UC’s online Master of Engineering program ranked top 30 nationally
From 2011 to 2016, first-time enrollment for engineering master's programs increased an average of 5.6 percent annually (Council of Graduate Schools/Graduate Record Examinations Program). With more engineers across the country going to graduate school, universities are adding programs to accommodate these students. For working engineers who want to expand their technical and professional skills in the field, an online degree is sometimes an attractive alternative to a traditional graduate studies experience.
“Many individuals are looking to gain broader, deeper skills to apply to their job,” says Eugene Rutz, M.S., manager of University of Cincinnati’s Master of Engineering programs. “With the economy improving, design and manufacturing are areas that people are interested in.”
UC’s online Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering program was recently ranked 29th in the country by Master’s Programs Guide. Programs were evaluated based on the following criteria: Degree customization; program flexibly and accessibility; faculty achievement and student resources and success; and school reputation and commendation.
UC’s online master’s program in mechanical engineering is an 18-month, 30-credit hour online program that deepens students’ engineering skills in design and manufacturing, while developing their professional skills. The degree offers industry-focused, practice-oriented classes that prepare students to solve complex problems and effectively manage tasks and projects.
Though most students take two classes every semester over five semesters to complete the degree, UC’s program works with students to meet their schedule. One of the strengths for this program, says Rutz, is its flexibility.
Our responsiveness is something that gives this program a good reputation.
Eugene Rutz, UC director of Master of Engineering programs
"By being flexible, we try to help students meet the outcomes they want for their job,” Rutz says. “We’ll work with students and give them the ability to customize the program to accommodate their situation.”
All classes in the program are taught by faculty who also teach traditional in-person courses. Additionally, just like a traditional Master of Engineering program, the online program concludes with a capstone project. And even though everything is online, Rutz ensures that students who have questions have a person to talk to.
“Sometimes with these online degrees, people wonder, ‘Is there really a person there?’ And there are people here. Our responsiveness is something that gives this program a good reputation,” Rutz says.
When students earn this degree from UC, they graduate not only with increased technical skills in their field but also with improved professional skills in communication and teamwork, skills that align with personal goals and industry trends.
“We try to put students at the center and make sure they have good experience," Rutz says.
UC to a Higher Degree
Through the Graduate School's 350+ graduate degree and certificate programs, UC graduate students generate knowledge and discovery that benefit society. Explore UC's Graduate School website to find the program that's right for you.
Related Stories
From research to resume: Grad Career Week prepares students for career paths
February 20, 2026
Graduate students at the University of Cincinnati will explore how their academic and creative work translates into professional success during Grad Career Week, March 2–6, a week-long series of workshops, networking opportunities, and skill-building sessions hosted by the Graduate College.
UC Digital Futures and Cincinnati Fire Museum launch educational video game
February 17, 2026
A new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati's Digital Performance Lab (DP Lab), CCM Acting, UC's School of Information Technology, and the Cincinnati Fire Museum is using gaming technology to bring essential fire safety education to children. The project titled Fire Escape is an interactive video game designed to teach K-12 students how to respond safely during a house fire. It was developed through Digital Futures research support, student game development, and guidance from local fire safety professionals.
BearcatGPT AI platform now available to UC students
February 17, 2026
University of Cincinnati Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) is excited to announce that BearcatGPT, the university’s private and secure AI platform, is now available to all UC students.