Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2021

Established in 1866, UW-Platteville features a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and more than 40 academic programs.

UW-Platteville offers an online master of science in engineering program. The degree combines management and technical coursework in classes about engineering management and communications, as well as engineering systems simulation modeling. Students choose from four different areas of emphasis: applications of engineering management, control systems, engineering design, and structural/geotechnical engineering.

Participants can complete the program in two years. Prospective applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related field and a minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission.

ASU boasts more than 530,000 alumni and graduates more than 27,000 students annually.

ASU offers an online master of engineering in engineering management. Students tailor the program through an elective path in one of four areas: entrepreneurship and innovation, supply chain management, systems and software management, or quality management.

All students in the graduate engineering program complete core coursework in financial engineering, risk management, and engineering methods, as well as a final capstone project prior to graduation.

Established in 1826, Case Western Reserve University enrolls more than 11,000 students annually.

CWRU offers four 100% online graduate-level engineering degrees in practice-focused and research-focused programs. Students may choose a degree path toward a master of engineering, a master of science in biomedical engineering, a master of science in mechanical engineering, or a master of science in systems and control engineering.

Participants collaborate in a cohort model through online discussion boards and live study sessions.

Founded in 1973, CU Denver serves more than 15,000 students annually.

CU Denver offers an online master of engineering or master of science degree in civil engineering with a concentration in construction engineering and management. The program, designed alongside business and industry partner VERTEX, co-created the Industry Construction Engineering and Management program.

Courses focus on industry challenges and best practices to prepare students for careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and more. The 100% online curriculum allows students to work with and meet industry professionals and learn about the issues first-hand.

UIC enrolls 33,000 students annually and boasts more than 309,000 alumni.

UIC offers a fully online master of engineering program with eight specialized focus areas in bioinformatics, chemical engineering, circuits and electronics, communications, computer science and engineering, disaster management, electromagnetics and optics, and mechanical engineering.

Students may choose to sign up for one class at a time, combine courses into a certificate, or pursue the master of engineering degree. Graduates complete 36 credits, including two core courses in engineering law and engineering management.

Founded in 1831, UAB enrolls over 22,000 students annually today.

UAB offers an online master of engineering program with five specialized concentrations in advanced safety engineering and management, construction engineering management, information engineering management, structural engineering, and sustainable smart cities.

Students may enroll in fall, summer, or spring semesters for any of the concentrations and potentially finish within 19 months depending on their course load. All 100% online coursework may be taken either as synchronous or asynchronous classes.

Founded in 1885, MTU enrolls nearly 7,000 students annually. 

MTU offers three online graduate-level engineering programs in mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and integrated geospatial technology. 

The master of science in geospatial technology program features areas of concentration including earth observation systems, remote sensing, geodesy and geodetic sciences, and geospatial visualization and cartography. 

The master of science in electrical and computer engineering program provides areas of emphasis in communication theory, power systems, and signal processing. The master of science in mechanical engineering program provides areas of emphasis including design and dynamic systems, autonomous systems, and alternative fuels and renewable energy.

Founded in 1949, the University of Alabama in Huntsville now enrolls 10,000 students annually.

UAH offers several online graduate-level engineering degrees including master of science in engineering, master of science in operations research, and master of science in aerospace systems engineering. Areas of specialization include engineering management, industrial engineering, operations research, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and aerospace systems engineering, some of which may be studied at the doctorate level.

Founded in 1923, Rowan now offers 74 bachelor's degrees and 51 master's degree programs.

Rowan offers an online master of engineering management degree with two track options in construction management or project management. Students may enroll in one of six modules throughout the academic year.

Coursework explores administrative aspects of engineering, including organizational behavior and teamwork, strategic decision-making, and supervision. The unique program combines engineering and business courses to help students with advanced technical concepts and leadership skills with a focus on project management.

CSU offers 74 majors and 85 master's programs for its 34,000-plus students.

CSU's Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering offers several online graduate-level engineering degrees through its master of science or master of engineering programs. Students choose from biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering. 

Participants complete a minimum of 30 credits for each program, generally within two years. Curriculum is divided into four categories: core coursework, foundational, depth, and breadth.

Youngstown State University features more than 150 graduate and undergraduate programs for its nearly 13,000 students.

YSU offers an online master of science in engineering management. The Rayen School of Engineering and Engineering Technology program requires the completion of 57 credits of coursework in its business and engineering curriculum.

The program allows concentration in five options including chemical, civil and environmental, electrical, industrial and systems, and mechanical engineering. Students in the program receive an assigned advisor to support them during their degree progress.

Founded in 1876, CU Boulder boasts more than 150 areas of study today.

CU Boulder features an online master of science in electrical engineering. The 100% online, 30-credit program features a unique pathway into the degree by allowing students to take for-credit pathway specializations. With a cumulative 3.0 GPA in those courses, students become qualified for the degree program without any formalized process. Specializations review specific topics within a focus area such as embedded systems, power electronics, or photonics and optics.

The University of Arizona offers more than 300 majors to its nearly 47,000 students.

UArizona offers an array of online master of science in engineering and master of engineering degrees. Program concentration choices are cybersecurity; electrical and computer; industrial; materials science; mechanical; photonic communications; systems; innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship; and mining, geological, and geophysical engineering. 

Curriculum required for graduation depends on the concentration but generally varies between 30-33 credits with core courses and a number of electives.

OU enrolls 30,000 students annually and boasts a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Ohio offers several online graduate-level engineering degrees including a master of science in civil engineering, master of engineering management, master of science in electrical engineering, and master of science in project management.

The Russ College of Engineering and Technology allows students to pursue in-depth research and work with faculty who lead technical areas in their fields. Specific research opportunities may also be available for students interested in projects funded by major community research partners.

Founded in 1947, Oregon Tech offers more than 50 bachelor's and advanced degrees to its 5,400-plus students.

Oregon Tech offers an online master of science in engineering. Students can choose from a multidisciplinary degree or systems engineering concentration. Students who would like to also earn a bachelor of science in electrical or renewable energy engineering may apply to the accelerated BS-to-MS program if they do not already hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.