2022 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Electrical Engineering
An online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering covers the knowledge students need for entry-level positions in the field. Students are given coursework that requires a strong background in mathematics and science, including classes in computer science, communications systems, electric circuits, and others.
Electrical engineers are professionals who study and design electricity, electromagnetics, and electronics systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary in 2021 for electrical and electronics engineers was $101,780 per year or $48.93 an hour. Additional career paths for graduates include aerospace engineer, embedded systems engineer, and analysis engineer.
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Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
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University of Arkansas Grantham
List Of Accredited Online Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System | |||
| Arizona State University | 44,253 | 55 | $70,595 |
| Excelsior College | 25,245 | NA | NA |
| Florida International University | 13,671 | 47 | $69,120 |
| Thomas Edison State University | 10,130 | NA | NA |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 7,079 | NA | NA |
| ECPI University Online | 6,270 | NA | NA |
| Old Dominion University | 6,154 | 25 | $64,709 |
| National University | 6,014 | NA | NA |
| University of Arizona | 5,073 | 68 | $73,122 |
| Daytona State College | 3,656 | NA | NA |
| University of North Dakota | 3,351 | 82 | $76,521 |
| Indiana State University | 2,774 | NA | NA |
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | 2,431 | NA | NA |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | 2,086 | 27 | $65,138 |
| Stony Brook University | 1,444 | 13 | $61,334 |
| Bluefield State College | 220 | NA | NA |
University of North Dakota
- Salary Score: 82
- Median Starting Salary: $76,521
- Locations: Grand Forks (ND)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering requiring 125 credit hours. Students gain skills in C++, Python, MATLAB, and other languages throughout the program. High school or college transcripts, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and ACT or SAT scores are required for admission. Some of the courses include Circuit Analysis, Electric & Magnetic Fields, Engineering Data Analysis, and Embedded Systems.
At UND, students complete online coursework either asynchronously or synchronously through the Blackboard platform. Online student support services at UND include tutoring, academic advising, and tech help.
University of Arizona
- Salary Score: 68
- Median Starting Salary: $73,122
- Locations: Tucson (AZ)
- Accreditation: HLC
At the University of Arizona (UA) — a large, public institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Totaling 128 credit hours, the program integrates the two disciplines to give students flexibility in their career options. At UA, students engage in real-world projects and research experiences with faculty that can benefit them in their future careers. Graduates may enter a variety of fields: robotics, software, medical imaging, and communication networks, to name a few.
UA online students complete all coursework asynchronously through the learning management system, D2L. Online student resources include tutoring, academic success coaching, librarian consultations, and disability support. This program requires submitting an online application, unofficial transcripts, and taking the ALEKS math placement exam.
Arizona State University
- Salary Score: 55
- Median Starting Salary: $70,595
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for ASU, including high SAT or ACT scores and either a minimum 3.0 GPA or a class ranking in the top 25%. This program, totaling 120 credit hours, introduces students to the fundamentals of electrical engineering. Graduates are prepared for careers in computing, robotics, energy, and more. Sample courses include Digital Design Fundamentals, Introduction to Engineering, and Fundamentals of Electromagnetics.
At ASU, most courses are delivered in an asynchronous format through Canvas. In addition, ASU’s online students can access disability support, counseling, success coaching, tech help, and military support services.
Florida International University
- Salary Score: 47
- Median Starting Salary: $69,120
- Locations: Miami (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
A medium-sized, public institution, Florida International University (FIU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The 128-credit-hour program exposes students to different areas of electrical engineering, such as nanotechnology, bio-engineering, and electromagnetism. Sample courses from the program include Applied Software Techniques in Engineering, Signals and Systems, Introduction to Fields and Waves, and Power Systems.
At FIU, online coursework, which is facilitated through Canvas, must be completed at set deadlines. Resources for online students at FIU include tutoring, success coaching, and academic advising. As part of FIU’s general admission requirements, applicants must complete MAC 2311 (Calculus I) or its equivalent with a “C” or higher before enrollment.
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
- Salary Score: 27
- Median Starting Salary: $65,138
- Locations: Carbondale (IL)
- Accreditation: HLC
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (SIU) — a medium-sized, public institution — offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. Totaling 120 credit hours, the program provides students with foundational skills in electrical engineering. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, technical background, and official transcripts to enroll in the program. Sample courses include Digital System Fundamentals, Manufacturing Process Laboratory, Technology Design, and Cost Estimating. Prospective jobs for graduates include service engineers, application engineers, and sales engineers.
All coursework at SIU is offered in a synchronous format and facilitated on the digital learning platform, MyCourses. In addition, SIU's online student support services include academic advising, career development, disability support, counseling, tutoring, and many others.
Old Dominion University
- Salary Score: 25
- Median Starting Salary: $64,709
- Locations: Norfolk (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Old Dominion University (ODU) — a large, public institution — offers several specializations within its online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program: (1) Communications Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology), (2) Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology), (3) Embedded Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology), (4) Mechatronics Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology), and (5) Power Systems Technology (Electrical Engineering Technology). Each specialization requires completing 127-128 credit hours. Prospective jobs include working in energy, field operations, power systems, and other industries.
At ODU, students complete online coursework, which is delivered synchronously and asynchronously, in Canvas. ODU’s online support includes academic help, tech, career development, and free software. Prospective students must submit ACT or SAT scores and official transcripts.
Stony Brook University
- Salary Score: 13
- Median Starting Salary: $61,334
- Locations: Stony Brook (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
A large, public institution, Stony Brook University (Stony Brook) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering that requires 120 credit hours to complete. Prospective students can expect to take the following core courses: Technical Communications for Electrical Engineers, Random Signals, Electromagnetics, and Digital Signal Processing. Admission requirements include having a minimum 3.0 GPA in high-level math courses and a minimum grade of C from Stony Brook’s General Education Courses.
This online program is designed for full-time students who desire flexibility in their schedules. At Stony Brook, online students complete coursework asynchronously through Blackboard. In addition, Stony Brook offers technical support and their Student Accessibility Support Center to online students.
Overview of Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Degrees
An electrical engineering online 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.
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 the best online electrical engineering degree should make sure they enroll in an online program that has received its accreditation status by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This ensures that an accredited online electrical engineering degree meets the established criteria for academic excellence, and it allows students to apply for financial aid — as well as some student loans and scholarships — and transfer college credits from other accredited institutions.
Can I Study Electrical Engineering Online?
Yes, there are many options when it comes to pursuing an online electrical engineering bachelor's degree. These programs utilize learning management systems, which allow students to complete homework assignments, take important tests, and communicate directly with their teachers and fellow classmates — all from the comfort of their own home or office. An online bachelor's in electrical engineering is ideal for busy students with responsibilities outside of school or for those who want to save money from the added housing and meal plan costs that typically come with on-campus schools.
How Long Are Online Electrical Engineering Programs?
The best online electrical engineering bachelor's degrees are designed to take 4-5 years of full-time study. 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. Or check out our engineering hub for more options.
Applying to an Online Electrical Engineering Program
Students must meet specific prerequisites and provide certain application materials to enroll in an electrical engineering bachelor's degree online. These requirements 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 or ACT entrance exam 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. However, even the best online colleges for electrical engineering expect students to purchase some equipment — such as oscilloscopes — to conduct labs remotely. This technology typically costs $150-$400.
Below are some examples of common courses at electrical engineering online schools:
Introduction to Engineering
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.
Automated Instrumentation
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.
Circuit Theory
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.
Digital System Fundamentals
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.
Random Signals
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 in the RF/Microwave industry 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 $101,780. Graduates may also find lucrative positions in manufacturing. For instance, computer hardware engineers earn a median salary of $128,170 per year designing and testing PCs and laptops.
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. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 3% increase in entry-level positions for electrical engineers through 2031. The BLS writes, "Despite limited employment growth, about 20,100 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade."
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 (NCEES).
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.
Is an Online Degree in Electrical Engineering Worth It?
There are several factors to consider before committing to one of the many electrical engineering online schools. If salary is a driving factor in a student's future career, they may find the high rate of pay in this field to be more appealing than others. However, an online bachelor's in electrical engineering does involve learning advanced subjects in math, chemistry, and physics, which may make graduating more of a challenge.
The list provided below will help students better understand the pros and cons of becoming an electrical engineer:
Potential Benefits
Studying electrical engineering means being able to choose a specialization that fits your interests. There are a broad range of concentrations to choose from, including radio-frequency, microelectronics, telecommunications, or signal processing.
Job satisfaction is so high in the field of electrical engineering that 89% of professionals said they would recommend it to students who are trying to figure out their career path.
Potential Drawbacks
The field of electrical engineering notoriously lacks diversity. According to a CareerExplorer survey, the largest ethnic group of electrical engineers are white, which make up 36% of those employed in this role.
The same set of 2022 data from CareerExplorer shows a lack of women in the field. There are approximately 21% of women electrical engineers, as compared to men. If you are a woman pursuing an engineering degree, check out our list of the best online colleges supporting women in STEM.
Electrical engineers are required to stay up-to-date on current technologies. In the 2019 survey from engineers in the RF/Microwave industry, 33% of professionals said that staying current with emerging trends was something that kept them up at night. In fact, this was their biggest concern overall.
FAQs About Online Electrical Engineering Programs
Are Online Engineering Degrees Respected?
Yes, an online electrical engineering bachelor's degree is respected. When it comes to online schools for electrical engineering, students can rest assured that their degree won't be looked at with any more scrutiny than those who earned one on campus.
Most diplomas don't even mention that the degree was earned online, so employers may never even know unless you mention it, such as trying to leverage your online learning to gain remote employment.
What Degree Is Best for Electrical Engineering?
This ultimately depends on the individual student, but it's important to consider a number of factors that relate to career aspirations, academic preferences, and financial stability. An electrical engineering bachelor's degree online may be the best choice for those who want to earn a respected degree while studying on a flexible schedule. In many cases, online students can also save a significant amount on tuition, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Are There Other Engineering Degrees Available Online?
There are online engineering degrees in many fields outside of just electrical engineering. The options are quite broad and include majors in aerospace, biomedical, software, and industrial, among others. Each branch of engineering differs greatly and sees different rates of pay as well as varying returns on investment.
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