The 100% online Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE/MS) degree empowers professionals to tailor your educational experience to your individual or professional goals and current marketplace demands by taking an interdisciplinary approach to the engineering curriculum.
You'll have access to 200+ engineering online courses taught by Purdue's expert faculty and you can choose from 12+ sub-disciplines in emerging technical fields. The flexibility of our Interdisciplinary Master's degree enables you to create a customized plan to learn from multiple disciplines. Every plan varies based on your interest, time, and course load.
Set yourself apart from the competition by joining a unique and flexible engineering program that is consistently ranked in the top three best online programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Why earn your Interdisciplinary Master's in Engineering?
Employers are increasingly seeking engineers who have interdisciplinary skillsets. Technological advancements and developments in engineering methods and processes have made the problems that engineers are tasked with solving more complex -- and interdisciplinary skills have never been more important. Read more about the importance in building interdisciplinary skillsets.
Curriculum
This degree requires 30 credit hours total with at least 18 hours of Purdue graduate engineering courses. A maximum of 12 credit hours can be taken in specific non-engineering courses such as math, statistics and/or transfer courses (subject to review).
The degree awarded is either the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) or the Master of Science (MS) depending upon your undergraduate degree; the major is Interdisciplinary Engineering.
30 credit hours are required to complete the online MSE/MS.
| MSE/MS Degree Requirements | 30 Credits |
|---|---|
| Purdue Engineering Graduate Courses | 18 Credit Hours |
| Elective Courses (i.e. Math, Statistics, and/or approved transfer courses) | 12 Credit Hours |
After you begin your studies at Purdue, an academic advisor will provide you with tools to map out a plan of study and help you define a concentration tailored to align with your specific goals. Your academic advisor will also help you identify a faculty advisor.
Available Engineering Concentrations
You can add one optional engineering discipline, also called a concentration. Concentrations can help narrow your focus and are driven by emerging technical fields in order to give students an immersive interdisciplinary experience. Each concentration is packaged within the Interdisciplinary MSE/MS degree and follows unique requirements met within the overall base degree requirements. A concentration shows up on your transcript, not your diploma.
Detailed concentration information including a program overview and curriculum requirements can be found by reviewing the individual concentrations listed.
Admissions Requirements
Below includes a few admissions requirements, please find all requirements here.
Criteria for Admissions
- Minimum GPA of a 3.0
- Math Background: One semester each of Calculus I, Calculus II and either Linear Algebra or Differential Equations
- Engineering Background: Preferred undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts from all universities attended
- 3 recommenders
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- A professional resume
- Math prerequisite checklist, if applicable
- Full admissions requirements
Application Deadlines
For Fall Start:
- August 1
For Spring Start:
- December 1
For Summer Start
- May 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:
- US federal financial aid
- Military, veterans, and military-connected students
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree would I earn with the Online program?
You would earn a Master of Science or a Master of Science in Engineering.
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.
Are all courses available every term?
No, all courses are not available every term. You can see our course availability on the Courses List page.
How long does it take to finish the program?
The program requires 30-33 credits. You may complete the program as a full time or part time student. A full-time student takes at least 8 semester credit hours every term and may be able to complete this program within 12 to 18 months. A part time student takes less than 8 semester credit hours every term (on average 3-6). As a part-time student, you may complete the program within 2 to 4 years. The average time to complete the program is 3 years.
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. We upload recordings of live lectures for you to view on your time. You will follow along weekly to complete your assignments, projects, and/or exams. Exams may require a proctor (virtual or in-person depending on the faculty).
Are scholarships or funding offered for students?
Scholarships and funding are not available through Purdue, this program is a course-based self-funded master's program. US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for Federal Financial Aid. All federal financial aid benefits and restrictions apply to enrolled students. Federal aid enrollment requirements apply. You can reach the Purdue Division of Financial Aid with questions at: https://www.purdue.edu/veterans/.
Is there prerequisite coursework required for this program?
Please visit the admission criteria page for information.
Are there career services or resources after graduation?
Yes, students will have access through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities.
Student Testimonial
Temitope “Temi” Adegboye, a Purdue University 2023 alumnus
Temi Adegboye, a Purdue University 2023 alumnus, accomplished multiple certifications while pursuing his online master's degree while still reserving weekends for family time. He completed professional short courses and online academic courses, which he could immediately apply to his work. Adegboye obtained a Graduate Certificate in Systems, completed an online Agile Project Management course, and an INCOSE equivalency course, all offered online from Purdue. He found Agile project management to complement his systems training, expanding his project management skills. Throughout his Interdisciplinary Master's in Engineering, Adegboye specialized in systems engineering design, control, and integration. Despite his responsibilities as an expert mechanic and family commitments, he effectively managed his time by dedicating weekends to his family and studying during early mornings or late nights. He emphasized the significance of time management and systematic planning in achieving personal and professional goals. Read more about Temi.
There’s more stories to learn about our programs. Hear from more alumni.