Why This Matters

  • CHOOSE FROM OVER 18 DIFFERENT CAREER PATHS

    Engineering encompasses a wide range of subcategories that overlap with technology, chemistry, biology, construction, medicine, manufacturing, and other disciplines, opening up an array of opportunities.

  • 113K NEW ENGINEERING JOBS EXPECTED BY 2028

    Employment within engineering occupations is expected to continue growing at an average pace throughout the next decade, as the U.S. rebuilds infrastructure, and develops new renewable energy resources.

  • DEMAND FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERS TO RISE 21%

    The fastest-growing engineering occupation is software engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the U.S. will add 284,100 new jobs in this field by 2028, as the demand for new computer software increases.

Our Research

Most engineering degrees are Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degrees, although some schools offer a Master of Engineering (ME). This list includes degrees in various types of engineering, including industrial, civil, electrical, computer, and aerospace engineering.

We only reviewed programs that can be completed fully online, or with minimal in-person requirements. Review the plans of study carefully to confirm if they have any in-person components. Some programs are also delivered on-campus.

The programs on our list are offered by regionally accredited institutions, guaranteeing that they meet high standards of quality for post-secondary education. Many programs also have programmatic accreditation through ABET, or Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

We evaluated each program’s faculty, flexibility, price, courses, and reputation. Using this information, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Our picks for the best online engineering degree are highly respected, flexible, and affordable. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 84 hours to write this article
  • 179 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 415 education programs we compared

The Top 60 Online Engineering Degrees

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What You Should Know About This Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational level needed for most engineering jobs. A master’s degree can help you develop advanced skills, or prepare you for leadership roles in your field. Your current education level and career aspirations will guide you in deciding which degree you should pursue.

While the overall job outlook for engineering professions is good, there are a few areas in which job growth will be slow for the foreseeable future, including aerospace engineering, electronics engineering, and nuclear engineering. The automation and outsourcing of manufacturing duties, and changes in the types of energy sources used are contributing to slower-than-average job growth. The best job opportunities in these areas will be in research and development, as the push for new technologies and systems continues.

Regulations and professional credentials vary by engineering sectors. Civil engineers have the most stringent regulations. They must have a Professional Engineer (PE) license awarded by the licensing board in the state in which they work. Consult with your state’s licensing board to confirm that you are attending a program that meets their standards for civil engineering education. Typically this means attending an ABET-accredited program, so it is also a good idea to find out the program’s accreditation status when you are exploring programs.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Engineering programs:

  • Does this program offer an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s track? Many schools that offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering offer an accelerated program that allows students to earn both degrees in five years. In these programs, students begin taking their graduate coursework prior to finishing their undergraduate degree. If you are interested in pursuing a master’s, enrolling in an accelerated program can save you time and money.
  • Are there any in-person requirements for this program? While all of the coursework for the programs on our list can be completed online, some programs do have in-person requirements for hands-on learning experiences, or campus visits. It’s important to review a program’s curriculum carefully to learn about any in-person requirements they have, and confirm that they will fit into your schedule and budget.

Be sure to look at the program’s application requirements and deadlines as well. This information is usually available on the program’s website, or by contacting an admissions representative directly.

Financing your education is another important consideration. Research funding resources including financial aid, grants, scholarships, assistantships, and tuition benefits from your employer, if you are currently working.