20 BEST MASTER'S DEGREES IN ENGINEERING

Earning one the Best Master's Degrees in Engineering introduces students to a multifaceted field with many specialized disciplines. Engineering students find careers in a variety of areas, such as electronics, construction, geology, and more. 

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics found in 2016 that the median wage of all kinds of recorded engineers was at least $73,000, going as high as $128,000. Pursuing a career in Engineering is a way for one to secure themselves financially, and in a field that will always demand exciting growth and to keep up with the world's technological advances. 

While baccalaureate graduates with Engineering degrees have access to high-paying jobs, those who have a Master's degree in Engineering are more competitive candidates. It's not uncommon for students to enter the workforce after completion of their undergraduate degree, and then return to school to increase their credentials and career opportunities.

For the 20 Best Master's Degrees in Engineering, Best Value Schools ranked, both, Master of Science in Engineering programs and Master of Engineering. M.Eng. programs tend to be more coursework focused, training students in the breadth of their selected Engineering subfield with technical skills and often, skills necessary for business and management leadership.

MS in Engineering programs are typically more research-oriented as they prepare students for Ph.D. programs or careers focused on research growth in today's fast-paced technological world. Regardless of the selected type of program, earning a graduate degree in Engineering and its sub-disciplines is an impressive move one can make for the insurance of their future careers. 

Selection Criteria

Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:

• Degree Investment Return (25%)
• Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
• Cost Value (25%)
• Matriculation (10%) 
• Academic Success (15%) 

No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!

Here are the 20 Best Master's Degrees in Engineering!

20. University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY

Master of Science in Engineering 

Website

The Master of Engineering offered by the University of Wyoming is part of a combined program where students earn both their MS in Engineering and their Master of Business Administration. The university designed the MEng to prepare students for competitive careers involving, not only the technical skills of engineering, but it's an application to operational goals and the overarching strategies in the business world. The dual degree can be earned in just two years, with one year consisting of the MBA's core curriculum, a summer experiential project, and an outdoor leadership course. The final year is spent on MS courses in a specific discipline of Engineering, which could be Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Computer, or Civil & Architectural Engineering. 

Net Price: $4,698 / $14,040

Score: 78.9

19. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN 

Master of Engineering

Website

The Master of Engineering from Vanderbilt University is an advanced professional degree designed for those who are already practicing in the field and are looking to further their credentials while maintaining their work. The M.Eng. program offers students to specialize in many subfields of Engineering: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering, as well as Engineering Management. The 30-credit program is flexible, with seven years allotted for completion of the degree. All students will complete a written design report and a project. While most courses will vary based on the area of Engineering that is chosen for the M.Eng., some topics include Professional Communication Skills for Engineers, Enterprise Risk Management, and Engineering Acoustics. 

Net Price: $47,208

Score: 81.9

18. San Diego State University - San Diego, CA

Master of Engineering

Website

San Diego State University's Master of Engineering degree is practice-oriented and interdisciplinary, designed for working students who wish to further their career and acquire skills in business and management, or eager baccalaureate graduates. Students will develop their program working towards proficiency in a subdiscipline of Engineering, either Electrical and Computer; Mechanical; Civil, Construction, and Environmental; or Aerospace. Students complete varying course requirements through their chosen specialty, but the core M.Eng. curriculum focuses on both engineering and business courses. All in the program will also complete a design project and a final, written report. Joint Ph.D. programs are offered in almost all of the subdisciplines. 

Net Price: $7,176 / $16,680

Score: 82.3

17. Texas Tech University - Lubbock, TX

Master of Engineering

Website

The Master of Engineering from Texas Tech University is an interdisciplinary and non-thesis program designed for those already practicing in the field, whose work experience can count towards credit in the program. Students may take courses on campus or online. The program does not require major or minor subjects and even allows six hours of coursework to be completed outside of Engineering. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree in Engineering or a related field. Courses may be taken from any of the College of Engineering's disciplines, including Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and many more. There's also a Healthcare Engineering Option for those interested in overseeing the physical, technological, and support services of healthcare facilities. 

Net Price: $5,832 / $13,302

Score: 83.3

16. Princeton University - Princeton, NJ

Master of Engineering

Website

Princeton University designed their Master of Engineering program to train students in advanced, applied aspects of modern technology. The curriculum is centered around engineering technologies and management and is made up of eight courses. A thesis is not required, but students may complete a research project through offered courses. The program may be completed in either one or two years depending on the pace of study. The Graduate School at Princeton is currently accepted applications to the M.Eng. in Chemical and Biological Engineering program and the M.Eng. in Civil and Environmental program. Courses will vary depending on the chosen subfield, but both cover mathematical or quantitative methods, research and special topics, and offer opportunities for independent study. 

Net Price: $49,450

Score: 83.6

15. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Master of Science in Engineering

Website

Johns Hopkins University designed their Master of Engineering as preparation for careers in research or development, as well as doctoral programs. The curriculum equips students with theoretical tools and knowledge in the traditional engineering topics and introduces them to special topics in biomedical engineering. The thesis track of the program takes about two years, whereas, without the thesis, students can earn the MSE in one year. Focus areas are offered in Biomedical Data Science, Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation, Computational Medicine, Genomics and Systems Biology, Neuroengineering, and Regenerative and Immune Engineering. Students will complete five core courses before continuing onto their focus area, taking at least five classes in that topic. 

Net Price: $53,740

Score: 83.7

14. Arizona State University - Tempe, AZ

Master of Science in Engineering

Website

The Master of Science in Engineering from Arizona State University is a cross-disciplinary program covering aspects of several traditional engineering disciplines. Students will graduate ready to take on complex problems in a systematic and informed matter. The curriculum prepares students not only in the technical aspects of innovation in the field, but the necessary skills in professional communication, leadership, and adaptability. Required courses cover topics essential to all aspects of the field, including Engineering Analysis and Principles of Systems Engineering. From there, students go to select a focus area from the following: Alternative Energy/Renewable Energy, Automotive, Manufacturing, Mechanical Systems, or Robotics. The focus area makes up 15 credits of the 30 credit program. 

Net Price: $11,406 / $25,160

Score: 83.7

13. University of The Pacific - Stockton, CA

Master of Science in Engineering Science 

Website

The University of The Pacific designed their Master of Science in Engineering Science program to further strengthen students' skills in technical, analytical, and professional aspects of the field. The curriculum not only covers a core of research and analysis, but allows students to go in-depth into a concentration of their choice: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering Management. There are both thesis and non-thesis plans, but each path requires a minimum of 30 credits. For those students who are concurrently employed, there are opportunities to earn credit for projects completed on-the-job. Graduate assistantships are available with both tuition cover and a living stipend. 

Net Price: $47,480

Score: 83.9

12. Cornell University - Ithaca, NY

Master of Engineering in Computer Science

Website

The Master of Engineering program at Cornell University is focused on Computer Science. The two-semester professional program is designed specifically to further enhance practical skills, typically of those already in the field. The curriculum is made up of six courses and a final project, and none of the courses are mandatory; instead, students follow specific requirements that are met through the courses they decide to take. This may include courses taken outside of the Computer Science department, such as those in Information Science, the School of Management, or Operations Research & Industrial Engineering. The flexibility in each students' course of study allows either a generalized degree or one focused on a specialized area, such as graphics, systems, or theory. 

Net Price: $29,500

Score: 84.6

11. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA

Master of Engineering

Website

The Master of Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a professional program made up of high-level, fast-paced coursework, and frequent engagement with real-world engineering projects. The program takes only nine months and allows students to pursue study in the areas of the field that interest them most. This includes an offered Environmental Engineering Science track or a Structural Mechanics and Design track. The Environmental track focuses on topics like hydrology, environmental chemistry, ecology, and fluid mechanics. The Structural Mechanics track prepares students in computational design and optimization, engineering mechanics, and collaborative ways of working in the field. All students complete a thesis. 

Net Price: $51,832

Score: 84.8

10. University of Maryland-College Park - College Park, MD

Master of Engineering in Project Management

Website

The Master of Engineering in Project Management at the University of Maryland is a part-time program designed for those already working in the field. The degree does not require a thesis and is considered a non-research program. The M.Eng. will equip engineers and technical professionals with further and specialized knowledge necessary for career growth in business, government, and industrial environments. Core courses will cover fundamental topics such as risk management, finance, and legal aspects, whereas electives may focus on Web-Based Project Management, Principles of Disaster Management, or Construction Automation & Robots. The Department of Engineering also offers 16 other concentration areas in addition to Project Management. 

Net Price: $12,906 / $27,864

Score: 85

9. University of California-San Diego - San Diego, CA

Master of Engineering

Website

The Master of Engineering from the University of California at San Diego is housed within the university's Bioengineering department. The curriculum addresses both technical and professional skills necessary for the success of engineers who are primarily interested in design, development, manufacturing, and management. Students in the program are typical en route to careers in the medical and biological engineering industries. Courses will cover physical and life sciences, with elective courses allowing for more specialized topics like Bioelectronics, Bionanotechnology, and Anelasticity. The program is terminal course-intensive, with no thesis but expected completion within a year of full-time study. All students complete an individualized project to prove their professional development in the field. 

Net Price: $11,442 / $26,544

Score: 85

8. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA

Master of Science in Engineering

Website

The University of Pennsylvania offers four different Master of Science Engineering degrees within their Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering: an MSE may be pursued in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, or Robotics. A thesis is optional in all chosen concentrations. The curriculum for all of the MS degrees aims to develop a robust theoretical base useful for further engineering practice or research. The MSE degrees require ten course units, all with room for electives offered in the department. Research areas of scholars in the department include Nanodevices and Nanosystems, Circuits and Computer Engineering, and Information and Decision Systems. 

Net Price: $34,882

Score: 88.8

7. Texas A&M University - College Station, TX

Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering

Website

The Master of Engineering program from Texas A&M University is a non-thesis program housed within the Department of Aerospace Engineering. The 30-credit degree consists of a majority of courses in AERO, and about one-third of courses taken from outside the major. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the industry or support of a second, non-engineering degree. All students will develop an individualized degree plan with the aid of an advisory committee, and complete a final project prior to graduation. 

Net Price: $6,552 / $17,904

Score: 89.6

6. Duke University - Durham, NC

Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Website

Duke University's Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is an industry-focused alternative to a traditional Master of Science program. The curriculum consists of eight core courses in electrical and computer engineering and then two business and management courses, preparing students for leadership in all aspects of the field. There is also room for electives in the 30-credit program, ensuring students can spend time on what most interests them in the field. Electives are fulfilled through concentration areas such as Photonics, Sensing and Waves, or Signal Processing and Communications. All students must complete either an internship or a final project. 

Net Price: $53,540

Score: 90.1

5. University of Georgia - Athens, GA

Master of Science in Engineering

Website

The Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Georgia provides a rigorous and adaptive curriculum, equipping them with tools from multiple related fields to address interdisciplinary problems. The coursework consists of broad training in science and engineering as well as opportunities for research. All students complete either what is considered master's research, or project-based research. Each student's course of study is designed in coordination with an advisor to ensure they meet requirements and allow for a focus on a specific area: emphases are offered in Civil Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. Each emphasis area is described at length on the Engineering department's website. 

Net Price: $8,704 / $24,692

Score: 90.8

4. University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, CA

Master of Engineering

Website

The Master of Engineering degree offered by the University of California at Berkeley is designed for students entering the professional field post-graduation. The curriculum is accelerated and develops professional engineering skills necessary to face the technical, economic, and social issues of technology. Students can enter concentrations that match their specific interests, with offerings such as Data Science and Systems, Signal Processing and Communications, or Visual Computing and Computer Graphics. The program is designed to take one year and consists of small cohorts that students work closely with to develop both teamwork and leadership skills.

Net Price: N/A

Score: 95.1

3. The University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX

Master of Science in Engineering

Website

The University of Texas at Austin offers a Master of Science in Engineering both as a terminal degree or en route to their Doctor of Philosophy. Proposed major areas within the MSE include aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering mechanics, and many more. Many of the curriculum for the majors are designed to ensure flexibility for working students. All of the majors develop student's foundational knowledge, capacity for teamwork, and leadership skills in the field, and many provide research opportunities. Depending on the chosen major, courses are offered partially, or entirely online.

Net Price: $11,742 / $22,564

Score: 95.3

2. Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Master of Engineering in Computational Science and Engineering

Website

Harvard University's Master of Engineering in Computational Science and Engineering is a two-year program requiring research and a thesis that takes up most of the second year. The curriculum focuses on the development of technical skills, as well as ensuring student's ability to apply computation to a specialty domain involving substantial projects and research. The 16-course degree consists of core courses covering systems development and computing foundations, Applied Math and Computer Science electives, and up to two domain electives, allowing students to focus on a particular area. Many graduates -pursue careers that require the application of mathematics and computation to issues in engineering, natural and social sciences and the humanities. 

Net Price: $46,384

Score: 98.3

1. Stanford University - Stanford, CA

Master of Science in Engineering

Website

Stanford University's Master of Science in Engineering program is meant specifically for students who are looking to design an interdisciplinary program of study not already offered by the department. With the freedom to design their own degree track, student's must develop a well-defined objective of their studies that will be approved by a department within the School of Engineering. The program must include a total of at least 45 units, 21 of which should be in the School of Engineering. A thesis is not required, but students can elect to complete one. Coursework is encouraged to align with the student research goals. Graduate fellowships and assistantships are awarded each year for funding opportunities. 

Net Price: N/A

Score: 100