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Best Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees: 2024

Best Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees: 2024

Selecting an online engineering bachelor’s degree program that’s right for you is an important yet challenging decision. The best programs for 2024 are listed below to help you start your search, along with key info on what you’ll learn, which specialization paths are available, and where this degree can take your career.

If you have a knack for math and science, and a desire to create innovative products and systems that benefit society, an online bachelor’s in engineering is a smart degree choice. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, many top-earning college graduates hold an engineering degree. Completing an online bachelor’s in engineering can lead to a lucrative career, but you’ve got to find the right program first.

To help, this page provides a ranking of the best online bachelor’s in engineering programs for 2024. These programs offer strong academics and quality online student services to support you throughout and beyond your academic experience. But most importantly, they offer flexible course schedules that work with your busy lifestyle and let you study how and where you want.

Learn more about this year’s top-rated online engineering bachelor’s degree programs below, and see which one best meets your college goals.

Top Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Degrees for 2024

We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.

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    Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings

    1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs

    To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

    • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
    • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
    1. Assign Weightings

    After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.

    Online Program Availability

    • Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
    • For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.

    Affordability

    • Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
    • Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.

    Support Services

    • Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
    • Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.

    About Our Data

    OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024

  • Tucson, AZ
    Public $$$

    Arizona State University offers two fully online bachelors in engineering: one in software engineering and the other in electrical and computer engineering. No matter which program a student chooses, they will receive a comprehensive education full of general education courses, electives of their choice, and departmental courses. Either program also covers the essential coding languages and technologies students need to thrive in a software engineering or computer engineering workplace. By choosing their own electives and utilizing online professional development resources, students will have a better idea of what they want to do after graduation – and they will have the education needed to enter that desired role. Since classes are fully online, students can complete the degree without ever stepping foot on campus.

    Program Highlights:

    Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: $600 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

    • Credits: 120
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: $600 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
    Public $$$

    The University of Alabama offers a comprehensive bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Students in this degree take a combination of general education courses to learn multidisciplinary thinking and departmental requirements which serve as a foundational introduction to the field of mechanical engineering. While there is some room for exploring electives, certain electives are only offered on campus. Along with some required in-person labs, the electives are part of the reason the program is primarily online, not fully online. While it is possible to choose all online electives and labs, students will need to come into campus to take their end of degree engineering exams. Once they pass those exams and graduate, alumni are prepared to take on a variety of roles in the mechanical engineering field.

    Program Highlights:

    Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: $385 per credit
    • Mode: Hybrid
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Carbondale, IL
    Public $$

    Students looking for a bachelor of science in electrical engineering technology should check out the program from Southern Illinois University. The curriculum includes general education requirements to develop critical and interdisciplinary thinking and foundational departmental requirements. Additionally, there is some room for students to explore their own interests through electives or choosing to complete the optional senior capstone. Students can also choose between a fully in-person or fully online program. While both cost the same, they do offer different advantages to students. Students who take the courses in-person may get more time in labs and working with specific technologies in the industry. Those who take the degree online experience increased flexibility and may find it easier to fit their degree around a job or other obligations.

    Program Highlights:

    Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology

    • Credits: 120
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: $321.50 per credit
    • Mode: Online /li>
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology

    • Credits: 120
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: $321.50 per credit
    • Mode: In-person /li>
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Grand Forks, ND
    Public $$

    The University of North Dakota offers a flexible undergraduate degree which can be completed in four to five years. Students take departmental courses which offer a solid foundation to the engineering education and general electives before deciding on their major. When students are ready to select their major they can decide between a bachelor of science in civil engineering, energy engineering, data science, geological engineering, and petroleum engineering. No matter which major they choose, students can complete their degree online and never have to set foot on campus. There’s even virtual academic and professional resources available to them, such as online tutoring and career coaching. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to either get their master’s in their selected field or enter the workforce. Should students choose the latter, the University of North Dakota has resources to help them get an engineering internship during their four to five years in the program.

    Program Highlights:

    Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

    Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4-5 years
    • Cost: $427.86 per credit
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Miami, FL
    Public $

    Florida International offers several comprehensive engineering degrees. Students can choose to pursue a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, computer engineering, information technology, and the internet of things. No matter which major they choose, the curriculum consists of departmental courses, general education requirements, and electives. All undergraduate engineering degrees are offered online and students can complete their degree without ever setting foot on campus. For even more flexibility, classes start in either spring, summer, or fall, meaning students can enroll and start classes whenever it works for them instead of waiting for the beginning of the school year. Florida International University also works with transfer students so they can graduate within two to three years.

    Program Highlights:

    Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: 288.81 per credit in-state | 345.87 per credit out-of-state
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: 288.81 per credit in-state | 345.87 per credit out-of-state
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

    • Credits: 128
    • Length: 4 years
    • Cost: 288.81 per credit in-state | 345.87 per credit out-of-state
    • Mode: Online
    • Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Norfolk, VA
    Public $$
  • University Park, PA
    Public $$$$
  • Charlotte, NC
    Public $
  • Greenville, NC
    Public $
  • Stony Brook, NY
    Public $$
  • Pittsburg, KS
    Public $$
  • Hattiesburg, MS
    Public $$
  • Clemson, SC
    Public $$$
  • Livingston, AL
    Public $$
  • Terre Haute, IN
    Public $$
  • Irving, TX
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Marquette, MI
    Public $$$
  • Saint Cloud, MN
    Public $$
  • Beaumont, TX
    Public $$
  • Lenexa, KS
    Private for-profit $$
  • Bemidji, MN
    Public $$
  • Miramar, FL
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Westminster, CO
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Corpus Christi, TX
    Public $
  • Columbus, OH
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Sanford, FL
    Public $
  • Spartanburg, SC
    Public $$$
  • Fort Wayne, IN
    Private not-for-profit $$
  • Daytona Beach, FL
    Private not-for-profit $$$
  • Ontario, CA
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Private not-for-profit $$$$
  • Fort Wayne, IN
    Private not-for-profit $$$
  • Decatur, GA
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Chicago, IL
    Private for-profit $$$
  • New York, NY
    Private for-profit $$$$
  • Virginia Beach, VA
    Private for-profit $$$$
  • Colorado Springs, CO
    Private for-profit $$$
  • Scottsdale, AZ
    Public $$$

Main Learning Outcomes of Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree in engineering gives you the foundational knowledge and technical skills that inform countless engineering careers. While curricular requirements and learning outcomes vary among schools, accredited engineering bachelor’s programs all meet rigorous academic standards and, as a result, have similar learning goals. Below are common learning outcomes for online bachelor’s in engineering programs to give you an idea of what you’ll know and be able to do when you graduate.

STEM Proficiency

Throughout your engineering bachelor’s degree program, you’ll tackle a long list of math, science, and engineering classes. These courses are the foundation on which you build your engineering career. You’ll design and conduct experiments, analyze and assess complex data, and continuously challenge yourself to solve complex engineering problems. Whether taking a chemistry course for engineers or a class on differential equations, these rigorous classes help you hone the problem-solving skills you’ll rely on when you enter the workforce.

Communication and Teamwork

Top engineering bachelor’s programs prioritize teamwork for both online and on-campus learners and challenge you to work effectively alongside your cohorts. Whether through virtual presentations or team-based projects to solve complex engineering problems, practicing professional communication not only leads to academic success but prepares you for the team-based work you’ll inevitably encounter after graduation. 

Engineering, Society, and Ethics

Standout engineering programs often prioritize professional ethics and environmental awareness, encouraging cultural competency for their students. Students are continuously challenged to consider the societal impact of what they create and how their future projects are both marketable and beneficial to society. Throughout your engineering degree, you’ll gain an understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities involved with being an engineer.

Career Training

Your engineering degree is not just an academic exercise; it’s preparing you with widely marketable skills that make you a competitive candidate when you enter the engineering workforce. You’ll gain experience using the modern tools, techniques, and skills essential to working engineers while simultaneously honing soft skills like communication and teamwork. In addition to standard coursework, top engineering programs ensure that you complete an internship before graduation to give you valuable networking opportunities and professional experiences.

Courses You’ll Take in an Online Bachelor’s Engineering Degree Program

Academic requirements for an online bachelor’s in engineering vary among programs, but you can expect some similarities, too. Alongside general education classes, you’ll complete core engineering classes, specialization coursework, and often an internship at an approved site. When reviewing prospective online engineering bachelor’s programs, ensure their academic requirements match your academic and career goals. Below, we spotlight some standard classes you’ll likely encounter when tackling an engineering bachelor’s program online.

Engineering Principles

This foundational course introduces you to the broader concepts, issues, and practices that inform engineering. You’ll also explore the history and evolution of various engineering fields, ethical concerns, and where the field is moving in the 21st century. Throughout this class, you’ll be challenged to engage critically while actively and effectively communicating.

Engineering Impact on Society

The things that engineers create don’t exist in a vacuum, and, throughout history, have had immeasurable impacts on society. This course examines how engineering has impacted society, both positively and negatively. Additionally, it challenges you to consider the possible implications of your future career and how you can use your skills to benefit your communities.

Stem Communications

Crunching numbers isn’t the only part of engineering. Effective communication skills are also essential, especially for those seeking future leadership roles. Throughout this online offering, you’ll encounter various modes of communication; technical writing, professional writing, and public presentations are all considered. Additionally, you’ll collaborate within a group to practice your communication.

Engineering Economics

For most working engineers, what they produce exists in the marketplace. As a result, having a working understanding of the economics of engineering makes sense, especially for future managers. Throughout this online class, you’ll learn to account for time when assessing the value of various projects, calculate returns on investment, and calculate depreciation for assets.

General Chemistry for Engineers

This online course introduces engineering students to the fundamental principles of chemistry. Throughout this class, essential topics covered include chemical reactions, fundamental properties of matter, chemical bonding, atomic structure, and molecular structure. Regardless of your engineering specialization, you’ll learn how chemistry relates to the work of engineers and how chemistry influences energy, building materials, and the future of materials. 

Differential Equations

This introduction to differential equations homes in on linear differential equations and how they’re applied within engineering and science. You’ll learn to model simple physical systems, test the plausibility of solutions, and explore how this essential math helps informs countless technical and physical processes.

FAQs About Earning Your Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online

As you consider submitting applications to various online bachelor’s in engineering programs, you probably have some basic questions. Whether you’re curious about career prospects or standard admission requirements, there’s a lot to know before choosing the right school for you. We answer some of the most common questions below to help you learn what you need to know before applying.

  • Can I earn my bachelor’s degree in engineering completely online?

    Multiple delivery methods are available for those wanting to pursue a bachelor’s in engineering. Fully online, hybrid, and on-campus options allow you to tailor your academic experience to your scheduling needs. Just because a program is promoted as “online” doesn’t mean there aren’t in-person components, however. One program might require a once-a-semester in-person residency while another could mandate that you attend an in-person orientation. Additionally, some programs might require in-person labs, and it’s also quite common for many to require in-person internships. Before enrolling, be sure to ask about any in-person requirements. 

  • What careers can I enter with a bachelor’s degree in engineering?

    Because an online bachelor’s in engineering is a broad discipline that encompasses many specialization areas, you could pursue an equally broad spectrum of career options. Engineers seem to work in just about every industry, so there’s ample room for you to pursue a specialization that utilizes your unique skills while matching your career goals. You’ll find jobs in the public or private sectors and within industries from healthcare to manufacturing. Below is a list of some common careers for engineering grads.

    • Aerospace Engineer
    • Agricultural Engineer
    • Biomedical Engineer
    • Chemical Engineer
    • Civil Engineer
    • Computer Hardware Engineer
    • Electrical Engineer
    • Environmental Engineer
    • Industrial Engineer
    • Mechanical Engineer
    • Petroleum Engineer
  • What accreditation should an online bachelor’s engineering degree program have?

    When reviewing potential online bachelor’s in engineering programs, prioritize schools that hold institutional accreditation and programs that hold programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation acts as a stamp of approval on a school telling you it meets a set of rigorous standards for everything from academics to student services. Similarly, programmatic accreditation means that an engineering degree is thoroughly scrutinized and meets various academic and professional standards. Seek out programs that hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

  • What are the admissions requirements to get into an online engineering bachelor’s?

    While admission requirements vary among schools, you’ll inevitably notice similarities when reviewing potential online engineering bachelor’s programs. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong performance in various math and science classes during high school. Standard admissions materials include an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, an admission essay, and a resume highlighting work experience and extracurricular activities. While sometimes still required, many schools are moving away from using SAT/ACT scores to predict academic performance.

  • How much does an online bachelor’s degree in engineering cost?

    The cost of an online bachelor’s in engineering varies significantly among schools. The price is typically influenced by factors like your residency status and whether the school is public or private. Students paying in-state tuition at public institutions typically pay the least. To give you an idea of the range of cost for tuition for online bachelor’s degrees in engineering, consider that the Online Civil Engineering Degree at Liberty University costs $390/credit for all students regardless of residency, while the Online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Arizona State University costs $700/credit. Another example, the Online Civil Engineering Degree at the University of North Dakota, costs $500/credit for ND residents, $550 for Minnesota residents, and $713/credit for all other U.S. residents.

  • How long will it take me to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering online?

    While the typical online engineering bachelor’s degree timeline assumes at least a four-year and often a five-year timeline for full-time students, how long it takes to graduate can vary. Part-time students inevitably take longer, while those tackling an accelerated program can complete requirements more quickly. If you completed college credits during high school, transferred from a community college, or take summer classes, you’ll graduate in fewer than four full academic years. Additionally, some schools offer 4+1 engineering programs that allow you to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.

  • What specializations/concentrations are available for my bachelor’s degree in engineering?

    Engineering is an overarching field encompassing a sizeable list of specializations. During your engineering bachelor’s program, you’ll encounter a mix of general education, core engineering, and specialized engineering courses. Specialized areas are often considerably different from one school to the next, so be sure to seek out programs that match up with your academic and career goals. Some of the most common engineering specializations include:

    • Aeronautics
    • Biological Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Electronics Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Nuclear Engineering

Is Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Worth It?

If you’re gifted with strong math and science skills, pursuing a bachelor’s in engineering is a solid academic and career choice. There are upwards of 4.8 million engineers in the U.S., and the broad field of engineering boasts a higher-than-average median salary of $93,000 annually. That median number doesn’t reveal the entire picture, though, since experienced engineers who take on leadership roles often earn well into six figures. The table below shows annual earnings and job growth numbers for various engineering careers.

CareerMedian Annual Earnings
(2021)
Job Growth
(2021-2031)
Chemical Engineer$105,55014%
Civil Engineer$88,0507%
Electrical Engineer$101,7803%
Mechanical Engineer$95,3002%
Petroleum Engineer$130,8508%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics