Is a Master’s in Engineering Worth It?

Are you considering a graduate degree in engineering? If so, you may have asked yourself, “Is a master’s in engineering worth it?” With job market fluctuations and industry shifts, it’s a reasonable question that deserves a closer look. 

While it’s true that grad school can be a big investment of time and money, the right engineering program can increase earning potential, help with career advancement, and open opportunities to those interested in academia. 

Before you decide, it’s important to understand the different degree options available and where each path leads so you can make an informed decision. 

Below we’ll define the main degree categories of a master’s degree in engineering, admission requirements, and what to expect from each so you’ll know which one is right for you.

While on the surface, the ME may appear to be a catch-all for any degree with engineering in the title, it has specific benefits for the right candidate. 

The purpose of a master's in engineering degree is to promote a student’s understanding beyond the core concepts of engineering while also giving them the tools to take what they’ve learned and apply it in real work environments. To this end, most ME programs focus on coursework and practical applications and include a capstone project. 

With an ME degree, there are many specializations to consider, so it’s best to do your research to find a school that offers graduate studies in your selected field. Here’s a sample list of specializations and a cross-section of graduate schools offering advanced engineering degrees:

A Master of Science in Engineering

An MSE program shares many of an ME program's core curriculum and concepts but leans more toward academia with a focus on advanced research and a thesis.

The amount of time it takes to complete the graduate program for ME and MSE degrees varies. Most schools take one to 3.5 years. Program length can be impacted by whether a student is full or part time and the program’s curriculum requirements. 

With an MSE degree, you’ll find a lot of overlap with ME degrees. Here’s a sample list of degree options:

While you will see overlap in specialization options with ME and MSE programs, the focus and end goals of the degrees are vastly different. 

A caveat: Even though the ME program typically focuses on coursework and the MSE program on research, some programs are flexible and offer more options.  Check with your target schools to better understand what’s available.

While the basic admission requirements for each degree are similar, they can vary slightly between institutions. Use the information below as a guideline, but check with individual schools for more details.

Both degrees require the following:

• Bachelor’s degree (accredited school) or equivalent

• Admission test (requirements vary)

  • GRE

  • TOEFL (English language proficiency)

  • IELTS (English language proficiency)

• Student statement

• Official transcripts

• Application fee 

• Prerequisite courses

• Letters of recommendation

• GPA between 3.0 and 4.0

The degree programs differ in that the ME admissions process often focuses more on related work experience as criteria for admission.

Here's a list of admission requirements for the 100% online ME program at Clemson University. You’ll notice that they don’t require a GRE, but they do require work experience.

In comparison, MSE admissions rely more heavily on academic performance and achievements, often requiring a higher GPA than an ME graduate program. For example, Johns Hopkins University requires the following prerequisite courses and grades for its Master of Engineering program.

Also, it’s less common for an ME program to require a standardized admissions test like a GRE but likely for an MSE program.

These requirements are typical but not absolutes, so it’s important to check with specific schools for their requirements. 

The answer to this question depends on you and your end goals. ME and MSE programs offer unique benefits that, if chosen strategically, can place you on a trajectory toward career or academic advancement.

The Ideal Candidate for an ME Degree 

If your main focus is on the practical application of industry-specific technical skills for career advancement, an ME degree could be for you. Maybe you’re currently an undergraduate focusing on entering the workforce with an advantage over the competition. Or, you’re someone with engineering work experience who wants to increase your knowledge to qualify for a better position or pay. Candidates for the ME degree are often interested in developing their leadership skills for future management positions.

The Ideal Candidate for an MSE Degree 

Ideal candidates for an MSE degree are likely more focused on academia and making an impact within a learning environment. You might consider a Ph.D. in engineering or a career track in academics.

Core Curriculum Requirements 

With both the ME and MSE programs you can expect advanced studies in engineering concepts and specializations. MSE programs may offer a thesis or non-thesis option while the ME program will typically include a final project to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concepts learned during the program.

Sometimes knowing which path you want to take isn’t clear. Perhaps you’re an undergraduate and unsure of what you want to do. Or, maybe you are already working in an engineering field and are wondering if a graduate degree is a logical next step for your career path. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you decide:

How do I prefer to learn?

Everyone learns differently. If you prefer a practical, hands-on approach to learning that focuses on how you can apply what you learn to a real work environment, then an ME program could be a good fit.

But if you’re interested in an engineering manager position but don’t want to go the MBA path, an MEM through an accredited engineering management program can offer the core skills needed for building and leading a team. 

According to Rice University, “Effective MEM degree programs will focus on topics such as engineering management, leadership, project management, quality management, operations (or supply chain), product management, and ethics.” Their Master of Engineering Management degree includes a leadership component (MEML) that prepares engineering for the “Industry 4.0 era.”³

If you love research and get excited about theoretical concepts, then an MSE program might be more beneficial for you than an MEM.

Will the expected salary and benefits outweigh the investment of time and money?

If possible, you want to ensure that when you graduate with your master’s degree, the weight of a hefty financial burden won’t follow you into your new career path. 

The reality of graduate degree programs (particularly in the United States) is that they can require a significant financial investment.

Education Data Initiative offers some insight into cost expectations for advanced degrees. According to its data, an MS degree, which includes engineering, has an average cost of $61,380.⁴

Students in advanced degree engineering programs can expect to spend one to three years — and sometimes more — completing their degree requirements.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, from 2023 to 2033, 195,000 new engineering (and architecture) jobs are expected to open up annually “due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.” ⁵

Cost, time, and the potential for job advancement are all significant factors to consider when deciding whether an advanced degree program is right for you. While you can’t control the job market, you can manage your time and mitigate education costs by making strategic choices. 

Beyond less expensive programs, here are some considerations for making graduate program costs more manageable:

If you could have any job in the engineering field, what would it be? Where can you see that job leading you? Will it open more doors and opportunities? Will it help you achieve the career goals you have in mind?

Below is a Glassdoor list (2024) of the average yearly salaries for different engineering jobs. This list does NOT differentiate between an undergraduate or graduate degree; however, it can offer insight into how pay differs between different engineering fields. All data was retrieved December 13, 2024, and is subject to change.

This job list is not exhaustive, but it gives you a strong cross-section of engineering jobs to consider with a graduate degree. Keep in mind that every engineering job doesn’t require a master’s degree, but an advanced degree can help you stand out and get paid more.²³

While the focus of ME and MSE programs are different, they share many of the same benefits, including:

Are you interested in engineering but unsure if a graduate degree is for you? There are other ways to see if an advanced degree in engineering is the best path for you without a substantial time or financial investment.

Trying to decide if a master’s in engineering is worth it can be like putting together a puzzle with many pieces. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort when you figure it out. 

Like a puzzle, all the pieces of your career path matter. When deciding on the best educational path for you, start with the big picture of what you want and then narrow your options down to the smallest details to ensure everything fits together. 

Consider your end goal: Is acquiring more industry-specific skills or management know-how a top priority? Or is in-depth research and reporting on the latest industry theories more in line with the direction you want to go? How important is a pay increase? Is budget or time a concern? What do you want your future to look like and how does an advanced degree in engineering fit into those plans? 

Whether you select an ME, MSE, or non-graduate program for your next steps, there’s always an opportunity for growth. Do your research. Take your time, and find the right path for you.