2024 Best Online Engineering Degrees
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on September 10, 2024
pleted through computer-bas
In an online engineering degree program, you can develop your expertise for careers in manufacturing, air travel, energy production, and other engineering industries.
There are many branches in this field, including civil, computer, and mechanical engineering, and flexible online study opportunities can be found to complete your studies in them.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at American Public University seeks to provide a strong foundation in technology and the tools, ethics, competencies, practices, and theories needed for a successful career in electrical engineering.
Courses are delivered through hands-on projects, online classroom instruction, and pre-recorded lectures.
American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona State University offers several online bachelor’s programs in engineering. Some of these include degrees in electrical engineering, engineering management, electrical engineering with an electric power and energy systems focus, and software engineering. The school offers numerous online master’s degrees in engineering as well.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bemidji State University offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Engineering for students with certificates, diplomas, or 2-year technical degrees in engineering. Those who don’t meet this requirement must complete prerequisite courses at BSU. The degree requires 40 upper-level credits for graduation.
Bemidji State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Technical University offers several flexible, online Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Bachelor’s in Information Technology programs with engineering concentrations. Options include Software Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering, and Software Systems Engineering.
Master’s programs are also available.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The School of Engineering Technology at Daytona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. The same degree can be earned with a concentration in Electrical Engineering Technology. The program’s main objectives are to establish students in various IT careers and equip them with the skills needed to solve technical problems.
Daytona State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern Kentucky University is one of the only schools in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology. The program, which is already rare, differs from others in that it features accelerated 8-week terms, requires no campus visits, and offers free online tutoring.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology at Eastern New Mexico University offers a concentration in Renewable Energy.
The curriculum offers a strong foundation and advanced knowledge in alternative and renewable energy techniques and training in the development of renewable energy systems and how to improve and repair existing systems.
Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
There are four different engineering-related Bachelor of Science degrees offered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: BS in Engineering, BS in Engineering Technology, BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an engineering focus, and BS in Technical Management.
Each program has specific requirements and expected outcomes. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students interested in engineering at Florida International University can choose from a Bachelor of Science in either Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. Both are offered through the university’s College of Engineering and Computing.
The computer science degree requires 120 credit hours for completion, while the electrical engineering degree requires 128.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Engineering is a popular field at Indiana State University, with the school offering Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology Management, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits the university, and each program holds accreditation as well. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs are available for qualified students.
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kennesaw State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology. The program teaches how to design creative solutions to industry problems and improve upon current industry standards.
Courses are delivered via pre-recorded lectures and a once-a-week live component. The online courses are taught by the same highly qualified faculty members who teach on campus.
Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lamar University offers three engineering programs: Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Industrial Technology.
The programs are hybrid, completed in a blend of online and on-campus courses, if the on-campus classes present a challenge, a hybrid exemption can be requested to work fully online.
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Liberty University is ABET-accredited and provides preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Aside from three required on-campus intensives, which can be scheduled to fit students’ schedules, the program can be completed online. The curriculum is comprehensive and flexible.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University offers a Bachelor’s in Manufacturing Design Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Classes for both programs can be undertaken in 4-week sessions, and discounts are offered for students with current or former military experience.
Numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities are also available for qualified students.
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Old Dominion University offers several online bachelor’s programs in engineering-related fields, including, but not limited to, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Electrical Engineering. There are many different concentrations to choose from within these programs as well.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering curriculum at Pennsylvania State University – World Campus contains many software engineering-related courses. Topics of study include computer science, information technology, discrete mathematics, statistics, and probability.
The program requires 126 credit hours for completion, including a capstone course series.
Pennsylvania State University – World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Regent University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering through its College of Arts and Sciences.
This 126-credit program requires the completion of 88 core course credits in operating systems, computer architecture, differential equations, calculus, programming, database fundamentals, and other related topics. Courses are taken online in 8-week terms.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program at Seminole State College of Florida features a dedicated, professional faculty, plenty of hands-on experience, and a comprehensive curriculum set by ABET.
The program is designed to teach students to inspect, plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain engineering systems. Various specializations are also available.
Seminole State College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Software Engineering specialization. Up to 90 qualifying transfer credits are accepted and up to 12 math credits can be earned by scoring well on the Pathways to Math Success exams. The curriculum offers lots of hands-on coding experience.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Thomas Edison State University offers several online bachelor’s programs, including Bachelor of Science degrees in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology, Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology, and Nuclear Engineering Technology.
Each program features very different courses, but they all prepare students for careers in various engineering fields.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Alabama is well-known for its engineering programs, including its online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
This 128-credit program features courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and static machine components, among other CIS and engineering topics. It prepares graduates for engineering careers or graduate school.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Dakota’s Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program offers specialization options in Sustainability, Petroleum Engineering, and Energetics.
The program requires the completion of 130 credit hours, and most students finish in 4 to 5 years. The curriculum offers plenty of hands-on and practical real-world experience.
The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology is flexible, convenient, affordable, and ABET-accredited. Online students do not have out-of-state tuition fees, and the degree can be completed entirely online, with no required trips to campus. The program is ABET-accredited.
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Virgin Islands offers a BS in Computer Engineering Technology, a BS in Engineering Management Technology, and a BS in Electronics Engineering Technology.
Coursework can be completed entirely online, but students may attend an option 3-day and 4-night residency on St. Thomas Island.
The University of the Virgin Islands is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Western Carolina University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Technical Operations. This part-time program is designed for working professionals who want to continue their education without quitting their jobs.
The program requires the completion of 124 credit hours, and most students finish in 8 semesters.
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Many online engineering degrees are available, but these are some of the most common ones. Select the specialty that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
Each of these specialties can give you a strong foundation in engineering and related courses.
If air travel is your passion, you may want to look into an online aerospace engineering degree. This discipline focuses on designing and improving aircraft and spacecraft.
You’ll take classes on the laws and principles of dynamics, such as aerodynamics and particle dynamics. You’ll study materials, fluids, and circuits, as well as advanced physics and calculus. Hands-on courses are usually required, but you may be able to complete some of the coursework online.
After graduating with an aerospace engineering degree, you may draft, design, inspect, or repair aircraft or spacecraft. You could also create computer models or simulations.
Chemical engineers are professionals who understand how chemical processes can turn raw materials into useful goods, including energy, medications, and consumer products. An online chemical engineering degree program can help you pursue a career in this line of work.
Strong math and science skills will help you in this major because you’ll take several calculus and chemistry classes. Although some online courses may be available, you’ll likely have curriculum requirements on campus.
Chemical engineers often work in manufacturing facilities, food processing plants, and consulting firms.
Civil engineers use their skills to solve modern problems and take care of the infrastructure of local areas.
You can develop practical, in-demand skills in an online civil engineering degree program. You’ll take many classes in engineering design and on materials, like steel and concrete. Your studies can also give you insight into project management processes.
Even in an online program, you may have a few on-campus lab intensives to complete.
Civil engineers often work in construction, transportation, and energy production. You could also do surveying or drafting.
It may be no surprise that a computer engineering degree can be completed through computer-based courses. That’s one of the reasons an online bachelor’s degree in computer engineering is one of the most popular engineering programs for distance learners.
Computer engineers need to know programming languages, so you’ll study C++ and possibly other languages. There will also be advanced math classes on statistics and differential equations. Other common topics of study include circuits, microcontrollers, and cybersecurity.
As a computer engineering professional, you could become a computer programmer, hardware engineer, or software developer. You may work for a tech company or any business that depends on computer processes.
If you want a 100% distance program, consider a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. Electrical engineering is a valuable field not only for employment but also for future studies. This bachelor’s degree can serve as a strong foundation for a graduate program in another engineering discipline, such as an aerospace or computer engineering master’s degree.
Common topics of study include circuits, electromagnetism, computer systems, and programming languages.
After graduation, you can pursue work in energy, telecommunications, electronics, automobiles, or computers. You could also work with robots or other cutting-edge technologies.
If you care deeply about the natural world and people’s impact on it, then you could be a good candidate for an online environmental engineering degree. Getting this degree can equip you to become an engineer whose work contributes to the health of people and the planet.
Water quality is an important focus of environmental engineering students. You can also expect to study biology and chemistry. You’ll also study topics like waste management, air quality, and sustainable design.
Your future career might involve water treatment or waste management. You could also be hired by a company to monitor its environmental impact.
An industrial engineering online bachelor’s degree can be a good one to consider if you’re interested in a career in a manufacturing setting. Industrial engineers also play a role in the service industry.
For this degree, you’ll study supply chains, logistics, and cost and quality control. There may also be opportunities to try your hand at drafting and design.
After graduating, you can pursue a career in operations management, production supervision, quality management, or process improvement.
Another way to enter the world of manufacturing is with a degree in mechanical engineering. You’ll learn to work with the machines and robotic components involved in the production of petrochemicals and consumer goods.
Most of the classes for this degree can be completed online. Your studies will include fluid power, robotics, thermodynamics, modern manufacturing processes, and how to design machines to suit company needs.
With this degree, you could get a job selling, installing, maintaining, or creating machines.
The gas and oil industries rely on petroleum engineering experts. Because rich oil deposits are often found overseas, this field can give you opportunities to travel, but there is a high need for domestic petroleum experts also.
In an online petroleum engineering degree program, you’ll study fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, geology, drilling systems, reservoirs, and well operations. It’s common to have classes on the oil industry’s legal requirements and environmental impacts as well.
This degree can be useful if you want to install drilling equipment, improve extraction processes, lead environmental initiatives, or oversee the transportation of raw materials.
For a successful career in software, computing, or video games, consider getting a degree in software engineering online. The expertise you can develop in this major can prepare you for a career on the cutting edge of software design and programming.
Software engineering curriculums cover programming languages, cybersecurity, networking, and data structures. You may study electrical and computer engineering as well. For success in organizational settings, you might take classes in project management too.
Software engineers sometimes work in businesses’ IT departments. Others work in tech companies. Potential job titles include computer programmer and software developer.
Engineering is a promising field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) proposes that architecture and engineering jobs will grow faster than average over the next 10 years. Engineering certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all occupation. Engineers do many different jobs and work in varied sectors.
Many professionals find work with government departments. Some work at the state or local level. For example, civil engineers may be involved in a city’s public works department or hold positions with the state transportation department.
At the federal level, some engineers pursue jobs with NASA. Others dream of being hired by the military, the FBI, or the US Department of Energy. Tech companies are another popular place of employment for engineers. That’s especially true for computer, software, and electrical engineering.
Manufacturers also hire engineers. Industrial engineering experts may oversee operations or improve transportation processes, and mechanical engineers are important for ensuring that companies have the equipment they need to carry out various manufacturing tasks.
Manufacturers also need chemical engineers to transform raw materials into food, medications, cleaning supplies, and other products.
Some types of manufacturing depend on specialized engineering skills. Aviation companies need aerospace specialists. Electronics and automobile manufacturers want electrical engineers.
Energy production is an additional field that depends on trained engineers. You might find work with nuclear plants or oil companies.
Nearly every sector relies on engineering experts. That includes areas like healthcare, banking, and entertainment that you might not automatically associate with engineering. In other words, if you have a passion for a particular industry, you may be able to find an engineering job there.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for those with engineering degrees is $100,000, but careers vary by field. These are some careers in the engineering field and their average salaries according to the BLS:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $165,370 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $138,080 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $135,690 |
| Software Developers | $132,270 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $130,720 |
| Chemical Engineers | $112,100 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $109,010 |
| Environmental Engineers | $100,090 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $99,700 |
| Computer Programmers | $99,510 |
| Industrial Engineers | $99,380 |
| Civil Engineers | $95,890 |
Some of these jobs may require specific specializations or experience to obtain. Salaries will vary based on training, job title, geographic region, and experience.
Getting a master’s degree in engineering can help you move into more advanced roles with higher pay.
An increasing number of schools offer online engineering degrees, so you’ll have many programs to review and choose from to pursue.
To help narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled some important characteristics to consider:
Reading college reviews and graduate testimonials can be helpful in the decision process, but it’s important to remember that everyone has different needs and learning styles. It’s best to consider your personal needs and goals and select a program accordingly.
Most bachelor’s programs require the completion of 120 credits. Some of your studies will address general education topics, but you’ll also take many classes specific to the engineering department.
Your exact courses will depend largely on the branch of engineering you choose to pursue, but the following examples can give you an idea of what to expect.
An internship is a major part of the curriculum at many engineering schools. This in-the-field experience sometimes lasts for one or more semesters.
Engineering programs can be competitive, so you’ll want to craft an outstanding admissions packet. In addition to a basic application form, the school may request several of the following items.
Be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and submit your materials on time. Promptness and attention to detail can increase your standing in the eyes of the admissions committee.
Engineers are in demand. Even still, having a reputable degree is important if you want to land a good job. That’s why you want to pursue a regionally accredited online engineering degree.
Regional accreditation is a sign that a college is meeting educational standards. Several organizations award accreditation, and you can find a listing of accredited schools on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
In addition to helping with job searches, accreditation can improve another college’s view of your studies. Regionally accredited credits are easier to transfer, and having an accredited degree improves your chances of getting into a master’s program.
In addition to regional accreditation, there’s another stamp of approval that you should consider for your engineering program. Programmatic accreditation is a sign that a program’s offerings meet industry standards. In the engineering field, programmatic accreditation is granted by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Choosing an ABET-accredited online engineering degree will ensure you’ll receive the necessary training and gain the essential knowledge needed for today’s workforce.
The curriculums for ABET-accredited programs are built around best practices for the industry, and you can graduate with employable skills. Having an accredited degree on your resume can boost hiring committees’ confidence in your abilities.
ABET accreditation is particularly important if you plan to become a licensed professional engineer. Licensure requirements depend on your state’s rules, but a degree from an ABET-accredited program is typically necessary.
Joining a group of engineering colleagues can contribute to your professional growth. Professional organizations offer beneficial resources, like webinars, conferences, newsletters, journals, online forums, and advocacy initiatives.
These are some of the most popular professional organizations for engineers:
Your membership fees for these organizations can grant you access to group resources and discounts, and many contribute to advocacy and educational initiatives.
A college degree is an investment, but you may not have to pay for the whole thing yourself. A financial aid package can make higher education a more affordable prospect.
The US Department of Education heads the Federal Student Aid program. To learn about your federal assistance options, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). State governments have aid programs as well.
Government aid usually comes in the form of grants and loans. Grants don’t have to be repaid, but loans are money that must be repaid after leaving school.
Applying for scholarships is another savvy move. You may win one scholarship or many, but every award will help lower your tuition bills. Some students receive scholarships directly from their schools, but you can also look for scholarship programs from philanthropic groups, community clubs, corporations, and professional organizations.
Your employer may even have scholarships and other aid programs you qualify for.
Engineers work in many fields, including manufacturing, environmental protection, oil drilling, nuclear energy, computers, and space travel. Many government jobs and positions are available in the private sector for engineers.
Depending on the branch of engineering studied you could become an operations manager, machine salesperson, construction supervisor, project manager, or software developer. You might work in a lab, factory, office, or the great outdoors.
The price of your college degree will be determined by the program’s cost per credit hour. Many online engineering programs charge $300 to $700 per credit hour. Bachelor’s degrees usually require about 120 credit hours for graduation.
Going to school fully online will eliminate the need for room and board charges.
Schools may have additional costs that you’ll need to factor in. For example, there may be technology fees or textbook requirements.
Most students can earn a bachelor’s degree in 4 years, but you may be able to graduate even sooner if you choose the right online degree program. Some colleges use an accelerated class format that can help you make fast progress toward graduation.
You can finish even more quickly if you already have some completed college classes. Many schools will allow you to apply transfer credits toward your degree.
Tuition costs don’t have to deter you from earning your degree. You can find lower rates at public schools and in many online bachelor’s programs.
There are other ways to reduce your tuition costs as well. For example, some colleges have reduced prices for active military members, and others have scholarship programs for qualified applicants. You can also apply for government financial aid.
Yes, an online engineering degree is worth it for many students.
Because organizations depend heavily on the expertise of engineers, many job opportunities are available. The BLS projects that career opportunities in the architecture and engineering field will grow faster than average over the next 10 years.
Common careers in this field include civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, and engineering managers.
The average yearly salary for those with a degree in engineering is $100,000 (BLS).
Some engineering specialties pay more than others, though. For example, petroleum engineers average $135,690 annually, while electrical and electronics engineers average $109,010. Civil engineers make on average $95,890 each year.
Experience and professional licensure are important factors in how much you make. Getting a master’s degree can contribute to career advancement and higher salaries.
Yes, there are some engineering degrees that you can earn 100% online. Common branches of engineering for fully online study include electrical and computer engineering.
Other engineering disciplines, such as petroleum and aerospace engineering, will likely have some in-person requirements. Even for those programs, you may be able to minimize your on-campus time by taking some of the classes online and enrolling in intensive lab classes that last only a few days each.
Yes, online study can lead to a respected degree that you can be proud to list on a resume. You can study the same material online that you would if you enrolled in traditional classes. In fact, at some universities, the same faculty members provide both online and in-person instruction.
If a respected degree is important to you, enroll in a regionally accredited school. Choosing an ABET-accredited engineering program is another smart move.
Engineering is an exciting field with many career opportunities. The possibilities include civil, environmental, electrical, petroleum, and chemical engineering.
With an online engineering degree, you can pursue a job in airplane or automotive manufacturing, environmental restoration, infrastructure development, machine maintenance, software design, or oil drilling.
Choosing a university with online engineering degrees can allow you to get a college education while keeping up with your personal and professional responsibilities.
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