Best Master's in Mechanical Engineering Online 2025
Explore the best master's in mechanical engineering online on our list featuring accredited schools sorted by the highest number of mechanical engineering master’s graduates. We believe this gives you a clear idea of where the most students are succeeding.
Key Takeaways:
- At #1, Purdue University most recently has 219 graduates from its online Master of Science in Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering concentration.
- Johns Hopkins University is the most popular online graduate school on our list, with over 25,000 online students studying at this level.
- The University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign has the strongest financial outcomes for its mechanical engineering graduates, with median earnings of $128,517 a handful of years after graduation.
You can review our full methodology to see how we rank programs by graduate count.
Best Master's in Mechanical Engineering Online 2025
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University - Main Campus | 219 | $13,950 | $127,247 | 94% | |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 154 | $38,760 | $117,275 | 93% | |
| University of Florida | 147 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $10,350 | $102,878 | 92% | |
| Johns Hopkins University | 144 | 2 years."> $26,350 | $127,691 | 93% | |
| University of Southern California | 139 | $68,661 | $128,483 | 94% | |
| Texas A&M University - College Station | 110 | $24,090 | $112,661 | 96% | |
| University of Washington - Seattle | 109 | $26,733 | $111,526 | 92% | |
| Michigan Technological University | 107 | $22,740 | $101,287 | 96% | |
| University of Cincinnati | 95 | $13,540 | $114,633 | 86% | |
| University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign | 69 | $37,856 | $128,517 | 96% | |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 68 | $24,150 | $111,218 | 93% | |
| North Carolina State University | 67 | $25,508 | $111,987 | 95% | |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 64 | $40,000 | N/A | 93% | |
| University of Central Florida | 51 | $17,275 | N/A | 94% | |
| University of Alabama | 42 | $7,200 | N/A | 95% |
Best Master's in Mechanical Engineering Online 2025 - Program Details
- Graduates: 219
- Annual Tuition: $13,950
- Median Salary: $127,247
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: Ranked as our #1 program in this field, there were 219 students that graduated with their engineering master’s last year. At Purdue, you can pursue a 100% online, 30-credit ME concentration embedded within an Interdisciplinary Engineering MSE/MS. This is a good option if you're looking for depth in ME with intentional breadth across disciplines. Engineering graduates from here make a median yearly salary of $127,247 after just four years.
- Graduates: 154
- Annual Tuition: $38,760
- Median Salary: $117,275
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: Columbia has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the most personalized attention offered from any school on our list. Its mechanical engineer master's is set up without concentrations. The department’s lineage is distinguished, with leaders such as Ferdinand Freudenstein, the “Father of Modern Kinematics,” and pioneers in lubrication theory (e.g., Fuller, Elrod, Castelli) shape a culture of motion, mechanisms, and tribology.
- Graduates: 147
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $10,350
- Median Salary: $102,878
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: UF houses its online mechanical engineering master's within the MAE unit alongside Aerospace, giving you cross-pollination with aerospace research and coursework under one departmental umbrella. You can align your plan of study with MAE’s strengths in controls and optimization, systems design, and manufacturing and testing while branching into formally connected domains such as biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials.
- Graduates: 144
- Annual Tuition: 2 years."> $26,350
- Median Salary: $127,691
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: JHU’s 144 total graduates in the online mechanical engineering master’s signal a sizable peer network, and 93% of alums endorse the school to others. Mechanical engineering graduates earn a median salary of $127,691, which is in the top 18% of earners in this field nationally. You can choose a specialized focus in areas like Hypersonic Technologies and Ocean Engineering, letting you dive into Mach 5+ flight regimes or marine systems.
- Graduates: 139
- Annual Tuition: $68,661
- Median Salary: $128,483
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: USC, which has a 94% recommendation rate from over 1,100 students we've surveyed, delivers an online MSME degree, but your diploma makes no distinction between online and on-ground. You can complete the master's in mechanical engineering program entirely online with no practicum or residency, and there are a couple of pacing options to choose from, including 1.5-2 years at a full time pace or 2.5-3 years part time.
Analyzing Our List of Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degrees
Choosing the best online master’s in mechanical engineering gets easier when you anchor the decision in real numbers. We want you to make the best decision for your higher education journey, so we analyze the most important data all in one place.
Across the 15 programs on our list, nearly all have graduation rates above 80%, median alumni earnings above $100,000, and strong recommendation rates over 90%.
Many schools here awarded more than 100 mechanical engineering master’s degrees online last year, and Purdue tops the list with 219 — a high number in a discipline typically associated with smaller, research-intensive cohorts. If hundreds of working engineers are choosing the same degree each year, that says something about trust.
It can also signal:
Predictable scheduling: Courses run frequently because enough students enroll.
Employer-aligned content: Companies consistently support tuition for programs they trust.
Active alumni ecosystems: Larger networks give you more job leads, mentors, and peers.
Lower risk for students: Mature online platforms reduce uncertainty around advising, course access, and online delivery.
This is why we use graduate volume as our primary ranking criterion.
A Rare Consensus: Every Online School on This List Earns a 90%+ Student Recommendation Rate
One of the most striking findings across this list is that every single school on our list hosting mechanical engineering programs online has a recommendation rate above 90%, based on 90,000+ student surveys collected by our team at OnlineU. It is extremely rare to see a list with this high level of satisfaction across such an entire set of schools.
Programs like Texas A&M, Michigan Tech, UIUC, North Carolina State, USC, and Alabama all sit at 94-96% recommendation rates. And even programs with slightly lower review counts still maintain over 92%.
What makes this unusual is the consistency of the signal. We're not only showing you the schools where students are graduating in mechanical engineering online but we're showing schools that are vetted and endorsed by those who've been there.
A Cluster of Six-Figure Salaries for Mechanical Engineering Master's Degrees — But for Different Reasons
Alumni earnings across this list are high. Nearly every program with available data reports median salaries above $100,000, with several exceeding $127,000.
But the reasons for these earnings differ:
Research powerhouses show the highest ceilings.
Purdue, Johns Hopkins, USC, and UIUC report median pay between $127,000 and $128,500, placing them in the top tier nationally for mechanical engineering earnings. This often reflects strong ties to aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors as well as large-scale research institutions that are helping to shape industry standards.
Broad-access engineering schools still deliver strong ROI.
Programs like Texas A&M, University of Cincinnati, NC State, and Michigan Tech — while less selective — still report earnings between $101,000 and $114,000, demonstrating that large-scale online formats do not seem to diminish job-market outcomes whatsoever. The workforce-aligned, practice-focused curricula at these institutions are as likely to translate into promotions and new roles, as employers increasingly treat online engineering pathways as equivalent to on-campus study.
Salary differences often map to program identity.
For example:
JHU’s focus on hypersonics, ocean systems, and robotics attracts defense-sector careers with high earning potential.
Purdue’s interdisciplinary engineering framework aligns well with systems-level roles that command higher pay.
Michigan Tech’s strengths in EV systems, energy, and advanced power systems cater to one of the fastest-growing engineering markets.
Earnings, when combined with popularity, reinforce that these programs are not only trusted but they are delivering measurable career value.
FAQs About Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering Online
What Is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline that combines various subjects, including math, physics, and business, to advance many different technological developments. One of the oldest engineering fields, it has contributed to inventions that have revolutionized human existence, such as air travel, the printing press, and the internal combustion engine.
Modern-day mechanical engineers work on innovations both big and small in a range of industries. If you aspire to work on cutting-edge developments in biotechnics, renewable energy, robotics, or electric cars — to name a few areas — a master's in mechanical engineering can be an excellent choice. Continue reading to learn more about master's degrees in mechanical engineering, costs, courses, and how to choose a program.
Our list of the best online engineering degrees provides more information about programs in this field.
Can I Get a Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree Online?
Yes, including all of the options we listed above. Pursuing a master's in mechanical engineering online means pursuing the study of thermodynamics, robotics, and interactive simulations. These online graduate programs cater to working professionals, providing valuable networks and industry connections. Graduates with high-quality education and innovative learning experiences are well-prepared for leadership roles and specialized career opportunities in diverse engineering sectors.
Applicants to online master's degrees in mechanical engineering typically need a bachelor's in mechanical engineering or a related field of study, and some programs also require a year or more of professional engineering experience. Students complete about 10 to 15 courses over a span of one to three years. Though many programs are fully online, some may require students to complete in-person labs or a practicum.
Because many of these graduate degrees are aimed at current engineering professionals, they are flexible in their curricula. Specifically, students can choose between either a thesis or a non-thesis track. While the former involves conducting original research, the latter tends to include additional coursework in specific areas. For example, students could focus their courses in materials science, manufacturing, or biomechanical engineering. A student specializing in manufacturing might take courses in machine design and design for manufacturability.
What Courses Will You Find in a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Program?
Upper-level math courses are common requirements in master of science in mechanical engineering programs. Courses in partial differential equations and complex variables, for instance, give engineers a more developed mathematical arsenal with which to approach engineering problems. Aside from math, online students can expect to take core classes and electives in various technical areas.
- Advanced Structural Analysis: This computer-focused course teaches students how to create 2D and 3D models of various structures such as bridges, skyscrapers, and beams. It introduces the software used to create models while also covering the physical principles that ensure structural integrity.
- Introduction to Systems Engineering: As a distinct sub-discipline, systems engineering explores the knowledge and methods used to create a defined, well-functioning collection of rules. Systems engineering may be applied to biological, mechanical, and computing functions. Students may also gain an understanding of how to test systems for efficiency and commercial success.
- Numerical Methods: In numerical methods, students seek to learn the mathematical and computational principles applied in engineering solutions. This course places a heavy emphasis on understanding concepts like algorithms, equations, and differentiation, as well as how to apply them to real-world problems.
What Concentrations Can You Pursue in a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Program?
At the master's level, mechanical engineering students typically have the chance to complete a specialized degree program or concentrate coursework in a particular sub-discipline. Given its expansive nature as a field, options to specialize or concentrate vary by program and institution. Below are a few common paths for both specialized degree types and concentrations.
- Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineering deals with advancements in human health. This area may cover the design and manufacture of medicines and medical equipment and may also explore how to construct systems that increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Many biomedical engineering degrees or concentrations combine practices in biology, mechanical engineering, and clinical practice.
- Materials Science & Engineering: This sub-discipline focuses on the chemical and physical properties of different materials, including concrete, various metals, and different liquids. Students learn how to manipulate these materials to solve engineering problems in a range of industries. In some cases, they may also study how to fashion new types of chemical compounds designed to meet specific real-world needs.
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Robotics and autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important in areas like self-driving cars, healthcare, and manufacturing. This sub-discipline of mechanical engineering draws heavily on systems design and computer science, with students learning about multiple robotics applications and how to design specialized equipment.
What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree?
Mechanical engineers are employed in some of the economy's most innovative industries and are likely to stay in demand in future years. This is because their work is critical when it comes to driving technological advancements related to how human beings live, work, and interact with each other. Below are a few common career paths for graduates with a mechanical engineering graduate degree. While it's possible to land the following jobs with a bachelor's, a master's can increase your chances of securing employment.
- design and build important technologies such as airplanes, drones, and satellites. Depending on their education, they may work on specific components, such as jet engines and navigation systems, or develop and test entire products for safety and usability. Their work is often used in commercial and government sectors, including the defense department.
- and biochemical engineers are typically employed in the health services sector, where they work on technologies that improve human health. Their roles can be quite varied, from designing computer equipment to constructing tools like X-ray machines or prosthetic body parts. These professionals may also conduct research and present their findings to scientists and physicians.
- Electrical and are trained to build electrical systems that are used in a wide variety of applications. Some of the products they work on include smartphones, entertainment equipment, and video game consoles, though their work is essential to nearly any device that runs on electricity. Given this, electronics engineers are employed in many different sectors, including government and business.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Program?
Choosing the right master's in mechanical engineering degree can set you up for success in your future career. However, with many options available, you may wonder which program is right for you. Below is a list of important factors to consider when selecting your engineering degree.
Accreditation — Accreditation ensures that you're enrolled in a program that meets national standards for academic excellence. An accredited degree is also a requirement when it comes to landing a job in this field. At the master's level, you should be sure to choose a program that has been accredited by the .
Affordability — Choosing a program that is affordable based on your unique financial circumstances is essential and can affect your ability to complete your education. Consider applying for financial aid if you aspire to complete a master's in engineering.
Concentration — As mentioned before, mechanical engineering includes various specialized degrees and concentration options. Examine your career goals when deciding whether you want to pursue a degree program that focuses on a particular sub-field or one that allows you to concentrate coursework in a specific area. While the former may open up job opportunities in specialized areas, such as civil engineering, the latter can typically give you access to a wider range of employment opportunities.
Learning Formats — For students who work, have a busy schedule, or need to meet familial obligations, an online program can help meet both personal and academic goals. Remember, some degrees may utilize a hybrid learning model, while others can be fully in-person. It's important to assess your learning style and personal situation when selecting a program.
Student Reviews of Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
NCSU is a large engineering school, and has the resources to go along with it. Professors are usually helpful, and the facilities are almost brand new. Definitely worth a look.
Review Date: 11/6/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Penn State University - World Campus was relatively easy to apply for and competitive to get in. The registrar followed up with my application and helped me get all required material in. Even though my application was late, they still allowed me to submit. The staff was very helpful in instructing me how to enroll in classes and what classes to enroll in. So far, my experience has been a positive one that I would recommend to anyone.
Review Date: 7/9/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm taking graduate engineering courses online while working full time. So far the technology used to make the distance education experience work has been great and all of my professors have been more than flexible with working around my schedule. The main con at this point is that some of the courses ranked as graduate classes aren't as in-depth as I had expected.
Review Date: 8/20/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The pros of the MS in Industrial Management program are its affordability, its quality regarding professors and assistance, its difficulty level and its real world application in the working world. Additionally this program helps students get internships if they are interested. The cons are few. They should use more materials on the internet and databases other than just books. Moreso video lectures are needed as this program does not have such capabilities.
Review Date: 8/11/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The quality of Mechanical Engineering program is excellent at GaTech.
Review Date: 3/27/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been in the UMass Amherst program for 1 year now pursuing a masters degree in mechanical engineering. So far the program has been sufficiently challenging and flexible. It has knowledgeable professors and seminars on a wide variety of subjects and encourage their students to excel in their fields. The professors are friendly and helpful with only a few instances of less than stellar assistance.
Review Date: 7/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The engineering program at Drexel University is both rigorous yet satisfying. It builds character, discipline, and self-motivation for job(s) you may obtain in the future. It demands the students to go above and beyond what is required of them. It's not always set in stone which is why satisfied.
Review Date: 9/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It's have been for me a good choice to study this master in FIU since it allows me to study at the same time work and the cost of it is not high
Review Date: 8/3/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
NMT is a small school which comes with a number of pros and cons. Teachers are all highly invested in students and are more than willing to help with research and classes, but there are very limited class options available each semester.
Review Date: 5/11/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Graduate program supports part time and full time students the commute is a little harsh but worth it
Review Date: 5/6/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I attended Arizona State University for my undergrad and am currently enrolled in a Masters program there. Both degrees are in the field of Mechanical Engineering, and I have been extremely satisfied with my experience there thus far. ASU is a wonderful campus full of innovation and an extremely diverse culture. Being such a large school, there is something for everyone there! While it has had a long standing reputation of being a party school, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in... Read More
Review Date: 7/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've been at Marquette for two years and just completed my Masters. I love the campus, the people I work with, and the faculty. It's a great place to study.
Review Date: 5/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was honored to be accepted at Colorado School of Mines where I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. The majority of the professor's are incredible and very supportive. It is a great school for engineering students as the majority of students enrolled are in an engineering discipline. The campus is smaller than my undergraduate campus but has all the amenities a student would need and much shorter walks from one end of campus to the other. I would highly recommend... Read More
Review Date: 2/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It's a very small but tight knit Private institution. The ratio of student to teachers is 15:1. If the student is happy with such a small number of class ratio then it is good option to come to University of fBridgeport. There is a large number if diversity visible in the campus as students from 80 countries come to study. Professors are highly educated and affiliated to NASA, Sikorsky and many top institution, which can help a student in their project and master thesis. Overall the college has a... Read More
Review Date: 6/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The professors are very accessible, the research topics span a broad range of disciplines, and the degree is an excellent stepping stone. In my case, this masters will prepare me for law school and an eventual career in patent law. However, there is an almost irreconcilable flaw in the department that has hindered my experience here. Although the department advertises assistantships for all masters and PhD students, it is not reflective of what actually occurs. In reality, very few members of faculty... Read More
Review Date: 2/2/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
A great program with a lot of flexibility. Not very large and limited class choices.
Review Date: 2/26/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
University of Michigan is the home of great talent and resources in every field (Law, Business, Engineering, Arts, etc). Problems can be approached in a multidisciplinary way. Michigan hosts a lot of world-class researchers whom students can approach for cutting-edge knowledge. Also, Ann Arbor is a great place to do entrepreneurship. From Llamasoft, to BitBrew and Neurable, great companies have been founded in this area. Moreover, Michigan is the epicenter of the next revolution in Autonomous Vehicles.... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
ASU is a great place to study Mechanical Engineering (or any other type of engineering, for that matter). As with any school, some professors are pretty bad, but overall I found my professors to be very good. More importantly, though, there are great opportunities for supplementing classwork: research (for both undergrads and grads), tons of student orgs, and workshops / networking opportunities / career fairs. And financing your graduate tuition is made a lot easier by their RA/TA opportunities.... Read More
Review Date: 6/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Pros: -Definitely the amount of time the professors invest in the students and the great amount of machines made available for engineers to learn and work with. Cons: -Some classes are just offered one semester.
Review Date: 8/5/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pros: best control systems course structure Best control systems faculty Amazing collaboration opportunity with other area researchers Cons: not many robotics stream courses available Not a lot of funding opportunities for international grads
Review Date: 12/8/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No