For professional engineers currently working in the industry a Master's in Engineering can be a pathway to advance their careers and gain mastery in their disciplines. Master's in Engineering degrees are typically cross-disciplinary programs that encompass a sophisticated technical engineering education and a grounding in professional skills such as communication, leadership, and collaboration. Educators have chosen critical components from traditional engineering disciplines and blended them in an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of modern industry.
Graduates with a Master's in Engineering go on to work in large corporations, government agencies, and small businesses. Several programs offer a thesis track to prepare students for further graduate study. Other programs focus on coursework and a capstone engineering project that give students real-world preparation for their careers. Several programs include training in innovation and entrepreneurialism, preparing students to launch start-up ventures after graduation.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics has predicted that the economy will add hundreds of thousands of new engineering jobs over the next decade. Engineers of all types can expect a median income of over $91,000—more than twice the average wage for all workers. Engineers who earn graduate degrees, like a Master's Engineering, will be well qualified for leadership positions or to take on post-secondary teaching roles. Read more to discover the 20 best Master in Engineering degrees.
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The researchers and writers at Best Master's Degrees don't make recommendations based upon preference– we back our rankings with science. Here's a quick breakdown of how we organize ranking data:
- Finances (40%)
- Academic Rigor (35%)
- Student Gratification (25%)
Nearly half of the data used to score each ranking involves finances and are acquired from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Education, Glassdoor, and PayScale. Financial data encompasses the cost of tuition, fees, and class supplied; the average price of living; access to financial aid and social services; and lastly, the projected annual salary acquired from degree outcomes and income for loan repayment. The second-largest category of information involves the quality of education, how competitive degree applicants should be for consideration, and how exclusive a degree program is overall. The final 25 percent of collected data is dependent on student and alumni reviews from sources such as PayScale, Rate My Professor, and Students Review.
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#20 – Arizona State University-Tempe
Engineering M.S.
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State Sun Devils fans await a legendary football game.
Take your analytic and design skills to the next level with the Engineering M.S. from Arizona State University-Tempe. This 30-credit program focuses on advanced design principles of system design, management, and control. Students build cross-disciplinary competence with six to nine credit hours of core coursework in analysis, systems engineering, and innovation. Students go on to earn 15 credits by selecting a focus area which includes Alternative Energy/Renewable Energy, Automotive, Manufacturing, Mechanical Systems, and Robotics. The program inspires students to gain real-world experience through a culminating experience which can include either a thesis, applied project, or portfolio. Successful applicants will need a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or a similar field from an accredited institution.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,406 / $25,160
#19 – Vanderbilt University
Master of Engineering
Nashville, Tennessee
Located in the urban heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University is known for its lush, park-like campus.
Hone your skills as a professional engineer with the Master of Engineering from Vanderbilt University. The program is aimed at engineers currently working in their fields who are interested in advancing their professional practice of engineering. Students earn their degree from the School of Engineering, which offers programs in Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering, along with an interdisciplinary program in cyber-physical systems. The program consists of 30 hours of coursework, six of which can be transferred from another institution. To successfully complete the degree, students complete a project and produce a written design report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,208
#18 – University of California-Davis
Master of Engineering
Davis, California
The University of California-Davis hosts the annual Picnic Day, which draws in marching bands from all over the state to see who can play the longest in the battle of the bands.
Whether you're interested in engineering, computer science, or management, the Master of Engineering from the University of California-Davis can help you achieve your goals. This one-year degree program is highly flexible and can be customized with a wide range of elective courses. Students complete a capstone project, and no thesis is required. Both recent graduates and working professionals are invited to apply to the program, which can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Successful applicants will have completed a full year of Physics, Chemistry and Engineering-level Math, including Linear Algebra and Differential Equations.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,442 / $26,544
#17 – University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Engineering
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania was created by one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, in 1740.
Tailor your education to capitalize on your strengths and interests with the Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Administered by the university's Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, the master's program offers specializations in electrical engineering, systems engineering, embedded systems, and robotics. Students will explore the theoretical foundation of their discipline and develop interdisciplinary skills to address the complexity of modern technology. Students taking a full-time course load typically complete their degrees in one to two years. A thesis is optional but recommended for students hoping to pursue a degree at the doctoral level.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,882
#16 – Texas Tech University
Master of Engineering
Lubbock, Texas
You'll find your research niche at Texas Tech University — it's been recognized for its "Very High Research Activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Practicing engineers can accelerate their careers with the Master of Engineering from Texas Tech University. Students can join the program as on-campus students or through the university's distance learning division. The university offers students two options for completing the degree. The first option is that students select from any of the disciplines offered by the College of Engineering. The second option, Healthcare Engineering, focuses on the engineering, health science, and business needs of healthcare facilities. Students seeking further graduate study can earn their Doctor of Jurisprudence along with their Master of Engineering in a three-year program. Qualifying applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,832 / $13,302
#15 – Princeton University
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton University's reputation as an Ivy League school draws in applicants from all across the globe. In 2018, the university received applications from 161 countries.
Find your niche at the nexus of engineering technology and management with the Master of Engineering from Princeton University. Housed within the Department of Electrical Engineering, the program offers six core areas including Applied Physics, Computing and Networking, Photonics, and more. Furthermore, students can select from six application thrusts like Security and Nanotechnologies. The program is available as a one-year full-time course of study or a two-year part-time progression. A thesis is not required, but research project opportunities are available. The university's Graduate Admissions office accepts applications for three months, from mid-September until the application deadline.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $49,450
#14 – University of the Pacific
Master of Science in Engineering Science
Stockton, California
The Master of Science in Engineering Science from the University of the Pacific is one of 30 graduate programs offered by the school.
Gain competence in the fields of computer science and engineering with the University of the Pacific's Master of Science in Engineering Science. Students will develop problem-solving, design, and research skills to address challenges in engineering and computer science. Four concentrations are offered in Civil Engineering (Environmental and Structural), Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Management. Students have the opportunity to earn graduate assistantships which provide tuition and living stipends. The program is offered in both two-year and one-year formats. Two-year students will complete a thesis and will be qualified to continue their careers in research or pursue a doctorate. One-year students will complete a project and earn all required units through coursework.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,480
#13 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers programs that focus on ecological systems, resources, structures and design, and urban systems.
Prepare to meet the demands of Civil and Environmental Engineering with the Master of Engineering (MEng) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Fast-paced coursework gives students skills to enter the workforce or continue on to further graduate study. Students in the program's Structural Mechanics and Design track focus on structural engineering mechanics and computational design and optimization. The Environmental Engineering Science track takes students through a curriculum based on Hydrology, Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, and Environmental Fluid Mechanics. This provides students with practical experience to meet industry needs. Students will produce a 24-unit graduate thesis to earn their degrees. The program requires a total of 90 units, 48 of which are earned through coursework and an additional 18 earned through electives.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,832
#12 – University of California-San Diego
Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.)
La Jolla, California
The University of California-San Diego funds more than $1 billion in research annually, and faculty, staff, and alumni have gone on to launch over 650 companies.
Get ready for a career as a biological or medical engineer with the Masters of Engineering from the University of California-San Diego. Students can complete this academically intensive program in one year. Graduates will be equipped with skills in engineering design, development, manufacturing, and management. The program is designed as a terminal degree, and its flexible design supports a large number of career goals. As a one-year program, a thesis is not required; however, students participate in a Graduate Industrial Training Project and technical report. Students work directly with a faculty advisor to identify an appropriate project that supports the students' individual academic and career goals.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,442 / $26,544
#11 – The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science in Engineering
Austin, Texas
Across the globe, the University of Texas alumni wear the school's distinctive burnt orange on Longhorn Fridays.
Working professionals can take advantage of a range of majors within the Master of Science in Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. The university's Cockrell School of Engineering offers a total of 13 graduate programs and more than 20 research centers on the main campus and the J. J. Pickle Research Campus. Many of the university's programs are offered in a part-time format with on-campus classes on Fridays and Saturdays. Several programs are also offered online in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Various majors — including such areas as mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering — have different application deadlines and students should consult the university's website for details. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,742 / $22,564
#10 – San Diego State University
Master of Engineering
San Diego, California
San Diego State University recently launched its Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences Complex, part of its focus on the future of research.
Earn a graduate degree that combines engineering with a business management focus with the Master of Engineering from San Diego State University. The program is aimed at engineering leaders seeking an interdisciplinary curriculum of business and engineering courses. Students complete academic courses along with a design project and final written report. Students customize programs with mentorship from the program advisor. Applicants will need to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and should send application materials directly to the university's College of Engineering in addition to the Graduate Admissions office.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,176 / $16,680
#9 – University of Maryland-College Park
Master of Engineering (MEng)
College Park, Maryland
The University of Maryland, founded in 1856, has a network of more than 352,000 alumni and currently enrolls 41,000 students.
Take your career to the next level with the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Project Management Program from the University of Maryland-College Park. This part-time graduate program is aimed at engineers and technical professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in their discipline. Core courses cover Risk Management, Finance, Management Fundamentals, and Legal Issues. Students also select from a number of electives to meet their career and educational goals. A thesis is not required, and the program is offered both on campus and online. To qualify, applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program is accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,906 / $27,864
#8 – Johns Hopkins University
Master's of Science and Engineering program
Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University has a reputation as a leader in scientific research. To date, 27 Hopkins researchers have been awarded Nobel Prizes.
Launch a career in biomedical research or prepare for further study with the Master's of Science and Engineering program from Johns Hopkins University. Students can select from either one or two-year programs. One-year students complete a minimum of five courses in focus areas including Biomedical Data Science, Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation, Computational Medicine, Genomics and Systems Biology, Neuroengineering, as well as Regenerative and Immune Engineering. The two-year option offers students a chance to take part in an additional year of supervised research projects culminating in a thesis. To best qualify for the program, applicants need to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or basic science discipline.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,740
#7 – University of Georgia
M.S. in Engineering
Athens, Georgia
More than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia.
With a blend of rigor and academic diversity, the M.S. in Engineering from the University of Georgia provides students a flexible program of study. Students will conduct cutting-edge research in important areas and can tailor their academic experience to meet their career goals. The College of Engineering offers emphasis areas including civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering. Each emphasis is further divided into specialty areas that meet students' academic goals. The program includes 24 hours of coursework, six hours of master's research, and three hours of thesis work. Admission is open to students holding a degree in engineering or a related field. Students with a background in math or physical or biological sciences may be required to take additional coursework to develop competency in engineering.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,704 / $24,692
#6 – Cornell University
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Ithaca, New York
Cornell University's Computing and Information Science has more researchers in the area of Human-Robot Interaction than anywhere else in the world.
Students seeking an accelerated path to career advancement can earn the Master of Engineering from Cornell University. This two-semester professional degree program takes students through six courses and a project within the Department of Computer Science. Students can shape their degree to meet their career goals with the program's flexible requirements. Students interested in business can bolster the degree with customized courses from the university's Johnson Graduate School of Management. To meet the program's project requirement, students will develop a computer science application that addresses a specific engineering problem. Students often join faculty member's research projects or collaborate with other students on projects for commercial or government enterprises, or they work on projects that may lead to a start-up venture.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,500
#5 – Texas A & M University-College Station
Master of Engineering (MEngr. or MEN)
College Station, Texas
Texas A & M University's Department of Aerospace Engineering hosts several world-class research facilities like the Advanced Vertical Flight Laboratory and the Aerospace Vehicle Systems Institute.
Small class sizes and one-to-one mentoring will help you succeed in the Master of Engineering program at Texas A & M University-College Station. Offered by the university's Department of Aerospace Engineering, the 30-unit degree program is aimed at industry professionals or students seeking a second, non-engineering degree. As a non-thesis degree, students complete a final project. Successful applicants will have completed a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or an equivalent field. Students may be eligible to transfer course credit to the program once 12 hours of graduate credit have been completed in residence at Texas A&M University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,552 / $17,904
#4 – Stanford University
Master of Science in Engineering
Stanford, California
Stanford University's library system includes more than 20 libraries. The Cecil H. Green Library is the school's main research library and holds more than 4 million volumes.
Students seeking an interdisciplinary approach to graduate studies can earn the Master of Science in Engineering from Stanford University. Students typically enroll in this unique program if they do not wish to conform to the university's existing graduate programs. Students must identify a coherent and well-defined educational objective and work with an academic department to administer the 45-unit degree. The flexibility of the program allows students to personalize their educational goals and explore a multidisciplinary approach to research and problem-solving. To obtain the degree, the student's plan needs to include at least 21 units within the School of Engineering. Students will not be required to present a thesis to complete the degree.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $N/A
#3 – University of California-Berkeley
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Berkeley, California
In the 1990s, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley played a major role in laying the groundwork for learning-oriented AI.
Build a strong technical background and gain multi-faceted and interdisciplinary skills in with the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) from the University of California-Berkeley. Students complete a series of introductory courses and select from five areas of concentration before moving onto a capstone project. Concentrations include Data Science and Systems, Physical Electronics and Integrated Circuits, Robotics and Embedded Software, Signal Processing and Communications, as well as Visual Computer and Computer Graphics. Although students aren't required to hold a Computer Science bachelor's degree, they will be expected to demonstrate strong technical knowledge. The program can be completed in one academic year.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $N/A
#2 – Harvard University
Master of Engineering in CSE
Cambridge, Massachusetts
As the oldest college in the United States, Harvard is known for its remarkable grounds. The university hosts guided historical tours daily from the Smith Campus Center.
Harvard University's John A. Paulson Schools of Engineering and Applied Sciences has a long history of educating highly-trained engineers. For students seeking graduate studies, the university offers the Master of Engineering in CSE, or Computational Science and Engineering. The program's research component gives students the opportunity to build analytic and technical skills while working with a mentor to complete a substantial research project. With 16 total units required, students complete eight units through work on a thesis. The curriculum includes core coursework, applied math and computer science electives, a domain of study, along with an independent research project, capstone project, and seminar course. Students are expected to spend the majority of their second year completing their thesis leading up to a thesis defense.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $46,384
#1 – Duke University
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Durham, North Carolina
In 2018, researchers working in Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering received 33 patents for their work.
With a blend of graduate engineering courses and core business training, the Master of Engineering (MEng) from Duke University offers students a unique path to an industry career. The focus on business and industry trends gives students an alternative to traditional masters of science programs. This 30-unit degree includes industry-preparation courses, a cross-disciplinary section, a technical concentration, and an internship or project equivalent. The program's industry-preparation courses focus on business and management fundamentals. The technical elective requirement can be met by completing three courses in Computer Engineering, Micro-Nano Systems, Photonics, Sensing and Waves, or Signal Processing and Communication.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,540