The time it takes to complete an online Master of Science in Engineering or MS in Engineering Management may vary depending on your preferred courseload and the degree program you select.
For most working professionals who choose to take six to eight credit hours per term and who choose an expedited program, the degree can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months. However, some programs can take two to three years or longer, especially when they require real-world experiences like internships or residencies.
Master of Science in Engineering (MEng)
Get information on admissions and curriculum for advanced online degrees in engineering and engineering management
Getting your MEng: What you need to know
Top-level engineering professionals have the opportunity to impact businesses, government, and society for the better. Employers across industries are in need of highly qualified engineering leaders and managers to help achieve business goals, modernize operations, and oversee organization-defining projects.
With your online Master of Science in Engineering or MS in Engineering Management, you can position yourself as a strategic changemaker and forward-thinking groundbreaker in the dynamic field of business-focused engineering.
The top benefits of earning your MEng
With your MS in Engineering or Engineering Management, you can build the skills and education to pursue lucrative, meaningful careers that position you for growth and leadership. While earning your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a specialization that’s meaningful to you, network with like-minded colleagues and faculty members, and prepare to create value for your organization — and your career.
Not only that, but when you earn your degree online, you can study and learn around your schedule, then apply your new skills and knowledge in your job the next day.
Online MS in Engineering curriculum
Many modern engineering degree programs recognize the relationship between engineering and business leadership. That’s why today’s engineering master’s degrees often feature coursework on business strategy and management in addition to core engineering coursework. As you earn your MS in Engineering, you can expect to take courses in areas like the following.
- Economics
- Engineering in the global marketplace
- Engineering management
- Strategic leadership and considerations
- Systems engineering
- Technology innovation
You also may take more specialized coursework depending on the concentration you choose.
MS in Engineering specialization opportunities
Many MS in Engineering degrees offer you the opportunity to specialize in an area of your choosing, allowing you to tailor your education to your goals and interests. These specializations come with unique coursework, projects, opportunities, and experiences that can help you gain the education and experience to pursue the career you want.
Some common specializations include the following.
Bioengineering
Chemical engineering
Data science and engineering
Electrical engineering
Engineering management
Environmental engineering
Mechanical engineering
Nanoscale material engineering
Pursue engineering and management careers
The field of engineering presents opportunities to work in areas like leadership, strategy, project management, product development, and logistics in almost any industry or setting. Strategic business-related engineering roles may include the following.
Aerospace engineer
Architectural engineer
Engineering manager
Industrial production manager
Operations manager
Researcher
Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
These roles often come with good benefits and high salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for engineering managers in 2023 was $165,370.
Find the right MS in Engineering program for you
We offer a personalized enrollment experience designed to match you with online engineering and engineering management programs that align with your needs. Here's how it works:
Answer a few quick questions about your background and career goals — this should only take about 5 minutes.
We'll match you with courses, certificates, and/or degrees that can help you achieve your goals.
Our enrollment expertise
Our enrollment advisors are trained to help you select the right online engineering or engineering management degree or certificate program from one of our accredited academic partners. Their services are offered at no cost to you.
- Get tailored program recommendations
- Explore options with no GRE/GMAT requirement
- Complete coursework 100% online
FAQs
In most cases, engineering is a lucrative profession compared to the average career in the United States, especially higher-up positions in leadership and management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering managers made a median salary of $165,370 in 2023, nearly four times the overall median salary for all careers.
Your salary may vary significantly based on factors like industry, location, education, and years of experience. For example, agricultural engineers reported lower salaries around $62,000 and median salaries around $88,000, according to the BLS. On the other hand, high-end engineering managers and some in-demand specializations reported salaries in excess of $225,000.
A master’s degree in an in-demand area of engineering or that focuses on strategy, leadership, and management can help you qualify for the highest-paying positions.
The cost of an online Master of Science in Engineering program varies depending on the school and program, and full tuition and expenses may range from around $20,000 to more than $100,000. Chat with our enrollment advisors to learn more about how schools assess their tuition fees.
Many schools offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. Talk to an enrollment advisor to learn more.
Admission requirements vary depending on the specific Master of Science in Engineering or MS in Engineering Management program you choose, but there are some common qualifications you can expect. These requirements include the following.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
All transcripts from previously attended schools
A completed application
Some programs may have more conditions for admission, such as letters of recommendation or a personal statement, a minimum GPA requirement, completion of entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT, or an application fee. You can speak with an enrollment advisor to discuss specific requirements for your master’s program or to find a program that fits your needs and background.
While some programs may require a business degree, others may accept applicants from various academic backgrounds.
Each master’s degree program sets its own admission standards, including requirements for professional tests or entrance exams like the GRE or the GMAT. Some include submission of test scores as a condition of entrance, while others have no such requirement. Speak with an enrollment advisor for more information about your master’s program of choice.
In most cases, online Master of Science in Engineering or MS in Engineering Management programs give you the flexibility to study and learn on your schedule. This is known as an asynchronous learning model, meaning you can choose when and where you complete coursework.
Some online programs may feature synchronous components such as live class sessions or on-site residencies or internships.
Your online master’s in engineering management degree program will typically cover topics like engineering, strategy, technology, and leadership, focusing on the global and connected nature of modern engineering.
You’ll take a core of courses focused on engineering and engineering management topics that will help you build high-level skills in the field. In many cases, you’ll round out your education by selecting elective courses that cover engineering or engineering management topics relevant to your career goals, or you’ll complete a series of courses related to the specialization you choose.
Depending on the coursework you take and the specialization you pursue, you can qualify for a variety of engineering and engineering management careers across almost every industry. Some examples of roles you can pursue include chemical engineer, systems engineer, construction engineer, design engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, environmental engineer, and bioengineer.
If you choose a management-focused engineering degree, such as a MEng with a specialization in Engineering Management, you can qualify to pursue leadership roles like engineering manager, industrial production manager, or operations manager.