Earn your online master’s in engineering
Learn how an online engineering master's program can help you grow your career, earn more, and lead innovation in engineering and technology.
Explore engineering degrees
Why earn a master's in engineering online?
Flexibility that fits your life
Study from anywhere, often on your schedule, so you can balance school with other responsibilities.
Specialize to stand out
Focus on areas like systems or software engineering to build niche skills that may set you apart in a competitive job market.
Advance your role and salary
Gain the skills to qualify for leadership roles and boost your earning potential.
Key Takeaways
- Master's in engineering students can specialize in software engineering, systems engineering, or engineering management.
- Senior-level engineering roles can pay more than $100,000 per year, per the BLS.
- You can study at your own pace and earn an accredited online master's in engineering through edX.
If you're already an engineer or are pivoting from another field, you may have considered earning a master's degree in engineering. But did you know you can earn that credential online from a top university in the U.S. or around the world?
Read on to learn how online programs work, which specializations you can choose from, what schools typically require for admission, and the kinds of roles this degree can enable you to pursue.
Browse master's in engineering online programs
Online engineering master's degree overview
An online engineering master's can help push your career forward. In a graduate-level program, you'll explore the latest in engineering technology as you deepen your knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation, renewable energy systems, and advanced materials design. You can also develop the business leadership skills necessary for management positions.
Online engineering master's programs often include asynchronous learning, enabling you to study on your schedule while continuing your professional career. These programs typically take between 12 and 36 months to complete, depending on your enrollment status (full time or part time), specialization, and program requirements such as a thesis or capstone project.
Regarding costs, in 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that the average tuition and fees for an online master's in engineering program was $13,688 per year.
Ideal candidates for an online master's in engineering program are highly analytical problem-solvers with bachelor's degrees in engineering or a related field. If your background is not in engineering, you can still apply. However, you'll need to fulfill core coursework before starting the master's program.
Popular online engineering master's specializations
When choosing an online master's degree in engineering, you'll also find opportunities to specialize, whether in AI, software, electrical, biomedical, environmental, or civil engineering. Look for a program that aligns with your professional goals and builds skills you can apply directly in the field.
Consider these popular specializations:
Software engineering
- What is software engineering? Software engineering is the process of designing, building, scaling, and maintaining software systems — from apps and websites to enterprise systems - using structured methods and specialized tools.
- What will you learn in an online program? Common topics include software architecture, DevOps, AI, cloud computing, project management, and algorithm design.
- Who is it for? Professionals with backgrounds in computer science or related fields seeking to advance their software development expertise.
- What jobs can you get with a master's in software engineering? Software engineering graduates often pursue roles such as computer and information systems manager ($171,200), data scientist ($112,590), or software developer ($131,450). Median annual salary data is current as of May 2024 and from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Software engineering
- What is software engineering? Software engineering is the process of designing, building, scaling, and maintaining software systems — from apps and websites to enterprise systems - using structured methods and specialized tools.
- What will you learn in an online program? Common topics include software architecture, DevOps, AI, cloud computing, project management, and algorithm design.
- Who is it for? Professionals with backgrounds in computer science or related fields seeking to advance their software development expertise.
- What jobs can you get with a master's in software engineering? Software engineering graduates often pursue roles such as computer and information systems manager ($171,200), data scientist ($112,590), or software developer ($131,450). Median annual salary data is current as of May 2024 and from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What jobs can you get with an online master's in engineering?
While many engineering occupations require only a bachelor's degree, the technical expertise you gain in a master's in engineering program can qualify you for advanced roles with higher earning potential.
Types of engineers and what they do
- Aerospace engineer: This type of engineer designs, develops, and tests technology for aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
- Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design, evaluate, and improve chemical manufacturing processes.
- Civil engineer: Civil engineers design and oversee building construction and maintenance, as well as infrastructure projects.
- Computer hardware engineer: This type of engineer creates, maintains, and improves hardware systems, such as those found in home electronics and cars.
- Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers create and optimize mechanical systems, including those used in power plants, vehicle engines, biomedical devices, and air conditioning systems.
- Nuclear engineer: Nuclear engineers research, develop, and oversee the safe disposal of nuclear energy.
- Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers seek solutions to environmental issues like erosion, air pollution, poor water quality, and waste disposal.
- Electrical engineer: This type of engineer builds, tests, and improves electrical parts and systems, such as those used in power grids, telecommunications, computers, biomedical devices, and satellites.
Salary expectations for engineers with master's degrees
Engineering remains one of the highest-paying fields in the U.S.. According to the BLS, engineers earned a median annual wage of $100,000, well above the median for all occupations, which was $49,500 in 2024.
Engineering salaries vary by specialization. For example, in 2024, agricultural engineers earned a median annual salary of $84,630, while computer hardware engineers earned $155,020. Factors like industry, experience level, and location may also influence pay.
Advanced education can be a competitive advantage. The Bureau reported that in 2022, 42% of engineers held a master's or doctoral degree. A graduate degree may help you access higher-paying, leadership, or specialized roles within the field.
Career outlook with an online engineering master's degree
The BLS projects a growth of about 186,500 jobs per year in the engineering and architecture fields from 2024-34.
Specifically, the BLS projects significant growth over the next decade in software development (+15%), industrial engineering (+11%), mechanical engineering (+9%), and electrical engineering (+7%). These percentages are much higher than the projected average growth rate of +3% across all occupations.
Admission requirements for an online master's in engineering
While each online master's program has different admissions standards, common eligibility requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Application fee
- Résumé or CV
Note that many online master's in engineering programs don't require GRE scores. Some programs may require English proficiency tests for international students.
Accreditation and professional licensure
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a U.S.-based accreditor that certifies engineering programs. If a program is accredited by ABET, it meets industry and academic standards in engineering and technology. While not all online master's programs have ABET accreditation, it's often viewed as a mark of quality, especially for students pursuing licensure or working in regulated fields.
Licensure matters, especially in civil and structural engineering. In the U.S., becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE) typically involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining supervised experience under a licensed engineer, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. These exams are administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Licensure requirements vary by country, state, and engineering field. Always check the licensure rules in the region where you plan to work.
How to apply
When you're ready to pursue your online master's in engineering, choose a program and request more information. An admissions advisor will contact you to discuss details. From there, you can formally apply for the program.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated July 28, 2025