Online master’s in engineering

Do you want to increase engineering expertise? If you're already working in the industry or looking to break in, an online master's program in engineering can prepare you for specialized positions and leadership roles. Read on to learn more.

Online engineering master's degree overview

An online engineering master's can help push your career forward. In a graduate level program, you'll become familiar with the latest in engineering technology as you deepen your knowledge in a particular area, such as hardware engineering, data analytics, or sustainable energy. You can also acquire the business leadership skills necessary for management positions.

Ideal candidates for an online master's in engineering program are highly analytical problem-solvers with bachelor's degrees in engineering or related fields. If your background is not in engineering, you can still apply; however, you'll need to fulfill core coursework before starting the master's program.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in engineering?

Earning an can help you grow your career. While many engineering occupations require only a bachelor's degree, the technical expertise you gain in a master's in engineering program can qualify you for advanced roles with higher earning potential.

Types of engineers and what they do

• Aerospace engineer: This type of engineer designs, develops, and tests technology for aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
• Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design, evaluate, and improve chemical manufacturing processes.
• Civil engineer: Civil engineers design and oversee building construction and maintenance, as well as infrastructure projects.
• Computer hardware engineer: This type of engineer creates, maintains, and improves hardware systems, such as those found in home electronics and cars.
• Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers create and optimize mechanical systems, including those used in power plants, vehicle engines, biomedical devices, and air conditioning systems.
• Nuclear engineer: Nuclear engineers research, develop, and oversee the safe disposal of nuclear energy.
• Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers seek solutions to environmental issues like erosion, air pollution, poor water quality, and waste disposal.
• Electrical engineer: This type of engineer builds, tests, and improves electrical parts and systems, such as those used in power grids, telecommunications, computers, biomedical devices, and satellites
• Petroleum engineer: These engineers typically work on-site for petroleum companies to optimize oil and gas exploration, extraction, and production methods.

Salary expectations for engineers with master's degrees

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineers earned a mean salary of $111,890 as of May 2023. This is much higher than the average salary among all workers ($65,470). Pay can vary according to specialization; for example, agricultural engineers earned an average of $93,490 in May 2023, while computer hardware engineers made an average of $147,770.

Additionally, the BLS reports that in 2022, 42% of engineers held an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, in addition to a .

Career outlook with an online engineering master's degree

The BLS projects a growth of about 195,000 jobs per year in the engineering and architecture fields from 2023 to 2033.

Specifically, the BLS projects significant growth in software development (17%), industrial engineering (12%), mechanical engineering (11%), and electrical engineering (9%). These percentages are much higher than the projected national growth total of 4% for this period.

Admissions requirements for an online master's in engineering

While each online master's program has different admissions standards, common eligibility requirements include:

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or related field
• Official transcripts
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Résumé or CV

Note that many online master's in engineering programs don't require GRE scores.

How to apply

When you're ready to earn your online master's in engineering, choose a program and request more information. An admissions advisor will contact you to discuss details. From there, you can formally apply for the program.