Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA: A Complete Guide on Top Universities & Courses

Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA offers Indian students an opportunity to specialize in advanced manufacturing processes, automation, robotics, and sustainable production techniques. As the U.S. manufacturing sector contributes over $2.3 trillion annually to the economy, the demand for skilled engineers remains high, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

Graduates from top universities, such as MIT, Stanford and Georgia Institute of Technology, can expect a successful career with an average starting salary of $85,613 (INR 73.2L), with top earners reaching up to $109,500 (INR 93.6L). Additionally, the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to experience significant demand, with around 381,000 job openings reported in April 2025.

This blog will explore top programs and universities, assisting you in your plan to study in the US.

Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA: Overview

A Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA typically spans 1 to 2 years, with institutions like Michigan Technological University offering programs that prepare you for roles in automation, robotics, and sustainable manufacturing. 

With options for Master of Science (MS) or Master of Engineering (MEng), the program requires GRE scores, English proficiency tests, and a relevant undergraduate degree.

The table below provides a comprehensive overview of Master's programs in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA.

Before exploring the details of universities and programs, you need to understand how studying a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering can help your career goals.

Why Pursue a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA?

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) noted that the number of engineering and engineering technology master's degrees awarded increased from over 9,800 to more than 15,000 in the last decade. 

Additionally, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) reported that there were 319,000+ full-time master's students enrolled in science, engineering, and health (SEH) fields in the U.S. This is one of the primary reasons why study in the USA is so popular among international students.

Here's why studying a Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA can be beneficial.

• High Demand for Skilled Engineers: The U.S. manufacturing sector continues to experience strong growth, with an estimated 380,000 job openings projected for manufacturing engineers by the end of 2025. 
• Competitive Salaries: In the U.S., manufacturing engineers earn an average annual salary of $85,613 (INR 73 L). Specialized roles, such as Manufacturing Systems Engineers, can command higher wages, averaging $109,500 (INR 93.6 L) per year.
• Strong Employment Outcomes: Graduates from institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Stout have impressive employment rates. For instance, 96% of their graduates in the Science, engineering, and math fields were employed or continuing their education within 6 months of graduation.
• Access to Advanced Research Facilities: Universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, offer state-of-the-art engineering facilities. Their Master of Engineering programs offer students the opportunity to participate in the latest research and development projects.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: A Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering opens doors to various roles, including Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Specialist, and Supply Chain Manager. These positions are available across multiple industries worldwide, offering a wide range of career paths.

After understanding the basics and the benefits of studying a Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA, let's check out the top universities offering this program.

Top Universities For Studying a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA

Understanding the best universities and colleges in the USA helps you make an informed decision about where to enroll for your Master’s in manufacturing engineering course.

For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers the Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering (Leaders for Global Operations) with an annual tuition fee of $84,350/ INR 72L, and a 2-year program duration.

Below are the top universities offering Master’s in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

In addition to top universities, other institutions offer reputable Masters in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Popular Universities for Masters in manufacturing engineering in the USA

If you're looking to pursue a Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA, several universities offer programs with varying tuition fees, durations, and start dates. 

For example, the University of Southern California courses offer a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering with an annual tuition fee of $46,000/ 39.5L and a duration of 1.5 years, with intakes scheduled for August 2025 and January 2026.

The table below lists the most popular universities offering Master’s in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Before applying to one of the top Masters in manufacturing engineering in the USA, you need to check the eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria for Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA

To apply for a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA, you'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5. 

Most programs require standardized test scores, such as the GRE, along with proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL or Pearson Test of English score. You'll also need to provide documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose.

Here are the eligibility criteria for Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Having explored the eligibility requirements, let's examine the process of applying for a Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA.

Application Process for Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA

The application process for the best private and public universities in the USA involves several critical steps, including meeting university-specific admission requirements, submitting necessary documents such as standardized test scores and academic transcripts, and following application deadlines. 

Acceptance rates vary, with the University of Michigan at 18%, UC Berkeley's MEng program at 12%, and the University of Texas at Austin at 31%.

Here are the steps involved in applying for a Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering in the United States.

Step 1: Understand Admission Requirements

Each university has specific admission criteria. Common requirements include:

• Bachelor's Degree: A four-year undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field.
• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is typically required.
• GRE Scores: Some universities may require GRE scores, while others have made them optional. 
• English Proficiency: International students are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of their English proficiency. For example, the University of Texas at Austin requires a minimum TOEFL score of 84.
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually, two or three letters from professors or employers.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-crafted SOP outlining your academic background, research interests, and career goals.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your academic achievements, internships, projects, and work experience.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. For Indian students, this includes marksheets and degree certificates.
• Standardized Test Scores: If required, ensure your GRE and English proficiency test scores are sent directly to the universities.
• Recommendation Letters: Request letters from your referees well in advance.
• SOP and CV: Tailor these documents to highlight your strengths and align them with the program's focus.

Step 3: Submit Applications

• Online Application: Complete the online application forms for each university you are interested in.
• Application Fees: Please pay the non-refundable application fee. For instance, UC Berkeley charges an application fee of $125 (INR 10K) for international students.
• Deadlines: Adhere to application deadlines. UC Berkeley's deadline for Fall 2025 admissions was December 2, 2024 (Closed).

Step 5: Interview

Some programs may require an interview as part of the selection process. Prepare by reviewing your application materials and being ready to discuss your academic background and research interests.

Step 6: Admission Decision

After submission, universities will review applications and make admission decisions. Acceptance rates vary; for example, UC Berkeley's MEng program has an acceptance rate of approximately 12%.

Step 7: Visa Application

Upon receiving an offer of admission, you will need to apply for an F-1 student visa. This process involves:

• SEVIS Fee: Paying the SEVIS fee.
• Visa Interview: Scheduling and attending a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Documentation: Providing necessary documents, including the I-20 form from the university, proof of financial support, and a passport.

Next, you'll learn about the course structure, including the subjects and specializations offered in the top Master's programs in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Course details for Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA

In a Master's program in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA, you will gain in-depth knowledge of core subjects such as Computational Methods, Data Analytics, Manufacturing Processes, and Materials Science. 

You can also choose from specialized electives such as Digital Manufacturing, Robotics, and Sustainable Manufacturing. Programs often include hands-on experiences through internships, capstone projects, and opportunities for global exposure.

Below is the course structure for the Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Now, let's find out how much it costs to study a Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Cost of Pursuing Masters in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA

The cost of studying in the USA, especially for a Master's degree, typically ranges from $32,000 (INR 27.3 L) to $67,918 (INR 58 L) per year for tuition fees, with additional expenses for accommodation, food, and other living costs. 

You can expect to spend anywhere from $8,500 (INR 7.26 L) to $15,000 (INR 12.8 L) annually on accommodation and approximately $1,200 (INR 1.1 L) for books and course materials.

Here is the detailed cost of living in the USA for a Master's in manufacturing engineering.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Studying Masters in manufacturing engineering in the USA. So, you can apply for internal and external scholarships to manage educational expenses in the U.S. 

Masters in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA: Scholarships for Students

To study a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA, securing a scholarship can significantly reduce financial stress. For instance, the University of Michigan's College of Engineering Merit-Based Scholarship offers partial to full tuition coverage, provided you have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

On the other hand, external scholarships, such as the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship, offer an interest-free loan of up to INR 20 L for Indian students.

The tables below showcase internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students to manage the cost of studying Master's in manufacturing engineering.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships offered by U.S. universities can significantly reduce your tuition costs while providing additional financial support. 

For instance, the University of California, Berkeley's Robinson International Scholars Program is a fully-funded scholarship in the USA, covering full tuition, living stipends, and leadership development for international students from specific regions.

Here are some popular internal scholarships available to Master's in Manufacturing Engineering students.

International students may also apply for external scholarships offered by the US or Indian government or different organizations.

External Scholarships

External scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA. For example, the Fulbright scholarship provides full coverage for tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance, typically amounting to $30k (INR 25.6L) – $50K (INR 42.7 L) per year.

Here are some of the most popular external scholarship options for Indian students.

Now, let’s focus on what type of job opportunities you will get after studying a Masters in manufacturing engineering in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA

After completing a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA, you'll have access to a variety of high-paying job opportunities across different engineering roles. For example, a Manufacturing Engineer earns an average annual salary of $91,296 (INR 77.6 L), while an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer can make around $141,670 (INR 1.2 Cr). 

The table below lists some of the top in-demand jobs in the USA after completing a Master's in manufacturing engineering.

Source: Indeed, Glassdoor

Note: Salary figures are approximate and may vary based on location, experience, and company.

So, which companies will hire you with a Masters in manufacturing engineering in the USA? Let's find out.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates from Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA

Top recruiters offer lucrative jobs in the USA for Indian freshers after completing a Master’s in manufacturing engineering.  

For example, Tesla hires Senior Manufacturing Engineers with an average annual salary of $218,000 (INR 1.86 Cr), while General Motors offers Facilities Engineers around $72,093 (INR 61.6 L) annually.

 In the table below, you'll find a detailed list of top recruiters, job roles, and their corresponding salaries to help you explore potential career opportunities.

Source: Glassdoor & Indeed

Joining a Master's in manufacturing engineering in the USA requires careful planning and expert guidance. Let's understand how upGrad can assist you in this process.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Masters in Manufacturing Engineering in the USA?

Studying for a Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the United States opens up a world of exciting career prospects, but the admission process can be a bit complex. From selecting the right program to securing financial support and navigating the intricate application process, each step requires careful attention. 

That's where upGrad can make all the difference. With customized support, you'll find the right program, discover ways to manage costs, and learn about career opportunities. 

If you're ready to take the next step towards your Master's in Manufacturing Engineering in the US, Schedule a career counseling session with upGrad experts. 

Let's simplify your journey, help you understand the application process, and get you on the fast track to achieving your academic and career goals.