The best engineering schools in Massachusetts contribute significantly to workforce and industry growth by offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a range of engineering disciplines. In light of this, we have created Massachusetts engineering school rankings. Let’s delve in to learn more about the best engineering schools in Massachusetts and their top degree programs.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Massachusetts
To select a good engineering school in Massachusetts, evaluate key factors like the school’s accreditation, admission requirements, degrees offered, and career services. This is a significant decision that requires thorough research and potentially even visits the school, if possible.
The following three factors are a good place to start when researching schools. Always keep your own preferences and goals regarding your education in mind.
Accreditation
Before deciding on a college, it is important to verify its accreditation. If you are unable to find the school’s accreditation status on the school’s official website, try searching for it in the US Department of Education’s online Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. It will be difficult to get a job or an advanced degree if you have a degree from an unaccredited school.
Location
A school’s location is critical for a number of reasons. Most students prefer a school that is nearby so that they don’t have to travel a long distance to get to campus. This saves money and time. If you’re open to relocating, make sure that the city or town in which the school is located offers ample affordable accommodations, services, and activities that match your preferences.
Size
Larger institutions are more likely to have a broader selection of majors and more education resources overall. On the other hand, the more individualized attention that you are likely to receive at a smaller school might be of greater importance to you. Research numbers like the student-to-faculty ratio and the average class size to get a feel for how much support you can expect.
Massachusetts Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Massachusetts?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering | #1 |
| Harvard University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering |
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering |
#21 |
| Northeastern University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering |
Master of Science in Materials Engineering |
#33 |
| Boston University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
Master of Science in Computer Engineering |
#35 |
| University of Massachusetts- Amherst |
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering |
Master of Science in Materials Engineering |
#57 |
| Tufts University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering |
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering |
#64 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Science in Computer Engineering |
#86 |
| University of Massachusetts- Lowell |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering |
Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering |
#126 |
| University of Massachusetts- Dartmouth |
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering |
#152-200 |
| Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
N/A | Unranked |
Massachusetts Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Massachusetts
To rank the best engineering schools in Massachusetts, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science/engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Massachusetts Explained
The best engineering schools in Massachusetts are also some of the most prestigious schools in the country, like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among others. All of them have been profiled in a detailed manner below. Read on to learn more about our Massachusetts engineering school rankings in greater detail.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Massachusetts
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Massachusetts offer two main types of degrees. Community colleges typically only offer two-year associate degrees, while four-year universities and colleges often offer both associate and bachelor’s degrees. Let us find out the top colleges in Massachusetts that provide associate and bachelor’s degrees in engineering.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts
- Bristol Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Technology: Electrical. This curriculum prepares students for employment as technicians in a variety of areas requiring training in electronics technology, including solar energy, industrial production, research and development laboratories, field service, and technical sales.
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. This program is for students interested in the design, testing, and manufacturing of products. The 68-credit program establishes a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare students for jobs in manufacturing.
- Springfield Technical Community College | Associate of Science in Civil Engineering Technology. This program offers the comprehensive basis necessary for success in sectors requiring the knowledge and skills of civil engineering assistant technicians. Students are introduced to CAD, construction estimating, and building materials and processes.
- Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology. This school allows students to earn stackable certificates in various IT subjects that can later be applied to an associate degree program. The computer information technology associate degree requires 60 to 63 credits and prepares students for industry certification examinations.
- Quinsigamond Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering: Biomedical Engineering. As part of a challenging curriculum that focuses on math, science, and biology, this biomedical engineering associate degree prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions where they can pursue degrees in biomedical engineering, medicine, and biology.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. This undergraduate degree program is designed for students seeking a comprehensive education in the application of chemical engineering in a variety of fields. Degree requirements include fundamental chemical engineering courses with an emphasis on chemistry.
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering. This undergraduate marine engineering program prepares graduates for jobs as licensed engineering officers in the United States Merchant Marine and engineering positions in shore-based enterprises.
- Harvard University | Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical engineering students at Harvard are equipped with the skills necessary to translate theoretical concepts and empirical research results into operational systems. The Bachelor of Science option requires a thesis, while the Bachelor of Arts option does not.
- Boston University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Through this curriculum, students learn the fundamentals of physics, mathematics, and engineering. They then build on this foundation to learn about electromagnetics, signals and systems, digital logic, and computer networks.
- Northeastern University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Students in this chemical engineering program receive a well-rounded education that starts with the fundamentals of physics, math, and engineering. They then learn how to tackle real-world challenges through the use of cutting-edge software and computer-aided design.
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Massachusetts
The best graduate schools for engineering in Massachusetts provide two main types of degrees. Master’s degrees typically require two years to complete, while PhDs can take anywhere from three to six years or longer to complete. Here are the best Massachusetts engineering graduate school rankings.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Practice. This master’s degree can be earned in one year. The first two semesters of the program are focused on graduate-level coursework, followed by a third semester spent working with resident MIT employees at the school’s field stations.
- Tufts University | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This 30-credit program can be completed in one or two years. It prepares graduates for careers in research, development, and management.
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. This program’s curriculum consists of mechanical engineering coursework and a graduate seminar. You have the choice of completing a thesis or a non-thesis alternative, with the latter requiring additional mechanical engineering courses.
- Wentworth Institute of Technology | Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Both the Master of Science and Master of Engineering require 31 credit hours. Students establish a course plan with their adviser to ensure the fulfillment of their educational goals.
- Merrimack College | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. This master’s degree program prepares students for supervisory and leadership roles in project and construction management. Graduate courses are required in both engineering and management, giving students knowledge and abilities that set them apart in the civil engineering job market.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology | PhD in Biological Engineering. The goal of this biological engineering program at MIT is to train the next generation of engineers and scientists to produce and disseminate new knowledge at the intersection of biology and engineering.
- Harvard University | PhD in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering. For this degree, students are required to take 10 semester-long courses, half of which must be technical graduate-level courses within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) or taught by SEAS faculty.
- Tufts University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering. This doctoral degree program provides student support from day one through a faculty advisor and later a dissertation panel and a thesis supervisor. Graduates of this program typically seek jobs as researchers or as faculty at research centers.
- Northeastern University | PhD in Bioengineering. This doctoral program offers a challenging core curriculum in bioengineering fundamentals, complemented by a flexible selection of electives customized to students’ dissertation research.
- Boston University | PhD in Computer Engineering. A total of 32 credits at the graduate level are required for this degree. Students will undertake theoretical and empirical research in a topic area they define with the help of their faculty research advisor.
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Massachusetts
The basic admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate engineering programs in Massachusetts differ. Undergraduate schools typically don’t have as many admission requirements as graduate schools do. Although each school has its own admission requirements, below are some that undergraduate and graduate schools tend to share.
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Engineering Schools in Massachusetts: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Submit the online application and pay the application fee.
- Include evidence of your prior education and GPA in the form of official high school transcripts or the equivalent.
- Send your official ACT or SAT scores.
Engineering Schools in Massachusetts: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit your application for admission and pay the application fee.
- Submit official transcripts from previous schools attended to show proof of your bachelor’s degree and GPA.
- Send your GRE or GMAT scores.
- Submit recommendation letters, personal statements, and an updated resume.
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Massachusetts?
Yes, it is hard to get into a Massachusetts engineering school. Most of the schools on our lists have an acceptance rate below 50 percent, with Harvard’s acceptance rate of five percent being the lowest. However, there are easier schools to get into in Massachusetts for engineering. Some even have open admissions.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Massachusetts for Engineering
- Greenfield Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. The acceptance rate at Greenfield is 100 percent, due to its open-admission policy. Liberal arts and humanities, nursing, and medical assisting services are among the most popular majors.
- North Shore Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Since North Shore Community College has a policy of open admissions, it is an easier school to get into. General studies, liberal arts, and health and medical administrative services are the most popular associate degree fields.
- Roxbury Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. The acceptance rate at Roxbury is also 100 percent. It is part of the school’s mission to transform lives through excellence and innovation.
- Massachusetts Bay Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Due to its open-admission policy, MBCC has a 100 percent acceptance rate. It offers a variety of undergrad programs in different fields, including more than 100 online programs.
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Acceptance Rate: 92%. With a high acceptance rate, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is not difficult to get into. It offers academic programs in a range of different disciplines including business, health sciences, liberal arts, and education.
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Massachusetts
The best online engineering schools in Massachusetts offer academic programs in a variety of engineering disciplines. The table below shows five of the online engineering programs with the highest graduation rates. The data was obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 88% | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 88% | Master of Science in Environmental Engineering |
| University of Massachusetts- Amherst | 78% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
| University of Massachusetts- Lowell | 59% | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | 23% | Associate of Arts in Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Massachusetts
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Massachusetts offer a high-quality education at a cost that more people can afford. Here are five of the best engineering colleges in Massachusetts that offer an affordable education.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Massachusetts With Financial Aid
You can attend Massachusetts’ best engineering schools more easily through the help of financial aid. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form anytime you apply for a college program. This will determine your eligibility for government financial aid. Below are some of the financial aid programs available to Massachusetts students.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Massachusetts Students
- Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship | Amount: $8,000. Women enrolled in ABET-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science are eligible for this renewable award.
- Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program | Amount: Up to $6,500. The Massachusetts legislature devised this program to assist economic growth in the state. A recent Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship went to students pursuing STEM or health profession degrees.
- Donald and Barbara Mozley Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. This scholarship offers financial assistance to students seeking a degree in mechanical engineering at an ABET-accredited higher education institution.
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship | Amount: Varies. This scholarship program seeks to provide a steady supply of highly skilled scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by granting scholarships to college students conducting research in these disciplines.
Massachusetts Employment Outlook for Engineering
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for all engineering and architecture occupations in Massachusetts grew at a rate of 2.8 percent in 2021. Combined with the lucrative salaries in the engineering field, this makes the job outlook good for engineers in Massachusetts. Here are details on the highest-paying engineering careers in Massachusetts.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Massachusetts
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $124,490 |
| Electrical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $118,100 |
| Chemical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $116,380 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $115,670 |
| Civil Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $98,910 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Massachusetts Explained
In Massachusetts, the best engineering jobs are also the ones that pay the most. In the table above, we have shown the top engineering jobs in Massachusetts that pay the most. Find out more about each of them below.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Massachusetts I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Massachusetts you go to for engineering, because it is a big investment of your time and money. Each university has its own advantages and disadvantages. Tuition costs, admission rates, university rankings, and available programs will all play a role in your decision-making process.
The best engineering schools in Massachusetts discussed in this article offer a great starting point. They are highly ranked, reputable, accredited schools with strong engineering offerings. The best school for you will be the one that best aligns with your education and career goals.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Massachusetts FAQ
Massachusetts has the best school for engineering in the US, according to US News & World Report. In second and third place are schools in California.
There might be a shortage of engineers in the US. All of the specific engineering careers we researched for this article showed projected job growth of between six percent and nine percent from 2020 to 2030. These jobs are growing at least as fast as or faster than the average for all occupations.
Industrial engineering could be the most in-demand branch of engineering in the future. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a job growth rate of 14 percent in the industrial engineering field between 2020 and 2030. This equates to the addition of over 40,000 jobs nationwide.
The primary reason why engineering students drop out or change majors is because they are not prepared for the high level of commitment and rigor required to complete a degree in this field of study. Engineering is a notoriously difficult field of study and work and not all students are prepared for it.
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