You may be intrigued by the challenge of understanding how things work, how to improve an object’s functionality, and how to push modern technology ever further. If so, there is an array of stimulating online bachelor’s degrees in engineering that might be perfect for you.
Featured Programs
Are you motivated by opportunities for intellectual stimulation that also demand critical thinking skills, creativity, and advanced problem-solving?
If so, the colleges and universities listed below can launch your quest for a career in one of the many fulfilling and practical fields of engineering.
What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
With an online bachelor’s degree in engineering, you can pursue a variety of career opportunities that will depend on the branch of engineering in which you choose to specialize. Choose from a career in the aerospace or nuclear field, more traditional chemical or electrical engineering, or consider a more emerging field like robotics or environmental engineering.
No matter the specific path you take, you’ll need to harness your creativity, learn new and exciting methods of problem-solving, and develop key critical thinking skills. Analytical thinking skills, partnered with the desire to test new innovation theories and learn key collaboration and leadership skills, are just a few of the academic pursuits that await you if you choose to earn an online engineering degree.
With any engineering program, you’ll commit to about four years of general academic study with a focus in the math and science areas. The second two years will concentrate your coursework to the type of engineering you choose and will include collaborations, projects, and interactive problem-solving.
How Much Can You Earn with an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
A bachelor’s degree in engineering can focus on a number of different specialties. Key engineering degree programs include civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental, and nuclear engineering. Nearly all engineering degrees require a four-year bachelor’s degree, and median salaries typically start at around $80,000 annually and extend up to around $100,000 annually.
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, civil engineers fall on the lower end of the earnings spectrum, making a median income of about $87,060, while environmental engineers earned about $88,860 and mechanical engineers earned a median income of $88,430. Nuclear engineers and petroleum engineers rank on the higher earnings side of the industry, with nuclear engineers earning about $113,460 annually and petroleum engineers earning about $137,720. Salaries for electrical and electronics engineers fall predominantly in the middle of the career spectrum with median wages averaging about $101.250.
What Is Required for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in engineering typically requires an associate degree in some applicable applied science, coupled with two years of specialized study in your chosen degree field. However, you can also apply to a full four-year engineering program with a high school transcript and appropriate SAT and/or ACT submissions.
Since nearly all engineering specialties are highly technical, science-based programs, most high school transcripts should include a full four years of college-preparatory science and math classes in addition to the core English and history requirements. A grade point average of 3.0 or better is recommended but not always required. Many engineering programs offer professional certifications and concentrations within the degree field.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Excelsior College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $510 per credit hour
- Total of 124 credits hours
- Electrical, electronic, communications, and nuclear engineering bachelor’s offered
- Concentration study available in nuclear leadership or nuclear cybersecurity
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreBy earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronic, communications, or nuclear engineering from Excelsior College you can expect to study the very fundamentals of computer technologies, which include operating systems and the internet. With a focus on nuclear engineering, you’ll study privacy, security, data mining, and warehousing.
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Eastern Kentucky University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,996(in state) / $18,774(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours and 40 classes
- Fire protection and safety engineering bachelor’s offered
- Minors and undergraduate certificates also available
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScoreEarn a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety engineering from Eastern Kentucky University and master the principles and best practices for fire prevention, suppression, and safeguarding. Students engage in the latest equipment design and recommendation analysis to help organizations protect from and respond to fire and explosion hazards.
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University of North Dakota
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,946(in state) / $18,546(out of state)
- Total of 130 credit hours
- Ten different degree tracks available
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology online degrees from the University of North Dakota offer students ten fantastic majors. In addition to learning the fundamentals of math, physical science, and chemical engineering, students will participate in hands-on labs with real-world applications and design and analyze experiments.
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ECPI University
20-Year ROI$683,123
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,996(in state) / $14,996(out of state)
- Total of 140 credit hours
- An electronic systems engineering technology bachelor’s
- Admissions interview required
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Electronic Systems Engineering Technology online degree from ECPI University is built to give students a broad understanding of developing and testing components and systems before and throughout production. Skill focuses include medical equipment, wireless phones, control systems, circuit boards as well as a variety of other components.
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Indiana State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,716(in state) / $19,252(out of state)
- Total of 124 credit hours
- Engineering, electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering bachelor’s offered
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Engineering, Engineering Management, and Mechanical Engineering online degrees from Indiana State University offer students a comprehensive understanding of modern industrial practices, technical leadership skills, and management tools. In addition, coursework will focus on traditional systems analysis, creation, and troubleshooting practices. Professional certification is available for some of the course work.
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Stony Brook University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,670(in state) / $24,180(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Electrical engineering bachelor’s available
- A calculus-based physics course with a lab is a prerequisite
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreEarn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Stoney Brook University and pursue a technical career in the high-demand field of engineering. Students will spend their first two years completing core work in fundamental engineering concepts and introductory basics before focusing on the design and implementation of engineering systems and devices.
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Grantham University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,360(in state) / $6,360(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours for completion
- Engineering management, electrical, and electronic engineering bachelor’s offered
- Transfer credits accepted and work experience considered
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Engineering Management, Electrical Engineering, and Electronic Engineering online degrees from Grantham University offer students an opportunity to train with the newest innovations in conductors, circuits, transistors, and numerous other electronic technologies. Elective courses in power systems, communications, and control systems allow you to customize your degree even further.
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The University of Alabama
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,780(in state) / $28,100(out of state)
- Total of 126 credit hours
- Mechanical engineering bachelor’s available
- Lab work required for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering online degree from the University of Alabama pairs 37 hours of general course work with 49 hours of core mechanical engineering courses and nine hours of technical elective courses. Class interaction offers students a combination of video lectures and discussion-based online classes to provide a format that mimics the on-campus experience.
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Daytona State College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,071(in state) / $11,960(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours for completion
- Engineering technology bachelor’s available
- Students with a 2.49 GPA or lower are only admitted conditionally
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in engineering technology online degree from Daytona State College is designed to prepare students for a career in the expanding fields of construction design, industrial operations, and mechanical design. Incorporated within the course of study is mastery of key principles in engineering writing, teamwork, communication, and technology.
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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,950(in state) / $22,374(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Electrical and electronic bachelor’s available
- Military applicants welcome
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in electrical or electronic engineering online degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers students a unique online opportunity that feels very hands-on. Leveraging online videos and lectures with software simulations, reading materials, and portable test instruments, students get the benefits of on-campus instruction but with the convenience of online study.
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Seminole State College of Florida
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,393(in state) / $9,494(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours
- Engineering technology bachelor’s available
- GPA of 2.0 or higher required
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreIf a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology is what you’re seeking, you can earn your degree completely online from the Seminole State College of Florida. Required courses include production and design specialization, mechatronics and robotics, and engineering and project management. Students will develop, plan, design, inspect, fabricate, and learn operation skills for a variety of systems.
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Florida International University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,721(in state) / $16,529(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours
- Electrical, electronic, and computer engineering bachelor’s available
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering online degrees from Florida International University offer students the ability to get real-time instructor feedback and collaborate with classmates on projects. The program also includes interactive lectures on all coursework. Students train on software engineering, hardware-software integration, hardware architecture, as well as computer networking.
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Kennesaw State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,341(in state) / $15,322(out of state)
- Total of 127 credit hours
- Industrial engineering technology bachelor’s available
- Concentrations in Quality Principles and Logistics available
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Industrial Engineering Technology online degree from Kennesaw State University prepares students for a variety of process management tasks that include materials, money, and labor and planning in an industrial or business environment. Students will learn how to make their professional organizations more productive, cost-effective, and efficient.
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Lamar University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,832(in state) / $15,792(out of state)
- Total of 122 credit hours
- Electrical, electronic technology, and industrial engineering bachelor’s available
- Transfer up to 66 credit hours from an accredited program
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreEarn an online Bachelor of Electrical, Electronic Technology, Communications, or Industrial Engineering from Lamar University with key studies in logistics, manufacturing, maintenance, safety, and production planning. Students can transfer into this program with a two-year associate degree in an accredited applied science field or a technical certification.
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Old Dominion University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,630(in state) / $23,955(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Civil engineering bachelor’s available
- 30 non-transferred credit hours taken at Old Dominion required for gradation
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in civil engineering online degree from Old Dominion University offers students career opportunities in the surveying and development industries, construction, and consulting engineering. Graduates are eligible to take the Fundamentals Engineering (FE) exam towards licensure as a professional engineer. Concentrations in structural design, site development, or construction management are available.
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San Diego State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,742(in state) / $17,622(out of state)
- 76 credits and 3-6 writing credits required
- Civil engineering bachelor’s available
- Minimum 2.7 GPA required
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering online degree from San Diego State University offers students instruction toward a career in civil infrastructure, academia, research, public utilities and transportation, or traditional engineering. In this program, you’ll learn to problem solve for social, environmental, economic, cultural, and health and safety factors within collaborative business environments.
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National University
20-Year ROI$1,183,483
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,032(in state) / $13,032(out of state)
- Total of 180 credit hours
- Electrical, computer, manufacturing, and construction engineering bachelor’s offered
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreThe online bachelor’s degrees in electrical, computer, manufacturing, and construction engineering from National University offer students instruction in the theories, principles, and practices in the field. In addition, students will learn the impacts of engineering solutions as they apply to both an economic and global environment.
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Oregon State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,075(in state) / $27,735(out of state)
- Total of 180 credit hours
- Computer science bachelor’s available
- Option in applied science available
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Computer Science from Oregon State University offers students coursework in databases, computer forensics, cryptography, the theory of computation, and software engineering. Seniors will complete a required capstone senior design project for graduation.
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Liberty University
20-Year ROI$718,609
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,734(in state) / $15,734(out of state)
- Total of 131 credit hours
- Civil engineering and industrial technology bachelor’s available
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreLiberty University offers you the opportunity to choose from an industrial technology bachelor’s or a civil engineering bachelor’s online degree program. Coursework will include classes in environmental hazards, government regulations, structural fundamentals, transportation, and construction engineering. Specialization within the program is offered for civil engineering students interested in planning or transportation.
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,661(in state) / $9,436(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Electronics engineering bachelor’s available
- Choose from a focus in composite or renewable energy
School Wide
Program Level
64%OSR ScoreFor a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, earn your online degree from Eastern New Mexico University. Prepare yourself for success with engineers and scientists in a collaborative team-oriented environment. In this program, students study electrical circuits, instrumentation, controls, communications, manufacturing, and testing in a variety of industrial situations.
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,812(in state) / $17,246(out of state)
- Minimum 38 credits in major, plus associate degree coursework for completion
- Electrical and electronic engineering bachelor’s available
- Free Bridge Course required before completion of first semester classes
School Wide
Program Level
63%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Electronic Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is built for students who currently hold an associate degree in an applied science and are ready to complete the subsequent two years of electrical engineering specialization. Graduates will transition into careers in systems administration, system design, avionics control systems, or HVAC and power-control systems.
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American Public University System
20-Year ROI$1,257,003
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,480(in state) / $6,480(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours
- Electrical, electronic, and communications engineering bachelor’s available
- Choose from a focus in communicationsl or mechatronic systems
School Wide
Program Level
62%OSR ScoreThe online bachelor’s in electrical, electronic, or communications engineering from American Public University offer students a foundation in electrical engineering theories, tools, practices, ethics, competencies, and modern technologies. Coursework will prepare graduates to be critical thinkers and apply systematic problem-solving skills to technical and professional challenges.
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Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
20-Year ROI$841,408
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,315(in state) / $11,315(out of state)
- Total of 190 credit hours
- Electrical engineering bachelor’s available
- Grants and scholarships available
School Wide
Program Level
61%OSR ScoreThe online bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Colorado Technical University offers students 12 credit hours of senior-level electrical engineering coursework in addition to 69.5 credit hours of core subject matter classes. In addition, students can sign up to complete fast track exams in courses to test out and earn credit from existing knowledge without having to sit through the whole class.
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
20-Year ROI$1,325,236
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- Total of 122 credit hours
- Engineering technology, general engineering, and computer engineering bachelor’s available
- Offers concentrations in project management, aeronautical science, and more
School Wide
Program Level
61%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Engineering Technology, General Engineering, and Computer Engineering degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide offer students fundamental industry knowledge and research experience as a building block for their degree. Students also learn design skills, problem-solving, and how to make difficult engineering decisions. Students can customize their program by choosing from one of the nine degree concentrations.
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Regent University
20-Year ROI$827,287
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,650(in state) / $16,650(out of state)
- Total of 126 credit hours
- Computer engineering bachelor’s available
- Coursework designed from a Christian worldview
School Wide
Program Level
61%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering degree from Regent University teaches students about all facets of complex computational problems, how to improve processing efficiencies, and how to consider both social and ethical issues that apply to the spectrum of computer work for their field. Your degree could be the basis for a career in video game programming, computer information security, software development, database analysis, or even robotic engineering.
