Having an engineering degree will help set you up for a lucrative career in software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering, among other engineering fields. An online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering makes this educational pathway more accessible and affordable. This guide covers all you need to know about the best online engineering bachelor’s degrees.
In this article, you’ll find a list of the top 10 online engineering bachelor’s degrees. We will also cover the best engineering bachelor’s degree jobs. Read on to find the summaries and cost of each program and additional school information to make the best choice for your college degree.
Where Can I Get an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online?
You can get an engineering bachelor’s degree online at many accredited, respected universities. Some of the top universities with online engineering majors are Arizona State University, the University of North Dakota, Florida International University, and Liberty University.
What Schools Offer the Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Liberty University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Florida International University
- The University of North Dakota
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online engineering bachelor’s degree include a high school transcript, a completed application, and a personal statement. Depending on the particular school, you might also need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Some schools also have a prerequisite of certain math and science courses for admittance into their program.
You will also likely need to secure a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA and submit a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or college counselor to complete your application.
Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- 2.0 GPA or higher
- High school diploma or GED
- Official school transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Completed application
- Personal statement
How to Get an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online
You get an engineering bachelor’s degree online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. You must complete the required credit hours, which combine courses in engineering and general education and usually include a capstone project. Your required credits will vary from program to program, but the minimum is generally 120 to 124 credit hours.
You might also be able to reduce your credit hours by using your high school transfer credits. An online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering also requires you to maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA for completion.
Engineering Degree Requirements
- 120 – 124 credit hours
- 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA
- General education courses
- Engineering technology and core courses
- Capstone project
Best Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| ECPI University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Florida International University | Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| National University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern Illinois University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration Software Engineering | New England Commision of Higher Education |
| University of Arizona | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of North Dakota | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Engineering: Top Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Read on to find the top 10 online engineering bachelor’s degree programs. We have included online engineering programs that cover civil engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, and mechanical engineering. Our list also incorporates the best degrees in the fields of software and hardware engineering.
What Is an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
An online engineering bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate program that covers software or hardware engineering disciplines. Depending on your choice of programs in engineering, you can become a hardware engineer, mechanical engineer, software engineer, biomedical engineer, or electronics engineer.
Your online school curriculum will vary by focus, but the general credit hour requirement for this degree ranges from between 120 and 130 credit hours. Some of the more common engineering courses include calculus, system design, physics, and computer engineering.
Online vs In-Person Engineering Degrees
The benefits of online versus in-person engineering degrees vary depending on your learning preferences and preferred career outcomes. Below are the top five benefits of these types of degrees.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- More software-oriented. Your online engineering bachelor’s degree may be limited to software-based engineering programs. These programs are best suited for online learners wanting to learn engineering technology, systems, and project management. The best engineering majors to get online include software engineering, or mechanical or electrical engineering technology.
- More affordable. Getting an online bachelor’s degree is an affordable option as you can avoid on-campus residential and campus costs. You can also save on transportation costs.
- Flexible schedule. Online degrees are designed to provide schedule flexibility for college students. You can set your class schedule to accommodate your other personal or work commitments.
- Best suited for busy professionals. An online engineering degree is a great option for busy individuals. You can plan your classes and studies around your professional and personal life.
- Convenient and safe. An online degree offers safe distance education for those wanting to become software or computer engineers. You can take the classes from your desired location.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- More lab and practical experience opportunities. In-person engineering degrees are apt for those wanting to become petroleum engineers, industrial engineers, or chemical engineers. Your in-person college education will incorporate the ample lab and hands-on experience required for these fields.
- More options for programs. In-person degrees are the academic standard across most industries. This means your school search process for an in-person engineering degree will be easier and contain more options.
- Fixed schedules. If you learn best under fixed schedules and in a classroom setting, then you will benefit from an in-person degree.
- Traditional reputation. The engineering discipline encompasses a wide range of hardware and software engineering fields. If you want to get a degree in civil, petroleum, chemical, or mechanical engineering, then a traditional in-person degree might be a better choice for future job prospects
- Personal interaction. If you prefer studying in a group and networking, then consider an in-person degree. On-campus programs provide access to extracurricular activities too.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Engineering?
There are two primary types of online bachelor’s degrees you can get in engineering: a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Applied Engineering. You can also choose to get a Bachelor of Engineering in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering via an in-person program. Your tuition and program curriculum will vary according to your choice of engineering major.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Engineering in Engineering?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science if you want a more familiar degree type that offers majors covering both software and hardware engineering fields. Your Bachelor of Science program might involve the fields of computer engineering, software engineering, or engineering project management.
It is better to get a Bachelor of Applied Engineering if you want to specialize in mechanical or electrical engineering technologies.
How Much Does an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
The cost of an engineering bachelor’s degree will depend on the school’s tuition rate. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost for a four-year degree in 2019-2020 was $35,331.
NCES further reports that the average cost for a four-year public school was $25,487 for in-state students, $53,217 for private nonprofit universities, and $35,125 for private for-profit universities. Living off-campus or taking an online degree program will affect these averages.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes about four years to get an engineering bachelor’s degree online. Most engineering degrees require you to complete 120 to 130 credit hours, meaning that you can take 15 or 16 credits per semester to complete your degree in four years.
However, it can take more than four years to complete your degree, especially for students enrolled in more flexible online programs.
Are Online Engineering Degrees Respected?
Yes, online engineering degrees are respected as they meet the same academic standards and offer the same credibility as in-person degrees. However, the job acceptance of more hands-on engineering disciplines, like civil and chemical engineering, might be slightly lower if the program was taken online.
Computer and software engineering degrees are a better bet for the online format, as they can seamlessly cover all of the curricula online.
Is Engineering Hard to Learn Online?
Yes, engineering is hard to learn online, mostly for the same reasons that it is hard to learn in person. Engineering can be a difficult field to master, requiring focused attention and extensive expertise in math and science subjects. Students can increase their chances of success by polishing their technical skills and completing ample practice assignments.
Engineering Bootcamp vs Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An engineering bootcamp is better if you want to get a job in the field as quickly as possible, as bootcamps offer specialized short-term education. Though an online bachelor’s degree takes longer to complete, it offers an extensive education that offers you better chances of landing high-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities. Below are the top five benefits of online bachelor’s degrees versus bootcamps in engineering.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
- The industry-standard academic requirement. An online bachelor’s degree in engineering meets the industry-standard academic requirement. You will be eligible for a wide range of entry-level engineering jobs.
- Higher annual wage. A bachelor’s degree opens the pathway to a higher annual wage than a bootcamp does. You can apply to entry-to-mid-level jobs by pairing your degree with industry certifications and professional projects.
- Extensive coverage of the subject. Your four years of engineering education provide extensive coverage of the subject. You will get a well-rounded general and technical education.
- More career possibilities. The career possibilities with your online engineering degree are ample. You can apply for mechanical, software, computer, environmental, or civil engineering jobs.
- A strong reputation. A bachelor’s degree offers an industry-standard education and is widely accepted. It provides you with a highly credible and reputable education, making your job search easier.
Top 5 Benefits of an Engineering Bootcamp
- Short-term education. An engineering bootcamp is best for students looking to commit a few weeks to a few months to their education. You can get a specialized engineering tech education in this short timeframe.
- Software education. A bootcamp education is best suited for aspiring software or computer engineers. It does not prepare you for licensure requirements that come with civil, mechanical, or industrial engineering. You can master software engineering and computer programming through a bootcamp.
- Potential job guarantees. There are several top coding bootcamps that offer a six-month job guarantee. These bootcamps will help you secure a career in engineering.
- Affordability. Compared to online degree programs, bootcamps offer a more affordable education option. You can use the bootcamp’s installment, loan financing, or deferred payment plans to fund your education.
- Extensive career services. Several bootcamps offer in-depth career services programs that cover resume critique and interview prep. They also offer ample networking opportunities to increase your chances of landing a great engineering job.
Why You Should Get an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get an engineering bachelor’s degree online if you prefer an educational pathway that is flexible and more affordable. You might also choose an online engineering degree if you want to build a career in the software engineering or engineering management fields.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Engineering?
An online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering covers a wide range of courses. Your courses will differ according to the choice of your engineering program. Below are five of the most common courses an online engineering degree will offer.
Physics
STEM fields are a common course requirement across all engineering majors. Your bachelor’s degree will include many physics courses. These courses will cover electromagnetism, dynamics, and gravitational theories.
Mathematics
Mathematics is another common engineering course, including calculus, differential equations, numerical methods, and statistics. The level of math requirements will vary depending on your engineering major.
Computer Programming
Whether your focus is software, computer, or mechanical engineering, the program will incorporate basic computer programming courses. You will learn C programming, software programming, and computer systems.
Engineering Management
Project management is a common element across engineering professions. You will learn IT, software, or project management specific to your engineering major.
Software Engineering
For those who choose to major in software or computer-based engineering disciplines, software engineering courses will be part of the curriculum. These programs cover system security, programming languages, and software development.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The continuing education paths for online engineering bachelor’s degree graduates can include pursuing a master’s degree, a PhD, or earning industry certifications. Career advancement is possible via CompTIA+ security certifications and machine-learning engineering certifications. Doctorate programs allow specialization in various engineering research topics.
Related Online Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Look for tuition rates, the program curriculum, and career outcomes when choosing the best engineering bachelor’s degree program for yourself. Below are the main criteria to consider when selecting your ideal degree program.
Program Tuition Rates
Choose a degree program that offers a tuition rate that matches your financial needs. Get in touch with the school’s admissions team to inquire about any financial aid, payment plans, or scholarships to aid your tuition costs.
Program Curriculum
Engineering is a broad discipline. It is crucial to choose a field that resonates with your career and personal goals. Look into the program curriculum and choose the school that offers the courses of your choice.
School Reputation
Attending a university with a good reputation can help you advance your career or land your dream job. A bachelor’s degree is a big investment of time and money, so making your resume and professional portfolio stronger by attending a respected school is something to consider.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements are another key factor to keep in mind. Consider things like prerequisite courses and standardized test scores to help guarantee your admittance into the program of your choice.
Graduation Rate
Choosing a school with a high graduation rate will help ensure your degree completion. This indicates that other students didn’t find obstacles to their graduation, so you likely won’t either.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online engineering bachelor’s degree is offered by Southern New Hampshire University for a total program cost of about $36,000. The program costs $300 per credit and requires you to complete 120 credit hours.
Can I Get an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get an engineering bachelor’s degree online for free. Bachelor’s degrees are four-year advanced degrees, and all universities charge tuition for this education. However, you can learn some software, computer, or machine-learning engineering for free through online courses or videos. Look up courses on Udemy or Coursera to find ample free options.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Online engineering bachelor’s degrees open career possibilities across IT, software, and hardware engineering fields. The salary and job outlook for an engineering job will vary according to your major and job designation.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an engineering bachelor’s degree. The well-rounded education provided by an online engineering bachelor’s degree offers the skills required to succeed at entry-level engineering jobs. You can become a software engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, or chemical engineer using your bachelor’s degree.
The success rate of your finding an engineering job after graduation depends partly on your GPA, technical skills, resume, and professional portfolio.
What’s the Average Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for an online engineering bachelor’s degree holder is $87,000, according to PayScale. However, your specific salary will vary according to your specific job designation, company, and technical skills.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
You can get a wide range of jobs with an online engineering bachelor’s degree, including software engineer, machine-learning engineer, or data engineer. You can also become an electrical engineer or an engineer project manager.
Engineering Degree Jobs
- Software Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Network Security Engineer
- Database Engineer
- Engineering Project Manager
Potential Careers With an Online Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make between $53,000 and $90,000 with an online engineering bachelor’s degree. Your annual wage will vary according to your company, state of employment, and job designation.
Highest-Paying Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Hardware Engineers | $128,170 |
| Software Engineers | $110,140 |
| Engineering Project Administrators | $102,450 |
| Electronics Engineers | $100,420 |
| Database Engineers | $88,115 |
Best Jobs for Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Below are some of the best jobs for online engineering bachelor’s degree graduates. These jobs cover hardware and software engineering career possibilities.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online engineering bachelor’s degree is worth it for students wanting to pursue software or other computer-based engineering careers. Your bachelor’s degree can help you land high-paying jobs across the information technology, cyber security, and data science fields. An in-person bachelor’s degree is better for those looking to major in mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
An online engineering bachelor’s degree can cover software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering technology, and engineering management fields.
You can land a wide range of jobs with an online engineering bachelor’s degree, including software engineer, database engineer, machine-learning engineer, or computer engineer.
The best online bachelor’s majors in engineering cover software and computer-based engineering fields. You can major in software engineering, computer engineering, or engineering technology.
Online engineering bachelor’s degrees cover mathematics, physics, computer programming, software engineering, and software systems courses.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
