Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering Programs (BS,BSE)

What Is an Engineering Bachelors Degree?

Students can earn a bachelors degree by completing approximately 120 to 130 college credits, usually through four or five years of full-time study. The credit hours necessary to complete a bachelors degree can vary among universities, and credits often transfer between schools. Some students opt to attend part-time programs, and other prefer full-time options that generally allow them to complete the programs faster.

Bachelors degrees are awarded by a variety of colleges and universities, including private universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, career colleges and online schools. These degrees can be completed through courses on a college campus or at an online school, or through a combination of classroom and online courses.

Most students obtain a bachelors degree by attending college or university full-time for four or five years. However, taking summer school classes, online classes or completing advanced placement classes in high school can shorten the time it takes to earn a bachelors degree.

A bachelors degree typically requires the completion of 120 to 130 academic credits. In some cases, up to 60 of these credits can be transferred by students who have completed associates degrees at community colleges or through online programs.

Transfer credits and advanced placement credits can be combined so that students complete the majority of their academic coursework at an accredited community college and then transfer to a university or online program.

How do you get an Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?

Acquiring a bachelors degree starts with identifying what you want to study. Start within thinking about the types of subjects you are interested in. Taking farming for example, there are many academic subjects that can lead to a degree in agriculture. These include: animal science, entomology, soil and plant sciences, forestry and horticulture. Researching each of the above areas would lead you to learning about the types of courses available and outcomes from completing a bachelors degree.

Once you have decided on a major, the next step is enrolling in the corresponding bachelor’s degree program.

Types of Engineering Bachelor Degrees

Engineering bachelor’s degrees offer a direct path to mastering specialized disciplines, each built around applying scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world challenges.

From developing sustainable infrastructure to advancing healthcare technology, these degrees equip students with focused technical skills and problem-solving frameworks. Each program is structured to blend theoretical foundations with hands-on application, empowering engineers to design, analyze, and improve critical systems and technologies.

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Overview of Different Types of Bachelor Degrees in Engineering

Engineering offers a diverse range of specializations, each providing a foundation in scientific principles and technical skills tailored to specific industries. Here’s an overview of some of the main types of engineering bachelor’s degrees:

Aerospace Engineering

Typically focuses on courses in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural analysis, and flight mechanics. Students engage in labs and simulations to understand the principles of aircraft and spacecraft design. Electives often include satellite systems, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) design, and space exploration technologies.

Biomedical Engineering

Combines biology with engineering principles, covering biomaterials, biomechanics, and medical imaging. Labs include physiology and tissue engineering, and students may specialize in medical devices, rehabilitation engineering, or bioprocessing.

Chemical Engineering

This curriculum emphasizes chemistry, thermodynamics, process engineering, and material sciences. Courses typically include reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and process control, along with labs in organic and inorganic chemistry. Advanced topics may cover biochemical engineering and energy systems.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering students focus on structural analysis, environmental engineering, and geotechnics. The curriculum includes courses in hydraulics, construction materials, and surveying, with practical labs. Concentrations may include transportation engineering, structural design, or water resource management.

Computer Engineering

Blends computer science with electrical engineering, covering digital systems design, microprocessor programming, and computer architecture. Courses emphasize programming, data structures, and embedded systems. Many programs offer concentrations in cybersecurity, AI, or robotics.

Electrical Engineering

The curriculum includes circuit analysis, electromagnetics, and control systems. Students often take courses in signal processing, power electronics, and digital design, with hands-on labs. Specialized topics might include renewable energy systems and telecommunications.

Environmental Engineering

Focuses on environmental chemistry, fluid dynamics, and soil science, with courses covering air and water quality, pollution control, and environmental impact assessment. Labs and field studies are common, and students may concentrate on areas like sustainable design or environmental remediation.

Industrial Engineering

This program focuses on process optimization, statistics, and systems engineering. Core courses cover operations research, supply chain management, and quality control. Practical applications may include ergonomics, lean manufacturing, and logistics.

Mechanical Engineering

Emphasizes thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and machine design. Labs are integral, particularly in robotics and manufacturing systems. Concentrations might include automotive, renewable energy, or HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).

Petroleum Engineering

Focuses on petroleum geology, reservoir engineering, and drilling technology. Courses cover fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and energy resource management, with field labs on drilling techniques and petroleum extraction.

Software Engineering

Involves courses in software development, algorithms, and systems analysis. Students learn programming, software testing, and project management, with concentrations available in web development, mobile applications, or cloud computing.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?

A bachelor’s degree in engineering typically requires four years of full-time study to complete, amounting to about 120 to 130 credit hours. This includes a mix of foundational courses in math, science, and general engineering, followed by specialized courses in a chosen discipline such as civil, mechanical, or computer engineering.

Many programs offer an accelerated or co-op option. Accelerated programs can shorten the degree to about three years by condensing coursework, while co-op programs integrate work experience with studies, extending the timeline to five years but providing students with practical, hands-on experience.

How to Enroll in an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

Enrolling in a bachelors degree programs starts with choosing a school, and understanding the specific requirements of that institution and its programs. The first step is applying for admission and taking any necessary entrance exams. For most bachelors degrees, the common entrance exams are the SAT or ACT exams.

Is an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree right for you?

Getting a bachelors degree from a campus-based or online school can teach you valuable skills and get you on the right track in your career. Here are some of the top reasons that students pursue bachelors degrees:

Landing that dream job.

In some career fields, you are required to have a bachelors degree to be considered for many positions. Employers will include a bachelors degree in the requirements section of job listings, and you are expected to list your academic background on your resume.
Bachelors degrees can also help your career prospects in other ways. You can use your degree to pursue higher-level positions.

Upping your earning potential.

Investing in your future with a bachelors degree can make employers invest in you. Studies have shown that professionals with bachelors degrees tend to earn higher salaries than those without bachelors degrees.

Earning an advanced degree.

Some careers require more advanced degrees than a bachelors degree, so if your long-term plans include attending graduate school to pursue your engineering masters degree or doctorate degree, completing a bachelors degree is where you’ll need to start.

To get a well-rounded education.

If you aren’t sure what career field is right for you, or if you have a good idea but want a broad curriculum, a four-year college is a good move. Although you choose a major, usually after your second year, you are generally required to take courses outside of your major to complete your bachelors degree.

What types of students pursue Bachelors Degrees?

People choose to complete a bachelors degree for a variety of reasons, so the types of students you’ll find in a bachelors degree program will vary by age and academic background. Some students enroll directly after completing high school or after taking a gap year to work, travel or study abroad. Other students may transfer to a bachelors degree program after completing an associates degree at a community college or online college. And you will also encounter professional adults who are beginning or completing their degree for career advancement opportunities or personal enrichment.

What college’s offer Bachelors Degrees?

Many different types of educational institutions offer bachelors degrees. For example, public four-year universities are the most common bachelors degree-granting institutions. But you will also find public two-year colleges, private non-profit four-year colleges and universities or private for profit schools who offer students a variety of bachelors degrees.

Should you pursue a Bachelors Degree at an Online School?

Choosing to enter an online degree program to complete your bachelors degree gives you more flexibility in planning your classes, as many online schools offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate students with work or family obligations. While you may have to pay to have access to a working computer with Internet access, you will save money on commuting costs and room and board if you take classes at home.

Also, if you’re attending an online school, you may be able to complete your online bachelors degree in less time than you would at a campus school, since you have more control over your online program and how quickly you complete your required courses.

How Do I Find Bachelor’s Degrees and Colleges Near Me?

To find a university or specific degree program, you will need to conduct a search using the criteria that are most important to you. For example, if you want a particular university or college, do an Internet search for “[Insert University/College Name] online bachelor’s degree program.” Another way to find out about degrees and colleges near you is by going through your state’s Board of Education website. These state ran websites can also provide helpful information around tuition and financial aid, and even list scholarships if they are available.

How do I narrow down my choice of schools that offer Bachelors Degrees?

The type of school experience you’re looking for and the type of bachelors degree you want will help you determine the best choices for you. First, you’ll want to determine whether you want to attend a private university, public university, liberal arts college, career college or online school.

You’ll also want to determine if a campus school or online school best suits your needs and look at the school’s accreditation and what courses and degree programs are offered. Since standardized tests are likely to be required, be sure to check if your scores are good enough to help you get admitted into the school. The cost of the school is likely to be another determining factor.

The world is changing and so are the demands for a degree. A bachelor’s degree has become a helpful asset guiding you on a path to a fulfilling career, but there are many different degrees available with different focuses. The following list will help you find the right program for your interests and goals. Explore those options below!