Massachusetts stands at the forefront of engineering education and innovation. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and research institutions, the state offers a dynamic learning environment for aspiring engineers. With a strong technology sector, top employers, and cutting-edge research opportunities, Massachusetts is a premier destination for students seeking a rigorous and rewarding engineering education.
Massachusetts offers engineering students access to top-tier education, groundbreaking research, and a high concentration of innovative companies. Whether you're interested in biotechnology, robotics, environmental engineering, or aerospace, the state provides a rich ecosystem for academic and professional growth.
Here’s why Massachusetts is an exceptional choice for engineering students:
Massachusetts is home to some of the most prestigious engineering schools in the country. The institutions listed below represent just a few of the top choices. Be sure to explore the ABET-accredited programs section at the end of this profile for a full overview.
The MIT School of Engineering offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across nine academic departments and several interdisciplinary institutes. Its mission is to educate future engineering leaders, generate new knowledge, and serve society through innovation and impact. Available academic paths include:
The school also emphasizes hands-on learning and innovation, supported by 130,000 square feet of maker spaces and extensive faculty-led research initiatives. Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary projects and entrepreneurial ventures alongside their coursework.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and technology, MIT is recognized internationally for its research output and academic rigor.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers a blend of rigorous technical education and the broader intellectual context of a liberal arts environment. Undergraduate and graduate students can pursue studies through six academic departments:
Graduate students can choose from more than 35 degree and certificate programs. The school supports interdisciplinary research and learning across strategic focus areas including energy and the environment, human health and bioengineering, intelligent systems, and the human-technology interface.
The School of Engineering is also home to a number of specialized centers and institutes such as:
This environment encourages innovation and collaboration across traditional boundaries, offering students access to state-of-the-art facilities and a research-driven approach to engineering education.
Tufts University is a private institution located in Medford, Massachusetts. It is known for combining a strong liberal arts foundation with active research and professional programs, offering students a balanced academic experience in a mid-sized university setting.
The College of Engineering at Northeastern University offers a wide array of academic programs with a strong emphasis on experiential and multidisciplinary learning. Students can pursue degrees at multiple levels:
Academic departments include:
The college is also home to numerous research centers and institutes such as the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, the Institute for Experiential Robotics, and the PROTECT Center, focusing on pressing global challenges in health, sustainability, and security.
Experiential learning is central to the Northeastern experience. Students engage in co-op placements, research, global experiences, and hands-on projects that integrate academic knowledge with real-world applications, preparing them to enter the workforce with significant professional experience.
Northeastern University is a private research university based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a global network of campuses. It is widely recognized for its co-op education model, which integrates classroom study with professional experience, and its focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research.
The School of Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) emphasizes project-based learning, where students engage in hands-on engineering projects and research from their first year. This educational model is designed to integrate theory with practice, preparing students to solve real-world problems through collaboration and innovation.
Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees across a range of engineering disciplines, supported by faculty with substantial academic and industry experience. Key opportunities for students include:
Research at WPI is interdisciplinary and application-driven, with focus areas such as materials processing, wireless networks, medical technology, and sustainability. Centers like the Metal Processing Institute and PracticePoint serve as hubs for innovation and collaboration.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Known for its focus on STEM education and research, WPI combines academic rigor with applied learning and has a longstanding commitment to integrating theory with real-world problem solving.
The Francis College of Engineering at UMass Lowell offers a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across several engineering disciplines. These programs emphasize both academic rigor and hands-on, real-world application through experiential learning, research, and community outreach.
The college comprises the following departments:
Degree options include undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. The college’s engineering bachelor's programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, with the exception of Industrial Engineering, which will seek accreditation after graduating its first class. Engineering Technology programs are accredited by ABET's Technology Accreditation Commission.
Additional strengths of the college include the Lin MakerSpace, a hub for innovation and prototyping, and a strong focus on diversity and community engagement. The college has been recognized by the ASEE with a Bronze Award for measurable progress in diversity and inclusion.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public research university located in Lowell, Massachusetts. It is part of the UMass system and is known for its focus on career-ready education, applied research, and partnerships with industry and the community.
Massachusetts offers a wide array of financial aid options to support students pursuing engineering degrees. These include state-funded programs, institutional scholarships, and merit-based opportunities tailored for STEM students.
Students should also complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as possible to qualify for both federal and state aid.
Becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Massachusetts involves meeting educational requirements, passing the FE and PE exams, and gaining work experience. In addition, the state offers a variety of resources and professional societies that support engineers throughout their careers.
These organizations provide vital support as students transition from academic studies to professional engineering practice.
Massachusetts has strong demand for engineers in biotechnology, software, mechanical, aerospace, and environmental fields, thanks to its vibrant innovation economy and proximity to major research hubs and tech firms.
Yes. Students in Massachusetts can pursue flexible learning paths through an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree. These programs are ideal for working professionals or those seeking to advance their careers without relocating.
Absolutely. Most universities have established partnerships with companies in the Greater Boston area and beyond, offering students hands-on experience through co-ops, internships, and research assistantships.
Engineering schools in Massachusetts offer a wide range of resources, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, research opportunities, and student chapters of professional engineering societies.
Choosing an ABET engineering degree program ensures that your education meets recognized national standards—essential for professional licensure and many employment opportunities. Massachusetts is home to a wide array of ABET-accredited programs across various institutions.
The table below will feature engineering programs that hold ABET accreditation, listing each school, its location, and the specific programs offered.
| Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology | Boston | - Electrical Engineering |
| Boston University | Boston | - Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater | - Computer Science |
| Endicott College | Beverly | - Engineering |
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg | - Computer Science
- Computer Information Systems |
| Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering | Needham | - Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| Harvard University | Cambridge | - Engineering Sciences
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge | - Computer Science and Engineering
(Course 6-3) - Electrical Engineering with Computing (Course 6-5) - Aerospace Engineering (Course 16) - Engineering (Courses 2-A, 10-ENG, 16-ENG, 1-ENG) - Chemical Engineering (Course 10) - Electrical Science and Engineering (Course 6-1) - Materials Science and Engineering (Course 3) - Mechanical Engineering (Course 2) - Nuclear Science and Engineering (Course 22) - Chemical-Biological Engineering (Course 10-B) - Mechanical and Ocean Engineering (Course 2-OE) |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Buzzards Bay | - Energy Systems Engineering |
| Merrimack College | North Andover | - Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| Northeastern University | Boston | - Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Bioengineering - Environmental Engineering |
| Salem State University | Salem | - Computer Science |
| Smith College | Northampton | - Engineering Science |
| Tufts University | Medford | - Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst | - Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering |
| University of Massachusetts Boston | Boston | - Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| University of Massachusetts Dartmouth | Dartmouth | - Computer Science
- Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Bioengineering |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Lowell | - Plastics Engineering
- Chemical Engineering: Nuclear Engineering Option - Computer Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Physics - Radiological Health Physics Option - Radiological Sciences and Protection - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Electronics Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston | - Computer Science
- Computer Networking - Electromechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Engineering - Biological Engineering |
| Western New England University | Springfield | - Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| Westfield State University | Westfield | - Computer Science |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester | - Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Robotics Engineering - Architectural Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Massachusetts was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses can change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to other resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and OSFA—for guidance on academic planning and licensure.
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