Best Master's Degrees in Engineering

Engineering is one of the best majors when it comes to high pay and job security. Forbes reported that Engineering is the top paid job when it comes to recent graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree. Engineering majors dominated the list of high paying jobs for recent graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that jobs are continuing to grow for engineers. However, the number of applicants is also growing, and it’s important to stand out among applicants for engineering jobs. One way to do this is to continue in academia and earn a Master’s Degree in Engineering. A master’s degree can put you ahead of other candidates. A master’s degree will also give you more hands-on experience in the industry. You’ll gain knowledge of specific areas of interest which you can then apply to your career. With a Master’s Degree in Engineering, you’ll be better prepared to fill positions of leadership and management. You’ll be more qualified for better jobs. Payscale shows that the average salary for employees with a Master of Engineering is $6,000 more than for those with just a Bachelor of Engineering. What are you waiting for? The following 20 Best Master’s Degrees in Engineering offer programs that are flexible, affordable, and nationally recognized. The 20 Best Master’s Degrees in Engineering of 2020 are waiting for you. Get started in one of these programs and watch your career options grow.

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#20 SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

SAN DIEGO, CA MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 77.9 As No. 30 in America’s Best Value Colleges according to Forbes, San Diego State University offers a Master of Engineering that is affordable and convenient. Students work in consultation with a program advisor to design a curriculum that fits their interests and helps them reach their professional goals. SDSU is dedicated to innovation and discovery. The engineering program focuses on solving real-world problems, and students are able to collaborate with faculty on meaningful research projects. Students at SDSU gain an international perspective that helps them cultivate creative thinking and effective problem-solving skills. A global focus helps students gain a wider perspective. At the completion of the program, students create a unique design project and accompany it with a final written report. The program is directed by four faculty members with industry knowledge and experience. SDSU is ranked among the top 150 Best Engineering Schools on U.S. News & World Report. Net Price: $13,363

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#19 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - DAVIS

DAVIS, CA MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 78.3 The Master of Engineering from the University of California-Davis is designed for both recent graduates of undergrad and for engineers currently active in the workforce. This program is flexible and affordable. Money named UC Davis at No. 11 for Best Colleges for your Money, and Forbes ranked it No. 11 in America’s Best Value Colleges. The Master of Engineering program can be completed part-time or full-time, in as little as one year. There are five core courses, but students can fill the other credits with electives of their choice. These core courses cover topics such as thermodynamics, materials processes, and structural properties of materials. The program can easily be more concretely focused to meet the interests of each individual student. Students are not required to complete a thesis. Instead, they complete a capstone project during their last quarter of study. Each capstone should be directed toward solving a specific real-world problem in engineering. U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Davis at No. 31 for Best Engineering Schools. Net Price: $16,446

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#18 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - TEMPE

TEMPE, AZ ENGINEERING MS Website Score: 79.1 Students personalize their education at Arizona State University-Tempe. The Master of Science in Engineering degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours which can be tailored to match each student’s interests. Students choose from several focus areas to personalize their degree. These include alternative energy, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering. The culmination of the degree can also be personalized to what each individual considers most valuable. Students choose to complete a thesis, an applied project, or an engineering portfolio. At ASU, students can interact with industry-experienced faculty and collaborate with a community of scholars made up of staff and peers. ASU offers several creative spaces on campus, such as laboratories and student spaces. Graduates have strong professional skills in communication and teamwork. They also leave with valuable technical skills in design and problem-solving. ASU is ranked among the top 50 Best Engineering Schools on U.S. News & World Report and is considered one of Money’s Best Colleges for your Money and Forbes’s America’s Best Value Colleges. Net Price: $12,947

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#17 TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

LUBBOCK, TX MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 80.0 Texas Tech University offers a truly interdisciplinary Master of Engineering. The non-thesis program does not require students to specify a major or minor. Instead, students are able to take courses from any discipline within the College of Engineering. This inclusive approach allows students to focus on their preferred areas of engineering while also building a foundation in math, science, and professional skills. Students can choose to follow the Healthcare Engineering Option or complete the Standard Option. They may even opt to enroll in the Dual Degree Program, which allows them to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence along with with their M.Eng. degree. The Master of Engineering program requires 36-semester credits. It can be taken on-campus or through distance learning, for greater flexibility and convenience. Grad Source named Texas Tech as the No. 4 Best Online Master’s Degree in Engineering. Texas Tech also made it into U.S. News & World Report’s top 100 Best Engineering Schools. Net Price: $15,820

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#16 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - COLLEGE PARK

COLLEGE PARK, MD MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 81.8 The Master of Engineering in Project Management Program at the University of Maryland-College Park has 16 options for areas of concentration. The program focuses on both traditional and emerging technologies, in an effort to prepare graduates for the changing discipline of engineering. Students learn to participate effectively as a member of a team and to step into positions of leadership and management. UMD is ranked highly for its engineering. U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 22 for Best Engineering Schools, and Business Insider ranked it No. 24 in its list of the same. The Masters of Engineering program is a part-time graduate program that requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. There is no thesis requirement. The program is practice-oriented and accessible to students. Core courses include “Project Risk Management,” “Fundamentals of Project Management,” and “Legal Aspects of Engineering Cost and Design.” It’s flexible, convenient, and affordable program. UMD was named No. 28 in Money’s Best Colleges for your Money and No. 41 in America’s Best Value Colleges by Forbes. Net Price: $17,241

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#15 VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

NASHVILLE, TN MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 84.0 Vanderbilt University aims to prepare the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of the future. The Master of Engineering is offered in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Cyber-Physical Systems. The program is designed for working engineers. Instead of focusing on teaching or research, Vanderbilt emphasizes practical application and relevant study. Because Vanderbilt has working students in mind, the program is flexible, even in regards to residency requirements. There are 30 credit hours of coursework included in this program. Courses are taught by faculty with industry experience, many of whom are involved in a variety of research programs. Research at Vanderbilt spans from biomedical imaging to regenerative medicine. Students get to be involved in this research and at the forefront of change. Vanderbilt is ranked as the No. 39 for Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report and at No. 18 for Best Colleges for your Money by Money. Princeton Review ranked it No. 12 for Best Value Colleges. It is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Net Price: $23,295

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#14 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

PRINCETON, NJ MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 84.5 Money ranked Princeton University as the No. 1 Best College for your Money. Forbes ranked it at No. 5 in its Top Colleges. This recognition extends into Princeton’s engineering programs. It’s listed among the top twenty Best Engineering Schools by both Business Insider and U.S. News & World Report. Students interested in engineering can earn a Masters of Engineering in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. Each program encourages students to cross departmental boundaries and practice interdisciplinary collaboration. A thesis is not required, but students can complete a research project with personal attention and advising from excellent faculty members. There are several research centers at Princeton, which focus on environmental engineering, neuroscience, engineering education, and more. Princeton offers a community of scholars and thinkers. There are networking opportunities with faculty, staff, and students through events, campus groups, and an alumni group. The program requires completion of eight courses and can be completed in a year of full-time study or two years as a part-time student. Net Price: $16,302

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#13 UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

STOCKTON, CA MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE Website Score: 84.9 The University of the Pacific offers flexibility and freedom of choice in its Master of Science in Engineering Science. It’s accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Named among the top 50 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report, Pacific is affordable. Students can complete their master’s degree on a thesis track, which requires independent research, or a non-thesis track, which allows students to complete a project or satisfy the requirements through coursework. In order to allow for greater flexibility, students can enroll in day or evening classes. Classes are small, with an excellent faculty to student ratio that contributes to more interaction and networking opportunities. Students can further personalize their degree by adding one or more concentrations. Concentration options include Civil Engineering (Environmental and Structural), Computer Engineering; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Management. Students may apply for an assistantship, for extra hands-on training as they study. Net Price: $32,715

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#12 MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

CAMBRIDGE, MA MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 85.8 Massachusetts Institute of Technology has received worldwide recognition for its academic programs. It was named the No. 1 Best University in the World by CNBC. U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 3 in Top Universities in the US for Graduate Employability. Business Insider ranks it at No. 1 for Best Engineering Schools. The Master of Engineering from MIT is a nine month-program with rigorous coursework that connects students with real-world engineering projects. Students are able to complete individualized tracks focusing on either Environmental Engineering Science or Structural Mechanics and Design. MIT also offers a Masters of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Each program is highly personalized with flexibility for working students. Through MIT, students gain valuable connections to industry professionals, innovative solutions, and ground-breaking research. Students can apply for Research Assistantships and Fellowships. At MIT, they have opportunities to be involved in clubs and competitions that give them more experience, more networking opportunities, and more professional connections. Net Price: $22,230

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#11 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO, CA MASTERS OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 86.0 The University of California-San Diego addresses both the technical and the professional needs of engineers. The Master of Engineering is course-heavy and teaches students theories of engineering and professional skills to help them in their careers as design and project engineers. This program can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study. It does not require a thesis and is designed with flexibility for the needs of each unique student. As part of the M.Eng., students complete an individual project and participate in an M.Eng. Graduate Industrial Training Project. UC San Diego is ranked No. 11 for Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report. At UC San Diego, students have access to several research centers, unique facilities, and resources. There are research groups in many key areas of engineering, from biosensors to nanotechnology. The school offers connections to nearby companies as well as collaboration with key players in the industry. Forbes ranked UC San Diego at No. 13 in America’s Best Value Colleges and Money ranks it at No. 2 for Best Colleges for your Money. Net Price: $14,616

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#10 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - COLLEGE STATION

COLLEGE STATION, TX MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 87.3 Students at Texas A&M University-College Station have options when it comes to their degree. Students can earn a Master of Engineering in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and more. Each major teaches collaboration and encourages an interdisciplinary approach that reflects the professional world of engineering. Texas A&M offers state-of-the-art research centers, internships, assistantships, and collaboration with world-recognized faculty. Students will work with the graduate director or a faculty member throughout their time at Texas A&M. Business Insider and U.S. News & World Report both named Texas A&M as the No. 15 for Best Engineering Schools. The program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed on the thesis track or non-thesis track. Net Price: $19,554

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#9 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

ATHENS, GA MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING Website Score: 88.2 The Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Georgia includes a minimum of 33 semester hours. The program includes research and a thesis, as well as a final examination and a defense of the thesis. In order to personalize their degree, students can add an emphasis area to their program. These emphasis options are civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering. Along with the important technical aspects of engineering, students learn the essential skills of communication and teamwork. They will practice these skills through projects and in student groups and organizations. Students work with a faculty advisor throughout their program for assistance and support. Many faculty members are involved in world-changing research in areas of expertise such as bioenergy, educational robotics, sensing and automation technologies, and much, much more. The University of Georgia is named the No. 14 in Top Public Universities in America by Niche. Forbes ranked it No. 66 in America’s Best Value Colleges, and U.S. News and World Report included it among the top 150 Best Engineering Schools. Net Price: $15,934

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#8 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

BALTIMORE, MD MASTER’S OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM Website Score: 88.7 At Johns Hopkins University, students have access to the tools they need to succeed. Johns Hopkins is ranked No. 5 for Best Science Lab Facilities by Princeton Review. It’s called the No. 15 for Best Colleges for Engineering in America by Niche and No. 17 for Best Engineering Schools by both U.S. News & World Report and Business Insider. The Master of Engineering can be completed in two years with a focus area in Biomedical Data Science, Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation, Computational Medicine, Genomics and Systems Biology, Neuroengineering, or Regenerative and Immune Engineering. The program includes the creation and defense of a thesis, but the curriculum can be personalized to each student. It teaches students the theoretical foundations necessary for their careers, and it prepares them with hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving. Johns Hopkins also offers a Master of Science in Bioengineering Innovation and Design. There are several research laboratories with focuses from biomedical imaging to computational medicine. Students can participate in the research of their choosing and graduate with valuable experience and knowledge. Net Price: $29,066

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#7 CORNELL UNIVERSITY

ITHACA, NY MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 90.4 With a Master of Engineering from Cornell University, graduates will have strong expertise in engineering subjects as well as a solid base of business and entrepreneurial knowledge. Students can take more generalized courses or specialize their studies in a specific area of focus. This flexible program is designed to allow students to take courses from different schools and departments that fit their interests and career goals. Along with a set of core courses, students complete a project and participate in ground-breaking research. The diversity of research options at Cornell give students the opportunity to earn hands-on experience in their field of interest. There are research groups in robotics; law and policy; data and modeling, social computing; and security and privacy. Students also have opportunities to network through campus events or through Cornell’s many campus organizations. Cornell is recognized as the No. 8 Best Engineering Schools by Business Insider, as well as the No. 13 in Top Colleges by Forbes. Net Price: $31,449

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#6 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA, PA MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING Website Score: 91.6 Ranked as the No. 6 Best Colleges in America by Niche, the University of Pennsylvania offers a well-rounded Master of Science in Engineering. Students can focus the program to study Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, or Robotics. This program can be completed full-time or part-time. It’s a flexible program that is designed to be personalized to each student’s professional goals and needs. Students gain a strong foundation in the theories and technologies of engineering, while also learning interdisciplinary skills such as cooperation and leadership. Students develop a global perspective and a passion for innovation and improvement. At Penn Engineering, students have access to state-of-the-art resources. There are research centers that focus on cognitive science, nanotechnology, structure of matter, nanoscale science and engineering, energy innovation, embedded computing, and network and data sciences. Faculty at Penn Engineering teach, mentor, and advise. They care about students and they are involved in ground-breaking research and innovation. Penn Engineering was named the No. 17 for Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Net Price: $24,539

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#5 DUKE UNIVERSITY

DURHAM, NC MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 91.9 The Master of Engineering program from Duke University combines essential technical and non-technical skills to create a degree that will help graduates succeed. Students complete specialized engineering classes as well as business and management courses in this 30 credit program. This sets them up for positions of leadership and management within engineering. There are several internship opportunities at Duke, as it’s located near Research Triangle Park, home to 200 technology companies. Duke’s community of faculty, staff, and students is innovative and encourages entrepreneurship. Duke offers superb career services to its students. It sets them up for success in the professional world through special networking events, application material development, interviewing tips, advice on how to best use social media, and connections with industry partners, start-ups, and noteworthy organizations. Business Insider named Duke University at No. 20 for Best Engineering Schools, and U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 24 in their list of Best Engineering Schools. Net Price: $22,011

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#4 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

AUSTIN, TX MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING Website Score: 92.3 At the University of Texas at Austin, students can earn their Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and more. In order to further personalize the degree, students can add a concentration in any field. Graduate studies include a combination of coursework, independent study, and independent research. There are research opportunities in sustainability, atmospheric chemistry, computational biology, evolutionary genetics, and more. Students may also participate in internships or field studies. UT Austin is named No. 11 for Best Engineering Schools by Business Insider and U.S. News & World Report. The master’s program is designed to be possible for full-time students and working professionals. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.   Net Price: $14,356

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#3 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

BERKELEY, CA MASTER OF ENGINEERING Website Score: 94.9 At the University of California, Berkeley, students are prepared to become the engineering leaders of the future. The Master of Engineering program is designed to teach students how to work as part of an interdisciplinary team as they solve problems and enhance their leadership skills. The final capstone project is team-oriented and prepares students for real-world problems and situations. The project may overlap with areas of research led by UC Berkeley faculty. There are research groups in topics such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, signal processing, and others. UC Berkeley is recognized for its research centers and is named at No. 3 for Best Engineering Schools by both U.S. News & World Report and Business Insider. The Master of Engineering can be personalized with a concentration in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. The program, led by a superb team of faculty, can be completed within one year of full-time study. There are options for a traditional plan of study or an accelerated track, for students who wish to finish sooner. Net Price: $18,178

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#2 HARVARD UNIVERSITY

CAMBRIDGE, MA MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN COMPUTER SCIENCE ENGINEERING Website Score: 98.2 Students at Harvard University can work toward a Master of Engineering in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Computational Science and Engineering, Data Science, Design Engineering, and Engineering Sciences. Each degree combines engineering, science, and technology to give graduates the skills they need for success. Each degree is interdisciplinary and encourages teamwork and collaboration. The Master of Engineering program can usually be completed in two years. The first year includes the bulk of coursework while the second year focuses on research and includes the completion of a thesis. Students work alongside a mentor as they choose a research topic for their thesis and throughout completion. There are many research topics to choose from. Harvard’s research interests cover applied mathematics, applied physics, bioengineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental science, materials and mechanical engineering, and innovation and public policy. Harvard University is a highly praised school. CNBC named it the No. 3 in the 10 Best Universities in the World. Times Higher Education ranked it at No. 1 in the Top Three Universities in the US for Graduate Employability. Finally, U.S. News & World Report ranked its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at No. 21 in the Best Engineering Schools. Net Price: $17,030

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#1 STANFORD UNIVERSITY

STANFORD, CA MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING Website Score: 100.0 Stanford University is ranked at No. 2 for Best Engineering Schools by both Business Insider and U.S. News & World Report. It also ranked No. 2 in CNBC’s list of the 10 Best Universities in the World. This well-recognized university is at the front of groundbreaking research, and students in the Master of Science in Engineering program get to be a part of this discovery and innovation. A thesis is not required in this interdisciplinary study. Students can take courses in any of the School of Engineering’s nine departments, which include Aeronautics and Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Students have the opportunity to participate in graduate fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. They have access to a wide array of resources, such as dozens of labs and research centers, 20 libraries, an online catalog, and hundreds of student groups. Overall, the program requires a minimum of 45 units. Net Price: $16,562

Methodology

Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the 20 Best Master’s Degrees in Engineering, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:

• 25% Student Satisfaction  
• 30% Earning Potential
• 15% Retention Data
• 20% Affordability
• 10% Acceptance Rates

For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.