Engineering Spotlight: 5 Excellent Master’s Programs in the US

An illustration of a students and a photo of engineers working.

Engineers bring ideas into reality and help craft the world around us. If you want to advance your career in engineering, but are unsure which path and program to choose, you’re in the right spot! Today, we’re going coast to coast to check out five engineering master’s programs in the United States that can lead to fulfilling and profitable careers.

An illustration of a blueprint and pencil.

1. Structural Engineer

Are you fascinated by the creation of structures? If so, a career as a structural engineer could be the perfect fit for you! Structural engineers primarily design safe structures that can withstand exposure to the elements. 

California State University – Northridge’s two-year Master of Science in Structural Engineering provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to jump into a career as a structural engineer. Graduates will have the ability to:

  • Apply principles of engineering mechanics and use suitable tools to solve complex problems
  • Design and evaluate structural systems and components to meet desired requirements
  • Plan and integrate verbal, written, and graphical communication to a span of audiences

If you want to earn your master’s degree in this sunny west coast state, consider applying today.

If you need to obtain your bachelor’s degree in engineering first, read our Spotlight on 6 Engineering Programs in Canada and the US!

An illustration of a blue briefcase.

2. Operations Engineer

If you’re a natural leader with strong organizational skills, you should consider a career as a chief engineer. In this role, you’ll take charge of an engineering department as they complete multiple projects with competing deadlines. You’ll work alongside other engineers and technicians in this fast-paced environment to calculate costs, approve designs, negotiate contracts, and execute plans. 

Trine University – Phoenix Education Center, located in Arizona, offers a one- to two-year Master of Science in Engineering Management. This program is perfect if you’re an engineer looking to move into a management role. Graduates will become experts in:

  • Leadership
  • Finance
  • Operations strategy
  • Marketing
  • Corporate culture

Take your career to the next level: head over to ApplyBoard to learn more about the program.

If you want to work part-time while studying abroad in the United States, check out our blog to learn about six jobs you can apply to!

An illustration an airplane.

3. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design and test products that serve the space and aeronautical industries. In this role, you’ll use specialized computer tools to draft designs for helicopters, airplanes, rockets, spacecraft, and other related machines.

If this sounds like a career you’d wake up excited about each day, then you should study abroad in Ohio at Kent State University – Kent. The university’s two-year Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering will teach you how to:

  • Comprehend advanced research materials, conduct literature searches, and form connections between related work
  • Effectively communicate issues and solutions in aerospace engineering 
  • Perform research, discovery, and integration through advanced knowledge of aerospace engineering

If you want to contribute to the advancement of aerospace engineering, then this master’s program is an excellent match for you!

Putting together a budget for your study abroad journey? Use our US cost of living blog to help you add up the numbers.

An illustration of a heart with a red cross in the middle of it.

4. Health and Safety Engineer

Are you passionate about the safety of workers across industries? Health and safety engineers design procedures and systems to protect workers from injury, illness, and property damage. 

Some of their responsibilities include:

  • Changing employee policy
  • Inspecting equipment
  • Installing current safety devices

Western Michigan University – Kalamazoo’s two-year Master of Science in Industrial Engineering will prepare you for career opportunities with various levels of responsibility. You’ll learn about analyzing and designing experiments, reliability engineering, ergonomics, and human factors.

Submit your application today to be one step closer to a career as a health and safety engineer!

Read our blog to learn how Michigan’s low cost of living attracts international students to study in the Great Lake state

An illustration of atoms.

5. Stem Cell Engineer

Through their research and development, stem cell engineers find treatments for various illnesses and injuries. Some of their daily responsibilities include advancing stem cell biomanufacturing, developing models and tools, enabling technologies, and developing stem cell-based products and applications.

Located in Pennsylvania, Wilkes University’s two-year Master of Science combines engineering concepts with medicine, biology, and computer sciences. Students learn how to develop medical devices and synthetic or biochemical organisms. Students can choose between two focus subjects:

Whatever concentration you choose, you’ll receive a top-of-the-line education at Wilkes University to help you jumpstart your career as a stem cell engineer.

Wondering where, exactly, you should study? Find your perfect US city to study in on our blog.


Studying for a master’s degree in engineering can prepare you for an array of careers, even outside of this list. Ensure you research all your options before applying!

Head over to ApplyBoard to find your dream academic institution and program in the United States!

APPLYINSIGHTS DATA BLOG

The most important stories in international education, backed by data