Online Master of Science in Engineering Education
Our Program
Our online Master of Science in Engineering Education (MSENE) program is designed for professional engineers, industry training professionals, university faculty members, and graduate-level STEM students to advance skills without disrupting careers or current studies.
Online engineering master's programs at Purdue University are ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report (2023). Home to the world's first School of Engineering Education, Purdue initially designed its Engineering Education Graduate Programs for doctoral students to pursue rigorous research in how engineering, science, technology, and math, are best taught, learned, and practiced. Later, the online MSENE was added for students who want to understand the underlying theory and the practical applications of engineering education without pursuing a Ph.D.
The online MSENE program covers both the theory and the practice of engineering education and is designed to be valuable to four different audiences:
- Ph.D. students in engineering or a closely related field who are preparing for a faculty career
- Current engineering or science faculty who would like to become more effective teachers
- Mid-career engineers and scientists thinking about a second career in education
- Industry professionals, consultants, and others seeking continuing professional development and additional qualifications to support technical training and education
Our Curriculum
The 30-credit hour, non-thesis curriculum is carefully designed to provide high quality, convenient versions of on-campus courses. Online courses are taught by the same faculty who offer on-campus sections and provide multiple opportunities for online students to interact with and receive feedback from both faculty members and other students in the course. Online students are expected to participate in weekly seminars, either asynchronously or virtually in real time, and have the option to join the Engineering Education Graduate Student Association (ENEGSA).
Online MSENE Requirements:
- 15 credit hours of online ENE core courses
- 6 credit hours of ENE elective courses
- 9 credit hours of ENE or other elective courses
- Portfolio of ENE-related work
Visit the Master of Science in Engineering Education Sample Curriculum and Plan of Study to learn more about the coursework.
For those interested in a more compact program, we offer an online Teaching and Learning in Engineering Graduate Certificate with courses that count toward the master's degree if you subsequently decide to pursue an MSENE. In addition, students in the master's program who decide to pursue a Ph.D. in Engineering Education (offered on Purdue's main campus in West Lafayette) will benefit from a program designed so that most, if not all, master's-level courses count toward the Ph.D.
Criteria for Admissions
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0) cumulative GPA from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate or professional degree
- Background: Preferred undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Technology
- Test Scores: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are accepted but not required
Application Requirements
- Application form
- Transcripts of all universities attended (international students need original language and English translation)
- An academic statement of purpose
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- A personal history statement
- A professional resume or CV
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only)/Graduate School English Proficiency Requirements
Application Deadlines
For Fall Start:
- April 15
For Spring Start:
- December 1
Tuition
Resident of Indiana
- $1,139 per credit
- $34,170 total
Nonresident of Indiana
- $1,459 per credit
- $42,770 total
Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:
- U.S. federal financial aid
- Military, veterans, and military-connected students
Is this program suitable for people who work full time?
Yes. Our typical student works full time. Most courses are delivered asynchronously, which means you can complete your coursework when it is convenient for you.
What degree would I earn with the Online MS ENE program?
You would earn a Master of Science in Engineering Education (MSENE).
Is there a minimum course registration required each semester?
You need to register for at least one credit to be considered an active student. If you do not enroll for more than two consecutive semesters, you will lose your student status and must reapply.
How long does it take to finish the program?
The program requires 30 credits, which is 10 courses. Most students take one or at most two courses a semester, depending on the other demands on their time. A few courses are available in the summer. Most working students will complete the degree in 3 or 4 years. Not every course is available online every semester, so it is important to talk with your advisor to develop a plan of study that works best for you
Can I take time off during my program?
You may take a maximum of two consecutive semesters off. If you take more than two semesters, you will need to reapply to the program.
Are letters of recommendation from employers acceptable?
We suggest that you try to get at least one academic reference. If that is not possible, recommendations from employers will be accepted.
How are the online courses structured?
The courses will be offered asynchronously. The faculty member either records videos presenting the course material or uploads recordings of live lectures, which you can view at a time convenient for you. You are expected to keep up with the weekly lectures and readings and to submit assignments and projects by the due dates.
Are scholarships or funding offered for students?
Scholarships and funding are not available through Purdue as this program is a course-based, self-funded master's program. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for federal financial aid. The Purdue Division of Financial Aid can answer your questions. Veterans can visit the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Miltary Success Center to learn more about wrap-around support services for Purdue students who are veterans, members of the military, or benefit-using family members.
Are there career services or resources after graduation?
Yes, students will have access through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities.
What if I have questions?
Questions about the online MSENE may be addressed to:
- Audeen Fentiman, Crowley Family Professor in Engineering Education, fentiman@purdue.edu
- Tina Putz, Manager of Graduate Programs in Engineering Education, tputz@purdue.edu
- Senay Purzer, Professor and Associate Head of Engineering Education Graduate Programs, purzer@purdue.edu