The Grainger College of Engineering
Mechanical Science & Engineering

Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

#3 Best Online Master's Program in Mechanical Engineering

2025 U.S. News and World Report 

The Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.ME) program is a professionally oriented non-thesis master’s degree program that provides advanced technical knowledge as well as experiential and professional development opportunities beyond that of a bachelor’s degree. 

Our program is for students seeking to get ahead in one of today’s most highly sought-after fields. Engineers with a professional master’s degree from the University of Illinois are more competitive and see a greater starting salary and improved career trajectory over engineers who hold only a bachelor’s degree.

The Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering is known for our well-funded facilities, programs and research centers, as well as faculty who are national and international leaders in their fields. Our culture is highly supportive and collegial while offering all the benefits of a large department within a world-renowned institution. Urbana-Champaign is a micro-urban community known as the “Silicon Prairie” about two hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. 

An experience designed for YOU

Advisor sitting with student in front of two laptops

Personalized support from day one, no matter how you're enrolled

Students celebrate their graduation from the program.

Close-knit, diverse community of your peers

YOU CHOOSE how you earn your M.Eng.ME degree at the University of Illinois:

student in a yellow cleanroom

On Campus 

male student sitting outside with a laptop on his lap

Online

student sitting in class looking at teacher off camera

Full-time

female student at home on her laptop and writing

Part-time

Our M.Eng.ME degree can be completed in as short a time as one year of full-time study. Online students, many of whom work full-time, have up to five years to complete the program. Whether you enroll fully online, on campus, or a combination of the two, the degree requirements and the degree itself are identical. The application process is the same for both the on-campus and online programs; simply select the desired program when you are applying. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the online course catalog and coursework requirements for the program prior to applying. 

“Attending the M.Eng.ME program was one of the most influential decisions of my engineering career. Its comprehensive courses and engaging professors ensured my ability to get a job in a competitive field. My employer has stated that my hands-on experience in this program gave me a big advantage in my interview where I had presented my work in designing and building a car powered solely by a handheld drill. Not only are the courses some of the best I have ever taken, the program staff provides incredible support in helping you choose your best path.”

- Dan Panno, M.Eng.ME alumnus 2022, Associate at Exponent

Quick facts: Which degree program is the one for you?

  M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering MS in Mechanical Engineering
Goals Advanced knowledge
Professional development capstone or cooperative project options available		 Advisor-based program fosters research immersion
Milestones Non-thesis, coursework-based Thesis/research requirement
Length Flexible: Full-time in as little as 1 academic year
Part-time in a max of 5 years		 Full-time enrollment required; 2 years is the typical time-to-degree
Online option Yes No
GRE Not required Required
TA/RA/Fellowships Not eligible Eligible
Cost    

Questions? We're here to help! 

Susan RoughtonSusan Roughton
M.Eng.ME Program Coordinator
mechse-meng@illinois.edu or roughton@illinois.edu 

Quinn BrewsterProfessor Quinn Brewster
M.Eng.ME Program Director
mechse-meng@illinois.edu or brewster@illinois.edu