Best Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
2024Electrical engineers revolutionized modern life beginning with the development of the telegraph, telephone, and light bulb. Now they work on complex electrical equipment such as cars, radar, and navigation systems. They design electrical systems and develop new ways to use electrical power such as renewable energy.
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering can prepare you for a field that pays well and is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronics engineers earned a median annual wage of $109,010 as of May 2023. BLS projects a 9% employment growth rate for these engineers between 2023 and 2033.
Explore the field of electrical engineering, career opportunities, and some of the nation’s best online electrical engineering degree programs.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Programs
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled26,814
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,212
- Out-of-state$14,371
- In-State$10,534
- Out-of-state$18,434
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled13,581
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,953
- Out-of-state$24,531
- In-State$11,493
- Out-of-state$25,248
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled31,607
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University-Skysong
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Electrical Engineering vs. Mechanical Engineering: What’s the Difference?
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers harness electrical currents and voltages to flow through circuitry, microchips, and systems. An electrical engineer’s training places emphasis on electricity and magnetism.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers design machinery and systems that can accommodate these electrical components and energy flow. Mechanical engineers focus on physics and materials science.
During their training, electrical engineers can choose a specialization like electronics engineering, computer engineering, or power systems. Mechanical engineering specializations include controls and robotics, materials science, and renewable energy and environmental flows.
These engineers often collaborate on projects and work in the same industries. Mechanical and electrical engineers work together to service airplanes, broadcast systems, and medical devices and equipment.
What Can I Do With an Electrical Engineering Degree?
Electrical engineers are highly skilled and sought after for their expertise. They can choose one of many career paths across diverse disciplines. Electrical engineering jobs include electrical and electronics engineer, computer network architect, and aerospace engineer. Engineers with significant experience can apply for managerial roles.
New technologies offer growing opportunities for electrical engineers. These professionals are integral to the renewable energy sector and to design. They improve robotics and AI systems. Other occupations include electronic communications engineer, control engineer, and electrical design engineer.
Most engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and practical experience like an electrical engineering internship. According to the BLS, depending on their specific role, a professional with an electrical engineering background can earn well above six figures and expect strong job growth through 2033.
The following table outlines some of the jobs you can get with a degree in electrical engineering.
| Job | Description | Job Outlook | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Engineer | Manage technical staff to ensure engineering projects meet deadlines, have appropriate staffing, stay on budget, and meet specifications; often serve as a client’s key point of contact. | N/A | $75,970 (average) |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineer | Design, develop, and oversee the manufacturing of electrical equipment; explore and develop new ways to use electrical power and are needed in the sustainable energy sector. | 9% | $109,010 (median) |
| Computer Network Architect | Design and develop data communication networks such as wide area networks, local area networks, and intranets; upgrade hardware and software and research ways to optimize network performance. | 13% | $129,840 (median) |
| Aerospace Engineer | Design, develop, and test aircraft and aerospace products; produce prototypes to determine their feasibility; inspect malfunctioning or damaged machinery. | 6% | $130,720 (median) |
| Engineering Manager | Oversee teams or head departments in their area of specialization; guide the research and development of products, processes, or designs; hire staff and supervise budgets. | 6% | $165,370 (median) |
What to Expect From an Online Electrical Engineering Program?
Earning a degree online allows you to study at your own pace. It also gives you access to programs outside of your local area. Explore what to expect in some of the nation’s best online electrical engineering degree programs.
Degree Requirements
Successful engineering students must have an aptitude for subjects such as math, physics, and chemistry. Admission to an engineering program requires prerequisite high school coursework in these subjects. Enrollees must complete around 120 credits to graduate and may earn a variety of degree designations, including a bachelor of engineering or BS in electrical engineering.
Students typically complete a bachelor’s program in four years. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow learners to graduate in less time. Many programs require a culminating engineering design project that demonstrates your knowledge and training. Alternatively, you may opt for a thesis.
Skills
Electrical engineering majors gain a mix of engineering and soft skills. You may learn how to design and test electronic hardware, computer software, and physical systems. You may also learn programming languages like C++, Python, and MATLAB. Participants apply their knowledge of science, math, and engineering to solve complex engineering problems. This often leads to strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Courses
Below you will find some common courses offered by online electrical engineering programs. Be aware that many of the best online electrical engineering degrees offer concentrations as well, such as electric power and energy systems, hardware and software for machine intelligence, microelectronics, and electromagnetics.
Introduction to Signals and Systems
This course teaches you how to analyze and process signals and systems. It explores concepts such as representation of systems and signals, mathematical modeling, and input-output description of linear systems.
Electromagnetic Systems
In this course, students explore electromagnetism and its applications in fields such as physics, electrical engineering, and materials science. Concepts covered include electromagnetic waves, time varying electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell equations, and remote sensing applications.
C Programming for Electrical Engineers
This course teaches you how to use C programming to solve electrical engineering problems. Concepts covered include data types, program control structures, and numerical techniques.
Renewable Energy Systems
At some point, you will receive an introduction to renewable energy conversion systems. You will learn how to convert and store wind, hydrogen fuel, and photo-voltaic energy, and explore the design and control issues they will encounter during this process.
Engineering Ethics
In this class, students examine ethical dilemmas engineers and engineering organizations may face. This course uses case studies to explore topics such as the societal implications of technology and patents and patent infringement.
Cost
The cost of an online bachelor’s in electrical engineering depends on various factors. Your state residency is one thing to consider, as many schools charge higher out-of-state tuition. Online learners’ technology fees can also increase tuition costs.
Some schools offer a flat tuition rate for all online learners regardless of residency status. Online students often do not need to travel or relocate, which saves money.
The per-credit tuition rate for a bachelor’s in electrical engineering ranges from $235-$744 for in-state students. Comparing schools is the best way to see which program suits your academic needs and budget. Scholarships can also help students reduce tuition costs. The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop allows you to explore scholarships for engineering students.
Electrical Engineering Internships
If you want to stand out among other applicants once you graduate, get hands-on experience. Many top companies such as tech giants and engineering firms offer electrical engineering internships.
A co-op gives you full-time experience and academic credit during time off from school. Reach out to your academic advisor to explore the possibilities. Review the following internship and co-op opportunities and deadlines.
Electrical Engineering Certifications
Certification programs give engineers an opportunity to advance their knowledge and demonstrate electrical engineering skills to potential employers. Explore some of the most popular electrical engineering certifications.
Engineer-in-Training
EIT certification is an important stepping stone toward a professional engineer license. The EIT candidate must be a college senior or graduate of an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). They must register to take the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering exam. After passing the test, the candidate submits a certification application to the relevant state board. Upon approval, the engineer is classified as an engineer in training.
Professional Engineer
The NCEES PE exam is required for state licensure as a professional engineer. This computer-based exam is offered in disciplines such as electrical and computer engineering and control systems. Candidates must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, complete four years of supervised professional engineering experience, and meet state-specific requirements. Exam schedules vary.
Project Management Professional
The PMP exam is administered by the Project Management Institute. This certification recognizes an engineer’s skills in managing people, processes, and engineering projects. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree need to demonstrate at least 36 months of project management experience, submit a PMP application, and pass a 180-question exam, which is available throughout the year.
Consider other certifications such as Certified Systems Engineering Professional, Autodesk Certified Professional, and Certified Energy Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
Make sure the programs you apply for have programmatic accreditation. Employers value online electrical engineering degrees accredited by ABET. This verifies that the program meets rigorous standards established by a recognized authority.
