Fast-Track or Part-Time? How Long a Master’s in Engineering Really Takes

Engineers pursue master’s degrees to learn how to address complex problems, advance their careers, transition to new specializations, or contribute to meaningful projects.

But how long does a master’s in engineering typically take?

Most full-time master’s in engineering programs typically take up to two years to complete, while part-time programs can take three to six years.

However, this duration can change based on factors like:

For example, universities generally require students to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours.

If your chosen engineering discipline requires 40 credit hours, then you will need to dedicate more time to obtaining your master’s degree. A student who can dedicate at least 15 hours a week per semester to classes and another 15 hours a week to school-related tasks like completing homework, studying for exams, and completing projects will complete their master’s in engineering program in a year.

A student who can’t dedicate that much time to their studies—because of a full-time job or other commitments—will need to take fewer classes per semester and take longer to complete their degree.

You’ll also need to dedicate more time to your master’s in engineering if you want to obtain a dual degree since dual degrees generally require more credit hours. For example, Purdue University’s Online Dual Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering + MBA requires 60 credit hours to complete. Which means completing the program will take at least two years for full-time students.²

Lastly, obtaining your degree may include other requirements outside of simple coursework. For example, most Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) programs require students to write and submit a thesis. Researching and writing the thesis may take longer than it would to complete coursework in a non-thesis program. If your aim is to go into academics or research, writing a thesis is a good step toward your goals.

Most Master of Engineering (MEng) programs, on the other hand, incorporate internships or cooperative education to provide students with valuable experience in the engineering field and help students broaden their network of engineering contacts. However, these extra opportunities may add extra time to the academic schedule.

A specialized engineering master’s degree gives students the knowledge to take on more technical roles in specific fields. Depending on the specialization you choose, the time to earn your master’s degree may increase.

While there are many types of engineering specialties, we’ve listed the most common ones (along with degree completion timelines) below:³

Accelerated Programs and Graduate Certificates

If you want to expedite your education, you can explore an accelerated program or a graduate certificate program.

Accelerated programs allow you to take additional credits each term, which lets you complete your coursework faster. Some universities also provide integrated bachelor’s-master’s programs. These integrated programs are sometimes called 4+1 programs, and they enable students to earn a bachelor’s degree in four years and a master’s degree in just one additional year.

A graduate certificate program lets you gain professional development while earning a credential in a specific engineering area. You can then later apply the credits to an engineering master’s degree program. For example, the University of Washington College of Engineering offers this option, which they call a “stacked master's degree.”⁴

If you don’t have an undergraduate degree in engineering, foundational engineering knowledge, or an engineering background, you may need to complete additional prerequisite courses before or during your engineering master's program.

Some universities have special programs to help you do just that.

Boston University offers the Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP) for students with non-engineering backgrounds. LEAP helps students with bachelor’s degrees in arts, business, or education earn a master’s degree in engineering.

Another option is to take bridging courses.

Bridging courses cover core engineering subjects and are specifically designed to help students who have a non-engineering bachelor's degree prepare for graduate engineering studies.

For example, the NYU Tandon Bridge Program at The George Washington University (GW) is described as a single course that is the equivalent of 400 hours of learning. Students who complete this course can apply to one of four master’s degree programs at GW.

No matter what type of engineering degree you decide to pursue, you’ll likely have several program formats to choose from. The program format you choose will affect how long it will take you to obtain your degree. Here are some common formats:

The fastest way to earn a master’s in engineering degree is through a full-time program. You will have to take the full course load and dedicate most of your time to attending classes and completing assignments. Full-time engineering degree programs are offered on campus, online, or both. 

If you can’t commit to a full-time schedule, consider choosing a part-time program. These programs are designed for working professionals, so they allow you to balance coursework with employment. While it will take you longer to earn a degree, a part-time program offers greater flexibility to accommodate your personal and professional obligations. Part-time master’s in engineering programs are offered on campus, online, or both.

Online master’s degree programs let you earn your degree remotely, often at your own pace. You can log in and complete your coursework from anywhere in the world with a WiFi connection, and you don’t have to come to a campus to attend classes. Online engineering degree programs can be full-time or part-time. For instance, Johns Hopkins University offers part-time and online graduate programs in more than 24 engineering disciplines.

Hybrid programs combine online and in-person instruction. They generally offer the flexibility of online learning with the engagement of on-campus education. For example, Stanford University’s Hybrid Sustainable Engineered Systems MS program allows you to complete a portion of your degree online before transitioning to on-campus coursework.

Once you’ve selected a master's in engineering program, review their admission requirements and application deadlines.

Generally, application periods start in the fall and end in December to January, but the process varies by schools and programs. Typical admissions requirements include:

Most graduate admission programs also require:

You have several financial aid options for your master’s in engineering program:

For example, many universities offer graduate assistantships, which provide financial support in exchange for teaching or research work and may include a stipend and tuition remission. Scholarships and fellowships are also available through universities, professional engineering organizations, and private foundations based on academic achievement, research interests, or demographic criteria.

Federal financial aid, such as student loans, is another option for graduate students. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can determine your eligibility for federal loans and grants.

Some institutions may also offer work-study programs that allow students to earn money while gaining relevant experience.

And if you’re employed, see if your company offers tuition reimbursement.

Research and apply for financial aid early, as deadlines for scholarships and assistantships can vary by institution and program.

Earning a master’s in engineering typically takes one to two years for full-time students and three years or more for part-time students.

But ultimately, how long it takes to get a master’s in engineering is up to you.

Choosing the right program is a personal journey that requires careful consideration of your career goals, schedule, and preferred learning style. By researching program details and consulting academic advisors, you can find the optimal approach to earning your degree.