The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering that is worth 125 credits. The program focuses on finding ways to power the world, using electrical technology in areas like computer science, aerospace, and biomedical engineering. Internships are available, organized by the Career Resources office. UND provides opportunities for
Best Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
By the OnlineU team | Updated 11/29/2021
Electrical engineers remain essential in an economy increasingly driven by technological innovation. An online bachelor's degree in electrical engineering covers the knowledge students need for entry-level positions in the field. In addition to learning about fundamental electronic and electrical system theories, students also develop the necessary skills to solve engineering design problems. Graduates who become employed as electrical engineers earn a median annual salary of $103,390, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Below is a list of the most popular educational institutions for online electrical engineering degrees, followed by detailed information about this degree.
Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering with the Highest Return on Investment
We've highlighted the best online bachelor's programs in electrical engineering ranked by their return on investment (ROI). ROI is based on graduates' earnings projected over 10 years with payments for student debt subtracted. In some cases, it may be worth it to pay for a more expensive degree up front if that degree could lead to higher earnings over your career. For example, top-ranked University of North Dakota has the highest annual tuition, but also has the highest ROI at $734,100. The top three schools on our list all have estimated returns higher than $699,100, which is the average ROI across all online and in-person bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | $20,202 | $74,576 | $27,000 | $734,100 | |
| University of Arizona - Engineering | $18,600 | $71,930 | $22,237 | $712,800 | |
| Arizona State University | $17,847 | $70,680 | $22,172 | $700,000 | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | $9,645 | $70,009 | $27,000 | $687,100 | |
| Florida International University | $11,067 | $68,643 | $21,527 | $679,900 | |
| Stony Brook University | $9,560 | $58,092 | $21,208 | $571,600 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Electrical Engineering Rankings Details
#1
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks (ND)
- 10-Year ROI: $734,100
- Median Salary: $74,576
- Annual Tuition: $20,202
- Median Debt: $27,000
#2
University of Arizona - Engineering
Tucson (AZ)
- 10-Year ROI: $712,800
- Median Salary: $71,930
- Annual Tuition: $18,600
- Median Debt: $22,237
The University of Arizona College of Engineering (UACE) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree for students who are interested in working within this diverse career field. The degree program requires 128 credit hours. The degree's primary focus is to bring together the concepts of both electrical and computer engineering and to explore
#3
Arizona State University
Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- 10-Year ROI: $700,000
- Median Salary: $70,680
- Annual Tuition: $17,847
- Median Debt: $22,172
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree, as well as an online Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electric Power and Energy Systems). In the B.S. option, students learn about signal processing algorithms, antennas, semiconductor devices, electric power systems, electronics, and more. In the B.S.E. option, instruction is
#4
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Carbondale (IL)
- 10-Year ROI: $687,100
- Median Salary: $70,009
- Annual Tuition: $9,645
- Median Debt: $27,000
Southern Illinois University (SIU) - Carbondale offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, which covers electric power distribution, communications systems, microelectronics, computer systems, and more. This part-time program is designed as a full degree program but has enough flexibility that students who have completed an associate degree may use
#5
Florida International University
Miami (FL)
- 10-Year ROI: $679,900
- Median Salary: $68,643
- Annual Tuition: $11,067
- Median Debt: $21,527
An online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is offered at Florida International University (FIU), instructing students in topics such as engineering economy, circuits, software techniques, linear systems, fields and waves, logic design, and more. Students are required to complete two senior design projects before graduation. This full-time, 128-credit program is taught
#6
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook (NY)
- 10-Year ROI: $571,600
- Median Salary: $58,092
- Annual Tuition: $9,560
- Median Debt: $21,208
Stony Brook University (SBU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree requiring 128 credit hours. The program explores the concepts, protocols, and theories of electrical engineering. SBU offers certification and licensure prep for students who are ready to take their state exams.
SBU uses the Blackboard online learning management system as its primary
Overview of Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Degrees
An electrical engineering bachelor's degree (BSEE) introduces students to the science and theory of designing, testing, and manufacturing complex electrical equipment. Distance education has grown increasingly popular, and electrical engineering students can choose to pursue a degree exclusively online. According to our internal analysis of 10 schools, the median annual tuition for an online BSEE is $17,148. Additionally, some programs expect students to purchase equipment — such as oscilloscopes — to conduct labs remotely. This technology typically costs $150-$400.
Students interested in pursuing this degree should make sure they enroll in an online program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Students interested in pursuing this degree should make sure they enroll in an online program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Accreditation from ABET ensures that an electrical engineering program meets the established criteria for academic excellence, and it allows students to apply for financial aid and transfer college credits from other accredited institutions.
How Long Are Online Electrical Engineering Programs?
An online electrical engineering program is designed to take 4-5 years of full-time study to achieve. Students are expected to complete 120-125 credits, including general education courses, electives, and core classes for the major.
Are you unsure about pursuing an electrical engineering degree? Consider exploring other engineering programs, including mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering.
Applying to an Online Electrical Engineering Program
Students must meet specific prerequisites and provide certain application materials to enroll in an online electrical engineering program. These may include the following:
- A high school diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA (though many programs will accept a GED as a substitute)
- SAT and ACT scores in the 75th-80th percentile
- Prerequisite science and advanced math courses completed during the first and second years
- High school transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal essay describing the student's interest in an electrical engineering degree
Additionally, applicants with an associate degree will need to ensure their completed credits meet coursework requirements for a bachelor's degree in this field.
What Courses Can I Expect to Take?
Electrical engineering students study everything from circuits, electromagnetics, and control systems to robotics and theories of electrical engineering design. They typically spend the first few semesters taking advanced math, chemistry, and physics classes before completing major-specific coursework in electronics and engineering. To gain practical experience, students must also complete labs in electrical construction, where they learn techniques for wiring, fabricating, and installing electrical systems. These labs can be completed exclusively online via software that simulates the experience of interacting with hardware.
Below are some examples of online courses in a BSEE.
This required course helps students develop a foundational knowledge of electronic engineering. In addition to introducing various construction and application techniques for electrical design, this course familiarizes students with techniques, such as soldering and wire-wrapping.
This class covers how students can use computers to control electronic systems. In addition to learning high-level programming languages, students gain experience with specific equipment and software used to facilitate interactions between humans and computers.
This fundamental class focuses on the crucial role of circuits in electrical theory. Students learn about theoretical concepts, such as resistance, inductance, and voltage, while familiarizing themselves with the symbols conveying different connections in electrical diagrams.
Students taking this class learn how electrical hardware components are used when constructing computers. Topics covered include electronic design, hardware design languages, and memory circuits. This class also involves a lab component for students to gain hands-on experience.
This class provides students with an understanding of probability theory as it relates to electrical engineering. Faculty teach mathematical concepts concerning random events, and they explain how to apply this theory in order to troubleshoot problems that may arise in electrical systems.
For more information about online college, including scholarship opportunities and advice from experts, visit our resource hub.
Potential Career Paths for Electrical Engineering Graduates
Electrical engineers design, develop, and manage the production of a wide variety of electrical devices. They work on large-scale technologies, such as GPS navigation and power generation equipment, as well as everyday items, including portable music players, smartphones, and home entertainment systems. As such, electronic engineers may find careers in government, transport services, healthcare provision, product manufacturing, and technology, to name a few.
Perhaps reflecting the diverse nature of their work, 85% of electrical engineers reported being satisfied in their jobs.
Entry-level jobs in electrical engineering require a bachelor's degree, with professionals earning a median annual income of $103,390. Graduates may also find lucrative positions in manufacturing. For instance, computer hardware engineers earn a median salary of $119,560 per year designing and testing PCs and laptops. It's important to note that a majority of electrical engineers hold a master's degree, which — with specialization in an area such as computing — can potentially qualify a worker in the field to make a median salary of $126,830 as a computer and information research scientist.
Due to the pace of technological innovation, some jobs in electrical engineering have become obsolete, but the field as a whole remains relevant. These professionals continue to play a role in designing efficient electrical components in a wide variety of technologies and products. In fact, the BLS predicts a 7% increase in entry-level positions for electrical engineers through 2030 — the average growth across all occupations.
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Electrical engineers don't require licensure or certification to gain employment. However, earning a license may open up more job opportunities.
Students interested in becoming licensed professional engineers must meet a rigorous set of qualifications. While each state has unique licensing requirements, candidates must typically complete an approved bachelor’s or master's degree program in engineering and four years of relevant work experience. They must also pass two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Additionally, electrical engineers may choose to earn voluntary certifications in specific areas through a trade organization, such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.
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