Degrees and Certificate Programs

Cardinal Education’s partner universities offer the following Engineering graduate degrees and certificate programs.

Master of Engineering (ME or MEng) degrees focus on practical skill development and typically do not require a thesis. Master of Science (MS) degrees in Engineering are generally considered research-focused degrees, culminating in a thesis or capstone research project. Certificate programs are designed for working professionals to enhance and add to their skill set.

Explore program options below, or view the complete list of available courses.


Master of Engineering

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) in Experimental Methods

Old Dominion University

Experimental Methods offers a solid foundation in advanced topics in the areas of aerodynamics, structural mechanics and controls, coupled with hands-on experience with state of the art test and measurement equipment. Students focus in two of four specialty areas offered (Applied Automatic Control, Structural Dynamics, Aerodynamics and Design of Experiments) leading to emphasis areas such as , noise or flow control, , wind tunnel testing and aircraft systems test and evaluation This program is meant to prepare students to be immediately productive in the real world environment of research, development and testing

Chemical and Life Science Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) Chemical Engineering

This graduate program in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks to provide cutting-edge training in chemical engineering core and research areas including biotechnology, catalysis, electrochemistry, energy and the environment, polymers, and separations. This program prepares students for advanced work in industrial and government positions.

Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) Civil Engineering

University of Virginia

The Department of Engineering Systems and Environment, home of Civil, Systems and Environmental Engineering, takes a collaborative, whole-system approach to modern challenges. The Civil Engineering ME Program offers four concentration areas (“tracks”) aligning with traditional sub-specialties of the civil engineering profession: environmental and water resources engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and infrastructures systems engineering. The Master of Engineering (ME) degree offers excellent preparation for a career as a practicing Civil Engineer.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) Electrical Engineering

This Master of Engineering degree program allows the student to attain additional knowledge in advanced areas of Electrical Engineering. Students may develop their ME degree program with courses selected from the fields of automatic control, digital systems, pattern recognition and image processing, computer aided design, semiconductor devices, networks, microwave systems, communications and information theory, optics and opto-electronics, and signal processing, as well as from mathematics and other related disciplines.

Master of Engineering (M.Eng) Electrical and Computer Engineering

Virginia Tech

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree, which requires a project and report, is offered in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. The M.Eng. degree program is designed to meet the individual needs of graduate students. 

Engineering Management

Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

Old Dominion University

Founded in the solid principles of systems science and systems engineering, while exploiting the technical analysis tools of management science, the curricula are designed to produce graduates capable of addressing issues related to the design, operation, analysis, and transformation of complex problems. Particular emphasis is placed not only on the technical methods and tools necessary for success in technology-based enterprises, but also on the critical thinking skills essential to effectively communicate and manage completion of complex projects.

Master of Engineering Administration (M.E.A.)

Virginia Tech

The Master of Engineering Administration (M.E.A.) degree provides practicing engineers, scientists and technical professionals with a graduate level academic experience in Technology Management that further prepares them for career advancement --- in the role of managing and providing administrative support for the technology-based operations of a progressive enterprise. Graduates of this program typically move into advanced positions as project manager, program administrator, lab director, engineering manager, technology executive, etc.

Materials Science and Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) Material Science and Engineering

The purpose of this distance learning program is to provide graduate level instruction in Materials Science and Engineering to industrial personnel throughout the State of Virginia and beyond. Courses may be taken either for credit leading to a Master of Materials Science and Engineering (MMSE) degree or for general information.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) Aerospace (non-thesis)

Virginia Tech

This non-thesis option degree program in aerospace engineering requires students to complete a project and report, which may be in conjunction with other students. While the project-and-report option is not generally research oriented, it deals with other aspects of an engineering problem.

Master of Engineering (ME) Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Virginia Engineering Online distance learning graduate degree offered by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is a Master of Engineering (ME) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The purpose of the masters degree program is to strengthen and extend undergraduate training and competence. 

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering

Virginia Tech

The MEng is a professional master’s degree culminating in a final project and report. The final project tends to focus on a problem in industry as opposed to a novel research idea, and the written report may be published. The MEng is geared toward working professionals, and especially engineers with a degree outside of the nuclear sciences that work in the nuclear industry.

Systems Engineering

Master of Engineering (ME) Systems Engineering

University of Virginia

The Department of Engineering Systems and Environment, home of Civil, Systems and Environmental Engineering, takes a collaborative, whole-system approach to modern challenges. Systems Engineering is concerned primarily with improving the processes of problem-solving and decision-making within the functions of forecasting, planning, design, development, testing, evaluation, control, operation, and management. Emphasis in the curriculum is placed on preparing individuals for careers concerned with the solution of significant large-scale interdisciplinary problems.

Master of Science

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Ocean Engineering

AOE’s ocean engineering graduate program focuses on hydronautics, naval engineering, and autonomous systems.

Computational Modeling and Simulation Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Modeling and Simulation

Old Dominion University

The program's subject core consists of an overview of modeling and simulation, an in-depth exploration of specific simulation methodological approaches, simulation system modeling principles and techniques, an introduction to computer visualization and visual simulation, and principles of stochastic analysis.

Computer Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Computer Engineering

George Mason University

The computer engineering program offers the following concentrations: computer architecture and embedded systems, computer networks, digital signal processing, digital system design, hardware security and cryptographic engineering, internet of things and network security, machine learning and brain-inspired computing, and space-based systems.

Computer Science

Master of Science (MS) Digital Forensics

George Mason University

The MS in Digital Forensics will prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers to include law enforcement, various other branches of government, incident response, and all facets of cyber security by combining academic education with real world practical techniques and by offering advanced training in analyzing digital evidence, intrusion forensics, reverse engineering, network analysis, legal, and ethical matters.

Master of Science (MS) Computer Science – GMU

George Mason University

The Computer Science graduate program prepares students for research and professional practice in computer science and related technologies.

Master of Science (MS) Computer Science – VSU

Virginia State University

The Master of Science degree requires 30 graduate credit hours of course work including a thesis or 33 graduate credit hours of course work including a project. The program is intended to satisfy the need to train professionals with expertise using modern computing tools and cutting-edge technology as well as practical knowledge of theoretical computer science. Students will focus on such areas as data mining, scientific computing, data visualization, or state-of-the-art graphics and animation technologies.

Master of Science (MS) Computer Science

Virginia Commonwealth University

The program is designed to develop skills and educate CS students to be major contributors in the computing industry. The graduate program in computer science provides state-of-the-art education through the use of didactic courses to those students who wish to further their knowledge and careers within the computing industry.

Master of Science (MS) Applied Information Technology

George Mason University

The MS in Applied Information Technology is the very best graduate education in IT for high-potential leaders, especially those working on IT solutions that affect the federal government, industry or non-profit. Its objective is to graduate individuals of competence and character who can lead multidisciplinary teams in the design, justification, development, management, and sustainment of mega-systems from data to decision in the private and federal sectors.

Cyber Security Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Cyber Security Engineering

George Mason University

The purpose of the MS in Cyber Security Engineering is to provide students with the currently rare combination of highly technical knowledge and skills, cyber security expertise, and a holistic systems engineering perspective.

Data Science and Analytics

Master of Science (MS) Statistical Science

George Mason University

In this graduate program, students are trained in the theory and practice of statistical methodology, particularly as it relates to high-technology applications.

Master of Science (MS) Data Analytics Engineering

George Mason University

The MS in Data Analytics Engineering is a Volgenau multidisciplinary degree program, administered by the Department of Statistics, and is designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies and methodologies necessary for data-driven decision-making. Students study topics such as data mining, information technology, statistical modeling, predictive analytics, optimization, risk analysis, and data visualization. It is aimed at students who wish to become data scientists and analysts in finance, marketing, operations, business/government intelligence and other information intensive groups generating and consuming large amounts of data.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University

The mission of the M.S. in Engineering degree is to provide graduate students with learning opportunities for acquiring a broad foundation of engineering knowledge including business and manufacturing aspects; an in-depth research experience at the frontiers of engineering; and skills for lifelong learning and professional development. Graduates of this program will pursue careers in business/industry and government, or will pursue doctoral degrees.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Aerospace

Virginia Tech’s tradition of outstanding design in aerospace engineering emphasizes aerodynamics structures propulsion flight mechanics

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering program utilizes the faculty and research facilities of the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering to expose students to advanced and emerging technologies in mechanical and nuclear engineering. Research thrusts in the department include but are not limited to smart materials, micro/nanotechnology, energy conversion systems, sensors, aerosol science, nuclear engineering, fluid mechanics, medical devices, robotics and biomechanics.

Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Non-thesis

Virginia Tech

The MSnt is a course-based master’s degree with flexibility to support part-time and full-time students. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students build their own elective-based curriculum using graduate-level online courses. The degree culminates in a final project, but there is no publication requirement. This is a great option for working professionals interested in project work on proprietary data or processes.

Systems Engineering

Master of Science (MS) Systems and Industrial Engineering

Virginia Tech

Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates many different engineering specialties into a total engineering effort to ensure an efficient and effective product (system) output. Systems engineering analyzes the operational needs of industrial, business and government enterprises and by applying scientific and engineering technology develops the integrated hardware and software required to meet those needs. A systems engineer is one who can apply the team approach to the process of bringing systems into being and can define their various components, identify and integrate the engineering disciplines needed to develop them and understand the system's operational and maintenance requirements for the entire consumer-use period.

Master of Science (MS) Systems Engineering

George Mason University

This degree emphasizes both analytical and practical aspects of engineering complex systems. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in several quantitative modeling disciplines, and to master practical aspects of systems design, engineering and management. The program prepares students for a professional career in systems design, development, and management, associated with problem formulation, issue analysis, and the evaluation of alternative courses of action, as well as advanced graduate study.

Telecommunications

Master of Science (MS) in Telecommunications

George Mason University

The Master of Science in Telecommunications at George Mason University provides a technically rigorous, interdisciplinary blend of graduate level courses in communications systems and networks, augmented with exposure to telecommunications policy, law, and business.

Certificate

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering

Naval Engineering Certificate

Virginia Tech

Naval engineering is a field of study and expertise that includes all engineering and sciences as applied in the

  • research
  • development
  • design
  • construction
  • operation
  • maintenance
  • and logistic support

…of surface and subsurface ships, craft, aircraft, and vehicles (manned and autonomous) used by the Navy for the nation’s defense.

This certificate program is inherently multidisciplinary and is available to all departments in the College of Engineering as well as other colleges.

The program will attract and enable graduate students throughout the college to better prepare for this critical profession. It is open to all graduate students in the College of Engineering including distance-learning students.

Civil Engineering

Coastal Engineering Certificate Program

Old Dominion University

A series of four(4) graduate level courses in the specialty area of Coastal Engineering within Civil Engineering. All are offered over the Internet, in synchronous (real time) mode, over a two year period (spring, fall semesters).

Computer Science

Cybersecurity (Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate)

Virginia Commonwealth University

Students who complete the certificate will be able to assist software developers and system administrators by analyzing the security of databases, applications, networks and computer systems; assessing security risks and identifying vulnerabilities in computer and network systems; and developing methods and techniques for defending against a range of types of cyber-attacks.

Software Engineering, Graduate Certificate

This graduate certificate program provides knowledge, tools, and techniques to those who are working in or planning to work in software engineering, but do not want to complete requirements for a master's degree in the field.

Data Science and Analytics

Data Science (Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate)

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Certificate in Data Science will train students in computer methods for analyzing big datasets generated by industry, research and government entities. Students will learn techniques for transforming the data into knowledge; developing algorithms for constructing computer systems that automatically learn from data; and tracking and evaluating new techniques and approaches in data science.

Data Analytics, Graduate Certificate

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. While no specific undergraduate degree is required, a background in engineering, business, computer science, math, or information technology is desirable; alternatively, strong work experience with data or analytics may be used.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Naval Ship Design Graduate Certificate

The graduate certificate in naval ship design provides students with the fundamentals and hands-on experience to be effective ship designers and design managers.

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Engineering

Virginia Tech

The nuclear engineering graduate certificate is a three course exploration of the field of nuclear engineering. The certificate provides a solid foundation in nuclear reactor physics, with additional specialization in nuclear fuel cycle, radiation measurements, reactor thermal hydraulics, nuclear materials, or nuclear power plant operations. The credit hours earned in this certificate may be applied to a graduate degree in mechanical or nuclear engineering.

Systems Engineering

Architecture-Based Systems Integration, Graduate Certificate

This certificate is available to students who hold bachelor’s degrees in engineering and scientific disciplines or have graduate status in such programs. Admission requirements are identical to those for the master’s degree in systems engineering.