Many people would love to get a master’s degree in engineering, but confusion often sets in for choosing the best programs and schools. This post lists the 20 best engineering master’s programs for enrolling in.
Ok, let’s clear up the confusion!
A master’s program in engineering covers aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and petroleum engineering, to mention a few.
These are different fields and programs in engineering.
What this post intends to do, is to clear up and point you to the best master’s programs in engineering.
Below is our main course of discussion.
Table of contents
- What Can I Do With a Master’s in Engineering?
- #1 – University of California, Berkeley- Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- #3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- #4 University of Texas at Austin – Master of Science in Engineering
- #5 Cornell University – Master of Engineering in Computer Science
- #6 Harvard University – Master of Engineering in Computational Science and Engineering
- #7 Texas A&M University – Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering
- #8 University of Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Engineering
- #9 University of Georgia – Master of Science in Engineering
- #10 Duke University – Master of Engineering in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- #11 Johns Hopkins University – Master of Science and Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
- #12 University of California, San Diego – Master of Engineering in Bioengineering
- #13 Purdue University- Ms in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- #14 University of Maryland – Master of Engineering in Project Management
- #15 University of the Pacific – Master of Science in Engineering Science
- #16 VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY – MASTER OF ENGINEERING
- #17 Texas Tech University – Master of Engineering
- #18 California Institute of Technology – Engineering and Applied Science
- #19 Carnegie Mellon University- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- #20 University of Michigan- Mechanical Engineering
- Best Engineering Master’s Program FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Why Should I Get a Master’s in Engineering?
Getting a master’s in engineering increases your career and earnings prospects.
Also, it offers you a chance to gain specialized knowledge in the engineering field. The field is a hands-on one, so there will be lots of practicals and experiences for you.
In addition, graduate programs often provide networking opportunities, help with job placement, access to internships, and the chance to build relationships. An engineering master’s also opens up many lucrative, high-level job opportunities unavailable to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Check out: How to get an online civil engineering degree in Schools, Cost, Programs
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Engineering?
Getting a master’s in engineering opens up several specialized career opportunities.
While civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering are among the most common specialties, there are other specializations you may also pursue. They are;
Marine Engineers and Naval Architect
They build and maintain water vessels, from submarines to aircraft carriers. Also, they ensure the safety and function of ships by using a combination of computer modeling and on-site testing.
The salary is around $90,970 annually.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers design and build air travel machines and devices, including airplanes, spacecraft, and satellites.
Some work for national defense agencies, building missiles and researching aircraft technology.
The salary prospect is $113,030 annually.
Environmental Engineer
These engineers solve environmental problems like pollution, waste, public health crises, and natural resource contamination.
The salary is $86,800.
Health and Safety Engineer
Health and safety engineers ensure that furniture, machines, structures, and other items do not cause harm to users or damage property.
An annual salary of $88,510 is paid.
Civil Engineer
These engineers design and maintain city infrastructure. It may involve designing roads, tunnels, and bridges and developing and maintaining sewage and water systems.
A salary prospect of $84,770.
How to Choose Engineering Masters Programs?
There are many things to consider when choosing engineering master’s programs, like time, cost, and course format. These all join in shaping the schooling experience.
A typical master’s program in engineering takes about two years, with just a few that are one-year master’s.
Online master’s programs cost less than traditional on-campus education.
Program specializations are another crucial aspect to remember as you consider your options.
The career path, interests, and goals are essential in determining your chosen school. The engineering aspect or program you choose should enhance your goal and career.
Besides the above, choose schools that have specializations. The schools offer elective courses and allow you to choose your specializations.
What are the requirements of a Master’s program in Engineering?
If you are interested in a master’s program in engineering, you need to meet the following basic requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Strong GRE scores and an excellent personal essay may help to offset a lower GPA.
- Professional Experience: This may not be necessary but will set your application apart from other candidates.
- School Transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
Again, these requirements can vary. So, contact your desired school for theirs.
What are the Engineering masters programs?
There are many engineering disciplines, such as software engineering or nuclear engineering, but most engineering disciplines can be classified within one of these engineering branches:
- Computer engineering develops computer software and hardware
- Chemical engineering produces industrial chemical compounds
- Electrical engineering develops electronics and circuitry
- Civil engineering plans and builds infrastructure projects
- Mechanical engineering creates machines
- Aerospace engineering develops new aircraft and spacecraft.
A more comprehensive list is as follows;
- Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical Engineering
- Biological / Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering / Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical / Electronic / Communications Engineering
- Environmental / Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial / Manufacturing / Systems Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering, etc
The 20 Best Engineering Masters Programs and Schools in the World
Well, we chose these schools as our best for a few reasons.
The ranking factors used are; the student-to-faculty ratio, quality of teachings and program, and ranking by US news, to mention a few.
Here are our 20 best engineering masters programs in the world.
- University of California, Berkeley- Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Stanford University- Master of Science in Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- The University of Texas at Austin – Master of Science in Engineering
- Cornell University – Master of Engineering in Computer Science
- Harvard University – Master of Engineering in Computational Science and Engineering
- Texas A&M University – Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering
- University of Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Engineering
- University of Georgia – Master of Science in Engineering
- Duke University – Master of Engineering in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Johns Hopkins University – Master of Science and Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
- The University of California, San Diego – Master of Engineering in Bioengineering
- Purdue University- Ms in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- University of Maryland – Master of Engineering in Project Management
- University of the Pacific – Master of Science in Engineering Science
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY – MASTER OF ENGINEERING
- Texas Tech University – Master of Engineering
- California Institute of Technology – Engineering and Applied Science
- Carnegie Mellon University- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- University of Michigan- Mechanical Engineering
#1 – University of California, Berkeley– Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
This is our number 1 best master’s program in engineering. It is for 2 years, but you can opt for the one-year accelerated program.
It concentrates specifically on Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
The tuition is $11,442 per year (in-state, full-time) and $26,544 per year (out-of-state, full-time).
To perform well in this master’s program in engineering, the applicants should have a solid technical background and experience in algorithms, data structures, programming, and theory at or above the undergraduate level.
The concentration areas are; Data Science and Systems, Physical Electronics and Integrated Circuits, Robotics, Embedded Software, Signal Processing, Communications, Visual Computing, and Computer Graphics.
#2 – Stanford University– Master of Science in Engineering
Stanford University offers an interdisciplinary program leading to a Master of Science in Engineering degree.
The master’s are available in any of the nine departments of the School of Engineering, including but not limited to aeronautics and astronautics, bioengineering, computer science, management science, and materials science.
The tuition is $55,905 per year (full-time).
#3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering
The tuition for this master’s program in engineering is $53,450 per year (full-time).
In this master’s program, students can follow a track in Environmental Engineering Science or Structural Mechanics and Design.
This master’s degree can be completed in nine months.
#4 University of Texas at Austin – Master of Science in Engineering
The master’s in engineering is done through the Cockrell School of Engineering.
These degrees include but are not limited to aerospace engineering, materials science and engineering, operations research and industrial engineering, and petroleum engineering.
Full-time students can follow an executive program in engineering management, mechanical engineering, or electrical and computer engineering. Executive programs can be completed primarily online, though occasional weekend courses may be required.
The tuition is $10,554 per year (in-state, full-time) and $19,320 per year (out-of-state, full-time).
#5 Cornell University – Master of Engineering in Computer Science
This university offers a Master of Engineering in Computer Science.
The professionally oriented degree program is designed to build practical skills for a wide range of careers relating to computer science.
In addition, the tuition is $29,500 per year (full-time) and $2,356 per credit (part-time).
#6 Harvard University – Master of Engineering in Computational Science and Engineering
This master’s program in engineering is in Computational Science and Engineering.
It is a research-based degree program designed to be completed in two years.
One of the reasons we love this engineering master’s program is because of the nature of its electives. Some include but are not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Decision Theory, and Visualization.
The tuition is $54,880 per year (full-time) and $27,440 per year (part-time).
#7 Texas A&M University – Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering
Texas A&M University offers a non-thesis master’s program leading to a Master of Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering.
To qualify to apply, applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a closely related field.
Significant courses include Advanced Aerodynamics, Damage, and Failure in Composite Materials, Multifunctional Materials, and Theory of Elasticity. You end with a research project.
#8 University of Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Engineering
The engineering master’s program is done through its Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering.
As a result, students can choose four significant options: Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Robotics, and Systems Engineering.
Those majoring in Electrical Engineering can focus on Circuits and Computer Engineering, Information and Decision Systems, or Nano Devices and nanosystems. All MSE programs offer a master’s thesis and independent study options.
#9 University of Georgia – Master of Science in Engineering
This is another excellent master’s program in engineering.
To be admitted, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree. If the bachelor is not in engineering, you must do selected preparatory coursework.
Students can choose a study area in civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, or mechanical engineering. Civil engineering courses cover structural and geotechnical engineering and environment and water.
Graduate Tuition is $8,704 in-state; $24,692 out-of-state students.
#10 Duke University – Master of Engineering in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Duke’s Master of Engineering in Electrical & Computer Engineering is an industry-focused degree program.
In addition, the required courses you will learn include Business Fundamentals for Engineers and Management of High-Tech Industries. Students must select three technical electives in a specific concentration area: Micro-Nano Systems, Photonics, Sensing, and Waves.
At the end of the master’s program in engineering, you either go for an internship or do a research project. The tuition for a master’s in the school is $12,906 in-state and $27,864 out-of-state students.
Read about this: 10 Cheapest Dual MSN MBA Online Programs
#11 Johns Hopkins University – Master of Science and Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
This is another master’s program in engineering.
It is designed to prepare students for research-based careers in biomedical engineering.
To complete this engineering master’s program in two years, students can follow a thesis track, including supervised research projects.
Alternatively, students can complete a non-thesis program with a focus area in one year.
Some six focus areas include Computational Medicine, Genomics and Systems Biology, and neuro-engineering.
Graduate school tuition is $53,740.
#12 University of California, San Diego – Master of Engineering in Bioengineering
This is one of the fastest masters of science in engineering that can be completed in one year of study.
It comprises engineering physics, imaging, life science, and tissue engineering courses. Electives include Algorithm Design and Analysis, nanotechnology, Elasticity, and Venture Mechanics. Beyond coursework, you get industrial training experience, a master’s project, and a technical report.
Graduate students will pay around $11,442 in-state and $26,544 out-of-state.
#13 Purdue University- Ms in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
The Agricultural and biological engineering master’s program is the best of her engineering programs. Followed closely by Aeronautics and Astronautics before civil engineering.
The tuition is $29,132 per year.
#14 University of Maryland – Master of Engineering in Project Management
The University of Maryland, College Park, offers a part-time program leading to a Master of Engineering in Project Management.
Designed for working engineers, the practice-oriented program helps develop and adapt professionals’ skills to meet changing industry standards.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,906 in-state; $27,864 out-of-state
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#15 University of the Pacific – Master of Science in Engineering Science
The University of the Pacific offers a Master of Science in Engineering Science program.
Students in the program can choose a concentration in Civil Engineering (Environmental and Structural); Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; Engineering Management; or Mechanical Engineering.
You may be admitted only after the completion of a bachelor’s degree.
#16 VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY – MASTER OF ENGINEERING
This is another engineering master’s program.
The master’s program in engineering aims to prepare the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of the future.
It offers the Engineering masters program in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Cyber-Physical Systems.
The program is designed for working engineers.
#17 Texas Tech University – Master of Engineering
This engineering master’s program is designed primarily for working engineers.
As an applicant, you should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering to be admitted. You may complete the program on campus or online.
Students can follow the standard program or specialize in Healthcare Engineering.
You’ll pay a tuition of $5,832 in-state; $13,302 out-of-state.
#18 California Institute of Technology – Engineering and Applied Science
Which other school do you think is better than the excellent institute of technology? The engineering master’s program is fast-paced.
CalTech has a Division of Engineering and Applied Science and a separate chemical engineering program.
Students can earn a master of science in a year or a particular engineer’s degree in aeronautical, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering in two years. We have an expected tuition of $54,537.
#19 Carnegie Mellon University- Civil and Environmental Engineering
Carnegie Mellon is another elite school for Engineering masters.
Her students have a yearly tuition of $48,500 per year (full-time).
Their best specialty is in civil and environmental engineering.
#20 University of Michigan- Mechanical Engineering
Here is another of our best master’s programs in Engineering.
With a tuition of $27,202 per year (in-state, full-time) and $51,126 per year (out-of-state, full-time).
This may be for you: 20 Best Online Computer Science Masters Degree Programs | Cost, Requirements, Rankings
Best Engineering Master’s Program FAQs
A master’s program in engineering takes around two years of full-time study.
Depending on the specialization and delivery structure, some may take three years to complete or as little as one.
In certain instances, part-time learners may be given up to four to five years to finish their degree.
Yes, you can. Many of our best schools also give online training. So, if online schooling suits your busy schedule, by all means, go for it.
Some are civil engineers, architectural engineers, structural engineers, aerospace engineers, etc.
Most of them are already found in the post.
Conclusion
Although this may be a long read, it is well worth the time you will spend on it.
I have written the best programs for masters and the best schools for engineering programs.
In addition, the courses will broaden your knowledge base.
Do you have questions, use the comment box.
World Scholarship Forum cares!
References
- gradschoolhub.com – masters of engineering
- usnews.com – top engineering schools
- bestcolleges.com – best online masters engineering programs
