Electrical engineering connects the math and physics you study in class to the devices and systems people use every day. Electrical engineers help develop technologies ranging from medical equipment and smartphones to robotics, navigation tools, and power grids.
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering introduces you to circuits, electronics, electromagnetism, and the application of electricity. Through coursework, laboratory assignments, and design projects, you learn to analyze and develop electrical systems and devices.
You can pursue this degree through on-campus or online programs, though lab arrangements and in-person requirements vary. This guide highlights selected programs in both formats and helps you compare scheduling, hands-on learning, and costs. It also explains admission requirements, curriculum, completion time, career paths, and when professional engineering licensure may matter.
Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
You can earn an electrical engineering bachelor’s degree online, including through programs accredited by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). Laboratory work remains part of the degree, with some programs using equipment and components students purchase for experiments at home.
Online pathways differ in other important ways. Some accept first-year students, while others are designed for students transferring substantial college coursework. Certain programs also require courses that must be completed through another institution. Compare the requirements for your entire degree plan, including labs and prerequisites.
Selected Online Electrical Engineering Programs
The following examples include full-degree and degree-completion pathways. This is a selection of programs to compare, rather than a ranking.
| School | Degree | ABET commission | Lab model | Format and pathway | Published tuition and fees |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering | EAC | Purchased equipment and components for at-home laboratory work, including an instrumentation kit. | Online; accepts first-year and transfer applicants. | 2026–27: $580 tuition plus a $140 undergraduate college fee per credit; additional semester fees apply. Arizona residents have a tuition cap. |
| Clemson University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | EAC | Purchased laboratory equipment; students may demonstrate projects through Zoom | Fully online degree-completion pathway for students with prior college coursework; campus visits are optional | 2026–27: $702-per-credit academic fee for online ECE courses, plus applicable fees. Non-ECE courses are priced separately according to residency and enrollment. |
| Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | EAC | Confirm laboratory arrangements with the program | Fully online | 2026–27: Published per-credit rates of $235.57 for Florida residents and $758.38 for nonresidents, plus additional fees. |
| Lamar University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | EAC | Purchased hardware kits support laboratory work and hardware-based assignments | Online major coursework, including a 2+2 transfer pathway; online enrollment requires documented reasons for being unable to attend on-campus sections and approval from the department chair. Classes are generally synchronous, and some non-ECE courses lack an online option. | 2026–27: $259.49 tuition per credit for residents or $687.49 for nonresidents, plus a $50-per-credit distance-education fee and other applicable fees. |
| Mississippi State University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | EAC | At-home experiments using purchased equipment and supplies; lab reports submitted online | Online ECE coursework; 13 required credits unavailable online through MSU must be transferred from another institution | Fall 2026 – Spring 2027: Tuition and required fees are $452 per credit for 1–11 credits or $5,722.50 per semester for 12–16 credits. Add a $25-per-credit instructional support fee; other charges may apply. |
| University of North Dakota | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | EAC | Purchased lab kits for remote laboratory work; online instruction also includes simulations | Fully online; no required campus visits | 2026–27: $623.99 tuition plus $79.59 in fees per credit. Online tuition is the same regardless of residency; student fees are capped at 12 credits per semester. |
These figures identify published tuition components and fees, rather than equivalent total-degree prices. Books, lab equipment, supplies, and other expenses may add to your cost. For completion pathways, the amount you pay also depends on which courses transfer and where you complete remaining requirements.
Arizona State University
ASU’s 120-credit online electrical engineering program covers circuits, signal processing, embedded systems, and energy systems, culminating in a two-semester, team-based capstone design project. Students can also explore a separate concentration in electric power and energy systems. Lower-division courses generally use 7.5-week sessions, while upper-division courses follow a 15-week format. ASU is a public university based in Arizona.
Clemson University
Clemson’s online BSEE completion pathway is designed for working professionals who have already completed college coursework. Students purchase equipment for laboratory assignments and participate remotely in senior design projects; attending the campus design showcase is optional. Lectures are generally asynchronous, although exams and some lab interactions require scheduled participation. Clemson is a public university based in South Carolina.
Florida International University
FIU offers a fully online, 128-credit electrical engineering program covering electronics, electromagnetism, communications, controls, power and energy systems, and computers. Its different resident and nonresident rates make residency an important part of the cost comparison. Students should review laboratory equipment and software requirements when planning their expenses. FIU is a public university based in Miami.
Lamar University
Lamar offers online electrical engineering coursework and a 2+2 pathway for students transferring from community colleges and other two-year institutions. Hardware kits support practical assignments, and online classes generally meet synchronously with their on-campus counterparts. Students need departmental approval to enroll online and should establish how they will complete any remaining non-ECE requirements. Lamar is a public university based in Beaumont, Texas.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State offers online electrical engineering coursework with at-home laboratory experiments supported by purchased supplies and equipment. However, its department identifies 13 required credits that are unavailable online through MSU, including certain chemistry, physics, and engineering courses. Students must arrange approved transfer equivalents, making advance course planning especially important. Mississippi State is a public university based in Starkville.
University of North Dakota
UND offers a 126-credit electrical engineering degree online and on campus, with an estimated completion time of four to five years. Online students complete laboratory requirements remotely using purchased kits and are not required to visit campus. Coursework includes circuit analysis, embedded systems, electronics, electromagnetics, and engineering design. UND is a public university based in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Choosing the Best Online Electrical Engineering Program for You
The best fit depends on your academic background, career interests, schedule, and budget. Compare:
- Entry pathway: Determine whether you can begin as a first-year student or must transfer specified coursework into a completion program.
- Accreditation: Check the specific degree’s EAC accreditation and confirm that its online pathway is covered.
- Labs and attendance: Review equipment purchases, scheduled online meetings, exam arrangements, and any required travel.
- Academic focus: Compare electives in areas such as power, controls, communications, electronics, and embedded systems.
- Transfer and course availability: Request a degree plan showing which credits apply and where you will complete every remaining requirement.
- Total cost: Include tuition, mandatory fees, equipment, and the cost of courses taken elsewhere.
Finding the cheapest online electrical engineering degree requires more than comparing advertised tuition rates. Residency, accepted transfer credit, semester fees, and financial aid can change which program costs you least. Compare estimates based on the same assumptions about enrollment and credits remaining.
You may also encounter the abbreviation ECE, meaning electrical and computer engineering. It may describe a department, a combined field, or a degree title. Check the actual curriculum and accreditation rather than assuming every ECE offering is the same type of program.
On-Campus Electrical Engineering Degrees
On-campus electrical engineering programs combine classroom instruction with scheduled laboratory work and collaborative design projects. They may appeal to students who prefer in-person instruction, access to campus facilities, and regular opportunities to work alongside classmates and faculty.
The following selected programs illustrate different campus-based options. Each electrical engineering bachelor’s program holds accreditation from ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC).
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The electrical engineering bachelor’s program at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering requires 128 semester credits. Required laboratory courses cover circuits, electronics, digital logic, and microprocessor-based systems, followed by a two-course senior design sequence. Technical electives allow students to explore areas such as power systems, controls, and electronic circuit design. Located in Tallahassee, the college is jointly operated by Florida A&M University and Florida State University.
Northwestern University
Northwestern’s Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering allows students to develop interests through technical electives in areas such as biomedical systems, circuits and electronics, communications, controls, and photonics. Its engineering core introduces design work involving community partners, while additional opportunities include faculty-guided laboratory research and cooperative education experiences. Northwestern is a private university based in Evanston, Illinois.
University of North Dakota
UND offers its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering on campus as well as online. The 126-credit program includes laboratory work, undergraduate research opportunities, and a senior design project involving industry leaders or business partners. Its published completion estimate is four to five years. Students considering either format can compare delivery options within the same degree program. UND is a public university based in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
When comparing campus-based programs, consider laboratory access, elective availability, undergraduate research, and internship or co-op opportunities. For costs, compare tuition and required engineering fees alongside housing, transportation, and financial aid. Residency and the ability to commute from home can substantially affect the total amount you pay.
Online vs. On-Campus Electrical Engineering Programs
Both formats can prepare students for electrical engineering careers. The practical differences concern how coursework, laboratory assignments, and collaboration fit into your schedule.
| Consideration | Online programs | On-campus programs |
| Class schedule | May include recorded lectures, scheduled live sessions, or both. Online does not necessarily mean self-paced. | Classes and laboratory sessions generally meet in person at scheduled times. |
| Laboratory work | May use purchased equipment, simulations, or other remote arrangements. Confirm any in-person requirements. | Typically includes scheduled laboratory sessions using campus equipment and facilities. |
| Faculty and classmates | Interaction may involve video meetings, discussion boards, and remotely coordinated design projects. | Offers regular opportunities for in-person instruction, laboratory teamwork, and faculty interaction. |
| Cost considerations | Compare tuition, mandatory fees, equipment purchases, and any required travel or coursework elsewhere. | Compare tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and commuting expenses, including potential savings from living at home. |
For either format, check the specific program’s EAC accreditation, available electives, and transfer-credit policies. Compare degree plans and estimated costs based on your circumstances.
Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Overview
Electrical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field. Common degree titles include Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Electrical Engineering.
A computer engineering degree may also prepare you for certain related roles, particularly those involving computer hardware and embedded systems. Compare each program’s curriculum with the type of work you want to pursue.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by institution and may differ for first-year and transfer applicants. Common considerations include:
- High school completion: A high school diploma or equivalent, along with the university’s required college-preparatory coursework.
- Calculus readiness: Preparation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. A program may use coursework, placement testing, or other measures to determine your starting math course.
- Science preparation: High school physics helps prepare you for engineering coursework and may be required or recommended. Other science requirements vary.
- Academic record: Universities may set minimum GPA requirements or additional standards for admission to engineering.
Calculus readiness does not necessarily mean you must complete college calculus before applying. Some institutions initially admit students to a pre-engineering pathway, with admission to the major following completion of required college coursework. Transfer applicants should check which calculus, physics, and introductory engineering courses they must complete before entering the major.
Sample Curriculum
Electrical engineering curricula combine mathematics and science with engineering courses, laboratory work, and design projects.
For example, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s electrical engineering curriculum includes:
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Differential equations and applied linear algebra
- General Physics I and II with labs
- Programming
- Introduction to circuit analysis
- Advanced circuits with computers and laboratory work
- Signal and linear systems analysis
- Electronics and laboratory work
- Electromagnetic fields
- Digital logic design and laboratory work
- Statistical topics for electrical engineers
- Digital communication systems
- Microprocessor-based system design and laboratory work
- Senior design projects
These are examples of courses taken throughout the degree, rather than prerequisites that every applicant must complete before admission.
Electrical Engineering Class Requirements
Once you complete foundational courses, you’ll move into more advanced electrical engineering topics. Programs generally combine required major courses with technical electives that let you explore areas such as power systems, communications, controls, electronics, or embedded systems.
The required courses establish a shared foundation, while electives allow you to develop interests within the field. For example, Northwestern University’s electrical engineering curriculum lists 22 major program units for students entering in 2026–27: 11 units of required courses, 10 units of technical electives, and one design-course unit. These are in addition to its engineering core requirements.
Schools use different credit systems, so quarter-based course units should not be compared directly with semester credit hours.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
An electrical engineering bachelor’s degree generally takes about four years of full-time study, although some program plans take four to five years. Part-time enrollment, prerequisite coursework, co-op participation, and course availability may extend the timeline.
Applicable transfer credit can shorten the time remaining, but engineering courses often follow a required sequence. Before enrolling, ask for a transfer evaluation and a term-by-term degree plan. Online delivery does not necessarily mean the program is accelerated.
Electrical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering Technology
Electrical engineering (EE) and electrical engineering technology (EET) are closely related fields with different educational emphases. EE programs generally emphasize mathematical analysis, theory, and conceptual design. EET programs place greater emphasis on applying engineering principles to develop, implement, operate, and test technology. Both include practical work and design.
For bachelor’s programs, the ABET accreditation commission is an important distinction:
| Consideration | Electrical engineering | Electrical engineering technology |
| ABET commission | Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) | Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) |
| Curriculum emphasis | Engineering theory, mathematical modeling, analysis, and design | Applied engineering, implementation, testing, and current industry practices |
| Mathematics | Typically includes multiple semesters of calculus and more advanced mathematical analysis | Generally emphasizes applied mathematics, including calculus; requirements vary by program |
| Career preparation | Roles involving analysis, system design, product development, and research | Roles involving implementation, manufacturing, testing, technical operations, and applied design |
| PE licensure implications | An EAC-accredited bachelor’s degree provides the standard educational foundation for pursuing PE licensure across U.S. jurisdictions | An ETAC-accredited bachelor’s degree can support PE licensure in many states, but eligibility and additional requirements vary |
Career paths can overlap, so review the curriculum and the qualifications employers request for your intended role. A bachelor’s degree in EET also differs from an associate degree that prepares students for technician positions.
If PE licensure is part of your plan, check your intended state licensing board’s education requirements before choosing a program. Neither degree nor ABET accreditation alone grants a license.
Explore the electrical engineering technology bachelor’s degree guide for more about that pathway.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers have important roles and responsibilities. They create electrical system plans, ensuring they meet safety standards and regulations. They also design circuits to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of electricity.
Once the plans are ready, electrical engineers supervise the installation of electrical components and systems, ensuring everything is done correctly and safely. They troubleshoot any issues that may arise, from malfunctioning circuits to power outages.
In addition, electrical engineers conduct tests and inspections to ensure that electrical systems perform as expected. They continuously work on improving existing systems and developing new technologies to make electrical systems more efficient and sustainable.
How to Become an Electrical Engineer
Becoming an electrical engineer generally starts with earning a relevant bachelor’s degree and gaining practical experience. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is an additional pathway whose importance depends on your work, employer, and state.
Earn an Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
The first essential step to pursuing a career as an electrical engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field. If you may pursue PE licensure, an EAC-accredited engineering program provides the most widely accepted educational foundation.
Gain Experience and Apply for Entry-Level Jobs
Internships, cooperative education programs, laboratory work, and design projects can help you build experience before graduation. Graduates may pursue positions such as junior electrical engineer, electrical design engineer, hardware engineer, or test engineer.
Entry-level electrical engineering positions generally do not require PE licensure. You also do not universally need to pass the FE exam or hold Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) status before applying.
Consider Whether Your Career Path Calls for PE Licensure
The relevance of licensure depends on your intended engineering career:
- Power, utilities, and building systems: PE licensure can be important for consulting, taking responsibility for engineering designs, and signing or sealing documents where required. Some utility work falls under employee exemptions, so requirements depend on the role and jurisdiction.
- Electronics, semiconductors, controls, and embedded systems: Many employees perform engineering work under industrial exemptions covering qualifying work for their employer’s products, systems, or operations. PE licensure is therefore less commonly required in these positions.
An industrial exemption is not a blanket exemption for everyone in a particular sector. Check the state board’s rules and your employer’s requirements, particularly if you plan to offer engineering services independently.
Take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
If you intend to pursue licensure, the FE exam is typically an early step. You may be eligible to take it near the end of your undergraduate program, including during your senior year, rather than waiting until after graduation. Eligibility rules vary by state.
After passing, you may apply for EIT or EI certification where available. Certification can involve additional requirements; passing the exam does not automatically confer that status.
Complete the Experience Requirements and Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam
The standard licensing pathway generally includes qualifying engineering experience—often about four years—along with passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Your state board determines which experience qualifies and what supervision, documentation, and references are required.
Some states allow eligible applicants to take the PE exam before completing the experience requirement. Passing the exam alone does not grant a license: you must also meet the board’s education, experience, application, and any additional examination requirements.
What Are Some Jobs for Electrical Engineers?
An electrical engineering bachelor’s degree can prepare you for work in design, development, testing, and operations. Job titles and responsibilities vary by employer, but potential career paths include:
| Job title | What the work involves |
| Power systems engineer | Analyze and design systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, including equipment protection and renewable energy integration. |
| Electrical design engineer | Develop electrical plans and specifications for equipment, facilities, or building systems, including power distribution and lighting. |
| Controls engineer | Design and improve systems that monitor and control machinery or processes, using tools such as sensors, programmable controllers, and feedback systems. |
| Hardware design engineer | Design and evaluate electronic circuits, circuit boards, and hardware components for products and equipment. |
| Embedded systems engineer | Develop hardware and software that work together within devices, such as vehicles, medical equipment, and industrial machinery. |
| Test engineer | Develop test procedures, evaluate performance and reliability, and investigate failures in electrical or electronic products. |
| Radio frequency (RF) engineer | Design and analyze antennas, wireless communication equipment, and systems that transmit or receive radio-frequency signals. |
These roles span employers such as engineering consulting firms, utilities, manufacturers, semiconductor companies, and research organizations. Your coursework, technical electives, internships, and design projects can help you prepare for a particular area.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 10% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. This figure is specific to electrical engineers; the combined electrical and electronics engineering category has a different growth projection.
How Much Money Do Electrical Engineers Make?
The BLS reports that electrical engineers earned a median annual wage of $120,630 in May 2025. The median is the midpoint: half earned more and half earned less.
For electrical engineers, the lowest-paid 10% earned less than $76,550, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $184,300. Earnings vary by experience, location, industry, and responsibilities.
The BLS separately reports a median annual wage of $130,220 for electronics engineers, except computer, in May 2025. Although electrical engineering graduates may pursue roles in either field, these are distinct occupational categories.
These figures cover workers at different experience levels and should not be interpreted as typical starting salaries for new graduates.
Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Electrical Engineering
Some electrical engineering graduates pursue a master’s degree to deepen their expertise in areas such as power systems, electronics, communications, or controls. Options include a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a Master of Engineering. Depending on the program, students may complete coursework, a professional project, or a research thesis.
Doctoral programs, such as a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering, emphasize original research and typically culminate in a dissertation. They can prepare graduates for university research and teaching or advanced research roles in industry.
A graduate degree is generally not required for entry-level electrical engineering positions, although some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Universities may also offer graduate certificates for students seeking focused study in a particular area.
Are There Professional Associations for Electrical Engineers?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association serving engineers and other technology professionals. It offers technical publications, conferences, educational resources, and networking opportunities.
IEEE’s technical societies focus on areas such as power and energy, communications, electronics, and control systems. Students can also explore student membership and campus branches to connect with peers and professionals while earning their degree.
Other engineering associations may offer resources relevant to your specialty, location, or career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get an Electrical Engineering Degree Fully Online?
Yes. Some electrical engineering bachelor’s programs allow you to complete the degree without visiting campus. The University of North Dakota, for example, offers a fully online BSEE with laboratory work completed remotely using purchased kits. Other programs may require in-person labs or activities, so confirm the requirements for the specific degree before enrolling.
Is an Online Electrical Engineering Degree ABET Accredited?
Some online electrical engineering degrees hold accreditation from ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). ABET evaluates programs against the same accreditation criteria regardless of delivery format. Accreditation applies to a specific program, so check the degree, campus, and online option rather than relying on a university-wide accreditation statement.
How Long Does an Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Take?
Plan for about four years of full-time study, although some programs estimate four to five years. Part-time enrollment or additional math preparation can extend that timeline. Transfer credit may shorten it, but prerequisite sequences and course availability also affect your graduation date. An online format does not necessarily mean an accelerated schedule.
How Much Does an Online Electrical Engineering Degree Cost?
Costs depend on the school, residency rules, required fees, and credits remaining after transfer evaluation. Compare total tuition and required fees, then include books, lab kits, software, and any travel expenses. Financial aid and employer benefits may reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
