NMSU Global Campus and the College of Engineering partner to offer low-cost, flexible online master’s and certificate programs designed for working professionals

Emily Wickenhauser, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - Daniel Garcia spent nearly three decades working in IT before returning to earn his master’s degree online.

“I never thought I would ever get to go to grad school,” he said. “Back in the ’90s, I left college demotivated. This time, I'm 4.0 all the way. As in every class.”

Garcia earned his master’s degree in information technology through New Mexico State University Global Campus, the university’s online division. It’s one of many online programs offered by the College of Engineering, which provides master of IT and engineering degrees and graduate certificates designed for working engineers. These practice-oriented programs emphasize applied learning and career advancement, offering flexibility beyond the traditional thesis options.

“When I compared schools back home in Chicago, NMSU was about half the cost of the others,” Garcia said. “It just seemed like a great opportunity, especially since I could do everything online.”

Garcia’s success highlights how NMSU is expanding affordable, high-quality education to serve learners at every stage of their careers. With asynchronous courses and multiple start dates throughout the year, students can balance full-time work and other responsibilities.

“Our mission is to empower learners across the country with flexible, affordable pathways into high-demand engineering careers,” said Sherry Kollmann, chancellor of NMSU Global Campus. “By removing geographic and financial barriers, we’re opening the door to opportunity for working professionals ready to take the next step.” 

“These programs are designed to support engineers at every stage of their careers, creating opportunities for graduate education that align with their professional goals,” said David Jauregui, interim dean of the College of Engineering. “Whether building a stronger academic foundation right after earning a bachelor’s degree or adding new skills later in practice, the online degree options provide advanced coursework that supports licensure and career advancement.”

The College of Engineering’s online programs through NMSU Global Campus build workforce expertise in multiple high-demand fields. Students can pursue a master’s degree in industrial, civil, chemical and electrical engineering, as well as a master’s degree in information technology. Engineers can also build focused skills through targeted online graduate certificates in areas such as electric energy systems, digital signal processing and telemetry – each completed in just four courses.  

Jessica Garcia, a recent alumna who completed a master’s degree in industrial engineering online while working full time, appreciated the flexibility of her program.

“I could go to work all day, then come home, make dinner and log into my course,” she said. “Even though it was online, we were still part of a bigger community and still felt connected to the main NMSU campus.”

For those who prefer a traditional learning environment, the College of Engineering continues to offer master’s degree programs on campus, as well as research-focused master’s and doctoral degrees in disciplines ranging from aerospace to environmental engineering.

As a newly designated Carnegie R1 research university and New Mexico’s land-grant institution, NMSU is home to state-of-the-art facilities and accomplished faculty engaged in cutting-edge engineering research. Faculty and students are advancing knowledge and technology in critical areas, including energy and power systems, cybersecurity and data science, aerospace and hypersonics, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable water solutions.

Applications are currently open for the spring 2026 semester, which starts Jan. 21. For more information, visit https://global.nmsu.edu/.

Emily Wickenhauser writes for New Mexico State University. She can be reached at ejwick@nmsu.edu.