Top Accelerated Engineering Degrees

In an increasingly competitive world, engineering students are constantly seeking ways to accelerate their education and enter the workforce sooner, while still acquiring the deep technical knowledge required for success in the field. Accelerated engineering degree programs offer a unique opportunity to achieve this goal, allowing students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a reduced time frame, typically five years instead of the usual six or seven. These programs are designed to cater to ambitious and highly focused students who want to fast-track their careers and gain advanced expertise quickly. Several leading institutions across the United States have developed accelerated engineering programs to meet this demand, offering students the opportunity to gain both breadth and depth in their education, all while speeding up the path to a rewarding career. Among these institutions are Arizona State University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Vermont, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Virginia, each offering unique programs that combine undergraduate and graduate-level engineering education.

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an accelerated program in industrial engineering, where students can complete both a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) and a Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) degree as part of the undergraduate curriculum. This program allows students to save significant time, enabling them to graduate with both degrees in an accelerated timeframe. The program is designed to provide students with advanced skills in industrial engineering while simultaneously completing the requirements for a master's degree, making them highly competitive in the job market. ASU’s industrial engineering department is known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to education, and the university itself is frequently recognized for its academic excellence. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU 5th among “Schools to Watch,” due to its efforts in making promising and innovative changes in areas such as academics, faculty, campus life, diversity, and facilities. The university’s commitment to high standards and academic innovation makes its accelerated programs attractive to prospective engineering students looking for a way to fast-track their education while receiving a top-tier education.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) offers its unique Accelerated Engineering Degree (ACCEND) program, which allows students to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering in just five years. This program is available in several disciplines, including the option of earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) along with either a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Additionally, students can pursue a B.S.E. and an MBA (Master of Business Administration), which is particularly valuable for those interested in leadership roles within the engineering field. UC’s ACCEND program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for the challenges of modern engineering practice, all while streamlining the time needed to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Furthermore, the University of Cincinnati has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ranking 48th in the nation for awarding bachelor's degrees in engineering to African American students, according to Black Issues in Higher Education (2005). This commitment to fostering diversity adds another layer of appeal to UC’s accelerated engineering programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking both academic excellence and an inclusive environment.

At the University of Vermont (UVM), the School of Engineering (SoE) provides several accelerated Master’s degree programs for undergraduate engineering students. These programs are available in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, allowing students to gain advanced knowledge and expertise in these critical fields while fast-tracking their graduate education. The accelerated MS degree programs at UVM are particularly advantageous for students who want to jump-start their graduate careers and dive directly into specialized engineering topics. UVM’s engineering programs are known for their high academic standards and commitment to environmental sustainability. In fact, the university is frequently listed among the “greenest” universities in America, with Forbes.com recognizing UVM as one of the top ten green universities in the country. This emphasis on sustainability and innovation is incorporated into the accelerated engineering programs, offering students the chance to develop solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges. UVM’s dedication to providing a high-quality education while promoting sustainability makes it an attractive choice for students who are passionate about the intersection of engineering, technology, and environmental responsibility.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), renowned for its specialized focus on aerospace and aviation-related education, offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Software Engineering (BS/MSE) program. This program allows exceptional students to earn both a B.S. in Computer Engineering and a Master of Software Engineering degree in just five years. ERAU’s unique focus on the aerospace sector and its cutting-edge approach to software engineering make this accelerated program highly appealing to students who are interested in pursuing careers in aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries. ERAU’s aerospace engineering degree program in Daytona Beach has been highly rated, ranking first in U.S. News & World Report among aerospace engineering degree programs that do not offer a Ph.D. (2010). This reputation for excellence in aerospace engineering, coupled with its rigorous software engineering program, ensures that students are well-equipped to tackle the complex and evolving challenges in the fields of aerospace and software engineering. ERAU’s accelerated program is ideal for students looking to combine technical expertise with a focus on innovation, preparing them for leadership roles in high-tech industries.

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers an Accelerated Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, which can be completed in just one year. This program is particularly designed for students who have a strong interest in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and the ability to optimize existing systems and resources. The Systems Engineering program at UVA focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to tackle complex engineering problems, making it an ideal choice for students who are interested in working on large-scale, multidisciplinary projects that require advanced technical expertise and managerial skills. UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, ranked 37th in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Engineering Programs (2010), provides a rigorous academic environment and offers students access to world-class faculty and research opportunities. The accelerated nature of this program is particularly attractive to students who are eager to enhance their qualifications quickly while gaining a comprehensive understanding of systems engineering.

These top institutions offering accelerated engineering programs each provide unique advantages, enabling students to complete their engineering education at an accelerated pace without compromising on the quality of their academic experience. Arizona State University’s industrial engineering program, the University of Cincinnati’s ACCEND program, the University of Vermont’s accelerated MS programs, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s aerospace and software engineering focus, and the University of Virginia’s Systems Engineering program each offer a distinctive pathway to advanced engineering degrees. The common thread among these institutions is their commitment to providing rigorous academic programs that integrate both undergraduate and graduate-level coursework, allowing students to gain specialized knowledge and enter the workforce more quickly than traditional programs would allow.

These accelerated engineering programs are particularly beneficial for students who are highly motivated, ready to engage in intensive study, and eager to enter their chosen careers sooner. The benefit of obtaining both a bachelor's and a master's degree in a shortened timeframe provides a competitive edge in the job market, positioning graduates as highly skilled professionals who can contribute to solving the world’s most complex engineering challenges. Moreover, the diverse focus areas—from industrial engineering and software engineering to systems engineering and aerospace—cater to students with different interests, ensuring that there is a program for almost every type of aspiring engineer. These institutions are not only providing accelerated pathways to success but are also shaping the next generation of engineers who will lead the way in innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.