10 Best Online Engineering Programs

Are you considering engineering as a career path? Looking for the best online engineering programs? If you’re a logical thinker, enjoy problem-solving, and are good at math and science, an online engineering degree is a great choice. Traditionally, it’s one of the most solid career choices you can make. 

And don’t think of being holed up in a cubicle either. Engineering roles vary widely. From aerospace engineering to computer science engineering, there’s a niche for anyone in this field. Engineers work in the field, in labs, and on massive infrastructure projects. Engineers work nearly anywhere large-scale manufacturing or research operations are in the works.

And here’s some excellent news. If you’re looking to make a move into the engineering field, there has never been a better time! A growing number of top universities are offering online engineering programs. These programs allow students to schedule their education around their busy lives. And with many programs, students can study from anywhere in the world—anytime it is convenient for them. With an online engineering degree, career options in this growing field are nearly limitless.

Check out the ten best online schools for online engineering degrees below. Then, get started on a plan to earn your online engineering degree soon!

You may also want to explore our ranking of the top 100 best online colleges.

Methodology for the Top 10 Online Engineering Programs

There are many engineering online schools. So narrowing the list down to just 10 online engineering degrees was no easy feat. To determine the best engineering programs, we looked at a few factors:

Academic Reputation

This is the relative ranking of the program’s institution based on other high-profile sources. Such publications include US News & World Report, Princeton Review, and others. 

Student Satisfaction

The average student satisfaction scores. These are based on how happy students are overall with the institution. 

Affordability

The cost of undergraduate tuition per academic year at each school.

Tuition varies widely among colleges offering engineering degrees online. However, the methodology for this review is simple. The rankings are based on in-state undergraduate tuition rates for each school. The tuition costs we have listed are per academic year. Note that the prices for out-of-state and graduate programs may differ. The cost per credit for individual programs may differ as well. All figures come from NCES College Navigator.

The schools are ordered from highest to lowest scores, with the most affordable online engineering colleges at the top. All of the online engineering degrees have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards. And each college has been verified as a non-profit institution. 

Best Online Engineering Schools

10 Best Online Engineering Programs

1. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is one of the top research schools in the country. The school has many excellent online degree programs. Classes are taught by the same faculty members that teach in-person classes. And the flexible asynchronous format lets students learn whenever and wherever its convenient. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern Miss offers two fully online engineering degrees. Both focus on industrial engineering technology. And both are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The  B.S. in Industrial Engineering Technology program takes two to four years to complete. Students will need 120 credits to graduate. This program provides students with a broad view of the tech demands of local industry. And it prepares them for roles in operations, automation, and more. 

The second program is a B.S. in Industrial Engineering Technology/Logistics program. Students will have most of the same requirements in this program. They will need 120 credits to complete the program, which takes two to four years. However, this program is more focused on logistics, including:

• Supply chain management
• Distribution
• Transportation
• Operations management

Course requirements are much the same as well. Some of the courses engineering students can expect to take include:

• Performance Technology
• Industrial Quality Control
• Industrial Cost Control
• Operations and Logistics Concepts
• Production and Inventory Control
• Industrial Automation
• Plant Layout and Material Handling
• Lean Production Systems
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Industrial Simulation and Modeling
• Engineering Economics
• Operations Management

The online engineering degree cost at USM is the lowest of all schools on our list. Plus, financial aid is available. And several scholarship opportunities are also available for online students. Currently, the University is ranked 13th and 7th of engineering degree programs surveyed in student happiness and reviews. 

2. Ohio University 

Ohio University offers an excellent 100 percent online Civil Engineering graduate program. Students in this program can choose from four areas of concentration:

1. Environmental Engineering
2. Transportation Engineering
3. Construction Engineering and Management
4. Structural Engineering

Students can complete this program in as little as five semesters. However, credit requirements may vary depending on the concentration. No GMAT or GRE is required, provided students meet the other admissions requirements. Some of the courses for this program include:

• Project Management
• Environmental Analysis of Transportation Systems
• Principles of Project Development, Contracts, and Law
• Construction Planning and Scheduling
• Structural Reliability
• Environmental Analysis of Transportation Systems
• Advanced Steel Design
• Engineering Writing
• Transportation Planning Fundamentals
• Principles of Pavement Design
• Open Channel Hydraulics
• Heavy Construction Managemen
• Prestressed Concrete DesignChemical Fate and Transport
• Applied Civil Engineering Statistics
• Structural Reliability
• Bridge Engineering

OU is part of the Ohio University System. The school offers a wide range of programs. Plus, they have over a dozen on-campus engineering degree programs as well. These are taught through the Russ College of Engineering. Some of the areas of interest include:

• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Engineering Technology and Management
• Biomedical Engineering
• Aviation Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Energy Engineering

U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the best Online Graduate Engineering Degree Programs. And OU has been ranked in the Princeton Review as a Best College.

3. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program. The program is highly flexible, so it’s geared toward students who are already working full-time. Courses are taught by the same SBU instructors that teach on campus. And classes are delivered asynchronously. All materials, discussions, labs, exams, etc., can be accessed online. This means students can complete their studies whenever it is most convenient for them. Some of the courses in the program include:

• Digital Logic Design 
• Electrical Circuit Analysis 
• Signals and Systems 
• Foundations of Machine Learning
• Fundamentals of Low Noise Electric Sensors 
• Electric Machinery and Energy Conversion
• Engineering Design 
• Engineering Ethics 
• Waves & Transmission Lines 
• Intro to Semiconductor 
• Computer Science

This is an ideal program for those who want to pursue a career in electrical engineering. And the program aims to prepare graduates for roles in the design and implementation of engineering systems. Additionally, this program will prepare students to pursue graduate degrees in Engineering.

Please note that some prerequisite requirements may require students to come to the campus. For example, students must have a year of calculus-based Physics with a lab to enroll in the program. In these cases, students would need to attend onsite courses at a local community college or university. Additionally, some exams require students to go to approved proctoring centers. 

Stony Brook University is ranked 10th and 11th of engineering degree programs surveyed in student happiness and reviews.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a wide range of fully online engineering programs. They range from an Electrical Engineering BSE to a Masters in Industrial Engineering. There are 40 engineering programs in all. Some of the other popular online programs in engineering include:

• Electrical Engineering (MSE)
• Engineering Management (BSE)
• Engineering Science in Software Engineering (MSE)
• Engineering: Engineering Management (MEng)
• Engineering: Quality, Reliability, and Statistical Engineering (MEng)
• Engineering: Systems Engineering (MEng)
• Human Systems Engineering (BS)
• Industrial Engineering (MS)
• Materials Science and Engineering (MS)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSE)
• Software Engineering (BS)

ASU offers a very generous transfer policy and multiple start dates a year. This is one of the most flexible online engineering schools on our list. Most of the courses are asynchronous. That means students can log in and complete their studies whenever it is convenient. Courses are delivered through the Canvas learning management platform. This is where students can access their course modules, tech support, and discussion forums. Currently, Arizona State University is ranked 7th and 8th of programs surveyed in student happiness and reviews.

Online students at ASU have a wealth of resources and services at their fingertips. Some of these include:

• Career Services
• Counseling
• Health Webinars
• Legal Services
• Personal Finance Resources
• Crisis Intervention
• Academic Support
• Time Management Coaching
• 24-7 Live Chat Tech Support
• Tutoring

5. University of Florida

The University of Florida has an online Master in Civil Engineering program. Students can choose between a Master of Engineering or a Master of Science program. Online concentrations may also be available. Offered on the Canvas platform, you’ll need 30 credits for completion. Students can finish the program in about two years. Some of the courses in the program include:

• Computer Science
• Foundations of Machine Learning
• Engineering Innovation
• Entrepreneurship for Engineers
• Dynamics of Soils and Foundations
• Foundation Design
• Construction Planning and Scheduling
• Public Works Management
• Advance Transportation Systems Analysis
• Traffic Engineering
• Traffic Flow Theory
• Advanced Urban Stormwater Design
• Wetland Hydrology
• Applied Probability Methods in Engineering
• Fundamentals of Engineering Project Management
• Structural Mechanics

UF is a public university and part of the State University System of Florida. The school’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the country. In addition, they offer several other engineering programs in various disciplines. A few of these include:

• Agricultural and Biological Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Environmental Sciences Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering Sciences
• Civil Engineering

Related: Top Online Chemical Engineering Programs

6. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers its remote programs through ODU online. Students who enroll in an engineering degree online have the same resources as on-campus engineering students. This includes expert coaching, tech support, and other services designed to help students succeed. Old Dominion University ranked 10th and 4th of programs surveyed in student happiness and reviews. 

ODU offers several online programs in engineering. The undergraduate offerings consist of six online degree completion programs:

• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
• Communication Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
• Embedded Systems Technology
• Industrial Technology (Occupational & Technical Studies)
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Mechatronics Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)
• Nuclear Systems (Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Power Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology)

Most of the degree completion programs only require the final 30 credits to be taken with ODU. So the rest can be transferred in. Several minors are available. The school also offers a fully online undergraduate degree program in Information Systems & Technology. Additionally, ODU has ten online graduate programs in engineering:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering – Coastal Engineering focus
• Cybersecurity
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering Management
• Engineering Management by Portable Media
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Modeling and Simulation
• Systems Engineering

There is also one online engineering doctorate program. It’s the engineering management and systems engineering Ph.D. program. This program blends applied research with theoretical knowledge. And it’s one of the top online Ph.D. engineering programs we’ve discovered. 

Finally, ODU offers several certificates to enhance your engineering knowledge. These certificates may help students earn credentials with state licensing boards.

You may also like: What Can I Do With a Doctoral Degree in Engineering Management?

7. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers an online bachelor of science in mechanical engineering program. However, students do need to take three lab courses with some in-person components. Additionally, students are required to take live proctored exams. The program is identical to the school’s on-campus offering. It is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). And it is designed to support engineers pursuing a variety of fields, including:

• Automotive
• Power Generation
• Bioengineering
• Textile
• Robotics
• Manufacturing
• Research & Development
• Pulp & Paper
• Steel & Materials
• Petro-chemical 
• Aerospace

The program requires 126 credit hours of coursework to graduate. However, students may transfer associate and bachelors-level credits if they wish to complete their degree at UA. The University of Alabama ranked 6th and 2nd of programs surveyed in student happiness and review. And the school is nationally ranked by US News. Applications are accepted year-round, and students can begin in the Fall or Spring semesters. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available. 

8. Excelsior University

Excelsior University (previously Excelsior College) is a non-profit distance learning institution. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Excelsior is ranked 1st in both student happiness and student reviews of programs surveyed. 

Founded in 1971, the mission of this college is to provide educational opportunities for adult learners. To this end, the school offers dozens of online degree programs. This includes two types of remote electrical engineering degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology

This program readies students for careers in many technology-related industries. It is designed to teach core technology concepts to advance job skills. Students in this program can choose from two concentrations—Electronics or Power Systems.

Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology

This undergraduate degree prepares students for technical positions in the nuclear industry. Students can choose from three concentrations. The first is a general concentration. The other two are Nuclear Cybersecurity and Nuclear Leadership.

Both programs are Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. And they each require 124 credit hours of coursework. A generous transfer policy allows students to transfer prior experience in school, work, or the military. This policy can help shorten the time it takes to earn the engineering degrees. Excelsior offers a wide range of online resources for its students. A few of these include:

• Academic Advising
• Disability Services
• Career Development Support
• Veterans Services
• Online Writing Lab
• Counseling Assistance
• Tech Support
• Tutoring

9. ECPI University

East Coast Polytechnic Institute University offers four online applied engineering programs. These programs are geared toward practical needs in the workforce rather than theoretical knowledge. This gives students the best possible chance of landing an engineering job. Courses are skill-based, and many engineering degrees may be completed in just 2.5 years. The online engineering programs include:

• Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Mechatronics Electronic Systems Engineering Technology

These programs are all accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. ECPI’s Online+ program is different than many online college programs. The school offers several unique features, including:

Virtual Labs and Hands-on Simulation

Students will get one-on-one personal instruction in a virtual lab environment.

Accelerated Programs

Students can go at their own pace and complete the online programs in under three years. 

Career Services

The school supports students with resumes, interview skills, and job searching. In addition, career services can be utilized by students at any time in the future. 

Personalized Tutoring

Instructors are available for one-on-one help during the day, evening, and weekend hours.

Custom Mobile App

Students have access to ECPI Mobile 2.5. This custom app lets you track your progress, get help, and earn swag. 

Industry Certifications

Students can earn industry certifications that can help them learn new skills. In addition, the GetCertified resource can help students move into higher-paying roles with more opportunities.

Blockchain Diplomas & Transcripts 

ECPI is one of the first schools to offer diplomas and transcripts through Blockchain cryptography. After graduation, you can share proof of your achievements with employers privately and securely.

ECPI is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Currently, the school is ranked 1st and 9th of programs surveyed for student happiness and reviews.

10. Johns Hopkins University

 Johns Hopkins University offers several online master’s engineering degrees. These are delivered through the school’s Engineering Professionals Program. Johns Hopkins has offered online courses specifically tailored to working professionals for over 20 years. And they are one of the first top research universities to jump on the remote learning trend. 

JHU ranked 8th and 5th for student happiness compared to other surveyed schools. In addition, Johns Hopkins University is a top 10 ranked national university according to US News. The school offers a wide range of online and hybrid engineering graduate programs. A few of these include:

• Applied Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Healthcare Systems Engineering
• Information Systems Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Space Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Engineering

These online engineering programs span multiple disciplines and can be completed full or part-time. Students can access courses through the Canvas learning management platform. In addition, students will be a part of the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals program. This designation entitles them to several excellent resources such as course planning, tutoring, and career services. The online engineering programs at JHU are taught by the same respected faculty members that teach the on-campus programs.

Online Engineering Degree FAQs

What Can You Do With an Online Engineering Degree?

A career in engineering depends on which specific discipline you studied. There are many types of engineers. You can pursue a career as a civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical, design, energy, and mechanical engineer. Of course, this is only a partial list. Engineering is a vast field. 

How Can I Find The Best Online Engineering Degrees?

Research colleges that offer online engineering degrees. Then, review the rankings and each school’s website. When you have chosen a prospective college, contact the school to apply.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Engineering Degree?

An engineering degree typically takes four years of study. However, you could earn your engineering degree in two to three years with online or accelerated programs. 

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering?

It typically takes two years of advanced study beyond a bachelor’s in engineering for student to earn their master’s engineering degrees.

Engineering Degree Careers and Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost all engineering fields are expected to experience steady growth through 2030. Some specializations are expected to grow even higher over the next several years. For example, industrial engineering roles are expected to increase by 14 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Common Engineering Career Paths and Salaries

See also: Highest Paying Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Engineering Degree

How To Choose the Best Online Engineering Program

Choosing an online engineering program is a pretty big decision. After all, you’ll be spending the next few years (and a good amount of money) immersed in your studies. So you want to be sure to pick a program that aligns with your goals and aspirations. For example, what engineering degrees interest you the most? Do you see yourself pursuing a career in industrial engineering? Or are you looking for engineering degrees that focus on computer engineering instead? 

When you first start searching for the best online degree program in engineering, you’ll have to do a little homework. Here are some tips on finding the best online colleges for engineering.

Related: Planning for your First Year in College

What To Look For in Online Engineering Programs

Tuition Costs

Tuition costs for online engineering schools vary widely from college to college. But does cost equal quality? Not necessarily. Some of the top engineering schools in the nation are relatively affordable. So more expensive programs are not necessarily better. But don’t forget to factor in fees and extra costs for all engineering degrees. 

Financial Aid

The listed tuition price is generally not going to be your final cost when it comes to engineering degrees. For example, the prices listed in this review are based on in-state tuition per academic year. But that doesn’t always mean that will be your final cost. 

A large percentage of students (nearly 84 percent) get some form of financial aid in their first year. And 42 percent of students receive grants averaging over $5,000.

On top of that, you may qualify for one or more scholarships. So, rest assured that the listed price will probably go down if you are eligible for financial aid. 

Location

If you plan to attend school online, you generally don’t need to worry about the location. However, some online engineering degrees require a few on-campus components. For example, you may need to attend campus for various labs or exams. And these campus visits might be mandatory. Will you be able to make it to the college if you live on the other side of the country?

If your preferred school has no in-person requirements, then it won’t matter. But if there are any events you need to attend in person, you’ll want to think it over carefully. A long trip costs money and could take you away from your job or family. Can you afford it?

Accreditation

Many employers will not even consider job candidates who did not attend an accredited college. It’s that important. So when you start looking into engineering degrees, make sure they are accredited. The schools on our ranking lists are all accredited. But if you’re looking elsewhere, be sure to verify the institution’s accreditation status.  

Campus Amenities

Although you plan to complete your engineering degree online, you may still want to take advantage of campus amenities. This may include athletics, clubs, or organizations that interest you. Amenities vary between schools. Some colleges have fitness facilities, swimming pools, and other perks. In most cases, online students can still visit campus and use the facilities. So if you’re searching for online engineering degree programs near you, think about what other resources and services the college may offer. 

Online Options

There are several options when it comes to remote learning. Many schools offer hybrid engineering programs. This means that students spend part of their time online and the other part on campus. Other schools have synchronous online programs. With these programs, students must meet online for class at the same time. Finally, there are asynchronous programs. Asynchronous programs allow you to complete your studies on your own time and on your own schedule. If this is something you’re looking for, verify the school’s remote learning format before signing up for an engineering program.

Career Services

Career services are essential. Many schools have partnerships with major engineering firms. This provides a way for students to get their foot in the door and start practicing engineering right away. Does your school offer any such programs? Will they help you with job placement, resumes, or interview skills? What about fellowships or internships? If you want the best chance at landing a high-paying engineering role, go to a school that offers excellent career services. 

Concentrations

Does the engineering program you are considering have any specializations or concentrations? If you’re interested in a particular aspect of engineering, there’s a good chance you can find a school offering that concentration. But you might need to do some digging. Check over each program’s information page carefully. And if you can’t find the online engineering degree programs you are looking for, make some calls. Many colleges are willing to help students design online engineering degree programs that fit in with their goals and career aspirations.  

Skills Needed To Become an Engineer

If you want to be a professional engineer, you first need to earn your bachelor’s degree in some area of engineering. But an engineering program alone doesn’t mean you’ll be a great engineer. Instead, some specific traits make students a good fit for an engineering career.  

Qualities of Good Civil Engineers

Leadership

Engineers are professionals that take responsibility for the projects they are working on. Often, they are in charge of other workers. And they sometimes need to delegate and motivate others to carry out project plans. Successful engineers dont shy away from being leaders rather than followers. 

Decisionmaking 

Engineering involves a lot of trial and error, and an engineer must make many decisions each day. Engineers are constantly balancing multiple objectives and having to choose the best possible outcome. For example, they may need to put safety over cost. Therefore, engineers need to be practical, decisive, and objective. 

Mathematics

All engineers need to be highly proficient in mathematics. It’s something that sets them apart from other professionals. While core mathematics is a good start, engineers need more than that to break into the engineering field. Engineers must excel in advanced mathematical concepts and subjects like calculus, algebra, and trigonometry. If you dislike math, engineering is probably not the best career for you. 

Communication

Engineers often need to present plans and ideas in front of a group. Or they may need to be present at meetings to answer questions about a specific project. This requires a calm demeanor and the ability to speak clearly and concisely about any project. Engineers should be naturally good communicators. Talented engineers can take highly technical information and explain it to others in a way they can understand. Additionally, engineers need to have good written communication skills. 

Problem-Solving 

Engineers are almost always involved in problems at the very heart of their projects. Complex plans always involve obstacles during planning, design, and implementation. However, good engineers can solve these puzzles on the fly and come up with workable solutions without getting frazzled. Competent engineers are problem-solving wizards who always look for alternative ways to get things done. 

Organizational Skills

Engineers are masters at multitasking. Typically, they handle multiple large and small tasks each day. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, good engineers know how to prioritize, delegate, and do things in an orderly fashion. Additionally, engineers are experts at time management.

This concludes our ranking of the top engineering schools online.