CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
>
A Master’s in Engineering Degree can prepare you for the rapidly transforming world economy.
Engineering is a steadily growing industry that offers excellent starting pay as well as exciting opportunities to work with new technologies.
It is a diverse field which covers a wide range of areas and careers. Engineers work on creative solutions to the world problems by using a mix of mathematics, science, and technology.
What Kind of Master’s in Engineering Degree should you get?
A Master’s in Engineering will provide you a professional degree in the vast field of engineering. Generally, this degree requires two years of coursework and once complete you will be far along in propelling your new career as an engineer. Looking for online engineering options? Check out our ranking of the Best Online Engineering Degrees.
How much money can you make with a Master’s in Engineering Degree?
The engineering profession isn’t recession-proof, but it does weather economic downturns very well compared to other fields. The average salary for an engineer with a bachelor’s in $85,900 per year. For engineers with master’s degrees, that number jumps up significantly, to $95,576.
In terms of pay, it’s also worth considering which branch of engineering to study and practice. Ocean, cost management, petroleum, safety, and minerals and metals are the highest-paid fields. Engineers with these specialties average well over $100,000 in annual salary.
What can you do with a Master’s in Engineering Degree?
A graduate of a master’s in engineering program will be well placed to succeed in almost any engineering-related setting. It all depends upon thinking strategically about which classes and certifications to pursue. And don’t choose a program based on the name recognition alone. You need to make sure they have the programs you’re interested in.
If you’re not yet sure of which specialty you want to pursue, spend some time doing research. Everyone knows about mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers. But consider some of these less well-known engineering professions:
- Marine Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Network Engineering
- Packaging Engineering
- Solar Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
It’s in specialties like these that you’re most likely to be able to distinguish yourself and command a high salary.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
Stanford University
- Stanford, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The engineering master's programs at Stanford University appeal to students seeking career advancement. From its Stanford, California, campus, the private university meets the needs of diverse degree-seekers by offering flexible enrollment options. In the master of science in mechanical engineering program, learners take graduate-level courses to strengthen their understanding of engineering.
Master's candidates participate in campus life and benefit from the university's support services. For example, financial aid counselors connect students with grant and scholarship opportunities. Master's degree-seekers also take advantage of tutoring, mental health counseling, and library services.
Stanford University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 89
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Admission Rate: 4%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $52,479
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $52,479
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $92,800
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Campus
The engineering master's programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offer an affordable, rigorous option for graduate learners. The master of science in mechanical engineering incorporates career-focused training to help students advance their professional opportunities. Flexible enrollment options appeal to working professionals who need to schedule classes around their other responsibilities.
The master's curriculum balances theoretical and practical approaches to engineering, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of the field. Participants can often complete internships and other hands-on learning opportunities, gaining varied experience while building professional connections. Enrollees work with faculty advisors to choose electives or concentrations that customize the program.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 7%
Graduate Tuition In State: $53,450
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $53,450
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 74%
Percent Online Enrollment
0%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
The Georgia Institute of Technology
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Georgia Institute of Technology prepares graduates for career advancement in its engineering master's programs. This Atlanta-based public school serves degree candidates of all types, with online enrollment options to accommodate working professionals. In the master of science in mechanical engineering program, learners complete a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes advanced knowledge and skills.
While earning a master's degree, enrollees rely on college resources and support services for assistance. Financial aid advisors recommend scholarships and grants, while academic advisors help with course selections. Master's degree-seekers also attend networking events and make use of library services.
The Georgia Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 50
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Admission Rate: 21%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,064
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,140
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $66,100
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Columbia University in the City of New York offers engineering master's programs for students seeking career advancement. The private institution welcomes degree-seekers with a variety of enrollment options, including online programs created with working professionals in mind. During the master of science in mechanical engineering program, learners take graduate classes in engineering that build on their prior knowledge in the field.
Master's candidates benefit from the university's support services, which include academic and career services. For example, financial aid counselors connect students with grant and scholarship opportunities. Master's degree-seekers also participate in tutoring sessions, counseling programs, and networking events.
Columbia University in the City of New York at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 140
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 5%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $47,600
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $47,600
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $77,900
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The engineering master's degrees from Carnegie Mellon University help graduates pursue advanced careers. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the private institution serves degree-seekers of all types thanks to its many enrollment options. The master of science in mechanical engineering builds on undergraduate knowledge, and applicants without an engineering background may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.
While pursuing a master's degree, enrollees benefit from college resources and support services. Academic advisors can help with course selections, while financial aid counselors ensure students can fund their education. Master's degree-seekers also participate in training events, networking opportunities, and tutoring sessions.
Carnegie Mellon University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 108
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Admission Rate: 15%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $45,037
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $45,037
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $84,000
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
Cornell University
- Ithaca, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cornell University stands out for its 119 master's programs, which include several engineering master's degrees. The master of science in mechanical engineering program helps students grow their career opportunities and increase their earning potential. Flexible enrollment options, including online classes, help busy enrollees balance coursework with their other responsibilities.
The master's curriculum builds comprehensive knowledge, highlighting theoretical and practical approaches to engineering. Participants strengthen their knowledge through internships and other hands-on learning opportunities, which also build valuable professional connections. Faculty advisors help learners choose electives and concentrations to specialize their education.
Cornell University at a Glance:
Location: Ithaca, New York
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 11%
Graduate Tuition In State: $29,500
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,500
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 62%
Percent Online Enrollment
4%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
The University of California, Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The engineering master's programs at the University of California, Berkeley are just a few of the 104 master's degrees offered by the university. The master of engineering encourages career growth through its experiential learning components. Graduate programs prioritize flexibility through their enrollment options, which help enrollees balance school with work or other responsibilities.
The engineering master's curricula encourage a comprehensive understanding of different engineering subfields through both theoretical and practical knowledge. Students strengthen their career-readiness through internships and hands-on learning opportunities. Participants meet with faculty advisors to choose electives and concentrations to individualize their engineering degree.
The University of California, Berkeley at a Glance:
Location: Berkeley, California
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 16%
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 63%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $19,323
Average Price After Aid: $18,522
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#8 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
The University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in advancing their career can earn their master's in engineering at the University of Michigan. Located in Ann Arbor, the public institution serves degree-seekers of all types thanks to its many enrollment options. In the engineering master's programs, learners strengthen their knowledge and skills through a rigorous curriculum.
Master's candidates benefit from a generous selection of college resources and support services. For example, career counselors host workshops and job fairs while also recommending resume changes. The university also hosts networking and training events for master's degree-seekers.
The University of Michigan at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 140
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Admission Rate: 23%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $23,890
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $48,204
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $55,900
Percent Online Enrollment
1%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in career advancement can earn their engineering master's degree at Purdue University. The public institution welcomes degree-seekers with a variety of enrollment options, including online programs created with working professionals in mind. In the engineering master of science programs, the graduate-level curricula encourage learners to strengthen their skills.
Master's candidates rely on the school's support services to make progress toward their degree. Financial aid advisors connect students with resources to pay for graduate school, while academic advisors recommend course selections. Master's degree-seekers also take advantage of writing centers, career advising, and library services.
Purdue University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 81
Total Online Master's Programs: 20
Admission Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 82%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,208
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,010
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,000
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees
Princeton University
- Princeton, NJ
- 4 years
- Campus
For students seeking career advancement, Princeton University offers several engineering master's program options. From its Princeton, New Jersey, campus, the private university meets the needs of diverse degree-seekers by offering flexible enrollment options. The engineering master's degrees build on undergraduate knowledge, and applicants without an engineering background may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.
College resources and support services help master's candidates complete their degree and plan their next steps. Financial aid advisors connect learners with resources to pay for graduate school, while academic advisors recommend course selections. The university also hosts networking and training events for master's degree-seekers.
Princeton University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 44
Admission Rate: 6%
Graduation Rate: 98%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,870
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,870
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $73,600
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Reviewed by