Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Guide
An online engineering degree gives students the chance to learn about the basics of the engineering field. At the bachelor’s level, students gain exposure to a variety of concepts and practices, building a broad foundation for future success.
A bachelor’s degree typically requires a student to complete 120 credits of coursework over four years of full-time study. Some students can accelerate their time to completion with summer courses. Alternatively, part-time students take longer to complete their degrees.
Online bachelor’s in engineering programs offer students flexibility and convenience. Thanks to online learning, students can complete their coursework on their own time without needing to relocate for school.
What Is an Engineering Degree?
BS, BSE
Degree Types
120 credits
Required Credits
4 years (full time)
Program Length
Engineering undergraduates typically enroll in a bachelor of science (BS) or bachelor of science in engineering (BSE) program. A BS degree provides a more comprehensive education in the general sciences, while a BSE focuses more heavily on the technical side of engineering.
Engineering majors usually take a variety of mathematics and science courses. Depending on the program, students may take advanced electives related to their area of specialization. In an effort to produce well-rounded and thoughtful students, many undergraduate degrees also require general education classes in areas like the arts and humanities.
In addition to coursework, many programs require students to complete an internship to get hands-on experience in their field. Some programs require a thesis or capstone project.
Bachelor’s programs in engineering often allow students to concentrate on a specific specialization, including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Bioengineering
- Chemical engineering
- Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- Materials science
- Mechanical engineering
Can you get an engineering degree online?
Yes, you can earn an engineering degree online. Online degrees may involve synchronous coursework, where students participate in online meetings at specific times, or asynchronous coursework, where students view recorded lectures and complete required readings and assignments throughout the week. Online coursework gives students the chance to attend college with more flexibility.
While you can study a variety of engineering subdisciplines through online courses, many tend to focus on computer science and information technology. ABET accredits traditional on-campus engineering programs, as well as 100% online programs, ensuring that you receive a quality distance education.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Engineering Degree?
An online engineering degree can lead to many different career paths. Engineers work in diverse industries, including computer systems, industrial manufacturing, and medical technology. Each engineering role focuses on a specific area, such as computer hardware, electrical, or materials, contributing to the design, building, and testing of various systems and products.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Bachelor’s in Engineering?
Highest-Earning Majors
- Operations Research ($103,554)
- Computer ($95,892)
- Petroleum ($95,229)
- Electrical ($87,513)
- Systems ($86,804)
Lowest-Earning Majors
- Biological ($62,134)
- Environmental ($65,820)
- Construction ($67,947)
- Agricultural ($68,822)
- Civil ($69,106)
According to NACE’s First-Destination Survey, about 550,000 students from the class of 2023 graduated with engineering degrees. Around half have obtained full-time employment, and around 20% have enrolled in continuing education. Engineering majors typically enjoy high wages, with an overall mean starting salary of $80,085 for all engineering majors.
How Much Does an Engineering Degree Cost?
The NCES estimates that the overall average cost of a bachelor’s in engineering program was $36,457 during the 2019-2020 academic year. The cost of in-person education was $36,949 annually, while the cost of online education was $32,769. This means that after four years of study, your total cost of attendance could amount to well over $100,000.
To avoid out-of-pocket expenses, check for available financial aid like grants and scholarships. The financial aid process usually begins by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for federal funding sources like the Pell Grant. Some schools also offer need-based and merit-based scholarships.
How to Get Into an Online Engineering Program
To apply to an online bachelor’s program in engineering, you typically need to submit:
- High school diploma or the equivalent
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts (with a minimum GPA)
- Standardized test scores
- English proficiency exam scores (for some international students)
Your personal statement typically includes information about your background, interests, and how you expect your prospective program to contribute to your personal and professional goals. Letters of recommendation can come from teachers or community members like coaches, employers, or leaders at religious and nonprofit organizations.
For STEM-focused degrees like engineering, students should focus on achieving high mathematics and science scores on the SAT or ACT. Before applying, research the minimum SAT and ACT scores for your particular institution and program.
How to Choose a Bachelor’s in Engineering Program
1. Identify your goals
Begin by identifying your goals. Many engineering programs require students to choose a specialization like mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or computer engineering. Become familiar with your strengths and interests, do some research on the engineering industry, and identify potential engineering roles that may fit your particular talents. By making a broad plan, you can select the right engineering program for you.
2. Check for accreditation
Ensure that your prospective school holds institutional accreditation. Institutional accreditation ensures that a college or university offers high-quality education to its students. Additionally, only students who attend institutionally accredited schools can apply for federal financial aid.
Also, prioritize engineering programs that hold programmatic accreditation from ABET. ABET ensures the quality of engineering-specific programs, and many employers in the engineering field prefer candidates who graduated from ABET-accredited programs.
3. Consider format and length
Before applying to an engineering program, understand the associated scheduling and time requirements.
In-person degrees typically require students to commute to class several times per week or live on campus. Some online degrees offer asynchronous education, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Additionally, part-time students may enjoy increased flexibility, but their timeline to graduation is extended.
Finally, consider 3-2 engineering programs, which offer dual degrees over five years.
4. Review curriculum requirements
Check your prospective program’s curriculum to understand how it could contribute to your personal and professional aspirations. If you want to work as a civil engineer, for example, make sure that you apply to programs with relevant faculty and coursework that can help you achieve that goal. Also, check the curriculum for opportunities like internships and capstone projects to help you build a network and gain practical experience.
5. Compare costs and financial aid
After you’ve received acceptance letters, understand the cost of tuition and the various financial aid packages on the table. Students can help pay for tuition with scholarships, grants, and loans. However, loans require repayment while scholarships and grants do not. If a school offers grant or scholarship funding to help cover tuition, you should factor that into your final decision.
Beyond the Online Engineering Degree
After earning an online bachelor’s in engineering, some students pursue careers while others obtain further education, certification, and/or training.
Some engineering graduates may benefit from enrolling in a master’s program. Applicants with master’s degrees may have more advantages on the job market than applicants who only hold a bachelor’s degree, and they can qualify for more advanced positions. Additionally, a master’s degree can expand your professional network.
After a few years of experience, many engineers pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to sign and seal engineering drawings, work as an independent consultant or the head of a private practice, and more. Additionally, PEs typically earn higher wages.
