s program offers a flexible hybrid and fully online format, enabling full-time professionals to advance their degree without interrupting their careers.
The program includes six elective courses that provide specialized knowledge in niche fields such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, composite materials, and nanoscale modeling, allowing tailored expertise development.
Kennesaw State provides strong cooperative education and internship support through its Career and Internship Services, enhancing job search strategies, interview skills, and networking opportunities for mechanical engineering students.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $5,328
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,412

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Public · SACSCOC

The Texas Tech Mechanical Engineering M.S. program offers a 30-credit curriculum with thesis and non-thesis options, emphasizing core principles, multidisciplinary electives, and research opportunities. It supports both on-campus and distance learning, preparing students for advanced careers through a flexible two-year study plan.

Program Highlights:

Texas Tech’s Mechanical Engineering master's program offers an affordable and flexible online degree with the same faculty and curriculum as on-campus, allowing students to study without relocating.
The program provides two distinct degree options—report and course only—that cater to different student career and research goals, enhancing customization and completion speed.
Students benefit from access to extensive research opportunities and expert faculty, fostering innovative skills and practical experience in advanced mechanical engineering fields.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,956
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,740

Wright State University-Main Campus

Dayton, OH

Public · HLC

Wright State’s MS in Mechanical Engineering offers broad advanced education in design and analysis of complex systems, emphasizing modeling, synthesis, and optimization. Students specialize in design or thermofluids and engage in interdisciplinary research areas like controls, robotics, and thermal sciences. Admission requires a related undergraduate degree and minimum GPA standards.

Program Highlights:

Wright State University’s M.S. in Mechanical Engineering offers three “4+1” combined B.S./M.S. programs allowing students to earn both degrees within five years, accelerating their educational timeline.
Graduate students benefit from strong connections with the Air Force Research Laboratory and local manufacturing firms, enhancing research opportunities and industry collaborations for career advancement.
The program provides access to modern, high-performance computational facilities and laboratories, including the Ohio Supercomputer via OARNET, supporting cutting-edge research and skill development.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $14,726
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 1,085

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL

Public · SACSCOC

The University of North Florida’s M.S. in Mechanical Engineering is a 30-credit, research-focused program emphasizing advanced design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical systems. It offers thesis or project options, hands-on lab access, and prepares graduates for industry leadership or doctoral study. Applicants need a related bachelor’s degree and GRE scores.

Program Highlights:

The University of North Florida’s Mechanical Engineering program offers small class sizes with hands-on research opportunities, enhancing individualized learning and practical experience.
Students benefit from a research-based MS degree that includes a thesis requirement, preparing them for advanced technical challenges and doctoral studies.
The program features full-time faculty-led courses in advanced manufacturing branches, ensuring expert instruction without reliance on graduate assistants.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,570
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,420

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Private · MSCHE

The Johns Hopkins Mechanical Engineering master’s offers an “All-Course” option requiring 10 coordinated courses within five years, including core math and technical electives, or a thesis option with research approval. Applicants need a related bachelor’s, calculus, physics, and programming background; provisional admission is possible if prerequisites are unmet.

Program Highlights:

Johns Hopkins' Mechanical Engineering master's offers a six-month paid co-op internship with corporate sponsors, providing real-world industry experience and academic credit.
Students can tailor their studies with 12 optional specialized tracks and choose between an all-course, research essay, or industry-focused co-op option, enhancing flexibility and career alignment.
The program provides mentorship by leading faculty in world-class facilities like the Mock OR for surgical robotics and the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, fostering cutting-edge research opportunities.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $62,840
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 16,733

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

Public · HLC

UND’s Mechanical Engineering master’s offers M.S. and M.Eng. degrees, online or on campus, with 30-32 credits. It emphasizes leadership in design, real-world projects, and cutting-edge research facilities. Students receive scholarships, work with industry sponsors like NASA, and complete the program in about two years.

Program Highlights:

More than two-thirds of mechanical engineering master's students receive engineering-specific scholarships, providing significant financial support.
The program features a low student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship from expert faculty.
Students collaborate on real-world projects sponsored by top organizations like NASA and the National Science Foundation, enhancing practical experience and networking opportunities.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $11,963
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 2,715

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Public · MSCHE

Rutgers’ Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering master’s program offers a 30-credit curriculum with thesis (MS) and non-thesis (MEng) options, focusing on advanced engineering principles, hands-on projects, and specializations like design, fluid mechanics, and materials. It prepares students for industry and research careers, available on-campus and fully online.

Program Highlights:

The Rutgers MEng in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers a customizable online program with a specialization in advanced manufacturing, enabling tailored career focus.
The program features active collaboration with faculty experts on cutting-edge aerospace topics, including drone system design and autonomous control projects.
Evening courses accommodate part-time students, many of whom are already employed in leading local corporations, fostering strong industry connections and flexible learning.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $19,824
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 4,547

University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

Public · HLC

The University of Akron’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering deepens core knowledge while offering flexible study plans, cutting-edge research, and evening classes for working professionals. It emphasizes small class sizes, access to advanced labs, and interdisciplinary opportunities aligned with modern technologies and student interests.

Program Highlights:

The University of Akron’s Mechanical Engineering graduate program offers graduate teaching and research assistantships that may cover full or partial tuition plus stipends for work up to 20 hours per week, providing financial support and practical experience.
The program provides specialized fellowships and scholarships from prestigious organizations such as the National Science Foundation, NASA, IBM, and the Hertz Foundation, enhancing research opportunities and academic prestige for students.
Strong employer partnerships including ROTC scholarships provide graduate students financial aid covering courses, books, and monthly stipends, alongside guaranteed leadership training and commissioning as Army officers upon graduation.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,325
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 1,076

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI

Public · HLC

The University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Mechanical Engineering master’s program offers a flexible 30-credit curriculum emphasizing engineering principles, advanced technologies, and practical skills. It includes thesis and non-thesis options, interdisciplinary electives, and accommodates both full- and part-time students, with evening and online classes available.

Program Highlights:

The program offers an accelerated 4+1 option, allowing qualified undergraduates to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years.
Students benefit from evening and online classes, providing flexibility for working professionals and part-time learners.
The department maintains strong industry ties, offering students exceptional networking opportunities and access to real-world engineering projects.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $15,556
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 1,586

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM

Public · HLC

The MS in Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Tech offers four specializations: Explosives Engineering, Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Mechatronics Systems, and Solid Mechanics. Students must complete core courses, including a graduate seminar, with options for distance education and part-time study. The program expects a relevant B.S. degree.

Program Highlights:

The MS in Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Tech offers a rare specialization in Explosives Engineering featuring advanced coursework in detonation theory and wave propagation.
Students can choose from four distinct specializations including Mechatronics Systems Engineering, allowing targeted expertise in emerging fields.
Distance education students benefit from live, web-based courses that facilitate real-time interaction with faculty and peers, enhancing learning flexibility and engagement.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $8,005
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 137

Today’s Top Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Inside 3 Popular Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Purdue University

Penn State University

Georgia Tech

Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

1. Flexibility

2. Affordability

3. Competitiveness and Compensation

What You’ll Learn in an Online Mechanical Engineering Program

Popular Courses

Mathematical Methods for Engineers

Data Analysis

Introduction to Biomechanics

Mechanical Design

Specialization Options

Biomechanics

Energy

Manufacturing

Thermofluids

Robotics and Control

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs

Mechanical Engineering Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree

Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

What Your Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Could Cost

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degrees

What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in mechanical engineering?

How long will it take to finish my master’s in mechanical engineering online?

Can I earn a master’s in mechanical engineering 100% online or do I need to visit campus?

Best Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs

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