With the dramatic rise of online learning, select colleges and universities have begun offering full engineering degree programs online rather than limiting online options to specific courses and isolated credits.

In 2013 alone, roughly 3 million students enrolled in an online degree program, with 21% of these students focused on an Associate’s, 27% on a Bachelor’s, and 32% on a Master’s degree. Multiple schools across the country that offer Engineering programs have followed suit, resulting in 741 online engineering programs and growing.

With an average tuition cost of $9,542 for in-state students and $15,138 for out-of-state students, the cost is comparable to on-campus engineering degrees while allowing you to maintain a more flexible course schedule.

We’re here to make it easy for you to compare and contrast different online engineering programs, look at varying degree costs, and make an informed decision regarding the college or university that best fits your needs and career aspirations.

This guide is going to walk through what it takes to get an engineering degree online, look at the specifics related to online engineering bachelor’s degrees, and then cover online engineering master’s degrees in schools that offer online graduate programs. Let’s jump right in!

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Working Towards an Engineering Education Online

With flexible scheduling and the convenience of studying from home, online engineering courses provide a convenient and comprehensive way for students to gain an understanding of the various engineering principles, from electrical engineering and civil engineering to mechanical engineering and computer science.

Offering a wide variety of degree programs, online engineering courses are designed to help you gain the necessary qualifications for a successful career in the field.

Choosing to pursue an Engineering degree online will undoubtedly offer you a unique learning experience along with increased opportunities for one-on-one learning compared to a traditional classroom setting.

The Growing Popularity of Online Degrees

The popularity of earning an engineering degree online has skyrocketed in recent years. With the convenience of learning from home, students no longer have to worry about being confined to a classroom or adhering to a strict academic schedule.

Online engineering courses provide students with flexibility, allowing them to work around other commitments and still gain the knowledge they need to succeed in their engineering careers. As technology continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for obtaining an online engineering education.

The Advantages of Pursuing Your Engineering Degree Online

Online engineering courses come with a wide range of advantages compared to traditional in-person courses. By taking courses online, you can study at your own pace, avoiding the pressure and stress associated with attending a physical classroom.

You may also have access to a wider variety of course options, allowing you to specialize in areas of engineering that you’re most interested in. Depending on your chosen college or university, online courses may give you access to more experienced instructors and resources, allowing for further learning opportunities.

Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees

Pursuing your Engineering Bachelor’s Degree online comes with a wide variety of opportunities, letting you choose from an assortment of disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, computer science, and civil engineering.

Fortunately, with the increasing availability of online engineering courses, there’s more access to educational opportunities that might have been previously unavailable unless you were to attend an engineering school in person.

Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees and Typical Coursework

  1. Aerospace Engineering: Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Aerospace Structures and Materials, Propulsion Systems.
  2. Chemical Engineering: Thermodynamics, Process Control, Reactors, and Separation Processes, Mass Transfer and Transport Phenomena.
  3. Civil Engineering: Structural Analysis and Design, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Transportation Engineering.
  4. Electrical Engineering: Digital Circuits and Systems, Control Theory Electromagnetic Theory, Computer Architecture, and Design.
  5. Mechanical Engineering: Mechanics of Materials, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Dynamics of Machinery, Machine Design.

Steps to Obtain an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online

To obtain a Bachelor’s of Engineering Degree online, you’ll typically need to go through a standard process for applying to your chosen degree program, wait for acceptance, and then begin choosing your coursework and degree completion path.

Many students complete the process by completing the following steps:

  1. Research accredited online engineering programs to find the best fit for your educational and career goals.
  2. Complete the admissions process, which may include submitting transcripts and taking an admissions test.
  3. Take prerequisite courses, if needed, to meet the requirements of your chosen program.
  4. Enroll in the engineering program and begin completing coursework at your own pace.
  5. Intern or volunteer with a local engineering firm to gain hands-on experience in the field.
  6. Apply for internships or job opportunities that align with your chosen degree program while you study to expand your skill set and network of contacts in the industry.
  7. Submit an application for graduation from your chosen program.

Cost of an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

The cost of an online engineering bachelor’s degree can vary greatly depending on the course of study and institution, ranging from $7,000 to $25,000, with an average cost of $15,000.

Many universities offer financial aid packages that can help offset the cost of their degree programs. It is important to do research and consider all options when deciding on an online engineering bachelor’s degree program.

Online Engineering Master’s Degrees

Online engineering master’s degrees are available in a variety of disciplines, including mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. Depending on the program, students can take courses in advanced topics such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, and digital signal processing.

We’re going to walk through the standard process for obtaining an Engineering Master’s Degree online.

Engineering Master’s Degrees and Typical Coursework

The different types of Engineering Master’s Degrees available online include degrees ranging from mechanical engineering to nuclear engineering.

Here are some engineering master’s degrees that you may be interested in pursuing for a future career as an engineer:

  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
  • Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MSCE)
  • Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME)
  • Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (MSPE)
  • Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSEE)

Since graduate degree programs dive deeper into a specific field of engineering, your Engineering Master’s Degree coursework will include a range of highly technical and industry-specific courses that apply to your graduate field of study.

Steps to Obtain an Engineering Master’s Degree Online

The steps required to obtain an Engineering Master’s Degree online are very similar to a bachelor’s degree.

If you want to obtain an online graduate degree, you should follow several typical graduate program application steps:

  1. Research accredited engineering master’s degree programs available online.
  2. Make sure the program meets your career goals and interests.
  3. Submit all required application materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
  4. Receive admission notification from the university or college offering the program.
  5. Create a study plan and set aside time for coursework each week to stay on track with deadlines and assignments.
  6. Participate in online classes, discussions, and activities as required by the program’s curriculum
  7. Take exams as needed to demonstrate mastery of course material
  8. Complete any additional requirements such as research projects or internships
  9. Submit a final thesis or project for evaluation and approval
  10. Receive your engineering master’s degree from your chosen university or college.

Cost of an Online Engineering Master’s Degree

The cost of an online engineering master’s degree can vary depending on the program and the institution. Generally, most online engineering master’s degrees cost between $30,000 and $50,000.

Additionally, many institutions offer financial aid and scholarships to help students cover the costs of their studies. It is important to research the different institutions’ tuition rates and any additional fees associated with the program before enrolling.

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