Best Online Electrical Engineering Degrees

An online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering can lead to in-demand, lucrative careers or become a springboard to an advanced degree.

Electrical and electronics engineers have strong salaries and projected growth rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth for electrical engineers between 2022-2032 is faster than the national average, and the median annual salary more than doubled the average for all occupations at $106,950.

As with many industries, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the engineering profession: It now incorporates more remote work and safety protocols, though some engineering subfields are more impacted than others. Overall, engineering jobs are relatively pandemic-proof, as their work is essential to the operation of everyday life.

To help students choose the best online electrical engineering degree, we’ve broken down the available programs and career options and ranked the top programs in the country.

At the bachelor’s level, electrical engineering programs teach students about electronics and electrical systems. Enrollees learn to design, fix, and improve devices and systems that use electricity while following industry standards and protocols.

The best online electrical engineering degrees prepare graduates for professional engineering licensure (PE). While not required, a PE credential demonstrates that the holder can work to industry standards. Recipients must renew their credentials through continuing education.

Aspiring electrical engineers are usually interested in mathematics, the sciences, and electronics. They build practical skills through both classroom training and internship experience, building a thorough understanding of how electrical components work together in a system. They also need strong communication skills.

When researching the best online electrical engineering degrees, students will find a few degree types. Most of these types provide similar training in major-relevant skills, but they vary in complementary courses and electives.

A BA in electrical engineering offers an electrical engineering concentration, but also includes humanities courses, resulting in a broader base of education. Conversely, a bachelor of science in engineering (BSE) and a bachelor of engineering (B.Eng.) both focus on engineering and science topics. These degrees usually offer more practical training and more diverse engineering specialization options than BA degrees.

These different electrical engineering degrees often lead to similar careers, but they can also prepare students for specialty pathways. The focused training of a BSE or B.Eng. equips learners for more technical roles, while those who earn more general BAs in engineering may be better suited to management or engineering-related communication roles.

To choose the best online electrical engineering degree for your unique circumstances, there are several factors to consider. Depending on your skills and career goals, you may want to look for specific courses, specializations, or program formats. Cost, accreditation status, and location are also key details to research. The following links can help guide you through the decision process.

Courses and concentrations can vary considerably between electrical engineering majors. Schools have their own unique curriculums, and the different degree types offer different course options. Below, you’ll find some of the more common courses and concentrations that electrical engineering programs offer.

In addition to the traditional electrical engineering degree structure, some schools offer alternate pathways. These programs allow students to combine degrees or complete their training more quickly through dual or accelerated programs.

For example, a school might offer an accelerated BS/MS in electrical engineering, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s simultaneously while reducing required credits, time, and costs. Similarly, a computer science and electrical engineering dual degree combines the two disciplines and can help graduates pursue electrical engineering careers in emerging information technology, telecommunications, and energy industries.

Professional organizations provide support for both new and experienced engineers. These associations offer professional development courses, continuing education opportunities, and industry resources.

Some electrical engineering organizations focus on a specialized industry or subdiscipline within the profession, while others offer services within a geographical region or for a specific demographic. Some of the biggest organizations are listed below.

With a degree in electrical engineering, graduates can pursue employment in many industries and professions. Students can pursue traditional career pathways or expand their postgraduate options by exploring concentrations, interdisciplinary studies, or more advanced training.

The information below explores some of the more popular careers available to graduates, along with their median annual salaries. Readers should note that this list is not exhaustive.