Postgraduate Engineering Courses in USA

The USA is one of the world’s top Study Abroad destinations for Engineering. You can take your BE or BTech degree from India, to a whole new level – with a Master’s degree in Engineering in the USA!

In postgraduate engineering courses in USA, you’ll benefit from instruction by the world’s leading academics as well as industry leaders, and access to state-of-the-art lab facilities wherein to perform original research or design innovative engineering solutions. With your degree, you’ll also be able to seek work opportunities in the USA, or elsewhere abroad.

Read on to learn more!

Which Engineering Program to Study?

Depending on your academic interests and future career goals, you can choose from 3 main options – MS or MSE, MEng or Graduate certificates.

Universities in the USA offer multiple options to choose from – including unique combinations, accelerated courses, a range of specialisations etc. 

MS/Master of Science OR MSE/Master of Science in Engineering

These programs consist of coursework as well as a major research component, in the form of a paper or dissertation. They are suitable for students interested in entering research or academics. Depending on the engineering faculty, you’ll have a range of specialisations to choose from. 

If your program has a strong research emphasis, you’ll be encouraged to pursue opportunities like international research conferences and journal publication. 

MEng/Master of Engineering

These programs consist entirely of coursework, with several including a design/project component. They are suitable for students looking to gain specialised technical skills for industry. Your program may be general, or require you to take up a particular specialisation.

You’ll also be given opportunities to take on internships or entrepreneurial activities for credit towards your degree.

(P.S. – Some MS programs may offer both ‘thesis’ and ‘professional’ track, where the latter will focus on coursework, and is like an MEng.)

Graduate certificates

A limited number of these courses are offered by universities in USA. These are typically shorter courses, useful for someone looking to upskill in a niche specialisation, in addition to existing credentials.

Study Options after BE/BTech in USA 

1) Aerospace Engineering

2) Automotive Engineering

3) Chemical Engineering

4) Civil Engineering

5) Computer and Electrical Engineering

6) Mechanical Engineering

7) Engineering Management

8) Graduate Certificates

Aerospace Engineering

Take your career a step further with Aerospace Engineering postgraduate engineering courses in USA. You’ll have plenty of MS and MEng options, offered by some of the world’s top-ranked universities for aerospace engineering. Some may offer options to specialise in areas like Aeronautics, Astronautics, Aerospace Systems Engineering etc.

These programs require around 2 years to complete the credit requirement. Tuition fee ranges from 30-50,000 USD per annum.

Best Universities for Aerospace Engineering in USA

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Purdue University – West Lafayette

• University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

• University of Texas – Austin

• University of Colorado – Boulder

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

Coursework

You’ll take a combination of fundamental and elective courses. Your assigned faculty advisor will help you plan your course of study.

Some of the topics you could study include:

• Astrodynamics

• Linear Systems Theory

• Aerospace Information Systems

• Statistical Inference, Estimation, and Learning

• Dynamics and Control of Spacecraft

• Flight and Trajectory Optimization

• Avionics, Navigation and Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles

You will also likely have compulsory courses with a Mathematics component.

Research

If your program has a research component, in addition to coursework, you will have to complete a thesis. Based on your research interests, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor, who will guide you to find a topic. Some specialisations include:

• Aeroacoustics

• Aeroelasticity

• Aerospace Systems Design and Simulation

• Applied Aerodynamics

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Program Outcomes & Career Track

By the end of your program, you’ll develop:

• In-depth knowledge in one or more sub-disciplines associated with aerospace engineering, with awareness of contemporary research in the field.

• The ability to identify, formulate and solve advanced problems in aerospace engineering.

• The ability to effectively communicate technical ideas through various media at a high level.

• The ability to conduct research, analyse results, report findings, and draw conclusions, to make original contributions to knowledge in aerospace engineering.

With your degree, you’ll go on to a career in Aerospace Engineering, with great prospects as an engineer, scientist, inventor, astronaut, or administrator. You may also be able to pursue your PhD.

Automotive Engineering

With a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering, you’ll develop strengths in modern automotive systems and engineering fundamentals, to help guide your work in product research, design, development, and manufacturing. Some of the broad areas covered by various universities include passenger and recreational vehicles, vehicle emissions, safety, fuels and lubricants, and construction, industrial and agricultural equipment. 

These postgraduate engineering courses in USA are usually completed within 2 years, with tuition fees ranging from 25-50,000 USD per annum.

Best Universities for Automotive Engineering in USA

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Minnesota State University – Mankato

• Wayne State University

• Illinois Institute of Technology

• Lawrence Technological University

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

Coursework

You’ll take a combination of fundamental and elective courses. Your assigned faculty advisor will help you plan your course of study.

Since US universities are on the cutting-edge of research and development in Engineering, you’ll learn about advanced topics like Advanced Technology Powertrain Design and Control, Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Battery Systems, Self-driving Cars, Automotive Electronics, and Embedded Microprocessor Control Systems.

Other fundamental courses include:

• Automotive Design and Construction

• Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

• Automotive Emission Design and Measurements

• Advanced Internal Combustion Engines 

• Dynamics and Controls of automatic Transmissions 

• Power Electronics 

• etc.

Research

If your program has a research component, in addition to coursework, you will have to complete a thesis in one of the areas mentioned above. Based on your research interests, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor, who will guide you to find a topic. 

Program Outcomes & Career Track

Master’s programs in Automotive Engineering prepare you for productive careers in the field, in both public and private sectors, as well as in academia. In addition to technical skills and knowledge, you’ll develop skills in communication, responsible teamwork and to inspire professional attitudes and ethics.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is one of the most in-demand postgraduate engineering courses in USA, With an advanced degree in the field, you’ll learn to apply traditional chemical engineering principles and modern science to solve modern problems. 

Chemical Engineering Master’s degrees are highly research intensive. You may be admitted directly into a Master’s program, or you may first be admitted to a PhD program, with the option to graduate with a Master’s degree, or continue onward to PhD. You will typically be able to complete required credits and graduate within 2 years. Cost of study for international students ranges from 25-50,000 USD per year.

Best Universities for Chemical Engineering in USA

• University of Texas – Austin

• University of Delaware

• University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Arizona State University – Fulton

• Auburn University

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

Coursework & Research

Your program will consist of coursework and a research-based thesis. You’ll study core topics in Chemical Engineering, such as Thermodynamics, Applied Chemical Kinetics, Advanced Transport Phenomena etc.

Depending on the areas of expertise of the university faculty, you’ll get to choose from a range of areas in which to perform research. Examples include:

• Energy

• Soft and Hard Materials Science 

• Systems Engineering and Optimization

• Catalysis

• Process Control and Design

• Nanotechnology

• Biotechnology

• Atomic, Molecular, and Multiscale Modelling

• Polymers (Synthesis And Processing)

• Micro- and Nano-Electronics

• Environmental Engineering and Sustainability

• Reactor Design

• etc.

Program Outcomes & Career Track

By the end of your program, you’ll have developed:

• A strong understanding of mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles.

• The ability to formulate, analyse, and solve advanced engineering problems.

• Creative, independent problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge in the latest scientific and technological advancements, advanced techniques, and modern engineering tools. 

You’ll go on to careers in academia, the non-profit sector, consulting, the energy industry, the pharmaceuticals industry, or government agencies. You’ll also be well-placed to continue toward your PhD.

Civil Engineering

In a Master’s program in Civil Engineering, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of innovative technologies that enhance the performance of the built infrastructure, solving problems and managing complex issues. Many universities offer programs that combine expertise in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

You’ll study for about 2 years, at a tuition rate ranging from 28-50,000 USD per year in these postgraduate engineering courses in USA.

Best Universities for Civil Engineering in USA

• University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

• Purdue University – West Lafayette

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Virginia Tech

• University of California – Davis

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

Coursework & Research

Your full-time Master’s program will usually have a thesis requirement. You’ll be able to undertake research in areas of specialization such as:

• Construction Management

• Environmental Engineering and Science

• Environmental Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering

• Geotechnical Engineering

• Materials

• Structural Engineering

• Transportation Engineering

• Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Systems

• Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability

• Societal Risk and Hazard Mitigation

You will also complete a coursework requirement, typically including a combination of fundamental Civil Engineering topics, as well as courses directly relevant to your area of specialisation.

Program Outcomes & Career Track

By the end of your program, you’ll be able to:

• Use mathematical, computational, design and/or experimental skills to solve complex problems in Civil Engineering.

• Effectively communicate technical ideas, design concepts, or research results.

• Propose, plan, and execute original research ideas targeting current or future societal challenges related to civil and environmental engineering.

Career options for you would include Construction Engineer, Structural Engineer, Building Control Surveyor, Geotechnical Engineer, Water Resource Engineer, Site Engineer etc. Academia will also be open to you, and you’ll be able to pursue a PhD.

Start planning your application to US universities early!

Computer and Electrical Engineering

When it comes to Computer and Electrical Engineering, you’ll have your pick of postgraduate engineering courses in USA – from type of Master’s program to area of specialisation. Regardless of what you opt for, you’ll develop in-depth knowledge of the field, that’ll take you into industry or academics, as you decide.

The programs are typically completed within 1 year. Cost of study ranges from 28-50,000 USD per year.

Best Universities for Computer and Electrical Engineering in USA

• Northeastern University

• Boston University

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• University of Illinois – Chicago

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

Coursework & Research

You’ll study a selection of fundamental and optional courses, depending on your learning goals, and chosen specialisation (if any).

If you choose a program that has a major research component, you’ll perform original research in an area and topic of your choice, and write a thesis. 

Both coursework and research will be offered depending on the expertise available within the university department – you can expect options in areas like:

• Computer Systems and Software 

• Computer Networks and Security 

• Electromagnetics, Plasma, and Optics

• Microsystems, Materials, and Devices  

• Applied Electromagnetics and RF Circuits

• Control Systems

• Embedded Systems

• Integrated Circuits and VLSI

• Network, Communication, and Information Systems

• Power and Energy

• Robotics

• Signal and Image Processing and Machine Learning

• Solid State & Nanotechnology

Program Outcomes & Career Track

Upon completion of your program, you’ll have developed key competencies such as:

• The ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.

• The ability to formulate, analyse, and solve advanced engineering problems.

• Designing a system, component, or process to meet specific engineering needs.

With your skills in Computer and Electrical Engineering, as well as niche skills in a specialisation, you’ll have plenty of lucrative opportunities, in roles like:

• Circuit Designer

• Cyber Security Officer

• Program Manager

• Research Engineer

• Systems Designer

• Design Engineer

• Embedded System Engineer

• Intelligence Developer

• Network Engineer

PhD studies may also be an option available to you.

Mechanical Engineering

If you’re interested in doing an advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, the USA is the place for you. From areas like dynamics or robotics to nanotechnology or biomechanics, you’ll be able to tailor your studies to your professional and academic goals.

These programs are usually completed within 2 years, and cost of study for international students ranges from 25-50,000 USD per year.

Best Universities for Mechanical Engineering in USA

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Rochester Institute of Technology

• University of Colorado – Boulder 

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

Coursework

In these postgraduate engineering courses in USA, along with your faculty advisor, you’ll develop a plan of study, consisting of compulsory and optional courses, covering topics like: 

• Applied Mathematics

• Analytical Mechanics

• Nonlinear Mechanics

• Fracture Mechanics

• Heat Transfer

• Fluid Mechanics

• Thermodynamics

• Control Systems

• Optimal Control

• Thermal Stresses

• Composite Materials

• Biomechanics

Research

Your program may require you to choose a focus area to work on, with both your coursework and research components designed accordingly. Focus areas include: 

• Automotive systems

• Manufacturing

• Mechanics-Design/Materials

• Controls

• Product development

• Sustainability

• Thermo/Fluids Engineering

Program Outcomes & Career Track

By the end of your program, you’ll have developed a range of technical and/or research skills, as well as skills in creative and critical thinking, innovation, and communication. This will help you design and execute creative engineering solutions, perform advanced research, and make original contributions to the field.

Your potential career roles include:

• Research and Development Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Software Engineer

• FEA Engineer

• Packaging Engineer

• Thermal Engineer

If your degree contained a research component, you’ll also be well-placed to pursue a PhD.

Engineering Management

One of the most popular postgraduate engineering courses in USA for international students is Master’s in Engineering Management. Combining expertise in engineering, with key business competencies and knowledge, you’ll be well-placed to take on managerial roles in the engineering sector, across fields. 

These programs may also be called Technology Management or Administration. Several universities may offer you the option to combine Engineering Management with a specialisation like Mechanical or Civil Engineering; others will offer more generalised programs. Several also offer early exit points, allowing you to earn a Graduate Certificate in Engineering/Technology Management.

The Master’s programs may be for 1-2 years, with tuition fees ranging from 28-50,000 USD per year.

Best Universities for Mechanical Engineering in USA

• Duke University

• University of Colorado – Boulder 

• University of Michigan – Dearborn

• Virginia Tech

• Texas A&M University

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

Your course structure will be very flexible, and will vary from program to program. Your course of study will include core management areas vital for a technical manager, such as:

• Marketing

• Accounting

• Organizational Behaviour

• Business Ethics/Law

• Finance

You’ll also study topics that are common across all engineering disciplines, including:

• Systems Engineering

• Total Quality Management

• Production and Operations Engineering 

• Enterprise Information Systems

• Management Of Product/Process Design

In addition, your program may offer options such as a research-based thesis or a capstone project working with industry.

Program Outcomes & Career Track

At the end of you program, you can expect the following skills and competencies:

• Applying knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering, and the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary to solve technical and business problems.

• Designing and conducting experiments, and analysing and interpreting data.

• Planning and designing a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. 

• Understanding of the impact of technical and business solutions in a global, economic, environmental, ethical and societal context.

You’ll be well-positioned to take on roles that include:

• Engineering Manager

• R&D Manager/Director

• Technology Manager

• Chief Technology Officer

• Systems Engineering Manager

• Manager of Product Engineering

• Program Manager

• Project Manager

• Manager of Technology Acquisitions

You may also be eligible for PhD studies.

Graduate Certificates

If you’re looking for postgraduate engineering courses in USA which are shorter and meant for advancing your technical knowledge in a particular specialisation, then a Graduate Certificate course might be the right choice for you. 

Whether you want to earn a credential in a field other than the one you graduated in, or you want to explore cutting-edge areas like Deep Learning, Unconventional Energy, Nanobiotechnology or Extended Reality – there is something for you!

Study Options:

• Some graduate certificate programs may be taken as add-on programs if you’re already enrolled in the same university, in a related or unrelated degree program. 

• Some graduate certificate programs may be taken as an independent qualification without enrolling in a Master’s program.

• Credits earned as part of a Graduate Certificate can count towards a Master’s or PhD degree, if you choose to upgrade your program.

The duration of these programs varies from 12-18 months or more. Cost of study varies depending on the number of credits you have to take.

Best Universities for Engineering Graduate Certificates in USA

University of Texas – Arlington 

University of Houston

University of South Florida

University of Colorado at Boulder

North Carolina State University

Entry Requirements:

Course Structure

You will typically study a small selection of Master’s level courses related to your program specialisation. Some programs may have a fixed set of courses, while others will allow you to choose your own courses from the available list.

These courses will give you in-depth knowledge of your specialisation and related skills relevant to industry.

Program Outcomes & Career Track

Following completion of the program, you’ll develop the technical skills relevant to your specialisation, which will help you advance in your present field or shift into a new field.

You may also be able to progress toward a Master’s or even PhD program in the area.

Did you find this information on Postgraduate Engineering Courses in USA useful? To know more about it, reach out to us at info@hurrayedutech.com or call us at 9900426501.

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