For engineers looking to advance their careers, leadership roles, or even pursue academia, a master’s degree can be a significant asset. Diving deeper into a specialized field of engineering through graduate studies often unlocks opportunities for higher salaries, increased responsibilities, and a more profound understanding of the chosen discipline. North Carolina is emerging as a hub for quality Online Engineering Schools, offering flexible and rigorous programs to meet the demands of working professionals. Here, we spotlight three exceptional online master’s programs in engineering available in NC, providing a pathway to elevate your engineering expertise without disrupting your life.
Top Online Master’s Programs in Engineering in NC
These universities are leading the way in online engineering education, offering specialized master’s degrees designed for the modern engineer.
1. NC State University – MS in Chemical Engineering (Online)
NC State University, located in Raleigh, provides a comprehensive online Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Engineering. This program is structured for maximum flexibility, requiring no thesis or on-campus residency. To maintain good standing, students need to uphold a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The curriculum is expertly crafted to equip students with the skills to tackle complex challenges in industries focused on fuel production, chemical manufacturing, food science, pharmaceuticals, and various other sectors utilizing engineering principles and fundamental chemistry.
Ideal candidates often hold bachelor’s degrees in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, physics, various engineering disciplines, or other scientific areas. Recognizing diverse academic backgrounds, NC State offers bridge courses spanning two semesters for applicants needing foundational chemical engineering undergraduate coursework. Alongside a bachelor’s degree, GRE scores are a prerequisite for admission.
The 30-credit program delves into crucial areas, including transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, polymer science and technology, biochemical engineering, specialized topics in chemical engineering, chemical engineering process modeling, and advanced chemical reaction engineering.
Graduates from this program are well-prepared for roles such as chemical engineers, chemical process engineers, pharmaceutical manufacturing process engineers, process development engineers, and process engineers, contributing significantly to diverse industries.
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
2. East Carolina University – MS in Software Engineering (Online)
East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville offers an accessible online MS in Software Engineering. This program is meticulously designed to cultivate the skills, professional ethics, and practical insights essential for thriving in the dynamic software engineering sector. It also serves as a strong foundation for those aspiring to pursue doctoral studies and a PhD.
The online software engineering MS program at ECU offers two distinct pathways to accommodate varied academic backgrounds. The traditional pathway is tailored for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in software engineering, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, management information systems, or related computing fields. This pathway requires the completion of 30 credits.
For candidates entering from fields such as mathematics, engineering, physics, statistics, chemistry, or similar analytical and quantitative disciplines, the non-traditional pathway is available. This route includes two specifically designed foundational courses in programming and data structures, as well as discrete structures and algorithmic foundations, typically taken in the first semester. The non-traditional pathway requires 38 credits for degree completion.
Core coursework encompasses software engineering foundations, software project management, and the principles of software testing. GRE scores are required for admission into this program. ECU’s online program is a strong choice for those seeking reputable online engineering schools specializing in software.
- Location: Greenville, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
3. UNC Charlotte – MS in Engineering Management (Online)
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) delivers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management, expertly preparing professionals for leadership roles in managing projects, programs, organizations, and complex systems. This program uniquely blends engineering principles with insights into system operations, organizational dynamics, and business strategy, positioning itself as a technically focused alternative to a traditional MBA.
Students can further specialize their studies with concentrations in high-demand areas such as energy analytics, logistics and supply chains, and systems analytics.
Admission criteria include a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related technical or scientific field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores (waivers are available under certain conditions).
The 31-credit curriculum features courses like introduction to energy systems, fundamentals of deterministic system analysis, industrial and technology management seminars, fundamentals of stochastic system analysis, fundamentals of engineering management, engineering experimental design, and engineering systems optimization. UNC Charlotte stands out among online engineering schools for its focus on management within the engineering context.
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Elevate Your Engineering Career Online
Pursuing an online master’s degree in engineering from a North Carolina institution offers a powerful way to advance your career. These online engineering schools provide the flexibility and academic rigor needed to succeed in today’s competitive engineering landscape. Explore these programs further to find the perfect fit for your professional aspirations.
