- Overview
- How We Evaluate Online Master's in Engineering Programs
- Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs
- Compare Online Engineering Master's Programs
- MS vs. MEng: Understanding Engineering Degree Types
- ABET Accreditation: Why It Matters for Engineering Programs
- Specializations in Engineering
- Relevant Rankings for Engineering Students
- Career and Salary Outlook
- Admissions and Program Format
- FAQ
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
- Expert Reviewed By Soumyajit Gupta
Choosing an online master’s in engineering means navigating a layered set of decisions that most program listings never address. Which specialization fits your career trajectory — mechanical, electrical, civil, or something less traditional like systems or aerospace? Should you pursue an MS (thesis-track, research-oriented) or an MEng (coursework-only, designed for practicing engineers)? And does the program carry ABET accreditation, the one credential that directly affects your eligibility for Professional Engineer licensure?
This page serves as the central hub for the entire engineering cluster at OMC. Below, you’ll find curated program comparisons, a detailed breakdown of MS vs. MEng degree types, an ABET accreditation primer, and routing to every engineering specialization we cover — from online master’s in engineering management to petroleum, software, and beyond. The goal isn’t to sell you on any single program. It’s to give you the evaluation framework you need to compare programs on the dimensions that actually determine long-term value: accreditation, specialization depth, degree format, and career alignment.
Whether you’re a working engineer looking to move into senior technical roles or a career-changer exploring bridge programs, start here — then follow the links to the specialization or ranking page that matches your next question.
How We Evaluate Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
The programs featured on this page were evaluated using a multi-factor framework designed specifically for online engineering master’s degrees. This isn’t a single-score ranking — it’s a structured assessment meant to surface programs that deliver real value to working professionals and aspiring engineers.
Evaluation factors include:
- ABET Accreditation Status: Programs with ABET-accredited engineering curricula receive the strongest consideration. ABET accreditation is the gold standard for engineering education and directly impacts PE licensure eligibility, employer recognition, and credit transferability.
- Online Delivery Quality: We assessed whether programs offer genuinely asynchronous or flexible-schedule formats versus simply recording on-campus lectures. Programs with purpose-built online instruction, dedicated online student support, and virtual lab or simulation components scored higher.
- Specialization Breadth: Universities offering multiple engineering specializations under a single online platform allow students to cross-register, customize electives, or pivot mid-program — a significant advantage.
- Faculty Credentials and Research Activity: Programs staffed by faculty with active research portfolios or significant industry experience provide stronger mentorship and more current curricula.
- Career Outcomes: We prioritized programs with documented placement rates, employer partnerships, co-op or capstone integration, and alumni networks in engineering-heavy industries.
- Tuition Value: Cost was weighed against credential strength and outcomes. A $60,000 program from an ABET-accredited institution with strong placement may deliver better ROI than a $20,000 program without accreditation or career support.
No university paid for inclusion. Programs that lacked verifiable ABET accreditation, had limited online engineering offerings, or provided insufficient outcome data were excluded.
Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
The following universities offer some of the strongest online master’s in engineering programs available today. Each card summarizes what makes the program notable, what degree types are available, and which specializations you can pursue online.
Purdue ‘s online engineering master’s programs carry the same ABET-accredited credentials as their on-campus counterparts. The program is particularly strong in mechanical and aerospace engineering, drawing on one of the country’s deepest engineering research ecosystems. Students have access to interdisciplinary electives across Purdue’s broader engineering college.
- Key Programs: MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering, MS in Aerospace Engineering, MS in Industrial Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS (thesis and non-thesis options)
- Format: Asynchronous; same faculty and curriculum as on-campus
Arizona State University offers one of the widest selections of online engineering specializations at a single institution. The MSE format is coursework-only, making it well-suited for working engineers who don’t need a thesis track. Tuition is competitive for a Research 1 institution, and the flexible format accommodates full-time professionals.
- Key Programs: MSE in multiple disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Construction, Sustainable Engineering)
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MSE (Master of Science in Engineering — coursework-focused)
- Format: Asynchronous with some synchronous elective options
Texas A&M’ s online engineering programs benefit from one of the largest engineering colleges in the U.S. The MEng options are designed explicitly for working professionals who want advanced technical training without a thesis requirement. The MS track is available in select disciplines for students pursuing research or PhD pathways.
- Key Programs: MEng in multiple disciplines, MS in select fields
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MEng (coursework-only), MS (thesis)
- Format: Asynchronous
Johns Hopkins ‘ Whiting School delivers graduate engineering education with a research-intensive orientation that sets it apart from coursework-only programs. The systems engineering MS is particularly well-regarded among defense and aerospace professionals. Tuition is higher than state schools, but credential strength is among the highest available online.
- Key Programs: MS in Systems Engineering, MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Computer Science (engineering-adjacent)
- ABET Accredited: Yes (Whiting School of Engineering)
- Degree Type: MS
- Format: Asynchronous with part-time pacing
University of Florida ‘s EDGE program is one of the longest-running online engineering delivery systems in the country. Students earn the same degree as on-campus peers. In-state tuition rates make this one of the most cost-effective ABET-accredited options for Florida residents, though out-of-state rates are still competitive.
- Key Programs: MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering, MS in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, MS in Civil & Coastal Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS (non-thesis online)
- Format: Asynchronous; EDGE (Electronic Delivery of Graduate Engineering) platform
Penn State World Campus offers both MS and MEng pathways, giving students a genuine choice between research-track and practice-track options within the same institution. The engineering programs carry the full weight of Penn State’s College of Engineering accreditation and alumni network.
- Key Programs: MEng in multiple disciplines, MS in Systems Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MEng, MS
- Format: Asynchronous
Colorado State ‘s online MEng programs are explicitly designed for working professionals and emphasize applied engineering over research. The program is especially strong in civil and environmental engineering tracks, reflecting CSU’s research strengths. Tuition is moderate, and the asynchronous format requires no campus visits.
- Key Programs: MEng in Civil Engineering, MEng in Electrical & Computer Engineering, MEng in Mechanical Engineering, MEng in Systems Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MEng (coursework-only)
- Format: Asynchronous
Northeastern ‘s engineering programs integrate experiential learning more aggressively than most online competitors. The co-op model — adapted for online students through industry projects — adds a practical dimension that purely asynchronous programs often lack. Especially strong for engineers seeking management-track advancement.
- Key Programs: MS in Engineering Management, MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Civil Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS
- Format: Asynchronous with optional co-op/experiential learning components
GWU’s School of Engineering & Applied Science offers online MS programs with particular strength in systems engineering and engineering management — areas where the Washington, D.C. location and defense/government employer proximity create strong networking advantages even for online students.
- Key Programs: MS in Electrical Engineering, MS in Engineering Management, MS in Systems Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS
- Format: Asynchronous
Drexel ‘s quarter system allows more frequent start dates and a faster pace for students who want to complete their degree in under two years. The co-op tradition carries into graduate education through project-based coursework. A solid mid-range option that balances flexibility with credential strength.
- Key Programs: MS in Engineering Management, MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS
- Format: Asynchronous with quarter-based scheduling
The University of Houston ‘s Cullen College of Engineering is particularly notable for its petroleum and industrial engineering programs, reflecting the Houston energy corridor’s influence. Online students access the same curriculum and faculty as on-campus peers, with tuition competitive among R1 institutions.
- Key Programs: MS in Petroleum Engineering, MS in Industrial Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS (non-thesis online)
- Format: Asynchronous
The University of Arizona ‘s online engineering master’s programs are well-suited for professionals in defense, aerospace, and mining — industries where UA has deep research ties. The systems engineering MS is one of the more established online offerings in that specialization.
- Key Programs: MS in Systems Engineering, MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering, MS in Engineering Management
- ABET Accredited: Yes
- Degree Type: MS
- Format: Asynchronous
Compare Online Engineering Master’s Programs
Use this comparison table to evaluate key differences across the featured programs. All listed universities hold ABET accreditation for their engineering programs.
| University | Degree Type | Specializations Available | ABET Accredited | Credit Hours | Est. Tuition (Total) | GRE Required | Format Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University | MS | Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Industrial, Civil | Yes | 30 | $30,000–$44,000 | Program-dependent | Async; same curriculum as on-campus |
| Arizona State University | MSE | Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Construction, Sustainable | Yes | 30 | $25,000–$36,000 | Waived for many programs | Async; wide specialization menu |
| Texas A&M University | MEng / MS | Multiple disciplines | Yes | 30–36 | $30,000–$45,000 | Required for MS; waived for MEng | Async; MEng designed for professionals |
| Johns Hopkins University | MS | Systems, Mechanical, Computer Science | Yes | 30 | $55,000–$60,000 | Not required | Async; research-intensive |
| University of Florida | MS | Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil | Yes | 30 | $15,000–$30,000 | Program-dependent | Async via EDGE platform |
| Penn State World Campus | MEng / MS | Electrical, Systems, Mechanical, Civil | Yes | 30–33 | $35,000–$50,000 | Required for MS; optional for MEng | Async; dual-track options |
| Colorado State University | MEng | Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems | Yes | 30 | $22,000–$30,000 | Not required | Async; no campus visits |
| Northeastern University | MS | Engineering Management, Mechanical, Civil | Yes | 32 | $40,000–$52,000 | Optional | Async + experiential learning |
| George Washington University | MS | Electrical, Systems, Engineering Management | Yes | 30 | $48,000–$55,000 | Not required | Async; strong DC-area network |
| Drexel University | MS | Engineering Management, Mechanical, Electrical | Yes | 45 quarter credits | $42,000–$52,000 | Optional | Async; quarter-based calendar |
| University of Houston | MS | Petroleum, Industrial, Electrical | Yes | 30 | $20,000–$32,000 | Program-dependent | Async; energy industry strength |
| University of Arizona | MS | Systems, Electrical & Computer, Engineering Management | Yes | 30 | $22,000–$35,000 | Optional | Async; defense/aerospace focus |
How to read this table: Tuition estimates reflect total program cost and vary by residency status, credit load, and fee structures. GRE policies change frequently — always verify directly with the program. ABET accreditation applies to the underlying engineering program; confirm that the specific online specialization you’re considering falls under the accredited umbrella.
MS vs. MEng: Understanding Engineering Degree Types
One of the most consequential — and most misunderstood — decisions in engineering graduate education is whether to pursue a Master of Science in Engineering (MS) or a Master of Engineering (MEng). The names sound interchangeable, but they serve fundamentally different purposes.
Master of Science in Engineering (MS)
The MS is a research-oriented degree. Most MS programs require a thesis or substantial research project, involve faculty mentorship in a lab or research group, and build deep expertise in a narrow technical area. The MS is the standard pathway for students who plan to pursue a PhD, transition into R&D roles, or work in research-heavy industries like aerospace, semiconductors, or biomedical devices.
Choose the MS if: You want to specialize deeply, contribute to published research, or need a thesis-track credential for PhD admission or advanced R&D positions.
Master of Engineering (MEng)
The MEng is a coursework-only, practice-oriented degree designed for working engineers. There is no thesis requirement. The curriculum typically emphasizes applied knowledge, professional electives, and sometimes capstone projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges. Most online engineering master’s programs are structured as MEng degrees because the format aligns with working professionals who don’t need a research credential.
Choose the MEng if: You’re a working engineer who wants advanced technical training, a credential for promotion or PE licensure, or broader knowledge across your discipline — without the time commitment of a thesis.
When Either Works
Some programs offer both tracks within the same department, allowing students to switch based on evolving goals. For career advancement in established engineering roles, either degree is typically respected by employers — the distinction matters most for PhD admission, research positions, and specific PE licensure pathways. If you’re unsure, prioritize ABET accreditation and program fit over the MS/MEng label.
A Note on Other Degree Titles
You may also encounter MSE (Master of Science in Engineering), MASc (Master of Applied Science), or program-specific titles like Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). These are usually variants of the MS or MEng framework. Always check whether the program requires a thesis and whether it’s ABET-accredited — those two factors tell you more than the degree title itself.
ABET Accreditation: Why It Matters for Engineering Programs
ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is the programmatic accreditor that evaluates engineering, computing, and technology programs against rigorous quality standards. For engineering master’s students, ABET accreditation is the single most important quality signal — and here’s why.
In most U.S. states, earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license requires graduating from an ABET-accredited program. If you’re in civil, mechanical, electrical, or any discipline where PE licensure is standard, attending a non-ABET program can disqualify you from licensure or force you through additional steps. Even if you don’t plan to pursue a PE immediately, maintaining eligibility is a career hedge worth protecting.
Many engineering employers — especially in defense, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing — explicitly require or strongly prefer degrees from ABET-accredited programs. Government contractors working under federal regulations may require ABET credentials for engineering staff. An ABET-accredited degree removes a potential barrier before it ever arises.
- Credits earned at ABET-accredited programs transfer more readily to other accredited institutions. If you need to change programs mid-degree or pursue additional credentials later, ABET accreditation ensures your coursework is recognized.
Don’t confuse regional institutional accreditation (which most universities have) with ABET programmatic accreditation (which evaluates specific engineering programs within a university). A university can be regionally accredited while its engineering programs lack ABET approval. Always verify accreditation at the program level, not just the institutional level.
ABET maintains a searchable database at abet.org where you can confirm whether a specific program at a specific institution is currently accredited. Check the exact degree and specialization — ABET accredits individual programs, not entire colleges of engineering.
Specializations in Engineering
Engineering is one of the broadest graduate fields available online, with more than a dozen distinct specializations. Each subsection below introduces the specialization, identifies who it’s best for, and links to the dedicated child page where you’ll find deeper program analysis, curriculum breakdowns, and university-specific evaluations.
Mechanical engineering is the most versatile engineering discipline, spanning product design, thermodynamics, robotics, and manufacturing systems. An online master’s in mechanical engineering is best for engineers who want to advance in automotive, aerospace, consumer products, or energy sectors without narrowing into a single sub-field. Most programs offer both thesis and non-thesis tracks. Explore programs and curriculum details in our full guide to online master’s in mechanical engineering .
Electrical engineering graduate programs focus on power systems, signal processing, telecommunications, embedded systems, and semiconductor design. This specialization is especially relevant for engineers in utilities, defense electronics, or telecommunications infrastructure. Online programs typically emphasize applied coursework with simulation-based labs. See the full breakdown at online master’s in electrical engineering .
Civil engineering master’s programs cover structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical systems, water resources, and construction management. This specialization is critical for engineers pursuing PE licensure, which is more commonly required in civil than in most other disciplines. Online programs in civil engineering tend to be non-thesis and are often taken by mid-career professionals managing infrastructure projects. Learn more in our guide to online master’s in civil engineering .
Chemical engineering at the graduate level focuses on process design, reaction engineering, materials science, and bioprocessing. It’s best suited for engineers working in pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, or materials manufacturing who need advanced modeling and design skills. Online options are more limited than in other engineering fields, making careful program selection essential. Review available programs in our online master’s in chemical engineering guide.
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary specialization focused on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems over their life cycles. It’s heavily represented in defense, aerospace, healthcare technology, and large-scale infrastructure. This is one of the most popular online engineering master’s specializations because its interdisciplinary nature translates well to remote instruction. Explore options at online master’s in systems engineering .
Aerospace engineering master’s programs cover aerodynamics, propulsion, spacecraft systems, and flight dynamics. This specialization is ideal for engineers in commercial aviation, defense contracting, or space technology. Online aerospace programs are rarer than other specializations, so students may need to consider related programs (such as mechanical with an aerospace concentration). See our dedicated guide to online master’s in aerospace engineering .
Industrial engineering focuses on optimizing complex processes, systems, and organizations. Graduate programs cover operations research, supply chain management, quality engineering, and human factors. This specialization appeals to engineers moving into operational leadership or consulting roles in manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare delivery. Our full guide to online master’s in industrial engineering covers program options in detail.
Petroleum engineering graduate programs cover reservoir engineering, drilling technology, and production optimization. While the energy sector has shifted significantly, petroleum engineers remain in high demand for both traditional extraction and emerging carbon capture applications. Online programs are concentrated at a small number of institutions with industry ties. Review options at online master’s in petroleum engineering .
Computer engineering sits at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science, covering hardware design, embedded systems, VLSI, and computer architecture. It’s distinct from computer science (which is more software-focused) and from electrical engineering (which covers broader power and signal domains). Explore the specialization at online master’s in computer engineering .
Software engineering at the graduate level focuses on software architecture, development methodology, testing, and large-scale system design. It differs from computer science programs by emphasizing engineering discipline applied to software development rather than theoretical computation. This specialization is increasingly available online and appeals to developers moving into architect or lead engineer roles. See online master’s in software engineering for program details.
Engineering management is the most management-oriented specialization in the engineering cluster. Programs blend engineering fundamentals with project management, leadership, financial analysis, and organizational strategy. It’s designed for engineers transitioning from technical contributor to team lead, department head, or executive roles. Engineering management is explicitly identified as a child page in this cluster — explore it in depth at online master’s in engineering management .
Relevant Rankings for Engineering Students
Selecting the right program often means comparing across dimensions that go beyond specialization. These OMC ranking pages help engineering students evaluate programs by affordability, overall quality, and breadth.
- OMC Rankings Hub The central rankings hub is the best starting point if you want to compare online master’s programs across all disciplines — not just engineering. Use it to see how engineering programs stack up against other graduate options or to explore cross-disciplinary rankings that may surface engineering-relevant programs you hadn’t considered.
- Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs Engineering master’s degrees are among the most expensive online graduate programs, with total costs ranging from $15,000 to over $60,000. This ranking identifies the most affordable accredited options across all subjects, including engineering — useful for students who need to weigh tuition against the long-term ROI of an ABET-accredited credential.
- Best Online Masters Programs This overall quality ranking evaluates online master’s programs across multiple dimensions including academic rigor, student support, and career outcomes. Engineering students can use it to benchmark programs they’re considering against the broader landscape of top-rated online graduate education — particularly helpful when comparing an engineering-specific program against a general STEM or management alternative.
- Fastest Online Masters Programs For working engineers who need to complete a credential quickly — whether for an impending promotion, PE licensure timeline, or employer-sponsored deadline — this ranking highlights accelerated online master’s programs. Several engineering MEng programs appear here due to their condensed coursework-only format, making this ranking directly relevant to engineers evaluating timeline alongside program quality.
- Scholarships for Master’s in Engineering Degrees This resource page catalogs scholarships, fellowships, and funding opportunities specifically available to engineering graduate students. It’s especially relevant alongside the affordability ranking — reducing out-of-pocket cost often makes a stronger (but more expensive) program the better financial decision.
Career and Salary Outlook
An engineering master’s degree unlocks higher-responsibility roles and measurably higher compensation across virtually every engineering discipline. Here’s what the career landscape looks like for graduates, organized by the most common specialization tracks.
Typical Roles by Specialization
Salary figures represent median base compensation for experienced professionals. Master’s-level engineers typically earn 10–20% more than their bachelor’s-only peers in equivalent roles, with the differential widening in management and senior technical positions.
- Mechanical Engineering: Senior mechanical engineer, product development lead, R&D manager. Median salary: $99,510/year (BLS, 2023).
- Electrical Engineering: Senior electrical engineer, power systems engineer, electronics design lead. Median salary: $106,950/year (BLS, 2023).
- Civil Engineering: Senior structural engineer, transportation project manager, water resources engineer. Median salary: $95,890/year (BLS, 2023).
- Aerospace Engineering: Senior aerospace engineer, propulsion specialist, systems integration lead. Median salary: $130,720/year (BLS, 2023).
- Industrial Engineering: Operations research analyst, supply chain director, quality engineering manager. Median salary: $99,380/year (BLS, 2023).
- Systems Engineering: Systems architect, program manager (defense/tech), integration lead. Median salary varies by industry, typically $110,000–$140,000.
- Engineering Management: Director of engineering, VP of operations, program director. Median salary: $159,920/year (BLS, 2023 — architectural and engineering managers).
PE Licensure
For disciplines where Professional Engineer licensure is standard (especially civil, mechanical, and electrical), a master’s degree from an ABET-accredited program often substitutes for one year of professional experience in the PE qualification process. In some states, a master’s is becoming a de facto requirement for licensure as educational standards evolve.
Industry Demand
BLS projects 2–8% growth across most engineering occupations through 2032, with above-average growth in software-adjacent and systems engineering roles. The strongest demand drivers are infrastructure spending (civil), electrification and grid modernization (electrical), defense modernization (aerospace, systems), and advanced manufacturing (mechanical, industrial). Engineers with master’s-level credentials are preferentially hired for roles requiring specialized technical judgment, project leadership, or cross-functional systems thinking.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The ROI calculation for an engineering master’s depends on three factors: (1) whether the degree enables PE licensure or a credential you can’t get otherwise, (2) whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards a master’s, and (3) whether you can complete the degree while maintaining employment income. For most working engineers at ABET-accredited programs, the answer is yes — but the margin depends heavily on specialization and employer context.
Admissions and Program Format
Most online engineering master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related STEM field from an ABET-accredited institution. The specific undergraduate discipline matters more in engineering than in many other graduate fields — a mechanical engineering program will expect foundational coursework in thermodynamics, dynamics, and materials science, not just a general STEM degree.
Several universities offer leveling or bridge coursework for applicants whose undergraduate degree is in a related field (e.g., physics, mathematics, or a different engineering discipline). These bridging sequences typically add 12–18 credits and 1–2 semesters before you begin the graduate curriculum. Not all programs offer this option, so if you’re a career-changer, verify bridge availability before applying.
GRE policies vary widely. Many programs have waived the GRE permanently or offer conditional waivers for applicants with professional experience (typically 3+ years), strong undergraduate GPAs (3.0+), or relevant certifications. Some programs — especially research-track MS degrees — still require GRE scores. Check program-specific policies, as they change frequently.
Most online engineering master’s programs require 30–36 credit hours. At a standard part-time pace (6–9 credits per semester), expect an 18–24 month timeline. Accelerated options at some institutions allow completion in 12–15 months for students taking a full-time credit load. MEng programs (coursework-only) tend to have shorter timelines than MS programs (which include a thesis).
- Asynchronous: Most online engineering programs are fully asynchronous, allowing students to watch lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussions on their own schedule. This is the dominant format for working professionals.
- Synchronous components: Some programs include occasional live sessions for lab simulations, group projects, or guest lectures. These are usually scheduled in the evening to accommodate working students.
- Hybrid: A small number of programs require one or two on-campus residencies (typically 3–5 days) for lab intensives or capstone presentations. Verify residency requirements before enrolling if travel is a constraint.
For additional support in financing your program, see our scholarships for master’s in engineering degrees resource.
FAQ
Yes — provided it comes from an ABET-accredited institution. Employers in engineering evaluate program accreditation and institutional reputation more heavily than delivery format. Most accredited online programs award the same degree as their on-campus counterparts, with no distinction on the transcript.
The MS is research-oriented and typically requires a thesis, while the MEng is coursework-only and designed for working professionals. The MS is the standard path to PhD programs and research roles. The MEng emphasizes applied skills and is more common among online programs. Both are respected by employers; the right choice depends on your career goals.
For most engineering careers, yes. ABET accreditation is required for PE licensure in most states, is preferred by the majority of engineering employers, and ensures your credits transfer to other accredited institutions. Attending a non-ABET program limits your options even if the instruction quality is high.
Some programs accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees in related STEM fields (physics, mathematics, or a different engineering discipline) if they complete bridging coursework first. This typically adds 12–18 credits to the degree timeline. Not all programs offer bridge options, so verify before applying.
Many programs have waived the GRE requirement, especially for applicants with professional engineering experience or strong undergraduate GPAs. However, some research-track MS programs still require scores. GRE policies change frequently — always confirm with the specific program.
Most programs require 30–36 credits and take 18–24 months at a part-time pace. Accelerated options can be completed in 12–15 months. MEng programs (coursework-only) tend to be faster than MS programs (which include a thesis).
Yes, if the program is ABET-accredited. PE licensure requirements are set by state boards, and most require graduation from an ABET-accredited program. An online degree from an ABET-accredited institution meets this requirement the same way an on-campus degree does.