Timelines, Programs and Resources for Engineering Students
Students can earn an online PhD in engineering in specializations that range from the philosophy of systems and engineering management to aeronautics engineering. The term “engineering” applies to mathematical, scientific, social and practical knowledge as it is used to innovate and improve upon existing machines, tools, computers, systems and processes, resulting in many specializations that PhD candidates can pursue in online programs. Discover some of the academic and career opportunities that await engineering students pursuing online doctoral degrees below.
- Best Online PhD in Engineering Degrees
- Search Online Engineering PhD's
- Timeline: Online Engineering PhD
- Principals Learned with a PhD in Engineering
- Careers with a PhD Degree in Engineering
- Additional Resources
Best Online PhD's in Engineering
To help refine the search for an engineering doctoral program, prospective students can compare current online PhD degree programs by sorting factors like tuition cost, graduation rates and student-to-teacher ratios using this ranking data chart.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Professionals seeking advanced remote study in engineering should consider the Ph.D. in systems engineering at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Students in the online program receive training for careers in academia, with the option to explore positions beyond the academic setting.
Learners can enroll full or part time. Based on enrollment status, candidates can complete their degree in 4-6 years. Candidates conclude their studies by submitting a dissertation, contributing independent research to the field.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins at a Glance:
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 81%
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,520
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,791
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 79%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,750
Average Price After Aid: $16,793
#2 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking to advance in the engineering field can enroll in Columbia University in the City of New York's online doctoral program in materials science and engineering. The program connects enrollees with industry-relevant education, research opportunities, and other skillsets needed for a career in academia, research, and management. A doctorate commonly serves as the highest level of education available in the engineering field.
The flexibility of the online doctoral program enables candidates to learn at their own pace or work full time while pursuing study. Based on enrollment, candidates may take 4-6 years to finish their degree. Learners conclude their studies by submitting a dissertation, contributing independent research to the field.
Columbia University in the City of New York at a Glance:
Location: New York, New York
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 5%
Graduate Tuition In State: $47,600
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $47,600
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 59%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#3 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking to earn a doctoral degree at your own pace? Consider one of Michigan Technological University's flexible online doctoral programs. Learners pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering complete research, coursework, and comprehensive exams, preparing them for the demands of an academic career. Graduates may also work in research or management.
The online modality provides flexibility for doctoral candidates. The time it takes to complete the degree varies, though many students average 4-6 years in the program. Degree-seekers conclude their studies by submitting a dissertation, contributing independent research to the field.
Michigan Technological University at a Glance:
Location: Houghton, Michigan
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduate Tuition In State: $20,511
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,511
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 96%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $11,310
Average Price After Aid: $17,814
#4 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Campus
From its main campus in University Park, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus provides premier doctoral-level study for professionals interested in the engineering field. One option includes a doctor of engineering in engineering. A doctorate is typically the field's highest education level.
The program's flexibility enables candidates to learn at their own pace or work full time while pursuing study. Doctoral candidates can expect to complete their studies in 4-6 years. Learners submit a research-driven dissertation at the conclusion of their studies.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus at a Glance:
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 76%
Graduate Tuition In State: $21,960
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,694
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 73%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,354
Average Price After Aid: $24,724
#5 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A&M University-College Station provides online doctoral programs across three disciplines. One option includes a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary engineering. The public college prepares professionals for future careers in academia, research, and management. Engineering students gain competency in research and writing, gaining skills needed for an academic career.
Doctoral candidates benefit from the flexibility of an online education, learning at any location. Though the duration of study can vary, candidates often take 4-6 years to complete their degree. Engineering candidates' work culminates in a dissertation, which contributes original research to their field.
Texas A&M University-College Station at a Glance:
Location: College Station, Texas
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 58%
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,677
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,700
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 76%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $10,115
Average Price After Aid: $19,237
#6 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Professionals looking to secure an advanced engineering career should consider Texas Tech University's doctor of philosophy in systems and engineering management. Enrollees complete research, coursework, and comprehensive exams, preparing them for the demands of an academic career. A doctorate enables learners to inhabit positions in academia, research, and management.
The online modality allows doctoral candidates flexibility in learning. Learners typically complete their studies in 4-6 years. At the program's conclusion, candidates submit and defend a dissertation, which contributes novel research to the field.
Texas Tech University at a Glance:
Location: Lubbock, Texas
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 69%
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,958
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,428
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 78%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,527
Average Price After Aid: $16,463
#7 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a highly ranked online Ph.D. in industrial engineering, reaching professionals across the globe. Learners gain advanced skills in research and professional practice, preparing them for positions in academia, research, and management. Upon graduation, degree-holders possess the highest level of education available in the field.
The online program enables both full-time and part-time study. Based on enrollment status, candidates can complete their degree in 4-6 years. Throughout the program, candidates teach, research, and complete a dissertation.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville at a Glance:
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 79%
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,468
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,656
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 91%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $10,486
Average Price After Aid: $21,024
#8 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking to earn a doctoral degree at your own pace? Consider one of University of Alabama at Birmingham's flexible online doctoral programs. The school supports online learning in its Ph.D. in interdisciplinary engineering program. A doctorate is typically the field's highest education level attainable.
The online modality allows doctoral candidates flexibility in learning. Learners can expect to complete their studies in 4-6 years. Candidates contribute original research to their field through independent projects and their dissertation.
University of Alabama at Birmingham at a Glance:
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,100
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,188
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,605
Average Price After Aid: $17,068
#9 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Alabama in Huntsville provides doctoral-level education in its Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering program. The program connects students with industry-relevant education, research opportunities, and other skillsets needed for a career in academia, research, and management. Within the field, a doctorate is the highest level of education attainable.
Online doctoral candidates can pursue full-time or part-time study. Based on enrollment status, candidates can complete their degree in 4-6 years. At the program's conclusion, candidates submit and defend a dissertation, which contributes novel research to the field.
University of Alabama in Huntsville at a Glance:
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 83%
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,632
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,430
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,013
Average Price After Aid: $15,118
#10 Best Online PhDs in Engineering
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of South Carolina-Columbia offers 10 fully online doctoral programs, including the Ph.D. in nuclear engineering. This program equips learners with transferrable knowledge and skills suitable for positions in academia, research, and management. Students gain competency in research and writing, gaining skills needed for an academic career.
The flexibility of the online doctoral program is unparalleled, enabling candidates to learn at their own pace. A doctorate typically takes 4-6 years to complete, though part-time enrollment may take longer. Candidates conclude their studies by submitting a dissertation, contributing independent research to the field.
University of South Carolina-Columbia at a Glance:
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 69%
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,737
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,760
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,282
Average Price After Aid: $21,787
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The Online PhD in Engineering Timeline
Online PhD programs in engineering often offer a variety of specializations, and while some programs can be completed in three years, others can take up to six. Regardless of the timeline, the work students put into these PhD programs is usually intensely focused and in-depth. It can be important for students to consider how much time they want to commit to earning an online PhD when choosing an engineering program. See an example of what to expect during the application process and a sample four-year track timeline below.
Application Process
Because online engineering PhD programs typically cover a wide range of course material, students should investigate particular areas of interest and faculty members they want to work with when deciding where to apply. They may need to demonstrate both their interest and their previous knowledge to be admitted into an online PhD in engineering program.
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Bachelor's Degree and Official Transcripts
Applicants are often required to have a bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering or a related area, through an accredited institution. Programs may ask to see official transcripts from all higher learning institutions that an applicant attended and may have minimum GPA requirements.
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Previous Experience and Demonstrated Competence in Chosen Area
Applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in a hands-on engineering field like mechanical or hardware engineering may need to provide proof that they have experience in their field. Previous experience is usually submitted in a résumé, but may be required in a larger essay or in a program's application.
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Statement of Purpose
Online engineering programs may ask an applicant to write a statement of purpose that addresses why a student chose a particular program and elaborates on their ability to do advanced research; demonstrates their knowledge, passion, experience and skill; and notes an intended area of study.
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Personal Statement
In addition to a résumé and a statement of purpose, programs may ask for a personal statement which may explore an applicant's history and life experience and address what an applicant would like to get out of pursing an online PhD in engineering.
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GRE Scores
Individual programs may require applicants to demonstrate minimum scores in the math and verbal areas of the GRE from exams taken within a certain number of years.
Year 1 Milestones
Students may enter online PhD programs with a clear idea of which engineering department they will work in. However, the first year in an online PhD in engineering program is generally spent learning about each possible area of study and often serves to deepen research skills and technical experience.
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Core Requirement Courses
Online engineering doctoral degree programs typically have a core series of classes that introduce students to basic engineering concepts like modeling technologies, common systems management principles and the economics of engineering.
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Exploring Facility Possibilities
Though students in online PhD programs often do not learn in on-site labs, some programs offer facilities via satellite for distance learning students. Students interested in practical aspects of engineering, such as mechanical or computer engineering, may need to find places to gain tangible experience.
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Selecting an Area of Specialization
Students generally will need to decide to pursue a narrowed course of engineering study by the end of their first year. Common specializations may include the theories and ethics of engineering; management and engineering; or civil, mechanical or computer engineering.
Years 2 and 3 Milestones
Students may spend a lot of time investigating their chosen field before finding an area that suits them. Some online PhD in engineering programs allow as many as six years before a student must propose a dissertation topic, and students can often spend that time building up their experiences and knowledge before completing their degree.
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Specializing Further
Students who may not have begun their engineering program knowing exactly what they wanted to study will usually narrow their focus in their second year, choosing specific aspects of their chosen engineering specialization to explore more in-depth.
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Refinement of Research Practices
Throughout an online engineering PhD program, students will typically design projects and conduct research within their fields, refine their approaches and execution techniques, and accept feedback from advanced faculty.
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Approach Faculty Advisors
Students may choose online engineering doctoral programs based on possible areas of specialization and the faculty who work in these areas. As they work toward an original project for their dissertation, students may need to select an engineering faculty advisor in their field and begin discussions about this final academic work.
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Qualifying Exam
A qualifying examination is usually delivered by engineering faculty members familiar with a student's chosen field of study. It may include an oral component in addition to a written test. The exam is meant to determine each student's ability to apply general concepts and methods in their chosen field. Students may also have to complete a research proposal exam before beginning work on their engineering dissertation.
Year 4 Milestones
The final year of an online PhD in engineering student's degree is often spent working on their dissertation. All core class requirements and electives are usually completed by this time, allowing students time to focus on this final project.
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Dissertation Preparation
Dissertations will likely address an aspect of engineering that could be improved upon or altered in some way. This project is generally an example of how a student will contribute to their engineering field.
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Scheduling Final Exam and Dissertation Defense
Online PhD in engineering programs may ask for certain scheduling applications or dissertation draft submissions before a student attempts to earn their engineering degree. These application and submission deadlines may be as many as three months out.
Graduation Requirements
Online engineering PhD students who have completed all of their coursework to their instructors' satisfaction will often be well-prepared to deliver their final dissertation and defend their expertise to a panel of fellow experts. Tests throughout online doctoral engineering programs may help to ensure that any student who makes it to this stage is academically committed to expanding knowledge in their chosen field.
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Dissertation
An engineering dissertation often needs to follow professional formatting guidelines. Students should be sure if they are working with sensitive or confidential information not to include those aspects in their dissertation as these documents are often considered public.
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Oral Exam
An oral exam often requires a student to justify the methods and conclusions of their dissertation and to explain how their work relates and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in their engineering specialty.
Core Principles and Skills Learned in an Online Engineering PhD Program
PhD in Engineering
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1
Refined Research Techniques
Students generally enter online engineering PhD programs with basic knowledge in their area of specialty. These advanced academic programs often teach students how to research and explore current knowledge on an even deeper level.
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2
Application of Principles
Online engineering PhD program graduates typically teach students general concepts and methods, and while students learn how to practice these techniques, they may also develop the ability to apply these principles to their own specialized areas and any other areas of their field they may encounter.
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3
Continuing Education
Engineering is a field that is often adapting and changing with new technologies. As this field advances, PhD program graduates typically have the research abilities and connections within both professional and academic fields to keep up with these changes.
Learn More About Engineering Degrees
After Your Degree: What to do with a PhD in Engineering
Online engineering doctoral graduates may seek out the highly specialized jobs that fall within their refined scope of learning. They may also choose to use the broader researching and knowledge-application skills they usually learn in PhD programs to find work in other elite fields.
A PhD student may head back into the classroom as an Engineering Professor after graduation, teaching general and specialization coursework on everything from basic engineering principles to physical laws, mechanical development, instrumentation, process and services. Specializations may include chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, mineral or petroleum engineering. Educators will typically have the time and resources to double as researchers in their selected field.
Job Growth (2014-2024): 13%
Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $95,060
Technology professionals typically need to be prepared to continually evolve, adapt and improve existing tech. Computer hardware engineers often keep themselves current on computer engineering trends and new technology as they design, develop and test computer components. They also may ensure that computer pieces like processors and routers work together as systems and may work to advance computer technology.
Job Growth (2014-2024): 3%
Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $111,7300
The federal government employs the highest amount of computer and information research scientists, but professionals in this field may work for businesses, in medicine, in science, or in other fields. They are often in charge of coming up with creative uses for current computing technology and inventing, designing and creating new approaches to computing as well.
Job Growth (2014-2024): 11 percent
Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $110,620
Computer and information systems managers are often also called IT managers or IT project managers. They typically plan, coordinate and direct all computer-related activities in an organization or business. Professionals in this field may help individual companies achieve their information technology goals by implementing the appropriate computer systems. They may also be required to manage their resources as well as their employees.
Job Growth (2014-2024): 15%
Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $131,600
Additional Resources
Below is a list of free online resources for current and post-graduate online engineering PhD students that offer educational, career and networking opportunities