Become a 21st century engineering leader with an online master’s in engineering from the University of California, Riverside.
The UCR online Master of Science in Engineering is a calibrated blend of targeted engineering skills and management strategy designed to mold a new generation of leaders in the field.
Delivered by experts with industry experience, this empowering program can help you thrive in your segment
of a rapidly growing global industry.

The University of California, Riverside has been recognized by a number of academic publications for a variety of different programs and attributes. In 2013, Leiden Ranking named UC Riverside No. 10 in the world for natural sciences and engineering. In its most recent graduate school rankings, U.S. News & World Report counted UC Riverside among the top 33 percent of engineering schools in the nation. The publication also ranked UCR tied for No. 33 in diversity, an honor that reflects our longstanding commitment to cultural, professional and geographical diversity.

The University of California, Riverside is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Regional accreditation assures students that UC Riverside meets the highest standards in terms of learning opportunities and a commitment to self-improvement.

Victory Media selected UC Riverside as a “Military Friendly School” for 2018, acknowledging our longstanding commitment to providing educational opportunities for transitioning veterans. The list recognizes only the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to assist U.S. military service members and veterans as students.
Graduate in as Few as 13 Months with an MSE degree
Explore the details of the UC Riverside online Master of Science in Engineering program, including coursework and exam structure, career outlook and salary expectations for each of the six educational paths we offer. Each specialization is designed to deliver a blend of business and technical engineering courses that can be completed in about one year.
Find Your Specialization »
Master of Science in Engineering vs. Master of Engineering Management
While a Master of Engineering Management program might focus heavily on business, a Master of Science in Engineering combines equal parts technical skills and advanced management strategy. The result is a transformational experience that’s molding a new generation of innovative, globally conscious engineering leaders.
What Can a Master’s in Engineering Do for Your Career?
The online Master of Science in Engineering is designed to help you set the standard for engineering leadership.
Become a confident cross-functional manager with the ability to communicate and lead across multiple engineering disciplines.
Explore the role of globalization in
technology and innovation
to gain big-picture perspective.
Develop high-level leadership abilities that will command respect among your team and throughout your industry.

This dynamic online engineering program provides a firsthand look at modern practice and theory that can transform your view of what’s possible in engineering. UC Riverside educators are thought leaders and industry experts who challenge you to innovate and question the status quo.The online Master of Science in Engineering presents an invaluable opportunity for you to network and collaborate with other engineers from around the world, pushing you to expand your knowledge base and develop new solutions to real-world problems.
What Our Masters of Engineering Graduates are Saying
“When I started the program, I was working as a nuclear medicine technologist, but I always wanted to get into the industry side of bioengineering. Now I am an imaging specialist for a radioactive molecular imaging company.”
– Charles Ezell
Online Master’s in Bioengineering Graduate
Learn more about the Bioengineering Specialization
“My background was in mathematics. Taking the program online, I was able to do extra research to assist me with grasping the engineering concepts. Professors would extend deadlines when I asked ahead of time.”
– David Butler
Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering Specialization
Master of Science in Engineering Specializations
We invite you to take a closer look at how we engineer excellence through online learning.
Click your desired specialization to learn more.
MSE Admissions Requirements
The following criteria are considered during the admission process for the M.S. in Engineering program:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- GPA
- GRE/FE scores
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applicants)
- Evidence of significant professional engineering experience
- Professional certifications
- Reference letters
Take charge of your future with an online Master of Science in Engineering
The University of California, Riverside
One of the 10 universities that make up the prestigious University of California system, UC Riverside takes great pride in its reputation as a premier research institution, with $115 million in annual research funding. We are a pillar of academic diversity, attracting innovative minds from all demographics and walks of life.
Bourns College of Engineering
The Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top public engineering college of its size in the nation. We are a leader in engineering research, receiving more than $30 million for sponsored research annually.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition
Per Credit Hour: $833
Total Tuition: $29,988
Fees
Application Fee: $80 non-refundable fee
Books/Supplies: Other additional fees include books and an online
proctoring service. The online proctoring service charges $16 for the first hour and $7 per each additional hour.
Travel/Residency: None
Admission Requirements
The following criteria are considered during the admission process for the M.S. in Engineering program:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts.
- GPA.
- GRE/FE scores.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applicants).
- Evidence of significant professional engineering experience.
- Professional certifications.
- Reference letters.
Program Curriculum
The online Master of Science in Engineering is a comprehensive engineering program that encompasses both leadership strategy and technical skills. Coursework includes 16 credits of core engineering classes, plus 16 credits within your specialization, helping you tailor the program to your area of expertise. To accommodate busy professionals, the online Master of Science in Engineering does not include a required residency. Instead, students participate in 4 one-credit capstone courses throughout the program, providing a rich learning experience that comes with maximum flexibility.
Core (16 credit hours)
Engineering in the Global Environment (4)
Technology Innovation and Strategy for Engineers (4)
Introduction to Systems Engineering (4)
Principles of Engineering Management (4)
Bioengineering Specialization (16 credit hours)
Engineering Analysis of Physiological Systems (4)
Cellular and Molecular Engineering (4)
Integration of Computational and Experimental Biology (4)
Biotransport Phenomena (4)
Materials at the Nanoscale Specialization (16 credit hours)
Thermodynamic Foundations of Materials (4)
Crystal Structure and Bonding (4)
Nanoscale Science and Engineering (4)
Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems (4)
Environmental Engineering (Water) Specialization (16 credit hours)
Water Chemistry in Natural and Engineered Systems (4)
Physical and Chemical Separation Processes (4)
Biological Treatment Processes (4)
Advanced Treatment Systems (4)
Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) Specialization (16 credit hours)
Intro to Engineering Optimization Techniques (4)
Power Systems Analysis (4)
Power Electronics (4)
Electric Drives (4)
Introduction to Smart Grid (4)
Power System Steady State and Market (4)
Mechanical Engineering Specialization (16 credit hours)
Plasma-aided Manufacturing and Materials Processing (4)
Secure and Reliable Control Systems (4)
Sustainable Product Design (4)
Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics (4)
Capstone (4 credit hours)
Capstone Course A, B, C, D (1)
Total: 36 credits
Faculty Information
For UCR faculty information, click here.
Academic Calendar and Deadlines
For the UCR academic Calendar, click click here.