Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Consistently ranked among the top online master’s in engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report, the online Master’s in Interdisciplinary Engineering offers a flexible, cutting-edge education with access to 200+ online courses taught by Purdue College of Engineering faculty across 15+ schools and departments.
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Consistently ranked among the top online master’s in engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report, the online Master’s in Interdisciplinary Engineering offers a flexible, cutting-edge education with access to 200+ online courses taught by Purdue College of Engineering faculty across 15+ schools and departments.
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering Overview
Today’s employers are looking for engineers who bring more than technical expertise—they want professionals who can work across disciplines, lead teams, and solve complex problems. Purdue’s online Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering empowers you to do just that. Ranked #2 online master’s in engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), this program offers unmatched flexibility and customization.
Choose from over 200 courses and 11 concentrations across Purdue’s renowned College of Engineering, allowing you to build a degree that aligns with your goals—whether that’s deepening your knowledge in multiple engineering fields or integrating skills in leadership, management or systems thinking.
Set yourself apart with a program designed for forward-thinking engineers ready to lead in an ever-evolving industry. In this program, you will learn how to:
- Master Emerging Engineering Technologies: Gain the ability to adapt to and implement the latest advancements in engineering tools, processes, and methods across multiple disciplines.
- Communicate Complex Concepts Effectively: Develop strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, enabling you to translate technical ideas into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences—including non-engineers.
- Collaborate Across Disciplines: Build practical, hands-on experience in interdisciplinary teamwork, cross-training, and project management—essential skills for working in dynamic, diverse engineering environments.
150 Years of Consequential Impact
Purdue University’s College of Engineering stands apart through its legacy of impact, innovative spirit, and persistent pursuit of the next giant leap. From pioneering medical technologies to space exploration, our faculty drive world-changing ideas.
With hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and groundbreaking research, Purdue prepares students to tackle the world’s toughest challenges—on Earth and beyond.
Choose from 11 Concentrations
You can add up to two optional engineering concentrations which can help narrow your focus and are driven by emerging technical fields to give students an immersive interdisciplinary experience.
Available concentrations include aeronautics and astronautics, biomedical engineering, computational engineering, engineering management and leadership, industrial engineering, integrated vehicle systems engineering, materials engineering, nuclear engineering, quality engineering, strategy and defense engineering, and systems engineering.
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields. Ask your enrollment counselor for details on Purdue’s online master’s programs or learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s here.
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Plan Your Path
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
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 on 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.
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.
Admissions Criteria
- 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 letters of recommendation
- Academic Statement of Purpose +Personal History Statement +A professional resume +Math prerequisite checklist, if applicable
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Interdisciplinary engineering prepares professionals for versatile roles that integrate multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex problems. These include Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Structural Engineer, each contributing specialized expertise within collaborative, cross-functional environments. Additionally, Manufacturing Engineer and Principal Engineer play key roles in overseeing system integration, guiding technical strategy, and ensuring innovative solutions are successfully implemented.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals in interdisciplinary engineering. These include Aeronautical Systems Instrument Manufacturing and Nautical System Instrument Manufacturing, both of which rely on integrated engineering expertise to develop complex, high-precision systems. Additionally, Aircraft Manufacturing depends on interdisciplinary engineers to coordinate multiple technical disciplines, optimize system performance, and support advanced aerospace production.
Take a prime job offer or earn his master’s? Purdue’s online Interdisciplinary Engineering master’s degree lets graduate do both
Alex Pax was in a 4+1 program at Ohio State University, which would have earned him an engineering master’s degree with an extra year in school on top of his bachelor’s, but he decided to interview in his senior year and GM made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
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