Compare online engineering master's degree programs

What can you do with an online master's degree in engineering?

Engineers are 21st century visionaries. They blend math, science, and technology to develop remarkable innovations. 

Become an aerospace engineer and help humanity explore the enormity of space. Or become a computer engineer and write the codes that push the boundaries of machine learning. With an online master’s in engineering, you can design and develop cutting-edge solutions in a range of fields. You can pursue the limits of the human imagination. Are you up for the challenge?

Admission requirements for online engineering master’s degrees

Admission requirements and prerequisites for online master’s degrees in engineering will vary based on university and program. In general, most graduate-level online engineering programs require:

• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and college transcripts

• A minimum GPA score

• Standardized test scores, such as the GRE

• Personal essays or a statement of purpose

• A résumé or CV

• Letters of recommendation

Some programs no longer require GRE scores to apply. However, they may require prerequisite courses such as discrete mathematics, calculus, data structures, programming languages, and others. You should complete these courses before you submit your online engineering applications. Remember, admission requirements may also vary based on the type of engineering degree you pursue: computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, etc.

Engineering master’s online curriculum

There isn’t just one type of engineering. That’s why universities designed different curricula to meet industry standards. As an engineering management student, you may engage in courses like technology forecasting or marketing technology products. On the other hand, if you pursue electrical engineering, your courses could include wireless communications or digital signal processing. Below are courses you could take as a computer engineering student:

Online Master of Engineering jobs

A career in engineering is for the passionate and driven. As an engineer with an online Master of Engineering degree, you will leverage your solution-oriented mindset and technical abilities to usher in new eras of innovation. Take your next step as a visionary and discover the numerous disciplines within the engineering field.

Types of engineers and what they do 

• Petroleum engineer: Designs and develops methods for extracting oil and gas from below the Earth’s surface. 

• Computer hardware engineer: Researches, designs, develops, and tests computer systems.

• Aerospace engineer: Designs and tests aircrafts, spacecrafts, satellites, and missiles.

• Nuclear engineer: Researches and develops the processes, instruments, and systems used to obtain benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.

• Chemical engineer: Applies the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the use of fuel, drugs, food, and more.

• Electrical and electronics engineer: Designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacture of electrical equipment.

• Health and safety engineer: Develops procedures and designs systems to protect people from illness, injury, and property from damage.

• Materials engineer: Develops, processes, and tests materials used to create a wide range of products.

• Bioengineer and biomedical engineer: Designs and creates equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

• Mining and geological engineer: Designs mines to remove minerals safely and efficiently for use in manufacturing and utilities.

What type of engineer makes the most money?

Engineering is a diverse set of occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in architecture and engineering careers is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. In 2022, the median annual wage for professionals in this field was almost $84,000.^{Footnote 1} Earning an online master’s in engineering may increase your earning potential.

Engineer career salaries (2022)^{Footnote 2}

• Petroleum engineer: $131,800 median annual salary

• Computer hardware engineer: $132,360 median annual salary

• Aerospace engineer: $126,880 median annual salary

• Nuclear engineer: $122,480 median annual salary

• Chemical engineer: $106,260 median annual salary

• Electrical and electronics engineer: $104,610 median annual salary

• Health and safety engineer: $100,660 median annual salary

• Materials engineer: $100,140 median annual salary

• Bioengineers and biomedical engineer: $99,550 median annual salary

• Mining and geological engineer: $97,490 median annual salary

What skills do you need to become an engineer?

Engineering is about solutions and the skills you need to find them. To be a capable engineer, you must have an advanced understanding of programming language, statistics, physics, process management, system design, and more. Engineers that maximize their career potential possess skills, such as:

• Communication: Engage in active listening, empathy, and patience to excel with collaborators on any project.

• Leadership: Utilize your online master’s degree to share advanced knowledge with your team.

• Teamwork: Commit to the success of your team and set achievable goals.

• Adaptability: Anticipate and adapt to new technologies or circumstances.

• Creativity: Solve problems in unexpected, innovative ways.

Find the best online master’s in engineering program for your career

Discover an online master’s in engineering program that checks every box. You may consider these factors when you’re evaluating which program is best for you:

• School prestige:

  Explore top-ranked universities and ABET-accredited programs that will challenge you and develop you into a world-class engineering professional.

• Length of study:

  Choose an online master’s program with a length of study that best suits your busy schedule: full time, part time, accelerated, or extended.

• Graduation rates:

  Review graduation rates to better understand the quality of an online bachelor’s program.

• Career outcomes:

  Learn what to expect from the job market and research post-graduation employment rates of program alumni.