An online master’s in electrical engineering prepares students for a range of careers in the engineering field. While you do not need a graduate degree to enter the workforce, it can elevate your career opportunities, especially for leadership and supervisory positions. Most online graduate degrees in electrical engineering require between 30 and 33 credit hours; in some cases, a full-time attendee could finish in just one year.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost for a graduate degree is $19,749. Upon finishing their program, graduates would be eligible to apply for senior-level or managerial positions in electrical engineering and can expect an annual salary of at least $100,000.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Program
Choose your area of study
Your first decision when pursuing an online master’s in electrical engineering will be whether to obtain a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering. The requirements for these programs are typically the same, but they prioritize different overall goals.
A Master of Science in Engineering tends to skew more toward research and theory, so those seeking Ph.D. programs and possible teaching positions will likely choose this tract. Applicants pursuing a more practical application of engineering principles might opt for a Master of Engineering. Some institutions also offer dual-degree programs, such as an engineering degree combined with an MBA — though these programs demand a longer academic commitment.
Your next consideration is your concentration. Institutions offer different focus areas, and not all universities provide the same concentrations. If you have a niche interest, find a school with faculty and coursework dedicated to that field. Some common specialty areas include:
- Wireless and mobile communications
- Circuits and systems
- Computer engineering
- Robotics
- Bioengineering
Research schools and programs
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing an online master’s in electrical engineering degree program. For instance, ensure your program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which is essential for professional engineering licensure.
Some other questions to consider include:
- How is online coursework facilitated? Are students engaging with faculty through scheduled, virtual classes?
- Do online students have access to support resources like tutoring, counseling, and career coaching?
- How is professional experience integrated into the program?
- What accommodations are available to those with disabilities?
It’s important to ensure your degree meets your personal and professional needs. To get your questions answered and understand an institution’s online community, explore each school’s website and program materials, contact current faculty, and attend open houses.
Prepare for tests and applications
Online master’s in electrical engineering programs have different admissions standards and application requirements. Some may have rolling admissions, whereas others have a firm date by which you must submit your materials. Most programs set thresholds for a minimum undergraduate GPA and GRE/GMAT scores. If you struggle with standardized testing, consider enrolling in a GRE or GMAT prep course or setting aside additional preparation time. However, only some schools require admissions testing, so plan and do your research.
Select your program
Once you’ve identified the programs that match your goals, it’s time to compile your application materials and submit them. You might apply for just one program or want to give yourself options. Most schools post their acceptance rate so that you can get a sense of a specific program’s competitiveness. When you receive your acceptance notices, you’ll want to compare the pros and cons of each choice, factoring in cost, professional opportunities, schedule flexibility, and other variables that matter to you.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Generally, you can find the per-credit cost for your program online. Some programs offer scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities, but these are less frequent at the graduate level and can be very competitive. To help you plan for payment, contact the financial aid office through the school’s institution. You may qualify for federal assistance or affordable loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Veterans may be able to apply for certain tuition benefits as well. Make sure you understand the actual financial commitment — online programs, while sometimes more affordable than traditional in-person programs, may have additional technical fees.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
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How We Rank Schools
We focused our research on master’s degrees in electrical engineering. The most common graduate degree in this field is a Master of Science (MS).
We also specifically sought degree programs that can be completed fully or partially online. Many programs give students the option to complete their degree through a combination of online and on-campus coursework, while others are delivered totally online.
All of the schools on our list have regional accreditation, which means they meet high standards of quality in higher education. Many programs are also accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a specialized program accrediting body.
Once we found the programs that fit our criteria, we evaluated them on their outcomes, reputation, cost, flexibility, and faculty. We then assigned each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering
Career outlook
Those with degrees in electrical engineering can expect a strong career outlook, with many industries needing employees with this expertise. Job opportunities for electrical engineers are expected to grow by about 5% through 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations. The median salary for this position is $103,320. More specialized industries can pay even more. Openings for aerospace engineers, for example, are expected to increase by 6% in that same timeframe, and the average salary for this position is $126,880.
Career paths
A master’s in electrical engineering degree prepares students for a career in any industry that uses electrical components or electronic products.
Those who wish to focus strictly on electrical engineering can work with utility companies and power systems businesses. Those who want to use their knowledge for broader applications can work in the aerospace or marine industries. Electrical engineers are also necessary for healthcare operations and transportation. Here are a few common electrical engineering career paths:
- Aerospace engineer — develop and test materials and technology for the aerospace industry
- Electrical engineer — design, create, and conduct quality assurance for electrical components and equipment
- Circuits engineer — work with circuits, electronic equipment, and communications devices
- Marine engineer — construct and test electrical and electronic systems on boats and other watercrafts
- Test engineer — test, troubleshoot, and provide quality control for electrical systems and components
- Power systems engineer — work with utility companies and businesses to improve power systems products
Electrical Engineer
Earning Potential: $75,000-$171,000 annually
Education Required: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or another engineering field
Electrical engineers design, develop, and provide ongoing support for electrical systems and their components. They are focused on ensuring that all points of the electrical system work safely and efficiently. An electrical engineer’s work could focus on the smallest details in electrical circuits or the big picture when it comes to power grids and power systems.
Electrical engineers bring an in-depth knowledge of electrical principles to their jobs and work to maintain and improve systems for a variety of industries. Their work contributes to the continued advancement of technology and the safe application of electrical systems in the real world.
Aerospace Engineer
Earning Potential: $78,000-$176,000 annually
Education Required: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields
Aerospace engineers work in all aspects of air and space travel. They are an integral part of designing, manufacturing, and testing aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers with an electrical engineering background may focus more on the electronic components of aircraft, ensuring they can provide reliable performance in high-stress environments.
They may also focus on research and applying new theories and technologies to improve existing electrical systems in this industry. The results of this research can have far-reaching effects on space exploration, global transportation, and military and national security. Aerospace engineers must also work collaboratively with professionals in other industries.
Marine Engineer
Earning Potential: $66,000-$150,000 annually
Education Required: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related fields
Marine engineers are focused on maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving watercraft, including submarines, boats, cruise ships, freight ships, and offshore structures. They are tasked with creating and implementing systems that can provide reliable electrical power to ships in the middle of the ocean, miles away from the nearest grid.
Marine electrical engineers work on electrical components, including navigation systems, and address the benefits and complications of using solar and battery power. They may be employed by transportation, naval defense, or underwater exploration companies. Their contributions help ensure the safety and comfort of crews and passengers on ships worldwide.
Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in electrical engineering degree program?
Some of the more common application materials for an online master’s in electrical engineering degree program include:
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores (GRE scores are preferred over GMAT scores for most electrical engineering programs)
You can also ask an admissions counselor if there is any way to waive the application fees.
Official test scores can take several weeks to send, transcripts can take a few days to mail, and your professional references need at least two weeks to craft their recommendation letters.
How much does an online master’s in electrical engineering degree cost?
The average cost of tuition for an online master’s in electrical engineering degree program is about $32,000. Multiple factors tie into the final cost. For instance, most institutions charge a higher price for out-of-state students. Other associated costs include books, software, and technology, library, and student fees.
To save some money, ask your admissions counselor about relevant transfer credits, as some programs have curricular requirements that you have already completed in undergrad.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in electrical engineering degree?
Most online master’s in electrical engineering degrees require between 30 and 33 credits or roughly ten classes. If you attend full-time, you can finish in one or two years. However, many engineering professionals choose to earn their master’s degree while continuing to work, requiring part-time attendance.
If you decide to attend part-time, you will likely need three to five years to complete the program. It’s important to note that many programs require you to finish the coursework within five years. Students can sometimes complete online degree programs, especially those with a self-paced, asynchronous model, at a faster rate than traditional in-person degrees.
Is an online master's in electrical engineering degree worth it?
A master’s degree in electrical engineering opens up advanced positions with supervisory responsibilities and higher salaries. Electrical engineers with master’s degrees earn an average of $78,138 per year, and across all occupations, those with master’s degrees earn around 20% more than their counterparts with only bachelor’s degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-paying industry for electrical engineers is research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Manufacturing of semiconductors and other electronic components is a close second.
Completing your master’s degree also opens up valuable research, internship, and networking opportunities. You can assist faculty with projects and gain valuable experience that can make you a more attractive candidate when it’s time to join the workforce. An online master’s degree program can be especially valuable for students already in the field who are trying to further their education because it’s easier to complete coursework around a traditional job.