The Best Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Programs
Online electrical engineering programs open a variety of career opportunities to graduates. The program often leads students to other specialized master’s programs in areas including aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering. Many of these careers boast impressive salary opportunities, with electrical engineers earning an annual mean wage of $97,970, aerospace engineers earning an annual mean wage of $113,030, and mechanical engineers earning an annual mean wage of $85,880. If you are interested in an engineering career that allows you to enjoy impressive salary opportunities and specialized career options, you should consider enrolling in an electrical engineering program.
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Programs
1. Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
Founded as an agricultural college in 1889, Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina has research centers throughout the state. Currently, Clemson offers academic programs to more than 18,000 undergraduate and over 4,500 graduate students.
The online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering completion program allows learners to combine coursework from outside institutions with classes offered at Clemson. The electrical engineering undergraduate degree includes 126 credit hours designed for professionals working in the engineering industry. Students must complete prerequisite coursework in chemistry, calculus, and physics prior to admission.
Learners complete 48 courses including seven laboratory classes. Students in the program can complete lab courses at a school near them or through distance learning if they purchase lab equipment. The electrical engineering degree also includes two capstone courses where learners complete team–based projects.
Accreditation
Clemson University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Clemson’s bachelor of science program in electrical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
2. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
Now part of the State University of New York system, Stony Brook University was founded in 1957 as a teaching college. Based in Long Island, New York, Stony Brook University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors, including electrical engineering. Learners can complete Stony Brook University’s bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering completely online.
Ideal for working professionals and students with electrical engineering experience, Stony Brook University’s online electrical engineering degree program includes 120 credit hours. Learners complete 39 credits in prerequisite science, mathematics, and technical classes before major–specific coursework in signals and systems, electromagnetics, and engineering design. Students also complete several laboratory classes and electives in subjects including electric machinery and computer communications. Learners complete collaborative projects during laboratory and design classes as they apply curriculum content to practical experiences.
Accreditation
Stony Brook University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The online bachelor’s in electrical engineering maintains accreditation through the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
3. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota traces its origins to 1883. Founded before North Dakota became a state, the institution now provides educational programs to more than 13,000 students. UND offers more than 225 academic programs, including an online electrical engineering degree.
Most learners complete UND’s online electrical engineering degree in 4–5 years. Coursework in subjects including embedded systems, circuit analysis, and computer–aided measurement and control provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in electrical engineering. The program offers specializations in computer science, aerospace engineering, or biomedical engineering as well.
The 125–credit hour curriculum prepares students to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and apply critical thinking skills to issues in the electrical engineering industry. Students also develop electrical engineering products, processes, and competencies while exploring real–world organizational and budgetary constraints.
Accreditation
University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering holds accreditation through Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET.
4. Arizona State University – Tempe
Tempe, Arizona
Founded as the Territorial Normal School in 1883, Arizona State University was the first institution of higher education in Arizona. Based in Tempe, Arizona, ASU took its current moniker in 1958. ASU’s engineering school was created three years later.
Named for the noted ASU alumnus and benefactor, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering offer a 120–credit hour undergraduate degree in electrical engineering online. Learners gain competencies applicable to careers in energy production and distribution, electronic instrumentation, and electrical engineering management. Students can transfer up to 64 community college credit hours into the program before completing 45 upper–division credit hours.
Students study physics, mathematics, and electromagnetics in preparation for area pathway and technical elective classes. Area pathways courses include analog and digital circuits and properties of electronic materials, while electives include courses in fiber optics, digital systems, and electrical machinery. Students also complete two senior design classes during which they apply knowledge and skills to project design, creation, and implementation.
Accreditation
Arizona State University – Tempe is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The electrical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
5. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Thomas Edison University, chartered in 1972, is one of the oldest schools in the United States designed specifically for adult learners. From its main campus in Trenton, New Jersey, TESU offers academic programs to more than 17,000 students worldwide.
Online undergraduate and graduate programs at TESU include a 124–credit hour bachelor’s degree in electrical systems engineering technology. Learners can transfer up to 80 credit hours from a two–year institution and apply up to 117 credit hours from a four–year programs. Transfer options give students flexibility when completing laboratory coursework for the program.
TESU’s online electrical systems engineering technology degree requires learners to complete 18 credit hours in upper–division coursework. Students complete classes in electrical circuits, electrical devices, and communication electronics in addition to electives in areas including industrial electronics and network technology. Learners also complete a Capstone course at the end of the program.
Accreditation
Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The electronic systems engineering technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.
6. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University, founded as the University of Portales in 1927, transitioned from a two–year to a four–year degree–granting institution in 1940. With campuses in Portales, Roswell, Ruidoso; extensions in Hobbs and at Cannon Air Force Base; and online offerings, ENMU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to learners around the world.
The online bachelor of science in electronics engineering technology at ENMU includes 120 credit hours of coursework. Students can apply transfer credits to lower–division requirements, including general education classes. Learners complete 40 credit hours of upper–division classes in subjects such as renewable energy technology, control systems, and microcontroller programming before a final capstone course.
ENMU’s online electronics engineering technology program helps students prepare for careers in electronics and computer technology design, research, management, and testing. Designed for working professionals, the program offers students with strong mathematical foundations and problem–solving skills opportunities to advance their competencies in the implementation of electrical and electronic applications.
Accreditation
Eastern New Mexico University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
7. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
Founded to provide academic programs to students in the proximity of St. Louis, Missouri, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville opened its first residence centers in Alton and East St. Louis, Illinois in 1957. SIUE currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 13,000 learners throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
The online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology at SIUE provides working adults and students with associate of applied science degrees flexibile, convenient coursework to build knowledge and experience in the field. Designed for learners with previous coursework in digital electronics and circuit theory, SIUE curriculum incorporates advanced classes in controls, electronics, machinery, and circuits. The online program incorporates portable test instruments and design and software simulations into the 120–credit hour degree. Students complete additional physics and mathematics classes alongside laboratory courses and a Capstone sequence prior to degree completion as well.
Accreditation
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). SIUE’s bachelor’s program in electrical engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
8. Morgan State University
Baltimore, Maryland
Established as the Centenary Biblical Institute by the Methodist Church in 1867, Morgan State University became a public institution in 1939. MSU promotes excellence, diversity, integrity, innovation, and leadership to its urban community from its main campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Online degrees and classes, including MSU’s bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering offers flexible educational options to working professionals and students with associate degrees in the field.
As a 2+2 program, MSU’s online electrical and computer engineering degree gives learners an associate degree ease of transfer to a bachelor’s program. The 2+2 in electrical and computer engineering allows students to complete the final two years of a bachelor’s program online, either through MSU’s course offerings or through Maryland Online, a consortium of Maryland institutions of higher education.
Accreditation
Morgan State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSU’s electrical engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Choosing a Online Electrical Engineering Degree Program
Students studying electrical engineering online can often tailor their degree to their interests by choosing a concentration or focus. Electrical engineering programs sometimes feature focus areas, including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, and industrial engineering. Depending on a student’s career goals and personal interests, they can consider which focus area best suits their goals. Some electrical engineering programs require senior students to complete a thesis project to successfully graduate from the program, while others include requirements such as capstones or a comprehensive exam.
Though electrical engineering programs differ depending on the school, they all aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their career after graduation. Course topics often include subjects like electric machines and electromagnetic components. Typically, colleges and universities feature program websites outlining sample curriculums, including course descriptions, degree requirements, and costs. This allows students to review their options at each school before settling on a particular program.
What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Program?
Courses may differ slightly between schools, but there will be some commonalities when it comes to subject matter and required areas of knowledge. A sample curriculum has been listed below.
- Electrical Machines
- In the electrical machines course, students learn about the operating principles and design concepts of a variety of electrical machines. They focus on machine circuits, DC motors and generators, single–phase and three–phase transformers, three–phase alternators, single–phase motors, induction motors, and synchronous motors.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility
- Students in the electromagnetic compatibility course learn about the issues involved with designing electronic and electrical systems to accomplish electromagnetic compatibility. Coursework focuses on government regulations limiting radiated and conducted emissions, interference sources, shielding, filtering, grounding, and the spectral analysis of electromagnetic interference.
- Communication Systems
- The communication systems course teaches students to understand the methods used in electronic communication systems. Students focus on energy and power spectral density, Fourier transform, frequency modulation, and digital line coding and modulation.
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Careers
Graduates with their online electrical engineering degree can pursue a variety of careers after graduation depending on their area of interest, including electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering. While these careers are all grounded in engineering, they vary in focus, allowing graduates to pursue a career that best suits their skills and knowledge. Some examples of possible career paths are listed below.
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrical engineers develop, design, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, including radar and navigation systems, electric motors, communication systems, and power generation equipment. They develop and design electronic equipment, including portable music players and global positioning system devices.
- Median Annual Salary: $97,970
- Projected Growth Rate: 7%
- Industrial Engineer
- Industrial engineers are responsible for finding ways to eliminate waste in the production process. They also devise efficient systems to integrate workers, materials, machines, energy, and information to provide a service or make a product.
- Median Annual Salary: $85,880
- Projected Growth Rate: 10%
- Mechanical Engineer
- Responsible for analyzing problems to see how thermal and mechanical devices might help solve a problem, mechanical engineers develop and test prototypes they design. They also oversee the manufacturing process for devices.
- Median Annual Salary: $85,880
- Projected Growth Rate: 9%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Paths for Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Programs
Students pursuing online electrical engineering degrees often have the opportunity to transfer into a master’s program after graduation. Master’s programs allow students to further specialize their skills and knowledge in the area they want to base their career. In many occupations, earning an advanced degree unlocks more varied opportunities for students. Many schools offer five–year programs combining a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, allowing engineers to work as university instructors or conduct research and development. Below, are some of the paths an engineering major might want to take if they decide to pursue a master’s degree.
- Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Students with an engineering bachelor’s degree interested in enhancing their training in scheduling, inventory control, production planning, and industrial economics can enroll in a master of science in industrial engineering program.
- Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering
- Bachelor’s in electrical engineering graduates can pursue a master of science in management science and engineering degree if they want to work on the management side of engineering.
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- The master of science in mechanical engineering program proves a great fit for electrical engineering bachelor’s graduates who hold an interest in pursuing mechanical engineering professionally.
