Best Master’s in Engineering Degrees

Overview

Two parents founded Stanford University in 1891 as Leland Stanford Junior University. Leland Stanford was their teenaged son who succumbed to typhoid fever. Located in Stanford, California, the university sits between San Francisco and San Jose. This private not-for-profit boasts a 10:1 student to faculty ratio.

Within the first 18 units of study, the Master’s candidate applies to customize their studies. Students submit a statement of objectives for their plan of study. They outline the connection between their chosen courses, and they explain why their degree path differs from existing Engineering programs at Stanford. A member of the faculty must approve the plan and agree to act as an adviser.

Program Features

To graduate, students require 21 credit units in the School of Engineering at level 200 or above. Total coursework must equal or exceed 45 units. The Master of Science in Engineering is an interdisciplinary, non-thesis degree.

Courses for the MS in Engineering at Stanford University:

•         Linear Control Systems
•         Advanced Micro and Nano Fabrication Laboratory
•         Transformative Design

Notables

The Honors Cooperative Program allows engineers and scientists employed near Stanford to attend graduate school part-time. These students take online coursework through the Stanford Center for Professional Development. The Stanford Center offers 250 courses.

Some of the interdisciplinary research centers at Stanford are the Army High Performance Computing Research Center, the Center for Integrated Systems, the Energy Modeling Forum, and the Stanford Technology Ventures Program.

Overview

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was the first school in the country to offer a major in Electrical Engineering in 1882. Thomas Edison donated a dynamo and lamps to the program five years later. Today, MIT welcomes over 11,000 students. Of those who graduated in 2015-2016, 583 received their Master’s degree in Engineering.

The deadline to apply to the Engineering program is December 15. A candidate’s GPA carries less weight than the classes taken and the grades received in classes related to engineering. Admittance to MEng requires a Bachelor’s degree in either Engineering or a similar field. Most applicants rank in the top ten percent of GRE scores.

Program Features

The Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil and Environmental Engineering lasts nine months. Candidates for graduation need 90 units: 66 units at graduate level, and a 24-unit thesis. MEng students should not anticipate research assistantships or teaching assistantships due to the demanding schedule of coursework.

Courses for the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil and Environmental Engineering:

•         Advanced Soil Mechanics
•         Physical Limnology
•         Transportation Policy, the Environment, and Livable Communities

Notables

MIT has neither online degrees nor part-time schedules. MEng students need to locate private sources of funding. Earning a MEng from MIT leads to careers as consultants or in engineering firms. Others continue their graduate studies in engineering.

Overview

Georgia Tech ranks second in the CollegeFactual.com list “2018’s Best Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in the U.S.” U.S. News ranks the school first in Industrial Engineering, second in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, second in Civil Engineering, and seventh overall. As a public institute, Georgia Tech outranks most private universities.

Program Features

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) requires 33 credit hours in both coursework and research. Students opt for either a thesis or a non-thesis track. Besides the traditional campus coursework, flexible options include an online degree and a dual Bachelor/Master Honors program.

Courses:

•         Warehousing Systems
•         Organizational Behavior
•         Scheduling Theory

Online options for the Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Analytics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Medical Physics, Operations Research, and Mechanical Engineering. Master in Industrial Engineering ranked #1 by U.S. News. 30 credit hours with no thesis. Requires a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a STEM field. Admissions wants to see undergraduate classes in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and probability.

Notables

Aerospace majors have the option of a Master in Computational Science and Engineering. Sixty-five percent Georgia Tech’s population majors in engineering fields. Slightly more graduate students attend full time (55 percent) versus part time.

Overview

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) covers ten departments and teaches 2000 graduate students. Options include the dual Masters in Journalism and Computer Science or the MBA/MS in Earth Resources Engineering. U.S. News ranks Columbia eighth in Industrial Engineering and third in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.”

Students surveyed by U.S. News rank Columbia first in online education. These programs utilize online labs and lectures.  Candidates for graduate degrees averaged a 3.7 GPA as undergrads. GRE scores average 160 Verbal, 165 Quantitative, and 4 in Analytical Writing.

Program Features

Columbia has Masters in Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering. Other options include Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, and Earth and Environmental Engineering. Programs last one year or longer and require at least 30 credits.

Courses in Electrical Engineering:

•         Semiconductor Device Physics
•         Topics in Networking
•         Detection and Estimation Theory

Notables

Columbia University hosts dozens of research centers such as the Center for Life Cycle Analysis and Columbia Water Center. Sponsors provide programs in Urbanization Challenges, Earth Engineering, and Optics and Quantum Electronics for Sustainability.

Twelve online MEng degrees span 160 courses. The typical length of study is 3 years and 88 percent graduate within that period. Certified instructional designers create the online curriculum.

Overview

Andrew Carnegie came to America from Scotland and taught himself after his factory shifts. He went on to become a magnate, founding the biggest steel manufacturer in the world. He funded the future Carnegie Mellon with a $1 million donation in 1900, and he intended the school to educate the working class in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Carnegie Technical Schools offered engineering programs from their inception. Today, the Institute for Software Research within Carnegie Mellon offers graduate engineering degrees. These programs attract working professionals with one or more years of experience.

Program Features

The Master of Science in Information Technology-Embedded Software Engineering (MSIT-ESE) blends electrical and computer engineering, computer science and software engineering, and systems engineering. Degrees are conferred after sixteen months of full time study. Students need a minimum grade of B- in core coursework plus a B- for the required Capstone project.

Courses for the MSIT-ESE:

•         Embedded Real-Time Systems
•         Analysis of Software Artifacts
•         SIT Project I and II

Notables

Candidates should have experience in embedded systems domains or plan to enter the field of embedded software engineering. Application materials include a Statement of Purpose, a one-page summation of your relevant work experience, and a current resume. The school expects three letters of recommendation, a video essay, and all transcripts from both undergraduate and graduate coursework. Domestic students submit the GRE; International students need TOEFL scores.

Overview

U.S. News has ranked Cornell thirteenth in its list of “Best Engineering Schools.”

Master of Engineering within Cornell Computing and Information Science. Two semesters. Prerequisites for admission include a Bachelor in Computer Science or closely related field, or display competency in programming and data structures, computer systems organization, discrete structures, calculus, and linear algebra. Deadlines for admission October 1 for spring and Feb 1 for fall. Online applications only. Two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, college transcripts, GRE, TOEFL if international, with minimum score of 20 in Writing, 15 in Listening, 20 in Reading, and 22 in speaking.

Program Features

Cornell tailors the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Computer Science to experienced professionals with Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science. Graduate students complete six classes and one project.

Courses in Engineering at Cornell University:

•         Engineering the Microbiome
•         Engineering Principles for Drug Delivery
•         Current Practice in Tissue Engineering

Notables

Cornell published the employment outcomes for its 2016 graduates with the MEng in Computer Science. Of 74 alumni contacted, 97 percent responded to the survey. According to the study, 93 percent of MEng graduates found employment. Their median income equals $106,000.

Graduates work at Airbnb, Amazon, Cisco Systems, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Twitter, Uber, Yelp, and other well-known corporations. They carry titles such as Software Engineer, Senior Manager of Data Analytics, Research Scientist, and CTO. Most work in California, Maryland, Washington, and New York.

Overview

The University of California at Berkeley ranks in the top six Engineering programs in the country, according to U.S. News:

•         #1 in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering
•         #2 in Chemical Engineering and Computer Engineering
•         #3 in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
•         #5 in Materials Engineering and Nuclear Engineering
•         #6 in Bioengineering

Admissions requirements include GRE scores averaging 90 percent in Quantitative, 70 percent for Verbal, and greater than 3.5 in Analytical Writing. International applicants average over 100 on the TOEFL (Internet version) or 7/9 on IELTS. Undergraduate GPA scores average 3.7. UC at Berkeley accepts 12 percent of graduate school applications.

Program Features

UC Berkeley presents a Master in Engineering (MEng) program with full-time study over one school year. Limited class sizes include a cross-departmental cohort with four other engineering specialties. Choose a concentration in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.

Classes available in Electrical Engineering:

•         Control and Optimization of Distributed Parameters Systems
•         Societal-Scale Cyber-Physical Systems: Machine Learning and the Internet of Things
•         Advanced Topics in Electrical Engineering: Mems, Microsensors, and Microactuators

Notables

New Capstone Design Experiences added this fall include Physical Electronics and Integrated Circuits, and Visual Computing and Computer Graphics. Students enroll in an introductory class for fall and the Capstone project in spring.

Research conducted at UC Berkeley led to the inventions of the MRI, microwave, laser, and acoustic wave technology. All kitchens and bathrooms in America contain GFI power outlets that originated in a laboratory on the Berkeley campus.

Overview

Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America. The university has graduated 48 Nobel Laureates, 32 Heads of State, and 48 recipients of the Pulitzer Prize. Famous American graduates of Harvard include President Barack Obama, Chief Justice John Roberts, President George W. Bush, Vice President Al Gore, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, President John F. Kennedy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt, President Rutherford B. Hayes, President John Quincy Adams, and President John Adams.

Program Features

Harvard offers graduate students the Master of Engineering (ME) in Computational Science and Engineering. Students complete a two-year program with a required thesis. The second year heavily emphasizes research.

Courses for the MEng:

•         Computational Physics
•         Bayesian Data Analysis
•         Statistical Sleuthing Through Linear Models

Notables

Thesis students must submit the MEng thesis proposal by February 15 of year one. Any student whose proposal was not accepted cannot continue into year two. Students may tailor the project to their field of interest, but the work must address a problem with a strong focus on computation.

Overview

Founded in 1817, U-M now ranks as the top public school in the United States, according to Business First. Forbes Magazine ranks Ann Arbor the “#1 Best College Town,” and it earned the title “Best City to live in America” by Niche.com.

U.S. News awards the Engineering program high honors: first in Nuclear Engineering, second in Industrial Engineering, fourth in Environmental Engineering, and fifth in Aerospace Engineering. Furthermore, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Materials Engineering all rank in the top nine. U.S. News gives U-M fifth place in “Best Engineering Schools” in the country.

Program Features

U-M grants both Masters of Science in Engineering (MSE) and Masters of Engineering (MEng) degrees. The MSE is for recent graduates holding a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. The MSEng is a professional degree for experienced engineers. Programs usually require 30 credits and finish in 12 months (full-time).

The university offers online degrees in several Engineering specialties including Automotive, Energy Systems, Manufacturing, and Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering.

Classes in the top-rated Nuclear Engineering program include:

•         Advanced Radiation Measurements and Imaging
•         Detection Techniques of Nuclear Non-proliferation
•         Intermediate Plasma Physics

Notables

Students planning to continue toward their PhD should consider omitting the Master’s degree and applying directly to the PhD program. PhD candidates receive 100 percent funding plus a stipend whereas Master’s candidates are self-funded. PhD candidates still earn their Master’s degree after the first two years of the program.

Overview

The McCormick School of Engineering was founded in 1909 with a goal of collaboration and solution-driven education. By the autumn of 2015, enrollments averaged 96, keeping the cohort small and more likely to interact. Students average 31 years of age, and 77 percent of graduate students come from the United States. They average 8 years of work experience.

Admissions requirements are a Bachelor in Engineering or another STEM field and a 3.0 or higher GPA (undergraduate).  Northwestern requires the GMAT/GRE if applicants spent less than 3 years in the workforce. Submissions must include transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Program Features

The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) is a professional degree designed for full-time working engineers and scientists. The program blends the management curriculum of the MBA with the tools of engineering. The duration is nine to fifteen months full-time or two to three years part-time.

Courses for the MEM include:

• Accounting for Engineers
• Product Development
• NUvention Web

Notables

NUvention is a series of classes teaching students how to create a successful startup. The study plan for the MEM includes 7 MEM core classes, 2 classes in Advanced Methodology in Engineering, and 3 electives for 12 final credit hours. Application deadlines roll through three rounds beginning in January. A third round only occurs if any spots are still unclaimed.

Overview

Purdue’s Online Engineering program offers 6 degrees to almost 900 distance learners. Admissions depend on undergraduate coursework and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application packets must include a Statement of Purpose, 3 letters of recommendation, TOEFL scores for international students, and an up-to-date resume.

Program Features

Purdue University offers the Online Master of Interdisciplinary Engineering. Students design their own program of study. Concentrations include Materials Engineering, Integrated Vehicle Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and nine other specialties.

Biomedical Coursework:

•         Lumped System Theory
•         Regenerative Biology and  Tissue Repair
•         Human Motion Kinetics

Notables

The Interdisciplinary Engineering program requires 30 credit hours of coursework. A Dual MSE/MBA wraps up after 60 credit hours. The Engineering Management and Leadership concentration takes 33 credit hours. Biomedical Engineering is a 30-hour program.

Overview

President James Madison may be the founding father of American graduate schools. After completing his studies at Princeton in 1771, he stayed for an additional year to master Hebrew. Today’s students await their admission after submitting a Statement of Academic Purpose, a resume/CV, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. All applicants receive their decision letter by March 15.

Program Features

The Master of Engineering (MEng) program consists of eight courses in technology and management. Students finish in one year if full time or two years part time. This is a non-thesis degree, but students interested in research may enroll in research projects.

Courses in Electrical Engineering:

•         Electronic Devices
•         Nanophotonics
•         Parallel Computation

Notables

International students need to submit their TOEFL or IELTS exam results when applying. Exceptions will be made for anyone who received a Bachelor’s degree or a PhD in the United States, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada (except Quebec). Princeton provides prospective international students with more information on their website.

Overview

Bioengineering only recently gained a foothold in the field of engineering. UC San Diego’s department formed in 1994. Today, this collaboration between the Schools of Engineering and Medicine produces the third best Bioengineering program in America.

Applicants for the School of Engineering  must report GRE scores, remit three recommendation letters, write a Statement of Purpose, submit a current resume/CV, and complete an English proficiency exam if an international candidate.

Program Features

A Master of Engineering (MEng) in Bioengineering prepares recipients for careers in engineering, biology, and medicine. Students learn bioinformatics, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. The professional degree concludes after one school year of full-time coursework.  

Courses in Bioengineering:

•         Bionanotechnology
•         Bioinformatics Algorithms
•         BioBusiness: Starting, Growing, and Harvesting a Biotech Company

Notables

All MEng candidates will complete a Graduate Industrial Training Project followed by a technical report. Students must arrange their position, develop the project, and meet industry standards of quality in the finished report.

On September 28, 2017, researchers in Bioengineering announced the development of smart protein molecules. White blood cells that normally succumb to cancer cells now respond by fighting to destroy the cancerous cells. Researchers anticipate further testing to explore the potential of these molecules.

Overview

Texas A&M only began offering its Subsea Engineering program in Fall 2014. Industry leaders specifically requested the program to meet an untapped need in the oil and gas industry. As of 2013, just three universities across the globe offered similar programs.

Applicants submit a Statement of Purpose, GRE results, an updated resume/CV, and three letters of recommendation. College transcripts should include any undergraduate and graduate coursework already completed. International candidates for the program must produce a GRE Verbal score of 146 or a TOEFL score of 80.

Program Features

The Master of Engineering in Engineering – Subsea focuses attention on the extreme conditions in the ocean depths. Specialists in Subsea Engineering design and produce equipment for offshore drilling installations. Coursework focuses on project management, experiential learning, and unique systems for subsea equipment.

Courses in Subsea Engineering:

•         Riser Systems
•         Subsea Project Implementation
•         Fundamentals in Subsea Engineering

Notables

Subsea Engineers can expect to travel offshore on a regular basis. Some choose international projects or explore untouched areas of exploration. Engineers monitor the manufacturing of their designs by visiting the fabrication facility.

Overview

Johns Hopkins emphasizes the flexibility of its Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program. Once a candidate selects his or her concentration, the student opts for a master’s essay, a research project, or a coursework-only program. Individual requirements vary slightly by area of concentration.

Graduate students are encouraged to conduct research in conjunction with the department’s faculty. Research at Johns Hopkins currently focuses on five aspects of electrical and computer engineering: Control, Networks and Systems; Image and Signal Processing; Acoustics, Speech and Language Processing; Microsystems and Computer Engineering; and Photonics and Physical Electronics.

Program Features

The MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins appeals to students interested in a broad range of topics in electrical and computer engineering. The department focuses on research and experiential learning not taught in textbooks.

Master’s candidates select from concentrations in Communications, Control Systems, Language and Speech Processing, Image Processing, Microsystems and Computer Engineering, Photonics and Optoelectronics, and Robotics.

Courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering:

•         Sensory Information Processing
•         Advanced Electronic Lab Design
•         Advanced Topics in Microsystem Fabrication

Notables

Research laboratories at Johns Hopkins include the NanoEnergy Lab, the Ultrafast and Nonlinear Photonics Laboratory, and the Center for Language and Speech Processing.

The brand new Leading Innovation Design Team began in Fall 2017. Students work with an instruction team and a corporate sponsor to research and resolve a known problem. Master’s students may enroll for two semesters or up to five years.

Overview

Since everything is bigger in Texas, it should be no surprise that UT Austin hosts over 50,000 students. This public university began teaching Engineering in 1888, and today the program ranks ninth in the US. The Cockrell School of Engineering graduates just under 400 new engineers every year. UT Austin has the top Petroleum Engineering program in the country.

Program Features

Graduate students pursue their Master of Science in Engineering in ten specialties. In addition to Civil and Chemical Engineering, candidates can choose Engineering Mechanics, Architectural Engineering, and Environmental and Water Resources Engineering. The department also offers a dual BS in Electrical Engineering/MS in Engineering (BSEE/MSE).

Courses in Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering:

•         Prestressed Concrete
•         Plastic Design in Metals
•         Blast-Resistant Structural Design

Notables

Professional Master’s degrees allow full-time workers to complete their graduate education with once-monthly weekend classes. Some programs include online classes. These programs include Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Management.

Overview

The comprehensive Master’s degree program at Duke University spans technology, business leadership, and management skills. The Pratt School of Engineering created its MEng degree for experienced professionals with technical know-how who want to become business savvy. Employers routinely participate in campus career fairs and Tech Connect events to recruit MEng graduates.

Program Features

Duke offers the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students complete eight graduate-level courses in the Engineering specialty as well as two courses in business and management. Most complete their degrees in eighteen months to two years. The MEng is a non-thesis program.

Classes in Electrical and Computer Engineering:

•         Management of High Tech Industries
•         Quantum Mechanics
•         Acoustics and Hearing

Notables

The university provides undergraduates the opportunity to earn a dual Bachelor/Master in Engineering in its 4+1 Master’s degree program. Enrollees choosing this option take graduate-level classes in their senior year. Interested undergraduates must apply between the spring semesters of their junior and senior years.

Overview

USC first offered engineering classes in 1905 through its liberal arts program. A separate College of Engineering came along in 1928. The Viterbi School of Engineering is named for Andrew J. Viterbi, alumnus and Co-Founder and CTO of Qualcomm Inc. The Engineering department now offers online degrees in all programs. Some programs offer dual degrees across Engineering specialties or in outside programs like the MBA.

Program Features

USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering grants Master’s degrees in eight disciplines from Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering to Electrical Engineering. Specialized programs not usually seen at other universities include an MS in Green Technologies, the multidisciplinary MS in Financial Engineering, and nationally ranked Master’s degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Technologies.

Coursework in Petroleum Engineering:

•         Petroleum Reservoir Engineering
•         Computational Geomechanics
•         Technology of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources Development

Notables

To graduate with a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering, candidates need 27 completed units. Of these, 18 units will cover core requirements while electives encompass the other 9 units. Students must achieve a 3.0 GPA to graduate.

Overview

Currently celebrated its 150th year, Illinois prides itself on graduating 21 Nobel Prize winners and 12 Nobel Laureates. U.S. News ranks the university in 14th place among “Top Public Schools,” and 6th in “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.”

U.S. News also ranks the university in its top ten Master’s degree lists in nine programs. Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering all rank second in the United States.

Program Features

The College of Engineering spans twelve departments and offers flexible degree options. Besides the traditional programs with a thesis, Illinois grants 11 professional degrees without a thesis. These Professional Masters programs are designed for one year of full-time study. The school also provides 7 online Professional Master’s degrees and 4 dual degrees.

To earn a Professional Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, candidates take 18 hours of ECE coursework. Students complete 4 hours in Professional Development plus 10 additional credits at levels 400 and 500.

Classes in Electrical and Computer Engineering:

•         Distributed Algorithms
•         Power System Analysis
•         Computational Electromagnetics

Notables

The Professional Development courses listed by the College of Engineering involve a Master’s project or experimental research. Other options include lectures, Special Topics courses, and classes in startups, entrepreneurship, venture marketing, and finance. Any other classes in the professional development classification must be pre-approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Overview

The Department of Engineering Physics receives high praise from U.S. News, which ranks the Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics (NEEP) program 3rd in the United States. NEEP students opt for either a thesis or non-thesis track. Graduation requirements vary slightly between the two choices. The department lists 15 Fellowship programs available to NEEP candidates.   

Program Features

The College of Engineering covers nine academic departments and offers on-campus degrees. Three on-campus programs span multiple departments: Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Freshwater and Marine Sciences, and Manufacturing Systems Engineering.

Classes in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics:

•         Nuclear Reactor Design
•         Principles of Corrosion
•         Ionizing Radiation

Notables

The Professional Development office grants online Master’s degrees in Engine Systems, Engineering Management, Manufacturing Systems, Sustainable Systems, and Data Analytics. Others include Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering (Power), and Mechanical Engineering (Controls or Polymer Science). U.S. News ranks Wisconsin’s Online Master’s in Engineering program sixth in the nation.

Overview

The School of Engineering and Applied Science grants Master’s degree across 16 disciplines. Unique categories include Computer Graphics and Game Technology, Computer and Information Technology, and Scientific Computing. Dual majors combine a Master’s in Engineering with either an MBA (business) or JD/ML (law) degree.

Program Features

Non-thesis programs conclude after one to two years. All of the Engineering disciplines require completion of ten to eleven credits. The Department of Bioengineering hosts 108 Master’s degree candidates and ranks 8th in the U.S.

Classes in Bioengineering:

•         Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering
•         Biomicrofluidics
•         Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering

Notables

Penn publishes the Penn Engineering Magazine for its alumni. Find out what Penn’s Engineering graduates have accomplished since earning their degrees. Check out the article on Piccolissimo, the smallest drone in the world.

Overview

U.S. News positions OSU in 31st place among American Engineering schools. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering spans from Bachelor’s to doctoral programs. Master’s degrees in Engineering were conferred to 512 graduates in 2015 to 2016.

Program Features

OSU offers Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering. Students choose a thesis or non-thesis track, and all three programs last for two years.

Classes in Nuclear Engineering:

•         Nuclear Radiations and Their Measurements
•         Nuclear Engineering Seminar
•         Partial Differential Equations

Notables

The faculty of the department formed the Institute for Materials Research as well as the NSF Nanoscience and Engineering Center. Researchers collaborate with NASA, the Air Force, and GE Aviation. OSU maintains a Nuclear Reactor Lab and a Center for Automotive Research.

Overview

Virginia Polytechnic (known as Virginia Tech) began in 1872 as a college for agriculture and mechanics. As a modern university in the 21st century, the school ranks 21st in Graduate Engineering and 2nd in Computers and Information Technology. Programs here emphasize collaboration and research.

Program Features

Virginia Tech offers optional accelerated dual undergraduate/graduate programs. Fields include Aerospace, Biological Systems, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, and Computer Engineering. In addition, they might select Computer Science and Applications, or Electrical Engineering.

Still others choose Engineering Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Material Science, Mechanical, Mining, and Ocean Engineering.

Classes in Civil and Environmental Engineering:

•         Environmental Chemistry
•         Design for Hazard Control in Construction
•         Advanced Hydrology

Notables

Virginia Tech lists a number of 3+2 partnerships for students interested in dividing their college years between the school and another institution. Students earn an MS or MEng degree at Shandong University or the US Naval Academy. All programs specify the required GPA, the number of credits permitted, and the course levels accepted for credit.

Overview

UCSB’s College of Engineering ranks in the top programs in the nation. Accolades have poured in from the National Research Council, U.S. News, Business Insider, and Niche.com. The College believes in an interdisciplinary approach and invests in cutting-edge research facilities.

Program Features

UC Santa Barbara offers Master’s degrees in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Technology Management, and Computational Science and Engineering. Closely related degrees include Biomolecular Science and Engineering as well as Media Arts and Technology.

Coursework in Electrical and Computer Engineering:

•        Semiconductor Device Physics I and II
•        Molecular Beam Epitaxy and Band Gap Engineering
•        Fiber Optic Communications

Notables

Within Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), graduate students select one of three research concentrations: Computer Engineering, Electronics and Photonics, or Communications, Control, and Signal Processing. ECE remains flexible about degree requirements. Students may seek out positions as researchers, teaching assistants, and fellows.

Overview

Current or future undergraduates get an early start in graduate school with the Fifth Year Master’s program. The program blends the four-year Bachelor’s degree and one year of Master’s-level work. Current graduate students can coordinate dual Master’s degrees. An MBA from the Jones School of Business pairs well with any of the Engineering Professional Master’s Program degrees.

Program Features

Rice University offers graduate students 12 Master’s degrees in 9 departments. The Brown School of Engineering designed their curricula for busy professionals who want leadership roles.

A Master of Bioengineering requires 30 credit hours in graduate-level studies. There is no thesis or research requirement. Candidates pick from two concentrations: Global Medical Innovation and Applied Bioengineering.

Courses in the Bioengineering department:

•        Gene Therapy
•        Cancer Biology
•        Tissue Engineering

Notables

One measure of a school’s commitment to its students is their default rate for student loans. A low percentage indicates that the school invests in their students’ success and funds education without emphasizing student debt. The average default rate is 11 percent; Rice University’s is 0.3 percent.

Overview

In a state full of elite universities, NC State is one of the standouts. This land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant institution in Raleigh, North Carolina is plugged into the state’s famous “Research Triangle.” Over 30,000 undergraduates attend, and almost 10,000 grad students. If you’re looking for a school with a thriving intellectual and research atmosphere for your Master’s Degree in Engineering, this could be the right choice.

Program Features

The Master’s in Engineering at NC State doesn’t require a thesis or an oral exam, so you can focus on honing your engineering skills. The credit hour structure also allows for crossover within the Computer Science discipline. Program courses include:

•        Managing New High-Tech Product Launches
•        Sustainable Lean Manufacturing
•        Managerial Finance for Engineers

Notables

NC State consistently places in national rankings, and its engineering programs do particularly well, including a 6th place finish in U.S News & World Report’s Nuclear Engineering program. As a public university, NC State is also quite affordable. This was reflected in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance placing it 11th in its list of best value public colleges.

Overview

The College Park campus of the University of Maryland is the flagship of the system. It is located just a few miles from Washington, D.C. This means that for engineers looking for opportunities, College Park could be just the spot. Look for internships or jobs at NASA, the Department of Defense, or other big federal agencies or contractors.

Program Features

College Park offers a MEng in 17 different programs, and the degree requires 30 credit hours, a standard measure among its peers. A handful of the different courses offered in the major include:

•        Transport Phenomena
•        Environmental Law for Engineers and Scientists
•        Special Problems in Chemical Engineering

Notables

As you might expect for a university near the nation’s capital, many College Park students are highly service-oriented. So if you want to use your engineering degree to make a difference, this would be a great place to start. In fact, it was ranked among the Peace Corps’ highest Volunteer-Producing Colleges.

Overview

Pennsylvania State University—University Park is the flagship campus of the Penn State system. Often called a “Public Ivy” because its educational and research qualities match those of the elite Ivy League, Penn State is a great spot to consider for your Master’s in Engineering due to the variety and quality of opportunities available.

Program Features

Penn State offers a thesis and non-thesis option in its Industrial Engineering Master’s program, as well as a dual MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. Available courses include:

•        Nonlinear Programming
•        Designing Product Families
•        Engineering of Human Work

Notables

Looking for a college education that will stick with you? Penn State has the largest dues-paying alumni network in the world. These are students who know how to keep paying it forward to the next generation.

Overview

Located in Seattle, the central campus of the University of Washington is one of the longest-running schools on the West Coast and is one of the most elite universities in the country. It has highly ranked graduate programs in a number of different areas. Their Master’s in Engineering options are significantly more rigorous than many other programs.

Program Features

You can choose from seven different Engineering concentrations for your Master’s at UW. You’re required to complete 42 credits for the degree, 12 of which can be dedicated to completion of your thesis, if you choose the thesis track. Courses available include:

•        Finite Element Analysis
•        Convex Optimization
•        Voxel Models

Notables

Are you looking for opportunities to get involved in groundbreaking research? UW’s research budget recently passed the $1 billion threshold. This helps contribute, in part, to its 8th place finish in a global ranking of universities by the Middle East Technical University.

Overview

Classified as an R1 Doctoral University with the highest levels of research activity, UMN is a Public Ivy with lots to offer. Motivated students have potential to thrive and make their way at this flagship campus. Their engineering options are particularly diverse, so you have a lot to choose from if you come here for your Master’s in Engineering.

Program Features

There are 10 engineering degrees within UMN’s College of Engineering, including four integrated BS/MS five-year programs, three dual degrees, and one international master’s in environmental engineering or water resources engineering. Courses you can take include:

•        Plate Structures
•        Earthquake Engineering
•        Structural Reliability

Notables

Even within the Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering Department, there are a number of different emphases available to students: Environmental, Geomechanics, Structural, Mechanics, Physics of Solids and Fluids, Transportation, and Water Resources.

Overview

This elite private university in Boston also has satellite campuses throughout the country and even in Canada for graduate students. They’re making higher education higher quality and more accessible to everyone.

Program Features

Master’s programs at Northeastern range in length to complete and formats for completion, all in keeping with their eye toward flexibility and accessibility. You can take as long as four years to graduate, or finish in less than two years, depending on how much time it takes. They also offer some online degrees. Engineering courses at Northeastern include:

•        Collecting, Storing, and Retrieving Data
•        Applied Times Series and Spatial Statistics
•        Database Design, Access, Modeling, and Security

Notables

There are dozens of research centers and institutes at Northeastern. Relevant ones for Master’s in Engineering students include: New England Healthcare Systems Engineering Partnership, Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing, and Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Complex.

Overview

As one of the ten campuses in the sprawling and reputable University of California (UC) system, UC Davis is also one of the best. Aspiring and developing engineers frequently make the school one of their top destinations. Fourteen faculty members are members of the National Academy of Engineering, and the schools has seen dozens of national and international award winners—everything from the Nobel Peace Prize to the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

Program Features

UC Davis has strong engineering programs, and 10 different ones are available for students. The school’s research foci in engineering—in keeping with the school’s agricultural roots—are: Agricultural and Natural Resource, Biotechnical, and Food. Courses available to students include:

•        Aquaculture Engineering
•        Waste Management for Biological Production Systems
•        Design and Analysis of Engineering Experiments

Notables

The MS degree at UC Davis does require three quarters of residency and 36 credits, more than at many other schools. But you’ll benefit from their focus on “graduate groups,” which foster partnerships between students and faculty and interdisciplinary flexibility.

Overview

One of the largest universities in America, ASU is also one of the most innovative. In fact, it’s been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 Most Innovative for three years running. So for engineering students looking to develop new systems and change the world, this could be a great spot for you.

Program Features

ASU offers an Electrical Engineering Master’s degree. Applicants to this program should have a 3.0 GPA in a bachelor’s in an accredited electrical engineering program. Courses available in this degree include:

•        Electromagnets, Antennas, and Microwave Circuits
•        Neuromorphic Computing Hardware Design
•        Introduction to Spintronics: Fundamentals and Applications

Notables

Thinking about parlaying your engineering acumen into entrepreneurship? ASU might be just the spot. In terms of creating start-ups through research, ASU is one of the nation’s most successful universities: 100 companies have been launched based on work done there, and the university has raised more than $600 million in venture funding.

Overview

Yale has come a long way from educating Congregational ministers. It’s now one of the most world-renowned universities, and among the top colleges and universities in the country. It has a variety of Master’s of Engineering programs available, and a chance to study at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut should be a consideration of any prospective student.

Program Features

Yale’s engineering master’s degrees have six different options for graduates, and environmental engineers should pay close attention. That program has been widely recognized for its exceptional excellence. Courses available for engineering students include:

•        Environmental Physicochemical Processes
•        Advanced Engineering Mathematics
•        Real Analysis

Notables

The Master’s in Engineering at Yale is quite flexible. If you have time to take off a year and study intensely, it can be completed in a single year. If you’d like to go a bit more slowly and work or pursue other opportunities at the same time, you can take up to four years.

Overview

Yet another University of California school on our list, Irvine is known especially for its rapid growth, high research activity, and elite medical school. Its family-friendly location near the ocean in sunny Irvine, California doesn’t hurt either. Engineering students looking for expanding opportunity would do well to check out Irvine.

Program Features

Best in the country for recently established universities, according to Times Higher Education, Irvine’s location is also ideal for engineering professionals. The city is becoming more and more of a hub for tech and innovation. There are nine programs and concentrations available, including a Master of Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems, courses in which include:

•        Security, Privacy, and Regulatory Considerations in CyberPhysical Systems
•        CPS Case Studies
•        Real-Time & Distributed Systems

Notables

Looking for a quick career boost? The Master’s in Engineering at Irvine can be completed in as little as nine months. You’ll go through 36 credits and come out the other side ready to lead the way in engineering innovation.

Overview

Together with a mere 54 other public universities, Iowa State has been designated an “Innovation and Economic Prosperity University.” So it should come as no surprise to those who don’t know what the school’s full name is—Iowa State University of Science and Technology. This is the place to come for innovative scientists, engineers, and anyone else looking to revolutionize machines, processes, and systems.

Program Features

Iowa State offers Master’s in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. The Civil Engineering Master’s includes a range of six different specialties to consider. Courses available in the college include:

•        Information Technologies for Construction
•        Physical-Chemical Treatment Process
•        Bridge Design

Notables

This is a university with a pioneering heritage. The world’s first electronic digital computer was invented and built here from 1937 to 1942 by a math and physics professor and an engineering graduate student. Iowa State also played a key role in the Manhattan Project. To this day, it is the only university in the country with a Department of Energy research lab on campus.

Overview

Founded by Thomas Jefferson, who besides his political accomplishments was also an architect and inventor, UVA has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the only college in America to have that honor. Engineering students seeking their Master’s Degree should consider this historic university for their studies.

Program Features

UVA offers nine relevant programs, including two designed for working professionals—a common demographic for professionally-oriented master’s programs. One is available online. One of the programs available is Biomedical Engineering. Courses in that degree include:

•        Physiology
•        Bioelectricity
•        Master’s research

Notables

UVA is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, which was recently named the fastest growing metro area for venture capital. The start-up culture of the school and the area is thriving. From a glove that rehabilitates stroke victims to the website Reddit, UVA is the birthplace of countless innovations.

Overview

A land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university, UF is one of the two preeminent universities in Florida’s public university system. It is located in Gainesville, Florida, and has a student population of more than 50,000. Master’s in Engineering students at UF would be a part of an institution ranked by the Carnegie Foundation as a “Research University with Very High Research.”

Program Features

With six Master’s of Science degrees available for engineers, including online and non-thesis options, UF presents a prime spot for prospective students. The program can be completed over the course of 24 months. Thirty credits are needed to graduate. Courses available include:

•        Engineering Innovation
•        Systems Architecture
•        Digital Simulation Technology

Notables

UF is particularly notable for its expansive partnerships with other universities and research centers. It is particularly accomplished in bringing biotechnology to market, improving food and agricultural production, health sciences research, and in space sciences. A team of UF physicists are even involved at a leading level in work in Switzerland’s Large Hadron Collider, where they helped discover the Higgs particle.

Overview

The flagship campus in the highly respected University of Colorado system, Boulder is a space-grant institution with numerous accolades, including 12 Nobel Laureates, nine MacArthur Fellows, and 20 astronauts. It is located in the scenic mountain town of Boulder, and home to more than 30,000 students.

Program Features

Boulder’s Engineering Department offers both a Master of Science as well as a Master of Engineering, which is focused on electronics: Embedded Systems, Power Electronics, Photonics, and Electric Drivetrain Technology. Courses available to graduate-level engineering students includes:

•        Fourier Optics/Holography
•        Guided Wave Optics
•        Microstructures Laboratory

Notables

Boulder is also home to the Center for Advanced Engineering and Technology Education. This is the distance learning home for engineering students, and can work towards certifications and degrees in aerospace engineering, computer science, and engineering management, among other fields.

Overview

The specialty of Colorado School of Mines (usually just referred to as “Mines”) should be pretty obvious given its name. And that specialization has been recognized extensively. In fact, the QS World University ranking put Mines in the first spot in the world for minerals and material engineering. Mines offers a wide array of programs, but if this is your interest, this school should be at the top of your list.

Program Features

With both thesis and non-thesis options available, Mines offers ten different Master’s of Science degrees in engineering. Within their reputed Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering program, some of the courses available include:

•        Underground Construction Engineering in Soft Ground
•        Advanced Drilling and Blasting
•        Engineering Geology and Geotechnics

Notables

Mines has been involved in recent advances in oil shale technology. In fact, they host the annual oil shale symposium, which ran for thirty years before being discontinued in 1992. It then restarted in 2006.

Overview

Lehigh University welcomes future graduate students whose academic records may not qualify them for the rigorous standards of top private universities. Qualifiers include a GPA of 2.75, GRE scores in the top 25 percent, and a GPA of 3.0 within the last two semesters as an undergraduate.

Applicants to Lehigh’s graduate school must submit all materials by July 15 for Fall semesters and December 1 for Spring semesters. Materials include transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applications only).

Program Features

Lehigh provides opportunities in 22 programs including a Master of Science (MS) and Master of Engineering (ME or MEng). The MS program focuses on research, collaboration, and contributions to the field of engineering. The MEng is a professional master’s degree designed for working engineers wanting to refine or expand their skills.

Courses for the MEng in Management Science and Engineering:

•         Queueing Systems
•         Graph Theory
•         Time Series Analysis

Notables

To complete the MEng program, students need 27 credit hours in approved classes plus 3 credit hours in a project. Alternatively, they may complete 30 credit hours without a project. Twelve hours of work must come from the Management Science and Engineering curriculum.

Overview

UMassAmherst combines with Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire Colleges in the Five College Consortium. These schools share departments, liberal arts programs, library materials, and transportation between campuses. Engineering students may visit other schools to attend plays or meet up with friends.

Graduates from the College of Engineering have gone on to work for Microsoft, Google, Lockheed Martin, Motorola, General Electric, and NASA.

Program Features

The College of Engineering at UMassAmherst offers an MS degree in 8 fields, including Civil, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering. The College also provides opportunities for Honors studies and graduate certificates.

Courses for the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering:

•         VLSI Design
•         System Software Design
•         Microelectronic Fabrication

Notables

A 4+1 Accelerated Master’s degree combines undergraduate and graduate work into a five-year program. Four engineering programs accept the 4+1. Another four combine the MS in Engineering with an MBA for a three-year program.

Overview

Arizona’s College of Engineering offers a cooperative Master of Engineering in conjunction with Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University. Students choose a “home” institution and blend on-campus with online coursework. Ten credit hours must be completed through the home university, but students take classes through any of the three schools.

Program Features

The School of Sustainable Engineered Systems added a new Master of Engineering in Innovation, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship. The curriculum focuses on both engineering and business practices.

Classes in Innovation, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship:

•         Law for Engineers/Scientists
•         Materials Selection for the Environment
•         Technology of Polymers and Ceramics

Notables

To graduate, candidates must complete 12 credit units in business and management. Materials science and engineering classes comprise 18 units. Additionally, students earn 6 credits in Thermodynamics of Materials and Advanced Topics in Optical and Electronic Materials.

Overview

Clemson ranks 24th in Kiplinger’s list of the best values in public universities. Payscale.com ranks the university first in South Carolina for Return on Investment (ROI): $487,000 gained. As a public research institution, Clemson emphasizes science and engineering.

Program Features

Clemson’s Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering grants both Masters of Engineering (MEngr) and Masters of Science (MS) to its graduate students. The MS includes either a thesis or all-coursework in Electrical or Computer Engineering. The MEngr applies to Electrical Engineering graduate students looking for an online degree.

Classes for the MEngr in Electrical Engineering:

•         Smart Grid
•         Advanced Photonic Sensors
•         Parallel and Distributed Systems

Notables

Electrical Engineering includes six specializations in Electromagnetics, Communications, Signal Processing, Electronics, Power, and Intelligent Systems. Total credits needed to graduate differ between programs. MS candidates need 33 credit hours without a thesis or 30 hours plus 6 thesis hours. MEngr candidates require 24 credit hours and 6 hours in supervised engineering design.

Overview

The University of Dayton classifies as a Catholic research university. Niche.com ranks UD the 8th best Catholic university in the US. Within its School of Engineering, graduate students select from 14 Master’s degree programs or 5 dual Bachelor/Master programs.

Program Features

Graduate options from UD include Electro-Optics, Renewable and Clean Energy, Bioengineering, and traditional Engineering programs. The school also offers a general MS in Engineering.

Classes for the MS in Materials Engineering:

•         High Performance Thermoset Polymers
•         High Temperature Materials
•         Fracture Mechanics

Notables

Applicants need a 3.0 GPA or higher as undergraduates. Admissions officials look for Bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields. Master’s degree programs include on-campus, off-site, evening, and online classes. Graduate students need 30 credit hours to obtain the MS in Engineering fields.

Overview

The University of Utah was founded in 1850 and has offered Engineering courses since 1896. The school’s Carnegie Classification is Doctoral University with the Highest Research Activity. The university conferred 175 Master’s degrees in 2015 to 2016.

Program Features

In the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, students have options for coursework only, a project track, or a thesis track. Online classes fulfill all or part of the degree requirements. In addition to the Master of Science program, undergraduates may enroll in a dual Bachelor/Master program.

Classes in Computer Engineering:

•         Analog Integrated Circuit Design
•         Advanced Architecture
•         Formal Methods of System Design

Notables

A dual MS/MBA program was added recently to combine engineering and business education. Blending the two requires a commitment of 21 to 24 months of full-time enrollment. Students complete 21 credits in Engineering, 47 credits in Business, and 6 credits in a dual Capstone project addressing both programs.

Overview

Tufts University sits just outside Boston in the Medford/Somerville area of Massachusetts. Graduate and professional students comprise 6,000 of the 11,000 student population. Students in graduate and professional programs can join 132 clubs and organizations at the university. The School of Engineering co-sponsors a barbecue and the Moo and Brew gathering with the Deans.

Program Features

Tufts admits students to 11 Master of Science programs in a vast array of specialties including Geosystems Engineering, Thermo-Fluid Systems Engineering, and Human Factors (Engineering Psychology). A number of programs offer a five-year combined Bachelor/Master degree.  

Classes in Mechanical Engineering:

•         Robotics
•         Special Topics –  Engineering: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
•         Master’s Thesis

Notables

Tufts researchers work with robots to build trust and fine tune human-robot interaction. In the future, robots may carry out human errands without distraction from other shoppers. A new Mentor Collective pairs incoming international graduate students with mentors who guide their initial experiences at Tufts.

Overview

Graduate school applicants file for admission in spring or fall, but international students apply for only the Fall semesters. Deadlines are October 1 for Spring and January 15 for Fall. Candidates should have a 3.3 GPA and high GRE scores (150 Verbal, 159 Quantitative, and 3 Written Analytical). TOEFL minimum scores of 85 or IELTS of 7.0 have the best chance of admission.

Program Features

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Stony Brook provides options for a thesis or non-thesis track. Students pursue either an MS in Electrical Engineering or an MS in Computer Engineering. Requirements are identical. Both total 30 credits. The thesis track lasts 4 semesters while the non-thesis is 3 semesters.

Courses for the MS in Computer Engineering with thesis track:

•         Wireless Networking and Mobile Computing
•         Computer Aided Design
•         Computer and Robot Vision

Notables

Students in the Master’s program must complete one credit of Curricular Practical Training, which is an internship. Laboratories at Stonybrook include the CAD Lab, Fluorescence Detection Lab, and the Fiber Optic Sensors Lab. Current MS students can pursue a certificate in a secondary field.

Overview

The University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) presents the opportunity earn an Online Master of Engineering (MEng). Students only step foot on campus if they live near enough to take exams there. Graduate students in the MEng program focus on coursework rather than research, and a thesis is not required.  

Program Features

Engineering degrees span 9 programs including traditional Chemical and Civil Engineering and less usual concentrations like Communications and Disaster Management. Programs include 36 semester hours, and students must maintain a B or better to graduate.

Classes in traditional Engineering:

• Engineering Law
• Reliability Engineering
• Engineering Management and Commercialization of Intellectual Property

Notables

UIC’s main campus is in Chicago, Illinois, and the university has a long history there. After World War II, a temporary Navy Pier campus welcomed returning veterans who wanted to pursue college educations.UIC identifies as a public research university with an operating budget of $2 billion.

Overview

Students in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences experiment in tsunami detection systems, explore big data, and work on infrastructure solutions. The school offers two Master’s degrees and a PhD in 13 exciting programs. New candidates submit applications in both the fall and spring, and deadlines vary by program.   

Program Features

SUNY Buffalo requires Master’s degree candidates to maintain a 3.0 GPA. To earn the diploma, students must earn 30 credit hours in graduate-level work. Three options keep the programs flexible: all-coursework, project, or thesis tracks.

The 30 credit hours needed for graduation equal the number of hours in the all-coursework option. The project option includes 27 hours hour courses and 3 hours of project work. Finally, the thesis track combines 6 hours of thesis credit with 24 hours of course credit.  

Classes in Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering:

• Random Vibrations
• Travel Demand Forecasting
• Air Pollution

Notables

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences posts all scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available to graduate students. Qualifications vary per award, but anticipate all or partial tuition coverage as well as a stipend for living expenses. Some even provide health insurance benefits.