MSU climbs 15 spots in 2026 U.S. News Best Online Master’s in Engineering rankings

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University Bagley College of Engineering’s online Master of Engineering program has seen a significant jump in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs rankings.

The annual U.S. News rankings evaluate online graduate programs using factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, and student services and technology.

“I am pleased to see the hard work of our faculty and staff to deliver quality distance master’s programs recognized in the latest rankings,” Dave Ford, dean of the Bagley College of Engineering, said. “This reflects our commitment to MSU’s mission to meet all students where they are.”

MSU is Mississippi’s only university ranked in the top 100, joining fellow Southeastern Conference institutions Auburn, Louisiana State, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt universities, as well as the universities of Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.

This latest ranking at No. 62 is a 15-point climb for MSU’s online engineering offerings, which have grown substantially in recent years as the demand for flexible graduate education continues to increase. MSU’s online engineering programs include degrees in aerospace, artificial intelligence, chemical, civil, computational engineering, computer science, cyber security and operations, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and mechanical, providing working professionals and distance learners with the opportunity to earn advanced credentials while balancing career and personal commitments. MSU also enjoys several other high U.S. News & World Report rankings for a broad range of programs, including in the publication’s Best Graduate Schools listing.