The demand for flexible, accelerated education is reshaping graduate engineering programs. Whether you’re a working professional or recent graduate, completing a respected degree quickly—without sacrificing quality—is more appealing than ever.
Online programs, especially at the master’s level, offer academic rigor with faster pathways to completion. While traditional engineering degrees can take two to three years, many online options now allow students to graduate in just 12 to 18 months through intensive formats, continuous enrollment, or credit for prior experience.
This guide explores accelerated online engineering degrees—primarily at the graduate level—and answers common questions about timelines, formats, and program credibility to help you find the right fit for your goals.
Online Engineering Degrees: What’s Available Fastest?
When it comes to the fastest online engineering degrees, it’s important to understand the difference between what’s available at the bachelor’s level versus the master’s level. While flexible, online options are growing across education, engineering presents unique challenges that influence what kinds of degrees can realistically be accelerated.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Limited and Rarely Accelerated
Fully online bachelor’s degrees in engineering are relatively uncommon compared to fields like business or healthcare. Engineering programs are traditionally heavy in lab work, group projects, and hands-on design experiences—components that are harder to replicate online in an accelerated format.
When online bachelor’s degrees in engineering are available, they often:
- Focus on engineering technology rather than pure engineering science.
- Offer flexibility but generally do not shorten the overall timeline significantly.
- Still require close to the standard four-year completion time unless students bring substantial transfer credits or prior learning assessments.
In short, if you’re searching for a truly accelerated bachelor’s degree in engineering, options are limited—and they often require special circumstances like prior coursework, military experience, or aggressive year-round enrollment.
Master’s Degrees: A Better Fit for Acceleration
Online master’s degrees in engineering are much more common—and more realistically designed for accelerated pathways. Many programs are structured for working professionals, offering intensive courses, shorter semesters, and continuous enrollment options that allow students to finish more quickly than traditional timelines.
Master’s programs in fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, and engineering management often:
- Require 30 to 36 credit hours (compared to undergraduate programs’ 120+ credit hours).
- Offer one-year to 18-month completion options for full-time students.
- Provide part-time tracks for students who need even more flexibility.
Because these programs often emphasize project-based learning and applied coursework over extensive lab-based requirements, they are much better suited to a fast, online delivery model.In this article, we’ll primarily focus on master’s-level programs that offer credible, accelerated pathways—giving students practical, flexible options to advance their engineering careers without a long interruption.
How Fast Can You Earn an Engineering Degree?
The timeline for completing an engineering degree varies significantly depending on the level of study and the structure of the program. When exploring the fastest online engineering degrees, it’s important to set realistic expectations based on degree type and your personal circumstances.
Bachelor’s Timelines: Standard vs. Accelerated Options
A traditional bachelor’s degree in engineering typically takes four to five years of full-time, on-campus study. Online bachelor’s programs in engineering exist but rarely offer a drastically faster timeline unless students:
- Transfer significant prior college credits
- Participate in year-round continuous enrollment (including summer semesters)
- Complete credit-by-exam or prior learning assessments
Even with these options, finishing a bachelor’s degree in engineering in less than three years is uncommon. Most students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree should still plan for at least three to four years, unless they are entering with an associate degree or a high volume of accepted transfer credits.
This slower timeline for bachelor’s degrees is one reason why this article emphasizes accelerated engineering degree programs at the master’s level instead.
Master’s Timelines: A Realistic Path to Speed
An online master’s in engineering typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete under a standard full-time schedule. However, many schools now offer accelerated formats allowing motivated students to finish in 12 to 18 months.
Common factors that influence how fast you can complete a master’s degree include:
- Credit load per semester: Taking heavier course loads speeds up completion.
- Continuous enrollment: Programs offering year-round courses allow for faster progression.
- Prior experience: Some programs may offer waivers or credit for professional experience.
- Program structure: Shorter terms (e.g., 7–8 week sessions) can allow for quicker course turnover.
For many working professionals, part-time enrollment remains an option, extending the timeline but offering better balance with employment demands.
Key Considerations
When asking, how long does it take to become an engineer?, remember:
- Undergraduate education (bachelor’s degree) is typically required to enter the engineering field officially.
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) also requires work experience and passing licensing exams—factors that extend beyond degree timelines.
- Master’s degrees primarily serve as career advancement tools for practicing engineers rather than entry pathways for new engineers.
Ultimately, how fast can I earn an engineering degree? depends on your starting point, your professional background, and how intensively you can study.
Accelerated Engineering Degree Program Formats
For students seeking the fastest online engineering degrees, the structure of the program plays a major role in how quickly a degree can be completed. Universities use several different models to compress coursework, streamline progress, and make accelerated study achievable—especially at the master’s level.
Here are the most common formats you’ll encounter:
Full-Time Intensive Online Formats
Some online engineering programs offer the option to study full-time with a heavy course load, often taking two or more classes per accelerated term.
- Structure: Students take courses back-to-back without long breaks, moving quickly through required credits.
- Benefit: Allows completion in as little as a year.
- Consideration: Intensive formats require excellent time management and may be challenging if you are balancing work or other commitments.
Short-Term Mini-Semesters or Stacked Courses
Instead of traditional 16-week semesters, many accelerated programs offer shorter terms—often 7 to 8 weeks long.
- Structure: Students complete one or two courses every mini-term, stacking progress throughout the year.
- Benefit: Short, focused bursts of study allow you to accumulate credits rapidly without course overload.
- Consideration: The pace can feel intense, and you must stay disciplined to avoid falling behind.
Credit for Prior Learning or Work Experience
In select programs, especially those designed for working professionals, you may be eligible for:
- Transfer credits from prior graduate-level coursework.
- Credit for professional certifications or licensure (e.g., PE licensure, military technical training).
- Portfolio assessments that demonstrate mastery of course objectives.
These pathways can sometimes reduce the number of courses you need to complete your degree—saving time and cost.
Top Accelerated Online Engineering Degrees by Field
While many online engineering master’s programs offer accelerated formats, the availability and structure of these programs can vary widely by discipline. Some fields—such as engineering management or systems engineering—tend to offer more flexible, fast-paced options, while others may be more limited or structured around traditional timelines. In this section, we highlight examples of online programs in key engineering fields that can be completed within 18 months
Fastest Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
Electrical engineering remains one of the most in-demand and versatile fields in the engineering world, supporting industries from telecommunications to renewable energy. While not every electrical engineering program is offered in an accelerated online format, a growing number of universities are providing full master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 18 months—or even 12 months for highly motivated students.
Example Program:
University of Southern California – Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Program Basics
- Format: 100% online via DEN@Viterbi or on-campus
- Length: Typically completed in 1.5 to 2 years full-time; 2.5 to 3 years part-time
- Credits: at least 28 units
- Tuition: Tuition and Fees, Fall 2025, Graduate Students, (15–18 units)= 36,630
- Career Outcomes:
- Systems engineer
- Power systems analyst
- Embedded systems designer
- RF/microwave engineer
- Hardware/software integration specialist
- Systems engineer
The University of Southern California’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, delivered online via DEN@Viterbi, prepares graduates to lead in a wide range of technology-driven fields. With the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere, the program typically takes 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. Students follow the same rigorous curriculum and academic standards as on-campus learners, specializing in areas such as systems design, multimedia processing, nanotechnology, and traditional energy systems. Graduates are equipped to assume leadership roles across industrial, entrepreneurial, academic, and governmental sectors.
Fastest Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
Mechanical engineering is a broad and foundational discipline, touching nearly every industry—from automotive and aerospace to energy and robotics. Because it often involves lab-intensive coursework, accelerated online mechanical engineering programs are somewhat limited. However, several universities offer fast-paced alternatives that emphasize applied learning and systems thinking, allowing students to complete their degrees in under two years.
Example Program:
University of Michigan – Master of Engineering (MEng) in Automotive Engineering
Program Basics
- Format: Fully online or on-campus
- Length: Can be completed in 12 to 24 months full-time; part-time options available (up to 5 years)
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Tuition: Distance Learning Tuition per credit:
- Michigan Resident: $1,284
- Michigan Non-Resident: $1,430
- Career Outcomes:
- Automotive systems engineer
- EV powertrain specialist
- Autonomous vehicle engineer
- Mechanical design engineer
- Product development manager
- Automotive systems engineer
The University of Michigan’s M.Eng. in Automotive Engineering program prepares students to innovate within one of the most technologically advanced industries in the world. Offered fully online or on campus, the program can be completed in as few as 12 months by full-time students. The curriculum emphasizes integrative systems thinking across disciplines such as electrification, autonomous systems, powertrain design, and vehicle dynamics. Students tailor their learning through career pathways like Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Design, Motorsports Engineering, and Vehicle Mobility Systems, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the evolving global transportation sector.
Fastest Online Industrial or Systems Engineering Degrees
Industrial and systems engineering programs are often viewed as good candidates for online delivery because they focus on process optimization, analytics, and systems integration—subjects that typically require less hands-on lab work than other engineering disciplines. However, fully online programs with clearly defined accelerated timelines are harder to find in this category compared to fields like engineering management.
Example Program:
Florida A&M University-Florida State University – Master of Systems Engineering
Program Basics
- Format: Fully online
- Length: Approximately 18 months full-time
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Tuition
- Per-credit hour
- FAMU Florida Resident: $334.13
- FSU Florida Resident: $403.51
- FAMU Non-Florida Resident: $921.15
- FSU Distance Learning Non-Florida Resident: $1004.85
- Per-credit hour
- Career Outcomes:
- Systems engineer
- Operations research analyst
- Process optimization specialist
- Defense systems architect
- Systems engineer
The Master of Science in Systems Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals with flexible in-person and online options. The curriculum integrates engineering disciplines with industrial and management practices, equipping graduates for roles in both civilian and military sectors. Notably, the program participates in a pilot initiative with Boeing, incorporating industry insight directly into the curriculum through guest lectures and adjunct faculty. The program is also well-aligned with professional certifications, making it a strong fit for those seeking advancement in technical or managerial systems engineering roles.
Fastest Online Engineering Management Degrees
Engineering management is one of the most widely available—and most flexible—disciplines for accelerated online study. These programs blend technical expertise with business and leadership skills, preparing graduates for management roles in engineering, manufacturing, tech, and beyond. Because they emphasize project-based work and strategic planning over lab-intensive coursework, they’re ideal for fast-track online completion.
Example Program:
Merrimack College – Master of Science in Engineering Management
Program Basics
- Format: 100% online
- Length: As few as 12 months full-time; 2 years part-time
- Credits: 33 credits
- Tuition:
- $545 Per Credit
- $17,985 Total Tuition Cost
- Career Outcomes:
- Product development lead
- Lean Six Sigma consultant
- Engineering team supervisor
- Innovation manager
- Product development lead
Merrimack College’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management program provides an affordable and flexible pathway for engineering professionals to advance into leadership roles. Designed to be completed in as few as 12 months for full-time students, the program offers industry-aligned concentrations in areas such as Lean Six Sigma, Innovation Projects, Life Sciences, and New Product Development. Courses blend technical, business, and management training, with a focus on real-world application through synchronous sessions and faculty mentorship.
Admissions Fast Track: How to Get Accepted Quickly
If you’re eager to start your engineering degree as soon as possible, navigating the admissions process efficiently is key. Many online engineering programs are designed with working professionals in mind and offer streamlined admissions pathways. While requirements vary by institution, there are several steps you can take—and features to look for—that can significantly speed up your path to enrollment.
Look for Programs with Rolling Admissions or Multiple Start Dates
Programs that offer rolling admissions or have multiple start dates per year (such as Fall I & II, Spring I & II, Summer I & II) can help you avoid long waits between application and enrollment. This flexibility allows you to apply and begin classes at nearly any point in the year.
Target Schools That Waive Standardized Tests
Many online engineering master’s programs do not require the GRE, especially if you have relevant work experience or a strong undergraduate GPA. Eliminating standardized testing from your to-do list can save weeks or even months in preparation and scheduling.
Prepare Application Materials in Advance
To accelerate your application process:
- Request official transcripts early from all prior institutions
- Update your resume to highlight technical and leadership experience
- Draft a personal statement focused on your goals and why you’re choosing an accelerated online program
- Line up a recommender quickly, or choose a program that only requires one reference or none at all
Choose Programs with Streamlined Review Processes
Some universities prioritize fast decisions for online students. Look for programs that promise admissions decisions within 1–2 weeks of receiving a complete application.
Consider Transfer-Friendly or Portfolio-Based Admissions
If you have prior graduate coursework, technical certifications, or military experience, you may be able to receive transfer credit or qualify through portfolio-based admissions. These options may also reduce your total credit load—speeding both admission and graduation.
What to Look for in a Fast Online Engineering Degree
As you explore some of the fastest online engineering degrees, it’s important to balance the appeal of speed with the need for academic quality and long-term career value. Here are critical factors to consider when evaluating programs:
Accreditation (Regional and, Where Relevant, ABET)
- Regional accreditation ensures the institution meets broad academic quality standards and is recognized nationwide. Always verify that the university is regionally accredited.
- ABET accreditation is the gold standard for undergraduate engineering programs. While ABET accreditation is less common and not always required for graduate programs, it can still signal strong program quality for technical fields.
- If you’re pursuing a master’s degree specifically for leadership or interdisciplinary roles, ABET accreditation at the graduate level is less critical but worth noting.
Flexibility in Course Scheduling
- Look for programs offering asynchronous classes, which allow you to complete coursework on your own schedule.
- Programs with multiple start dates per year or short-term course blocks (e.g., 7–8 weeks) provide more opportunities to accelerate your pace.
- Some programs offer both full-time and part-time pathways, giving you the flexibility to adjust your course load if your personal or professional situation changes.
Online Student Support Services
- Accelerated programs can be intense. Strong online support services—such as academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, and tech support—can make a critical difference in your experience.
- Access to virtual libraries, research resources, and engineering-specific software tools should also be considered, especially for technical coursework.
Affordability and Return on Investment
- Faster completion generally reduces the total tuition burden, but per-credit costs vary widely.
- Investigate whether tuition rates differ for in-state versus out-of-state students, especially at public universities offering online programs.
- Weigh program costs against expected salary gains and career advancement opportunities. Accelerated engineering master’s degrees can offer a high return on investment, particularly in fields like systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and project management.
FAQ
How fast can I earn an engineering degree online?
The answer depends heavily on the degree level:
- Bachelor’s degrees in engineering, even online, typically take three to four years unless you enter with significant transfer credit. True accelerated online bachelor’s programs in engineering are rare.
- Master’s degrees in engineering are more flexible. Many online programs allow motivated students to complete a master’s in as little as 12 to 18 months through full-time study and continuous enrollment.
- When evaluating programs, look for options labeled as accelerated engineering degree programs that specifically offer intensive formats and year-round course availability.
How long does it take to become an engineer?
To become an engineer, you generally must complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution, which typically takes four to five years.
- If you want to advance further into leadership, research, or specialized technical roles, earning a master’s degree can add another one to two years.
- In certain fields, additional steps like obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license may also be required, involving work experience and licensing exams beyond academic degrees.
Are accelerated engineering degree programs credible?
Yes—accelerated engineering degree programs can be fully credible if they are:
- Offered by regionally accredited universities.
- Led by faculty with strong academic and industry credentials.
- Designed to meet rigorous curriculum standards even within compressed timelines. As always, prospective students should vet programs carefully, ensuring that the faster pace does not compromise educational quality.
Which engineering fields offer the fastest online options?
Some engineering disciplines are particularly well-suited to faster online degree formats, including:
- Engineering Management
- Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
These fields often focus more on systems integration, design, modeling, and project management—areas that translate effectively into online learning formats and do not require extensive lab work. If you’re curious about where different specializations can lead, you can also explore broader types of engineering jobs to better align your degree choice with your career goals.
Explore Your Options
Earning one of the fastest online engineering degrees can open new doors—whether you’re advancing your current career, shifting into a new specialization, or preparing for leadership roles in technical fields. But speed should be just one part of your decision-making process.
Use this guide as a starting point to identify programs that align with your career goals, preferred learning format, and timeline. As you explore options, take time to visit program websites, review detailed course structures, and, if possible, speak with admissions counselors or current students.
Remember that while accelerated engineering degree programs can help you reach your goals sooner, balancing speed with quality and long-term professional growth is essential. Investing in a strong, supportive program now can make a lasting difference in your future opportunities.
