A Guide for Engineering Professionals to Advance their Careers
For Engineers Who Strive to Shape the Future
OUR MISSION
To serve the local, state, national, and international communities by providing early career, working engineers and technical professionals with practical, technical, and applied graduate education to help solve the challenges of tomorrow.
WHO WE ARE
At the University of Maryland, Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) delivers advanced education for engineers and technical professionals— locally, nationally, and globally.
WHAT WE OFFER
- 19 specialized programs in high-demand engineering fields
- Expert faculty with valuable industry and research experience
- Flexible learning online or on-campus
- Support in admissions, academic advising, and career growth
WHO WE SERVE
Working professionals and recent graduates ready to specialize, innovate, and lead in a rapidly evolving technical world.
MAGE offers more than a degree. It’s your launchpad for lasting impact.
Choosing the Right Degree
Students have many degree options when it comes to graduate study and are often caught deciding between whether they should pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program.
The M.Eng. degree is a coursework-only program that requires 30 credits and is designed for students seeking a more practice-oriented, applied experience. It’s ideal for those aiming to advance in industry or technical leadership roles without a research focus.
The M.S. is generally better suited for students who are interested in research, theoretical work, or who may be considering pursuing a Ph.D. in the future. While the M.Eng. doesn’t include a formal research component, some students have successfully transitioned from the M.Eng. into Ph.D. programs.
Consider the M.Eng. if you want to deepen your technical expertise and move quickly into the workforce or pivot into a new area of industry. Choose the M.S. if you’re considering research or continuing on to a doctoral degree.
Choose a Program to Get Started
Or keep reading to learn more about Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering
Customize Your Degree with MAGE!
STACK A GCEN ONTO YOUR M.ENG. DEGREE!
Do you want to have two graduate degrees in hand at graduation in the time it takes to complete one? Do you want to differentiate yourself by having two educational areas of expertise?
STEP 1 Choose a Graduate Certificate in Engineering (GCEN) area different from your primary M.Eng. area. Any degree stacking combination of M.Eng. and GCEN can be discussed with your MAGE Academic Advisor.
STEP 2 Take the 4 required GCEN courses as technical electives within the 10 courses required for your M. Eng.
STEP 3 Have a competitive edge in today’s job market!
By combining fields, you build a more versatile skillset, expand your career options, and position yourself for leadership roles across industries. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate your adaptability, ambition, and long-term commitment to professional growth.
Popular Stacks:
- Any M.Eng. with a GCEN in Project Management
- M.Eng. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a Project Management GCEN
- M.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a Software Engineering GCEN
- M.Eng. in Cybersecurity with a Cloud Engineering GCEN
PURSUE AN INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT WITH A UMD FACULTY MEMBER!
Do you want to do a deeper exploration of a specific topic? Would you like to work with a faculty member on an applied, industry- relevant project? MAGE students can request to replace one required technical elective course with a semester-long independent study project of their choosing.
Recent Project Examples Include:
- Leadership and Management Development: Managing and Bootstrapping a Technical Team
- Real-World Robotics: Developing and Testing ROS Scripts on Physical Robots
- Studies in Concrete MinRank Cryptographic Security
- Anomaly Detection in Network Security using Machine Learning
- Development of Modular Thermal Energy Storage for Building HVAC Equipment
- Medical Device Design Controls and Risk Management
- AI-Assisted Room Layout Generation System with Industry-Standard File Export Capabilities
EXPAND YOUR ENGINEERING IMPACT WITH MAGE
Graduates stand out in the workforce not only for their deep technical expertise but also for their ability to think across disciplines. Build a strong foundation in your chosen field while exploring electives across MAGE’s 19 academic areas—or even beyond—throughout the Clark School and the University of Maryland. Gain the breadth and versatility to tackle complex, real-world challenges with confidence.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Graduate School Applications
From exploring your options to submitting your application, your path starts with MAGE at UMD.
1. DEFINE YOUR GOALS AND NEEDS
Before you apply, think about why graduate school is right for you and what you need in a program.
a. Identify career goals and how graduate education supports them
b. Decide between a research-based or coursework-based graduate engineering program
c. Consider time commitment, learning format (online/on-campus), and flexibility needs
2. EXPLORE PROGRAM OPTIONS
Find the program that will best fit your needs and aspirations.
a. Review MAGE’s coursework-based programs in both traditional and specialized areas
b. Compare curricula to align with your professional goals
c. Explore degree stacking (see page 3) to customize your path
d. Attend a Virtual Graduate Information Session to learn about programs, requirements, and deadlines
3. UNDERSTAND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Know what’s expected of applicants so you can prepare early.
a. Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution with a GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher
b. Program-specific prerequisites may be required
c. GRE not required for MAGE’s graduate engineering programs
4. CONSIDER FUNDING OPTIONS
MAGE does not provide any scholarship funding. Explore alternative options:
a. Self-Funding: pay out-of-pocket or through personal savings
b. Third-Party/Sponsored Billing: employer or organization assists
c. FAFSA: complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (U.S. citizens/permanent residents)
d. Private loans
e. External Scholarships: search for funding opportunities from professional organizations, industry groups, or private foundations
5. PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS
Start early and check requirements carefully.
a. Unofficial transcripts and degree certificates
b. Letters of recommendation: M.Eng. applicants provide contact information for 2 professional and/or academic references
c. Resume/CV: strongly recommended but not required
d. Personal experience prompts (~250 words each, within the application)
e. Statement of purpose (see prompt on MAGE’s website)
f. English proficiency scores (international applicants only)
6. SUBMIT BY THE DEADLINES
On-campus Domestic Spring: December 15th Fall: July 31st
On-campus International Spring: September 24th Summer: N/A Fall: March 8th
Online Domestic & International Spring: December 15th Summer: May 15th Fall: July 31st
7. AFTER YOU APPLY
a. Login to your application portal to monitor status and upload missing documents
b. Ensure all materials are submitted by the supporting document deadlines
QUICK TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Start researching 6-12 months before you plan to enroll
- Ensure program-specific prerequisite course requirements are met prior to applying
- Contact MAGE’s Admissions Team early with questions
- Ask for recommenders or references well in advance
- Use your personal experience essay to tell your story, not just list credentials
Leaders in the Classroom. Innovators in the Field.
Our faculty are more than educators—they’re seasoned engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers with real-world experience from top organizations in government, industry, and research. MAGE Faculty bring this expertise into every lesson, making your education practical, relevant, and directly connected to today’s engineering challenges with industry and government experience at:
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory
- Capital One Financial Corporation
- U.S. Department of Energy
- NASA
- National Security Agency
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Hughes Network Systems, LLC
- MITRE Corporation
- Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
- Oracle Corporation
- IBM
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- University of Maryland
- And more!
With their passion and commitment to your success, you’ll gain insights and skills that go far beyond the textbook.
“MAGE faculty turn real-world engineering experience into practical, relevant lessons that prepare our students to lead in their fields.”
DR. GEORGE SYRMOS, ASSISTANT DEAN FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Testimonials
“Maryland feels like the perfect place to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and take my technical expertise to new heights.”
BHAVNA, STUDENT M.ENG. IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
“My time here has been incredible. I’ve grown both technically and personally, made amazing connections, and benefited greatly from the opportunities provided by the university, especially through my department (MAGE), the Startup Shell, and various clubs on and off campus.”
HEMANTH, SECURITY ENGINEER AT MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. M.ENG. IN CYBERSECURITY
“Designed with working professionals in mind, the program’s flexible and adaptable structure allowed me to continue building my career while gaining advanced, high-quality training that directly supports my goals in the field.”
CAROLINE, ENGINEER AT SENEZ CONSULTING INC. M.ENG. IN FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING
“Maryland wasn’t just where I learned to be an engineer. It’s where I learned how to lead, how to adapt, and how to turn ideas into impact.”
FENIL, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT YAHOO! M.ENG. IN CYBERSECURITY
A Sampling of Where Our Graduates Work
A Maryland Engineering degree opens doors nationwide. Across the United States, our graduates are launching and advancing their careers at top private and government sectors that shape the future of technology, energy, defense, and industry.
Advance your career with a graduate degree a premier program ranked among the top 20 in the U.S. Located in College Park, Maryland (see map to the far right), Maryland Engineering is at the center of a constellation of hightech companies and federal agencies, offering students and faculty access to unique professional opportunities.
NOTE: Underline indicates A. James Clark School of Engineering Corporate Partner
Arkansas Walmart
California Above Green Aditya Birla Group Amgen, Inc. Apple Meta Zoom
Florida AI Applications Developer Health4TheWorld Inc. L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
Georgia Delta Airlines Inc
Iowa Collins Aerospace
Maryland Aberdeen Proving Grounds Accio Robotics Affinius Capital A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc. Argonne National Laboratory Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Clark Construction Group, LLC CyberCX Hughes Network Systems, LLC Lockheed Martin Corporation National Institutes of Health Prince George’s County Public Schools Structural Technologies The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Whitman Requardt and Associates
Massachusetts American Bureau of Shipping Fidelity Investments
Michigan Ford Motor Company ACI Worldwide
Minnesota Akamai Technologies Medtronic
Nebraska Kiewit Corporation
New York AIMM, Advocated in Manpower Management
North Carolina Allan Myers, Inc
Pennsylvania Bentley Systems, Incorporated Boomi Ventois, Inc.
Rhode Island Gilbane Building Company Pepsico
Texas Accenture Tesla Motors, Inc.
Virginia 464 Enterprises LLC ABB American Home Energy Corp Abbott Laboratories Anker Innovations LTD ASRC Federal The Boeing Company Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation Duke Energy Corporation Leidos Holdings, Inc. Northrop Grumman Corporation Pragmatics, Inc. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Washington 2H Offshore Amazon.com, Inc.
Washington, D.C. BairesDev Siemens AG U.S. Department of Defense
Campus Resources & Connections
At MAGE, you’ll benefit from the exceptional resources of a world-class research university— whether you’re studying on campus or online. In-person students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge research centers, such as the Maryland Robotics Center and the Maryland Cybersecurity Center. Our vibrant campus is filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Beyond academics, students can take advantage of the Eppley Recreation Center, University Health Center, and expansive libraries.
GRADUATE STUDENT-SPECIFIC CAMPUS RESOURCES
- Graduate Student Life
- Graduate Student Government
- Graduate Student Legal Aid
- Tutoring and Graduate Writing Center
A. JAMES CLARK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING RESOURCES & ORGANIZATIONS
- Engineering Career Services
- Engineering Graduate Student Society (EGSS)
- Black Engineers Society (BES)
- Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering (CMSE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Women in Engineering (WIE)
- Engineering Veteran Student Committee
These organizations provide opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow students while building professional networks that extend beyond the classroom. The University of Maryland offers even more clubs and groups, over 800 total, where students can share their interests. Online students will also have access to the same high-quality support through a robust suite of digital tools and services, including remote library access, career development resources, and live-streamed or recorded lectures designed for maximum flexibility. Wherever you are, you’re part of the Maryland community, connected to faculty, peers, and a network of professionals committed to helping you advance your career and achieve your goals.
Online Experience
MAGE programs meet you where you are in your education, career, and personal life. The flexibility of online courses makes it easier for you to successfully balance and manage work and family responsibilities. To ensure you get the support you require when it is needed, you can quickly access a range of administrative services to address your questions regarding admissions, coursework, financial aid, or career services.
FLEXIBILITY BUILT IN
While following our traditional semester calendar, online students benefit from the same experiences, learning, and expectations as on-campus. Online programs are designed for busy adult learners in pursuit of both academic rigor and the flexibility to study from anywhere. All of these online M.Eng. and GCEN programs are designed to be pursued asynchronously so that anyone with internet access across the world can be a part of MAGE’s degree programs! With 14 graduate programs that can be completed entirely online, students also have a multitude of courses from various programmatic disciplines available to choose from and with which to tailor their degree towards their career goals. The majority of online courses integrate online and on-campus students together in discussion boards or projects. For those courses, online students can often elect to interact with the course sessions synchronously as well, if their schedule allows.
ONLINE PROGRAMS
- Aerospace Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Cloud Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Embedded Systems
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Engineering Artificial Intelligence
- Fire Protection Engineering
- Hypersonics
- Project Management
- Reliability Engineering
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Choose a Program to Get Started
Or use the arrows in the bottom right to move to the next page
One MAGE Community. Endless Possibilities.
At Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering, you’re not just choosing a graduate school—you’re joining a vibrant, lifelong community of innovators, problem- solvers, and leaders. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are united by a shared commitment to engineering excellence and real-world impact, supported by the powerful Maryland Engineering Alumni Network that keeps Terps connected long after graduation. Whether you’re charting a new career path, leveling up your expertise, or preparing to shape the future of technology, you’ll find a place to belong— and to grow—here at MAGE. Stay connected with us, explore opportunities to engage with the alumni network, and follow our journey on social media (@ mageumd) as we grow and evolve with the technologies shaping tomorrow.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Are you ready to take the next step in your engineering career journey?
Dive deeper into program options and register for a virtual information session.