6 Benefits of Earning Your Master’s in Engineering Degree Online

Over the last decade, online learning has transformed higher education.¹ Gone are the days when attending in-person classes was the only way to pursue a degree. Whether you want to earn your online Master of Engineering without disrupting your career or access a top program without having to relocate, online learning has indisputable benefits. If you have a job, a family, a routine or limited time, and aren’t interested in commuting to take daily on-campus classes, an online course can help you fit your education into your schedule.

Read on to learn six key benefits of pursuing an online master’s in engineering degree and how it can help you balance your career, education and personal commitments.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

If you work a full-time job, the flexibility of an online program benefits you immensely. Instead of structuring your life around your studies, an online course lets you schedule your studies around your life.

Unlike traditional on-campus courses where class times are fixed, online programs are asynchronous.² You’ll attend class and complete coursework on your schedule. If you’re a night owl, you can access lectures once everyone has gone to bed. If you’re a morning person, you can wake up early and take your classes before work. If your Mondays are typically fully booked, studying on Tuesdays gets the job done. Such flexible scheduling helps you balance personal, professional and educational responsibilities.

Access to Top Programs Without Relocation

Choosing when to study is excellent, and it’s even better when combined with the freedom to learn at a prestigious school that may be outside your hometown or country. For example, while Case Western Reserve University welcomes many engineering students from Cleveland and other parts of Ohio, many students enroll online from across the country and around the world.

Further, the ability to relocate and still pursue CWRU's online Master of Engineering ensures that you can continue with your education without missing a beat at work or at home. As long as you can log in, your coursework, classmates and instructors remain accessible from anywhere.

Online degree programs provide a rich and diverse learning experience because you get to collaborate with people from disparate backgrounds and locations. Such exposure to diverse perspectives prepares you for success in a global workforce.³

Career Advancement Without Career Disruption

In a dynamic, constantly evolving job market, adaptability gives you an edge. The flexibility of an online degree allows you to stay ahead of industry trends without leaving your current job. In fact, you can immediately apply the newly acquired skills to your current roles and approach workplace changes with confidence.

For example, you can pursue an online Master of Engineering to specialize in engineering management or software engineering while continuing in your current professional role. Throughout your program, you can integrate the learned advanced engineering principles in real time without stepping away from your job. Upon graduation, your expertise can open doors to leadership roles and more lucrative opportunities.

Advanced Learning Technologies

Engineering is among the most in-demand fields today, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting job growth to exceed the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.⁴ Access to quality education, however, has been a long-standing challenge for many.^5,6 High tuition costs, a limited availability of top programs in certain regions and the rigorous admission standards of traditional universities make it difficult for aspiring engineers to attain advanced education. Online degrees bridge this gap through cutting-edge learning technology that provides immersive, practical engineering learning experiences at a fraction of the cost of on-campus programs.

With tools such as virtual labs and simulations, you can conduct complex experiments in a digital environment, replicating real-life engineering challenges. You can engage in industry-relevant projects that apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios through collaborative platforms. And when you are stuck and need guidance or mentorship, you have access to your instructors via phone, email and virtual office hours.

Cost-Effective Education

Traditional, on-campus programs come with hidden expenses that quickly add up—from facility maintenance fees to the costs of commuting, housing, and campus dining. Attending in-person classes often means rearranging your work schedule, relocating closer to campus, and spending extra on meals and transportation. In contrast, online degree programs eliminate many of these costs, offering more affordable and flexible options without compromising on quality. You can learn from anywhere, on your own schedule, with less financial stress.

Given that university tuition and fees have been skyrocketing over the past 20 years, online learning offers a more affordable path to earning a degree.⁷ The tuition fees for online master’s degrees are often less than the cost of on-campus programs. An online degree can be as much as $30,545 cheaper than some in-person programs.⁸ Students can also explore financial aid options for additional savings. In addition to saving on tuition, an online program will save on related transportation and living costs to make your degree more affordable. On average, students who commute to in-person classes pay at least $1,290 per year in transportation costs.⁹ Pursuing an online degree can make achieving your career goals much more affordable.

Building a Professional Network Online

A lesser-appreciated advantage of an online engineering degree is that it allows you to network with peers across nations and industries. These connections can open professional opportunities that might not be available in a traditional setting. Start building your network from day one of classes by participating in the following:

• Discussion forums
• Group projects
• Live sessions
• University-hosted webinars and industry events

In addition to peer connections, most universities offer career services and alumni networks you can take advantage of. They provide access to industry leaders and potential employers who can help you stay competitive in your field.

Capitalize on the Advantages of an Online Engineering Degree

The rewards that come from earning an online engineering master’s degree start immediately and can shape your entire career. As long as you stick to a schedule, commit to the coursework and keep your eyes on your goal, you can tap into a learning experience that adapts to your life and supports your ambitions.

Start your journey with Case Western Reserve University’s online Master of Engineering program. Our meticulously crafted curriculum, led by expert faculty, will equip you with industry-relevant skills and real-world problem-solving experience to advance your career. Since you’ll complete the degree online, you won’t have to put your current commitments on hold.

One choice can make a lifetime of difference. Start by scheduling a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.