Online Master’s in Engineering Operations Degree
- Online
What Is an Engineering Operations Degree?
An online MS in Engineering Operations is a graduate degree that teaches planning, execution and optimization of engineering systems, workflows and resources. It is designed for engineers, technical professionals and individuals with analytical backgrounds who want to build skills in operations strategy, systems integration and data-informed decision-making.
The curriculum covers areas such as project management, infrastructure management, deployment processes, quality assurance and organizational management. It addresses industry need for more efficient, data-driven operations across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, logistics and technology. Graduates can apply these skills to analyze complex systems, improve performance and support operational decision-making in engineering-focused organizations.
Online: $610 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What’s It Like Going to GCU for Your Master’s Degree in Engineering Operations?
The student experience combines flexible learning options, collaborative engagement and structured support services. You will participate in discussions and applied projects that encourage interaction with peers and faculty while building skills through practical case scenarios. A Christian worldview is integrated throughout the curriculum, guiding exploration of ethical decision-making, stewardship and leadership within engineering operations.
What To Expect in an Online MS in Engineering Operations
Flexible Online Learning
Course delivery supports working professionals through structured online learning environments. Coursework is organized into manageable modules that include readings, applied assignments and collaborative discussions. You will engage with hands-on operational scenarios and use digital tools to analyze processes and outcomes.
Accredited Engineering Education
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Faith-Integrated Learning Experience
Coursework applies a Christian-based framework to engineering operations, examining how principles such as stewardship, accountability and responsible resource use inform system design and operational decisions. You will assess real scenarios to understand the ethical implications of efficiency, sustainability and organizational impact.
Dedicated Student Support
Support resources include academic advising, technical assistance and access to learning materials. Additional guidance is offered to help you navigate coursework, manage deadlines and apply concepts effectively within a structured graduate learning environment.
What Will I Study in an MS in Engineering Operations?
You will study how engineering systems and operations are planned, managed and improved across real industry environments. The program explores how processes, data and workflows interact, helping you understand how to evaluate performance and support operational decision-making. Coursework also emphasizes applying concepts to practical scenarios to better understand how engineering operations function in context.
Engineering Operations Degree Core Course Topics
The curriculum introduces core concepts for planning, analyzing and improving engineering operations across technical environments. Coursework combines systems thinking, project management and process improvement to help students understand how engineering processes function in practice.
Core course topics taught in this engineering operations degree include:
Operations management and strategy
Planning and optimizing engineering operations to align processes with organizational goals
Systems engineering and integration
System design and performance analysis across interconnected engineering environments
Data analytics for engineering discussions
Interpreting data and applying analytics tools to support operational decision-making
Process improvement and quality control
Improving efficiency and consistency through quality assurance and continuous improvement methods
Who Is the Master’s in Engineering Operations Designed For?
This online MS in Engineering Operations degree is designed for individuals who want to work more closely with engineering systems and processes, even if they do not have a traditional engineering background. It is suited for professionals in technical, operations or analytical roles who support engineering teams, manage workflows or help coordinate projects and systems.
The program focuses on building the skills needed to understand how engineering processes function and how to plan, execute and improve them within practical operational settings.
What Can You Do With an Engineering Operations Degree?
An engineering operations degree can help you apply for engineering roles focused on improving how systems and processes perform in technical environments. Graduates may work on analyzing operations, increasing efficiency and supporting data-informed decision-making across a range of industries.
Career paths include:
Facilities manager
Oversees building operations, maintenance, and safety systems
Industrial production manager
Manages manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production
Architectural and engineering manager
Leads teams in planning and executing technical projects
Industrial engineer
Improves processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste
Industrial engineering technologist and technician
Supports engineers by analyzing workflows and implementing improvements
Median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations(See disclaimer )as of May 2024(See disclaimer 1)
Estimated job openings each year, on average, for architecture and engineering occupations from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 2)
Online Tuition
Tuition is typically charged per credit hour, so you can understand your costs as you plan. Financial options may include scholarships, employer assistance and federal aid for those who qualify. Taking time to review these options can help you make an informed decision about how to fund your education.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
FAQs About Operations Engineering
This section provides additional clarity on engineering operations roles, skills and program expectations to help you evaluate whether this degree aligns with your background and goals.
What do operating engineers do?
What skills will you develop in an engineering operations degree?
Is a master's degree in engineering operations worth it?
What other engineering degrees does GCU offer?
Can you earn a master’s in engineering operations without an engineering background?
Getting Into GCU
To apply, you will need to submit an application and academic transcripts that demonstrate preparation for graduate-level study. Applicants are evaluated based on prior coursework, academic performance and alignment with program requirements. Reviewing current criteria can help determine eligibility and next steps.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Develop skills to analyze systems, improve workflows and support data-informed operational decisions. Explore how GCU’s online MS in Engineering Operations can help you build practical expertise for technical environments.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Architecture and Engineering Occupations, as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as architecture and engineering occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architecture and Engineering Occupations, retrieved June 2026.