2025 Best Online Engineering Degrees

By Joy Miller Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on December 1, 2024
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Online engineering degrees offer flexibility, accessibility, and quality for aspiring engineers. These programs help you gain technical skills and industry credentials while balancing life’s demands.

Design. Build. Innovate. These degrees cut through barriers—no relocation, no rigid schedules. Study at your pace while earning an accredited degree respected by employers. Whether you aim to advance your career or enter a new field, online engineering programs equip you with the expertise to solve real-world problems and shape the future. Start your journey today.

Online Engineering Degrees

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Universities Offering Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Engineering

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.

American Public University

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program from American Public University provides students with 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 a mixture of hands-on projects, online classroom instruction, and pre-recorded lectures.

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Arizona State University

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

Students who already hold certificates, diplomas, or two-year technical degrees in engineering fields can enroll in Bemidji State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Engineering program.

Students who don’t meet the prior requirements can enroll in prerequisite courses on Bemidji’s campus as well. The degree requires 40 upper-level credits for graduation.

Bemidji State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University offers several flexible, online bachelor’s programs in various engineering fields. Some potential programs are in the fields of software engineering, cyber security engineering, and software systems engineering.

Master’s programs are also available. Bachelor’s degrees are either in computer science or information technology with specific concentrations.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Daytona State College

The School of Engineering Technology at Daytona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree or the same degree 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

Eastern Kentucky University is one of the only schools in the nation to offer bachelor’s degrees in fire protection and safety engineering technology. The program, which is already rare, is different from others in that it features accelerated 8 week terms, requires absolutely no visits to campus, 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.

Eastern New Mexico University

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology program at Eastern New Mexico University can select a concentration in renewable energy.

They’ll gain a strong foundation and advanced knowledge in alternative and renewable energy techniques, learn to develop renewable energy systems, and determine how to make improvements and repairs on existing systems.

Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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 its own specific requirements and 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.

Florida International University

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.

Indiana State University

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 university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and each individual program holds accreditation as well. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs are available for qualfied students.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers students an online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology program. The program teaches students 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. Courses are taught by the same highly-qualified, on-campus faculty.

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Lamar University

Students at Lamar University can enroll in one of three engineering programs: electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or industrial technology.

The programs are “hybrid,” which means students take courses online and on campus. However, if the on-campus classes present a challenge, students can request a “hybrid exemption” that allows them to work fully online.

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program at Liberty University is ABET accredited and prepares students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. The program can be completed online aside from three required, on-campus intensives, which can be scheduled to fit students’ schedules. The curriculum is comprehensive and flexible.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers two online engineering bachelor’s programs – one in manufacturing design engineering and one 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

Old Dominion University offers a large selection of online bachelor’s programs in engineering-related fields.

There are many programs from which students can choose including, but not limited to, civil engineering technology, general engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, and electrical engineering technology with numerous areas of concentration.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program at Pennsylvania State University – World Campus can expect to take many software engineering-related courses such as 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

Regent University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program through its College of Arts and Sciences.

It’s a 126 credit hour program that features 88 core course credits in classes such as operating systems, computer architecture, differential equations, calculus, programming, and database fundamentals. Courses are taken online in 8 week terms.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Seminole State College of Florida

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

Southern New Hampshire University has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program that allows students to specialize in software engineering. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and earn up to 12 math credits by scoring well on the Pathways to Math Success exams. Students will gain lots of hands-on coding experience.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University offers several different online bachelor’s programs to students including Bachelor of Science degrees in electronics systems engineering technology, nuclear energy engineering technology, and nuclear engineering technology.

Each program features very different courses in its curriculum, 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.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is well-known for its engineering programs including the online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree.

It’s a 128 credit program featuring courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and static machine components among other CIS and engineering topics. Graduates should be prepared for engineering careers or graduate school.

The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of North Dakota

Students enrolled in the University of North Dakota’s Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program have the option of specializing in either sustainability, petroleum engineering, or energetics.

The program requires 130 hours for completion, and most students finish in four or five years. Students get 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.

University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology program that’s flexible, convenient, and affordable. There are no out-of-state tuition fees for online students, 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.

University of the Virgin Islands

At the University of the Virgin Islands, students can choose from three different Bachelor of Science degrees: computer engineering technology, engineering management technology, and electronics engineering technology.

Coursework can be completed entirely online, but students have the option to complete a three-day/four-night residency on St. Thomas Island if they so choose.

UVI is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Western Carolina University

Students at Western Carolina University can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program and select the technical operations concentration. It’s a part-time program designed for working professionals who want to continue their education without quitting their jobs.

The entire program encompasses 124 credit hours, and most students finish in eight semesters.

Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accredited Online Engineering Degrees

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

Regardless of the specialty you select, you may still receive a strong foundation in engineering and related courses.

Online Aerospace Engineering Degrees

If air travel is your passion, then you may want to look into an online aerospace engineering degree. This discipline focuses on designing and improving aircraft and spacecraft.

Your field of study may include 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 may also create computer models or simulations.

Online Chemical Engineering Degrees

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 may help you pursue this line of work.

During your chemical engineering course of study, you may explore topics like thermodynamics, statics and reactors.

To be successful, it’s helpful to have strong math and science skills because you’ll take several calculus and chemistry classes. Although some online courses may be available, you might need to fulfill some curriculum requirements on campus.

Chemical engineers often work in manufacturing facilities, food processing plants and consulting firms.

Online Civil Engineering Degrees

You’re sure to learn practical, in-demand skills in an online civil engineering degree program. Civil engineers use their skills to solve modern problems and take care of the infrastructure of local areas.

For this degree, you’ll take many classes on engineering design as well as courses on materials like steel and concrete. Your studies may give you insight into the process of project management. Even in an online program, you may have a few on-campus lab intensives to complete.

Civil engineers often work in fields like construction, transportation and energy production. You might also do surveying or drafting.

Online Computer Engineering Degrees

It may come as no surprise that a computer engineering degree may be completed through computer-based courses. That’s why 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 as well. There will also be advanced math classes on statistics and differential equations. Other topics may include circuits, microcontrollers and cybersecurity.

As a computer engineering professional, you may become a computer programmer, a hardware engineer or a software developer. You may work for a tech company or any business that depends on computer processes.

Online Electrical Engineering Degrees

If you want a 100% distance program, think about getting a bachelor’s in electrical engineering online. Electrical engineering is a valuable field not only for employment but also for future studies. This bachelor’s degree may serve as a strong foundation for a graduate program in another engineering discipline, such as an aerospace or computer engineering master’s degree online.

Your curriculum is likely to include courses on circuits and electromagnetism. You may study computer systems and programming languages as well.

After graduation, you may work in a field like energy, telecommunications, electronics, automobiles or computers. Your work might deal with robotics and other cutting-edge technologies.

Online Environmental Engineering Degrees

If you care deeply about the natural world and people’s impact on it, then you might be a good candidate for an online environmental engineering degree. Getting this degree can help 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. There may be courses on waste management, air quality and sustainable design.

Your future career might involve water treatment or waste management. You may be hired by a company to monitor its environmental impact.

Online Industrial Engineering Degrees

The discipline of industrial engineering is a good one to consider if you’re interested in a career in a manufacturing setting. Industrial engineers may also play a role in the service industry.

Studying for an industrial engineering online bachelor degree may require you to study supply chains and logistics. You’ll also learn about cost control and quality control. There may be opportunities to try your hand at drafting and design.

Common job opportunities with an industrial engineering degree include operations management and production supervision. You may also work in quality management or process improvement to advance the productivity and efficiency of your organization.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

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 that are involved in the production of petrochemicals and consumer goods.

Most of the classes for this degree can be completed online. Your studies may include topics like fluid power, robotics and thermodynamics. For an online mechanical engineering degree, you’ll also study modern manufacturing processes and discuss how to design machines to suit a company’s needs.

Your online mechanical engineering bachelor degree may lead you to a job selling, installing, maintaining or creating machines.

Online Petroleum Engineering Degrees

The gas and oil industries rely on petroleum engineering experts. Because rich oil deposits are often found overseas, this field may give you opportunities to travel, but there is a high need for domestic petroleum experts as well.

For an online petroleum engineering degree, you’ll learn about fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Students also study geology, drilling systems, reservoirs and well operations. It’s common to have classes on the oil industry’s legal requirements and environmental impacts.

This degree may be useful if you want to install drilling equipment, improve extraction processes, lead environmental initiatives or oversee the transportation of raw materials.

Online Software Engineering Degrees

For a successful career in software, computing or video games, consider getting a degree in software engineering online. The expertise that you develop in college may get you ready for a career on the cutting edge of software design and programming.

The software engineering curriculum will cover topics like programming languages, cybersecurity, networking and data structures. You may learn about electrical and computer engineering as well. For success in organizational settings, you might study project management.

Software engineers sometimes work in businesses’ IT departments. Others work in tech companies. Potential job titles include computer programmer and software developer.

Engineering Careers & Salaries

Engineering is a promising field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics proposes that architecture and engineering jobs will grow at a 3% rate over the next ten 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 a position 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 U.S. Department of Energy. Tech companies are another popular place of employment for engineers. That’s especially true for people in 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 that they need to carry out various manufacturing tasks.

Manufacturers also need chemical engineers who know how to transform raw materials into useful products like food, medications and cleaning supplies.

Some types of manufacturing depend on specialized engineering skills. Aviation companies need aerospace specialists. Electronics and automobile manufacturers may want electrical engineers.

Energy production is an additional field that depends on trained engineers. You might find work with nuclear plants or oil companies.

In fact, 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 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary with a Bachelor of Engineering is $90,000. Some careers in the engineering field include:

Careers Annual Median Salary
Architectural and Engineering Manager $149,530
Petroleum Engineer $137,330
Computer Hardware Engineer $119,560
Aerospace Engineer $118,610
Software Developer $110,140
Chemical Engineer $108,540
Electrical or Electronics Engineer $103,390
Environmental Engineer $92,120
Mechanical Engineer $90,160
Computer Programmer $89,190
Industrial Engineer $88,950
Civil Engineer $88,570

For some jobs, you may need to have studied a particular engineering specialty. Salaries may vary based on training, job title, geographic region and experience. Getting a master’s degree in engineering may help you move into more advanced roles with higher pay.

Choosing an Online Engineering Degree

An increasing number of schools are offering online engineering degrees, so you may have quite a few colleges to choose between for your studies.

To help you decide, consider characteristics like those below:

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 think through your personal must-haves for an engineering program and select a college accordingly.

Engineering Curriculum & Courses

To get a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you’ll need to earn about 120 college credits. Some of your studies will address general education topics, but you’ll also take many classes that are specific to the engineering department.

Your exact courses will depend largely on the branch of engineering that you choose to pursue, but the following examples may give you some idea of what to expect.

An internship is a major part of the engineering curriculum at some schools. This in-the-field experience sometimes lasts for one or more semesters.

Admissions Requirements

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 may increase your standing in the eyes of the admissions committee.

Accredited Online Engineering Degrees

Engineers are in demand. Even still, having a reputable degree is important if you want to land a good job. That’s why you may want to pursue a regionally accredited online engineering degree.

Colleges receive regional accreditation if they can be counted on for a good education. That determination is made by one of the country’s seven regional accrediting associations. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) maintains a list of those organizations.

In addition to helping with job searches, accreditation may improve another college’s view of your studies. Accredited credits are easier to transfer, and accreditation improves your chances of getting into a master’s program.

ABET Accreditation

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 college’s offerings meet industry standards. In the engineering field, that type of accreditation is granted by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

When you study for an online engineering degree ABET accredited, you can feel confident that you’re gaining the necessary knowledge for today’s workforce. You may be trained on best practices for your industry, and you may graduate with employable skills. An accredited degree may enhance 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.

Engineering Professional Organizations

Joining a group of engineering colleagues may contribute to your professional growth. Professional organizations offer beneficial resources like webinars, conferences, newsletters, journals, online forums and advocacy initiatives.

Your membership fees will often grant you access to group resources and discounts, and they may also contribute to advocacy efforts and educational initiatives.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

A college degree is an investment, but you may not have to pay for the whole thing yourself. Instead, you may put together a financial aid package that makes higher education a more affordable prospect.

The U.S. Department of Education heads up 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 you borrow while you’re in 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.

What Can You Do With an Online Engineering Degree?

Engineers work in many different fields, including manufacturing, environmental protection, oil drilling, nuclear energy, computers and space travel. There are many government jobs for engineers as well as positions in the private sector.

Depending on the branch of engineering that you study, you may become an operations manager, a machine salesperson, a construction supervisor, a project manager or a software developer. You might work in a lab, a factory, an office or the great outdoors.

How Much Does an Online Engineering Degree Cost?

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.

Schools may have additional costs that you’ll need to factor in. For example, there may be technology fees or textbook requirements. If you go to school fully online, though, you won’t need to worry about room and board charges.

How Long Does an Online Engineering Degree Take?

Most students can earn a bachelor’s degree in four 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 might be able to finish even more quickly if you already have some classes under your belt. Many schools may allow you to apply transfer credits toward your degree.

Are There Any Affordable Engineering Programs Online?

Tuition costs don’t have to deter you from earning an online bachelor’s degree. Some schools charge only $300 to $400 per credit hour. You may find low rates at one of your state’s public universities.

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.

Is an Online Engineering Degree Worth it?

Yes, an online engineering degree is worth it for many students.

Many organizations depend heavily on the expertise of engineers, so you may have plenty of job opportunities available. In fact, the number of engineering positions is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the architecture and engineering field will grow at a 3% rate. Common careers in this field include civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, computer hardware engineer, and engineering manager.

How Much Money Can Engineers Make?

On average, a bachelor’s degree in engineering can bring in $90,000 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Some types of engineering tend to pay more than others, though. For example, petroleum engineers average $137,330 annually, and electrical and electronics engineers make $103,390. Civil engineers may earn around $88,570 each year.

Experience and professional licensure may be important factors in how much you make. Getting a master’s degree may contribute to career advancement and higher salaries.

Can You Get an Engineering Degree Online?

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, may 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.

Is an Online Degree Respected?

Yes, online study can lead to a respected degree that you can be proud to list on a resume. You’ll 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, then you’ll want to enroll in a regionally accredited school. Making sure that your online engineering degree is ABET accredited is another smart move.

Getting Your Engineering Degree Online

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 may 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 may allow you to get a college education while also keeping up with your personal or professional responsibilities. To begin the process of becoming a licensed engineer, send applications to accredited online programs. Explore schools and programs tailored to your path—just click “Find My Program.”

Ready to start your journey?