Kayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about higher education, insurance and healthcare, helping readers make empowered, informed decisions.
Kayla Missman
Kayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about higher education, insurance and healthcare, helping readers make empowered, informed decisions.
Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.
Reviewed
Veronica Beagle
Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
With just a bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineers can start tackling interesting work in constantly evolving industries like robotics, transportation and biotechnology. And for professionals hoping to transition into mechanical engineering—or aim for one of those higher-paying senior positions—a graduate degree can help them get there.
Thanks to a variety of reputable online mechanical engineering master’s degrees, you could earn a diploma from home. This page ranks the best online colleges with master’s in mechanical engineering programs in the U.S., according to a strict, objective methodology.
Many of our top-ranked programs are highly customizable, allowing you to design a curriculum that meets your unique career goals. Keep reading to discover what you can accomplish at the top 10 online master’s in mechanical engineering programs.
Our Methodology
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Show Summary
- Best Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Options
- Should You Enroll in an Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Program?
- Accreditation for Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Program
- How To Find the Right Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Programs
Best Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Program?
With the boom of distance learning programs, graduate degrees are more accessible than ever, even in technical fields like mechanical engineering. But online education isn’t necessarily the right choice for every student. Consider the following factors before enrolling:
- Flexibility. Schools typically design online degrees for nontraditional learners who balance their education with a full-time job or responsibilities at home. As such, most colleges offer their classes asynchronously, so enrollees can complete coursework in their own time. However, this style of learning requires a high level of organization and self-motivation.
- Time commitment. Some online degrees operate at an accelerated pace, allowing students to take shorter classes and earn their degrees faster. MSME degrees, however, typically follow the college’s regular semester schedule. With longer class terms, it takes at least 18 months to complete an online master’s in mechanical engineering. For part-time learners, it can take several years.
- Cost. Grad students may benefit financially from earning their degrees online. Many colleges charge the same tuition rate to all distance learners, including out-of-state students, who may otherwise have to pay inflated rates. Online learners might pay a technology fee for each course, but they tend to save on campus-related fees, transportation expenses and housing costs.
Accreditation for Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Program
Before applying to an online program, make sure it comes from a reputable, accredited college. Some employers and professional organizations won’t recognize degrees from unaccredited colleges. And to receive federal financial aid, you must be enrolled at an accredited university.
At the institutional level, schools earn accreditation by meeting high standards for markers such as student success, program outcomes and financial management. Accreditation comes from a third-party organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Individual engineering programs may also hold programmatic accreditation from ABET. If you want to pursue a Professional Engineering license later in your career, it helps to have a degree from an ABET-accredited program. Some employers prefer to hire engineers with ABET-accredited degrees as well.
Schools typically list any relevant accreditations on their websites. Otherwise, you can search CHEA’s directory to confirm any school’s or program’s accreditation status.
How To Find the Right Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Program for You
Once you’ve perused a few reputable colleges, it’s time to identify your career goals and narrow down your choices.
First, assess each school’s application requirements. Many colleges require a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies. Your bachelor’s program matters, too—certain schools require a mechanical engineering degree, while others admit applicants from more diverse academic backgrounds. You may need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a résumé.
Next, evaluate your goals and financial needs.
Consider Your Future Goals
The right graduate program serves as a catalyst for your career. Research each program’s faculty and industry connections. Even online programs should provide opportunities for networking, career guidance and real-world applications.
Explore each potential school’s program curriculum—especially the graduation requirements. One of the most important characteristics of a master’s program is whether it requires a thesis or capstone project. If you want to pursue a doctoral program, find schools that guide you in completing a thesis or independent research project. Not all colleges offer this option to online learners.
If you already have a job, or you want to enter the workforce immediately after graduating, look for a program that includes a capstone component. This hands-on, résumé-building project allows you to demonstrate your professional skills and, ideally, connect with an industry client.
Finally, consider whether each prospective program holds ABET accreditation. While this isn’t required for most engineering jobs, it may be helpful, especially if you plan to apply for a Professional Engineering state license.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
While a master’s degree can pay off in the long run, it’s still a significant financial investment. Depending on the college, engineering classes may cost more than classes in other subjects. Total tuition for our ranked programs ranges from $25,000 to $65,460, not including mandatory fees.
In comparison, the average grad student paid $19,749 in tuition and fees in the 2020-21 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. A two-year master’s program would cost just under $40,000 based on this average.
Thankfully, you have a few options for funding your degree. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine whether you qualify for federal student aid. States and colleges may also use FAFSA information to determine aid awards.
Aid comes in many forms, including:
- Grants: Typically awarded based on need, sometimes from the state or federal government. These do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships: May be awarded based on many factors, including merit, personal circumstance and field of study. These do not have to be repaid.
- Loans: Financial assistance from the government or private companies that must be repaid with interest.
- Assistantships: A way for grad students to earn a wage by assisting with teaching, research or administrative work.
- Employer tuition assistance: Your employer may invest in your education by paying part or all of your tuition. Many of our ranked programs honor this arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Programs
Is it better to get an MBA or a master’s in engineering?
This depends on your career goals. MBAs prepare students for business-related career paths in areas like finance, accounting, entrepreneurship and leadership. A master’s in engineering focuses on highly technical skills. An engineering management graduate program merges these two interests.
What is a master’s in mechanical engineering good for?
Earning a master’s in mechanical engineering allows you to apply for higher-paying senior roles. Job possibilities include senior mechanical prototyping engineer, lead mechanical principal engineer, and director of data and connectivity innovation.
Is master’s in engineering harder than undergrad?
Yes, graduate-level courses build on a broad undergraduate education to develop highly specialized technical skills. Grad students are expected to be self-motivated and dedicated, even if they’re juggling work and other responsibilities.
