30 Best Master’s in Engineering Online from Private Colleges 2021

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In this article, we profile the 30 best online master's in engineering degree programs from private colleges in 2018.

One of the benefits of earning a master's in engineering is the return on investment. Salary generally increases with education. Today, some of the top ranked private colleges and universities offer online master's in engineering programs and provide students with the same quality education that on-campus students receive. This is an overview of the best online master's in engineering programs from private colleges.

Ranking the Best Master's in Engineering Degree Online Programs

We looked at 60 private colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered at least one online engineering program. We confirmed accreditation and narrowed down our list based on regional, national, or programs rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our schools according to raw affordability.

Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online master's in engineering degree programs from private colleges.

#30 – Southern Methodist University

Online Master's in Systems Engineering

Dallas, Texas

Website

Southern Methodist University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Southern Methodist University offers online engineering programs in systems engineering.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $46,560

Southern Methodist University offers a weekend format online master's in systems engineering that is designed for working and busy professionals. While the program is not entirely online, a weekend format consisting of core and elective courses makes it ideal for working students. Some of the courses offered include integrated risk management, systems analysis methods, systems engineering design, systems integration and test, and systems reliability engineering. An optional thesis may be substituted for two of the eight primary courses required. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's in engineering or closely related field. Southern Methodist is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs have earned recognition.

#29 – Case Western Reserve University

Online Master's in Engineering

Cleveland, Ohio

Website

Case Western Reserve - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Case Western Reserve offers an online master's in engineering with four available concentrations.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,610

Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University offers a master's in engineering degree online program designed to prepare students to become professional engineers. Four concentrations are offered so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include biomedical engineering, engineering innovation – management and leadership, mechanical engineering, and systems and control engineering. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best national university and 45th best value school. Also, out of more than 800 graduate schools ranked, the engineering school ranks #50 by U.S. News and World Report.

#28 – University of Southern California

Online Master's in Engineering

Los Angeles, California

Website

USC - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

USC offers an online master's in engineering that requires GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,305

University of Southern California offers several online engineering programs at the graduate level, including master's in aerospace and mechanical engineering, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemicals and materials, civil and environmental, electrical, industrial and systems, and systems architecture and engineering. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's from an accredited college or university and satisfactory scores on the GRE or GMAT. USC is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 21st best national university and 40th best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #1 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#27 – Rochester Institute of Technology

Online Master's in Microelectronics Manufacturing Engineering

Rochester, New York

Website

RIT - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Rochester Institute has full-time and part-time options for their online engineering master's programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,078

Rochester Institute of Technology's master's in engineering degree online provides students with a broad-based engineering education for those interested in the semiconductor industry. The program is open to those with an earned bachelor's degree in traditional engineering or other science disciplines. Thirty credits are required, and part-time and full-time enrollment options are available. Some of the courses offered include lithography materials and processes, microelectronic fabrication, microelectronics manufacturing, nanolithography systems, and semiconductor process integration. Rochester Institute is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 97th best national university and 41st best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#26 – Stevens Institute of Technology

Online Master's in Computer Engineering

Hoboken, New Jersey

Website

Stevens Institute of Technology - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Stevens Institute of Technology offers an online master's in computer engineering.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,514

Stevens Institute of Technology offers online master's in engineering programs such as computer engineering and information and data engineering. The programs are offered entirely online and designed for working students. For the computer engineering program, a series of core courses includes analytical methods and electrical engineering, digital signal processing, and linear systems theory. Concentration options are also available and include communications and signal processing or networks and security. To apply, students must submit two letters of recommendation and official transcripts. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #39 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#25 – Drexel University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Drexel University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Drexel University offers an online master's in engineering management that is customizable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,024

Drexel University offers one of the best online engineering programs on our list and one of the first graduate engineering management programs in the nation. Customizable curriculum allows students to take electives from a variety of engineering disciplines while earning a master's in engineering management. Classes are delivered online and include advanced engineering management, engineering management communications, engineering statistics, financial management, human relations and organizational behavior, and statistical data analysis. Drexel is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #26 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#24 – Clarkson University

Online Master's in Electrical Engineering

Potsdam, New York

Website

Clarkson - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Clarkson College offers an online master's in electrical engineering that takes 2-5 years to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,936

Clarkson University offers several hybrid, onsite, and online master's in engineering degree programs, including the master's in electrical engineering. The program may be completed entirely online and is open to working professionals and recent engineering graduates. Three concentration options are also available, including communications and signal processing, data communications and networks, and power. The program consists of 30 credit hours and takes students approximately two to five years to complete. Admission requires a BS in electrical engineering or equivalent field, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Clarkson is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 124th best national university and 36th best value school in the country.

#23 – Cornell University

Online Master's in Systems Engineering

Ithaca, New York

Website

Cornell - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Cornell University offers an online master's in engineering that requires GRE scores for admission.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,585

One of the top online engineering degree online programs on our list is the master's in systems engineering at Cornell University. Cornell is recognized as a premier institution. The school offers accreditation, rigor, and online options for those interested in earning a graduate systems engineering degree. Admission is competitive and at a minimum requires a bachelor's in engineering, math, or science, satisfactory GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation. There are two deadlines dates for application. All classes are delivered online and designed with the working student in mind. Part-time options are also available. Cornell is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 14th best national university and 18th best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #7 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#22 – Illinois Institute of Technology

Online Master's in Engineering (Various Degrees)

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Illinois Institute of Tech - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Illinois Institute of Tech offers an online master's in engineering that consists of 12 courses.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,062

Illinois Institute of Technology offers several master's in engineering degree online programs that can be completed through the school's robust distance learning format. Students may choose from a variety of engineering degrees like master's in biological engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering. All courses follow the same rigorous on-campus curriculum and are taught by the same well-respected professors. For most of the online master's in engineering degrees, thirty credits are required with 12 core credit courses and several electives. The institution is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 103rd best national university, 38th best value school, and 70th best engineering program at the doctorate level.

#21 – George Washington University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

George Washington University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

George Washington University offers an online master's in engineering management that is top ranked and affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,845

George Washington University offers three online engineering programs, including the master's in engineering management, systems engineering, and cybersecurity policy and compliance. Classes are delivered online, and coursework is the same found in the on-campus classrooms. The classes are recorded and available to students even after each meeting, making the online course ideal for working students. Some of the courses include decision making with uncertainty, information and software engineering, and problems in engineering management and systems engineering. George Washington University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best national university and 62nd best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #55 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#20 – University of Detroit Mercy

Online Master's in Product Development

Detroit, Michigan

Website

University of Detroit Mercy - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Top-ranked! University of Detroit Mercy's online master's in engineering programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $27,666

One alternative to the best online engineering master's programs on our list is the closely related master's in product development from University of Detroit Mercy. This program largely focuses on the automobile industry, although it does explore the development of complex engineered products and systems. While classes may be completed via distance technology, an in-person, two-week on-campus kickoff experience is required. Curriculum covers finance and managerial accounting, operations management, product planning and development, systems engineering, and systems optimization. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's in engineering and five or more years of work experience. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 19th best regional university in the Midwest and 32nd best value school.

#19 – Robert Morris University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Website

Robert Morris - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Robert Morris University's online master's in engineering is 100% online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $27,600

Robert Morris University's online engineering degree programs include the master's in engineering management. A thesis and non-thesis completion option is available. Both courses of study include classes in engineering cost estimation and financial analysis, engineering systems analysis and design, and project engineering. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Robert Morris is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 176th best national university with the 118th best engineering programs (excluding doctorate degrees). Robert Morris makes our list of the 30 best online master's in engineering from a private college.

#18 – Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Online Master's in Power Systems Engineering

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's online engineering programs are accredited and 100% online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,404

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers several master's in engineering degree online programs including the master's in power systems engineering. This completely online degree program covers curriculum grounded in fundamental and specialized engineering topics. Courses are taught by expert WPI faculty with experience in research and industry-related power systems engineering. Classes are offered 100% online and include a total of ten courses and 30 credits. These courses include operations risk management, power system analysis, power system dynamics, power system operations and planning, and transients in power systems. WPI is a nationally ranked institution, and U.S. News and World Report lists the school's online graduate engineering programs #40 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#17 – Northeastern University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Northeastern University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Northeastern University offers a master's in engineering online program designed for working students.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,258

Northeastern University offers one of the best online engineering master's programs on our list. The online master's in engineering management is an interdisciplinary program that bridges fields of business, engineering, and technology. Courses are delivered entirely online and include economic decision making, engineering and organizational psychology, engineering probability and statistics, fundamentals of energy system integration, human factors engineering, and mass customization. A total of 32 credit hours are required, and the program takes approximately two years to complete. Admission requires the GRE for most applicants, as well as transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Northeastern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best national university and 67th best value school.

#16 – Western New England University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Springfield, Massachusetts

Website

Western New England University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Western New England University's online master's in engineering is ranked and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,120

Western New England University offers some of the best online engineering programs from a private college. The online master's in engineering management is designed for busy and working students who want to earn a graduate online degree in engineering. A total of 30 credits make up the program, and students may complete the degree in one year while studying full-time. Admission to the program requires the successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In some cases, the GRE may be required or waived. Western New England University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 64th best regional university in the North and 38th best value school. Also, the engineering programs are ranked #57 in the country.

#15 – Christian Brothers University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Memphis, Tennessee

Website

Christian Brothers University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Christian Brothers University's online master's in engineering degree takes 18 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,860

Christian Brothers University offers an online master's in engineering management degree program that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The 33-credit hour program takes approximately 18 months or up to two years to complete, depending on your pace. There is no GRE requirement for admission, although an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution is required. Some of the courses offered include engineering financial management and accounting, engineering law, operations research, quality assurance, strategic management in a technical environment, and theory and applications in engineering management. The private college is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional university in the South and 14th best value school.

#14 – Fairleigh Dickinson University

Online Master's in Electrical Engineering

Teaneck, New Jersey

Website

Fairleigh Dickinson - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Fairleigh Dickinson offers an online master's in engineering that's both ranked and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,434

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers one of the best online engineering master's programs on our list. Students may earn a master's in electrical engineering with specialization options in computers, devices and systems, digital signal processing and communications. Some of the online courses offered include digital signal processing, embedded system design, logic system design, and microprocessor design. Admission requires an earned bachelor's in engineering or the sciences and a complete application. Fairleigh Dickinson is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 64th best regional university in the country and 22nd best value school. Also, the engineering programs (excluding doctorate) are ranked #134 out of 200 surveyed schools.

#13 – Lawrence Technological University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Southfield, Michigan

Website

Lawrence Technological - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Lawrence Technological University offers a fully online master's in engineering.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,266

Lawrence Technological University offers an engineering degree online program designed for individuals who want to earn a master's in engineering without having to attend traditional classes. All classes are delivered online and include a total of 36 credit hours to complete the degree. These courses include engineering management, engineering supply chain management, production planning and control, quality engineering systems, and technology management. The program is available fully online and can be completed in two years. Lawrence Technological University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 38th best regional university in the Midwest and 62nd best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #51 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – Norwich University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Northfield, Vermont

Website

Norwich University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Norwich University's online master's in civil engineering is for working and busy professionals.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,249

Norwich University offers one of the best online engineering master's programs on our list. Students may earn a master's in civil engineering by taking online courses that can be completed in just 18 months. Norwich is the first private college in the U.S. to teach civil engineering. Courses include engineering analysis techniques, engineering mechanics, fundamentals of structural engineering, hydraulics for environmental engineers, and quantitative methods and financial analysis for managers. Several concentrations are also available so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. Norwich is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best regional university in the North and 21st best value school.

#11 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA in Engineering Management

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

Southern New Hampshire University's online engineering degree program consists of an MBA in engineering management and can be completed entirely online. All classes are delivered online and taught by faculty with experience in and out of the classroom. These courses include introduction to engineering for engineering managers, project management for engineering managers, systems engineering and business practices, and systems thinking for engineering managers. Students have the option to take two courses at a time per ten-week term, and the program may be completed in just 18 months. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission. The school is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school.

#10 – Villanova University

Online Master's in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Website

Villanova University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Villanova University's online master's in engineering programs include civil and mechanical engineering.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,017

Villanova University offers several online engineering programs at the graduate level, including master's degrees in biochemical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. All programs offer online classes taught by university professors. For most degrees, industry relevant concentrations are also available so that students may tailor their program toward career goals or personal interests. Admission to the master's in engineering programs requires satisfactory GRE scores and an earned bachelor's from an accredited college or university. Villanova is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 46th best national university and 48th best value school in the country. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#9 – Gonzaga University

Online Master of Engineering in Transmission and Distribution

Spokane, Washington

Website

Gonzaga University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Gonzaga University's online master's in engineering programs require GRE scores for admission.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,881

One of the best online engineering master's programs on our list is offered by Gonzaga University. The 30-credit hour master's in transmission and distribution (T&D) is designed to train the next generation of power engineers. Courses are delivered online and include electrical grid operations, engineering leadership, project development and construction methods, special topics in TLine structures, utility communications, and underground system design. GRE scores are required for admission but may be waived if the student has earned a T&D certificate or has a current PE license. Gonzaga is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 4th best regional university in the West, and the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #65 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#8 – University of New Haven

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

West Haven, Connecticut

Website

University of New Haven - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

AACSB-accredited! University of New Haven's online master's in engineering programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,860

University of New Haven is a private college that offers an accredited engineering degree online program. Students can complete the 30-credit master's in environmental engineering entirely online in approximately two years. Classes run 6 to 7.5 weeks in length and integrate theory with real world applications. Most classes incorporate a final project instead of a final exam and cover topics like environmental protection issues, management systems, wastewater treatment, water purification, and water quality. The program is AACSB-accredited and has received recognition from major publications like The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school's engineering programs (excluding doctorate) #74 in the nation.

#7 – Mercer University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Macon, Georgia

Website

Mercer University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Mercer University's online master's in software engineering is a best value program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,857

The School of Engineering at Mercer University offers a master's in engineering degree online for those interested in software engineering. The program is designed for students who want to earn a master's in software engineering or software systems from a private college without attending traditional on-campus classes. Through the distance learning option, students take classes at conveniently scheduled times and gain access to curriculum at all hours of the day. Admission requires two or three letters of recommendation, official GRE test scores, and official transcripts. Mercer is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school.

#6 – Trine University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Angola, Indiana

Website

Trine University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Trine University's online master's in engineering management requires the GRE or GMAT for admission.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,520

Trine University offers one of the best online engineering master's programs on our list. The accelerated one-year degree program is designed for working or busy students who want to gain the skills needed to move into a management engineering role. Courses are delivered online and include advanced plant management, engineered quality, law and the engineering professional, manufacturing systems integration, operations strategy and management, and strategic leadership. In most cases, admission requires three letters of recommendation, a well-constructed essay, and GMAT or GRE scores. Trine is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional college in the Midwest and 34th best value school. The engineering programs have also earned recognition.

#5 – Kettering University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

Flint, Michigan

Website

Kettering University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Kettering University's online master's in engineering is 100% online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,712

Kettering University's online engineering programs include the 100% online master's in engineering management. This 40-credit program requires the completion of ten courses, and the degree can be earned in just one year if enrolled as a full-time student. Courses are delivered online and include enterprise information system models, ethics and practice of engineering, managing people and organizations, marketing management, and supply chain operations. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 26th best regional university in the Midwest, and the engineering programs #14 out of 200 schools.

#4 – Stratford University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Fairfax, Virginia

Website

Stratford University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Stratford University's online master's in software engineering takes 15 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,515

Stratford University offers an accredited and affordable online master's in engineering for those interested in software engineering. This 54-credit program consists of 12 classes, which may be taken entirely online. Courses are taught by university faculty members with relevant industry experience. These classes include database systems technology, ethics and professional practice issues in IT, IT project management, object-oriented analysis and design, research methods, and software engineering. Each class runs between five and ten weeks in length, and the degree may be completed in just 15 months. The school is accredited and has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report in recent years.

#3 – National University

Online Master's in Engineering Management

La Jolla, California

Website

National University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

National University offers an online master's in engineering designed for working students.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,232

National University offers one of the best online engineering master's programs on our list. The master's in engineering management can be completed entirely online and offers several specializations so that students may tailor their degree toward industry-relevant areas of interest. These specializations include enterprise architecture, project management, systems engineering, and technology management. All classes are delivered online and include engineering management concepts, global trends in technology, project management principles, quality management, and skills management. National University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West and offers one of the most affordable engineering programs on our list.

#2 – Capitol Technology University

Online Master's in Electrical Engineering

Laurel, Maryland

Website

Capitol Tech University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Capitol Tech University's online master's in engineering is highly affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800

Capitol Technology University offers a master's in engineering degree online program designed for working students with an interest in electrical engineering. The program is one of the few of its kind designed for practitioners rather than analysts. Also, Capitol is one of just 15 colleges approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) as a provider of quality engineering education. The program consists of 30 credits of online courses, including designing for reliability and manufacturability, designing for testability, electromagnetic interference and compatibility, mathematical modeling and analysis, modern circuit design and simulation, and signal processing. Admission requires an earned bachelor's in a related field from an accredited institution.

#1 – Virginia International University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Fairfax, Virginia

Website

Virginia International University - 30 Best Online Master's in Engineering from Private Colleges

Virginia International University offers our #1 most affordable online master's in engineering program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,344

Virginia International University offers an accredited online master's in engineering degree designed for students interested in software engineering. This completely online MSE degree program teaches students to apply computer science, engineering, and math principles to design, development, and software testing. Classes are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include issues and trends in software engineering, managing information system development, research methods, software design and construction, and software engineering. The school is both ranked and accredited. Also, Virginia International offers our #1 most affordable online master's in engineering from a private college.

BMD Staff
November 2017

This concludes our list of the 30 best online master's in engineering degree programs from private colleges.