Why This Matters

  • ENGINEERING MANAGERS MAKE $144,830 PER YEAR

    With a median hourly wage of $69.63 per hour, engineering managers make more than three times the median annual salary for all U.S. occupations.

  • JOB GROWTH FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IS HIGHER THAN U.S. AVERAGE

    Increased demand for services such as computational design and virtual simulations are expected to keep the field of mechanical engineering growing at 4%, faster than the national average.

  • THERE WILL BE 203,200 ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING MANAGERS BY 2029

    Over the next decade, 5,100 more architectural and engineering managers are needed to lead renewable energy projects and implement new technologies in the automotive industry.

Our Research

This list covers graduate programs in mechanical engineering. Students learn advanced engineering concepts such as optimization, systems design, and engineering management. Degrees offered include Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, and Master’s of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. Programs are taught online, on-campus, and in hybrid learning formats.

Accreditation is given to programs that prepare graduates for leadership roles in mechanical engineering. Accreditors recognize schools that uphold a high academic standard at the regional and national levels. The programs on our list are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 54 hours to write this article
  • 201 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 297 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs

Best Master's in Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing a senior-level engineering career, you should also consider pursuing a graduate degree in computer engineering. While mechanical engineering provides students with a versatile skill set that can be applied to many industries, computer engineering specializes in developing new computer systems and network architecture. Mechanical engineers work to design and maintain machines and physical structures, while computer engineers develop new software and digital systems. Determine if you would like to focus on a specific engineering area or receive a more generalized education when choosing a graduate program.

Certifications help graduates stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in mechanical engineering. These credentials also allow you to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge to potential employers. Organizations such as The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Association for Facilities Engineering, Engineering Management Certification International, and Green Building Certification Institute provide mechanical engineering certifications. Graduates should consider obtaining certifications such as Certified Bearing Specialist, Certified Systems Engineering Professional, IAPMO Mechanical Inspector, and Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician.

The job outlook for mechanical engineers is positive over the next decade. Engineering professionals in every field can expect job growth, and the demand for industrial engineers is projected to rise by 10%.

What’s Next?

Ask yourself these questions when researching master’s degree programs in engineering:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in mechanical engineering must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field. Many programs also require a minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score as well as letters of recommendation.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Graduate programs in mechanical engineering take approximately two years of full-time study to complete. The programs on this list require 27 to 54 credits to graduate.

Application deadlines and entry requirements are different for each program. Ensure you have accurate information for the program you are applying to by visiting the school’s website or contacting the admissions department.

Determine how you will cover the financial costs of your graduate study. Some employers may pay part or all of your tuition and other academic-related fees. Research scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities to help with the costs of your degree.