The following guide examines the top online engineering degree programs nationwide. The demand for engineers continues to grow, spanning various industries, including technology, construction, robotics, and mechanical specialties.
Below, readers will be able to identify the most prominent destinations to attend for a reputable engineering degree with flexible online learning provisions.
Top Online Engineering Degree Programs
The following are some of the most prominent online engineering degree programs for candidates to consider.
University of California, Los Angeles
- Master’s in Engineering Programs
- ABET Accredited
University of California, Los Angeles, offers several engineering programs, including specific options that provide candidates with the flexibility to study abroad or complete their studies entirely online. These include the online master’s degree programs in aerospace engineering, computer networking engineering, and electronic materials engineering.
Candidates may also consider the university for its programs in manufacturing and design engineering, mechanical engineering, signal processing and communication engineering, and materials science engineering — all of which can be taken online and lead to a master’s degree.
University of California, Los Angeles’ engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Southern California Institute of Technology
- Bachelor’s in Engineering Programs
- ABET Accredited
At the Southern California Institute of Technology, aspiring engineers who would like to earn their degrees online can choose from a handful of comprehensive bachelor’s degree programs. These include the computer science and technology program, the civil engineering program, the mechanical engineering program, and the computer science program.
Students receive not only detailed theoretical instructions but also the opportunity to be paired with trainers who work closely with them to ensure they can complete practical projects at home, receiving guidance from the instructor along the way.
The school also utilizes live lectures, along with pre-recorded videos that students can access at any time. Other highlights of studying here include purposefully small class sizes for individualized attention, a comprehensive curriculum, and access to laboratory projects.
Southern California Institute of Technology’s bachelor’s in engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Stony Brook University
- Bachelor’s in Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
Stony Brook University offers an online electrical engineering training program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The program is an excellent choice for candidates who wish to develop a strong understanding of fundamental principles in physics and calculus, while earning a degree from a highly respected institution.
Graduates will leave with a bachelor’s degree and be able to participate in laboratory work by performing the required tasks independently. Candidates from New York pay less tuition, but the program is still open to those who do not reside in the state.
Other highlights of choosing this program include a relatively affordable application fee, flexibility in selecting unique schedules, and the opportunity to complete 120 credits of instruction covering topics ranging from electromagnetic waves and transmission lines to signals and systems.
Florida International University
- Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering Programs
- ABET Accredited
Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program. This program contains 128 credits, covering both core classes and electives. The school and the program in question maintain a small student-to-teacher ratio (24:1) to ensure personalized attention.
It has a 69% overall graduation rate and a high rate of students who qualify for Pell grants. Additionally, after completing their bachelor’s degree program, candidates who wish to pursue a master’s program can also opt for an accelerated online master’s program in Electrical Engineering Management.
Florida International University’s online engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
University of Maine
- Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
The University of Maine offers an online Bachelor of Science degree program in Surveying Engineering Technology. While this program allows students to resume laboratory education on campus if they wish, the majority of the coursework is conducted online.
Students will need to find a local surveyor who will supervise their laboratory and fieldwork if they prefer not to be on campus. Candidates can leverage this program to study at their own pace and then enroll in a master’s degree program at the university, which also offers online studies.
The program offers highly affordable tuition, ranging from $424 to $515 per credit, for students in Maine and Canada. It enjoys accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
University of North Dakota
- Bachelor’s in Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
Aspiring electrical engineers seeking flexible training opportunities may also consider the University of North Dakota. The school offers an accredited, online electrical engineering program that operates at incredibly high standards.
Apart from comprehensive education and quality learning materials, students can also look forward to an array of enrichment opportunities, including support and career advice, as well as extended study programs. Online students can participate in engineering-related clubs, such as the Society of Distance Engineering Students, a unique organization established by the school specifically for online engineering candidates.
Students can also take advantage of accelerated training opportunities to earn a master’s degree in just 6 years. Accepted applicants qualify for Pell Grants, with 55% of students already receiving them.
Columbia University
- Doctor of Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
Columbia University offers a Doctor of Engineering Science program that can be completed partially online. Students who are accepted will initially receive distance learning resources. Still, they will ultimately have the opportunity to attend the campus to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Although the program is considered a hybrid program, participants are still required to hold a master’s degree in a related field to be eligible for admission. Courses to expect include orthopedic biomechanics, heat and mass transfer, energy and micropower generation, material processing, controls and robotics, fluid mechanics, and nanotechnology, among others.
Kennesaw State University
- Bachelor’s in Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
Kennesaw State University in Georgia is another highly regarded institution that offers an online training program for individuals seeking to pursue an engineering degree nationwide. The school is notable for its affordable program, along with the high-quality education that students receive upon graduation.
The specific program highlighted is the Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering Technology. Candidates who wish to study exclusively from the comfort of their own homes can do so by opting for the fully online program.
On the other hand, those who prefer a combination of in-person and online training can opt for the hybrid format.
University of Alabama
- Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
The University of Alabama’s online chapter (UA Online) offers amazing programs for mechanical engineers. The first is a bachelor’s degree program with competent instructors, high flexibility, and a high graduate success rate.
The second option is a master’s degree program that also takes place online, with affordable tuition and similarities to the traditional, campus-based option.
The curriculum encompasses topics such as combustion, energy conservation, fluid mechanics, computer-aided automation, heat transfer, biomechanics, and precision engineering, among others.
Purdue University
- Doctor of Engineering Program
- ABET Accredited
Purdue University offers an online Doctor of Engineering training program that focuses on experienced engineers. It aims to help these professionals further enhance their skills, enabling them to tackle real-world challenges and assume leadership positions in their field.
The program prides itself on taking a flexible, interdisciplinary approach, allowing all students to tailor their education to fit specific specialties and technical areas of interest. The program also includes numerous study resources designed to help candidates develop management expertise, ultimately leading to significant career advancement.
Accepted applicants will be expected to complete 90 credits to graduate. Purdue University’s Doctor of Engineering program has been rated among the best online graduate engineering programs by U.S. News.
Are Online Engineering Degrees Respected?
Employers absolutely respect online engineering degrees. Surveys conducted by prominent organizations have shown that as many as 80% of employers are comfortable working with candidates who earned their engineering degrees online.
These employers felt that online programs are more than adequate to offer high-quality education, which is, for the most part, comparable to regular, campus-based programs. Of course, many online engineering degree programs are offered by prominent universities and colleges worldwide, thereby contributing to the prestige and respect that these degrees command.
The rapid improvement in technology and the general shift to online, remote work environments have also contributed significantly to the popularity and growing respect for online engineering degrees.
