Online Engineering Degree Programs

Admissions Requirements - To gain admittance to an online bachelor's program in engineering, these are some typical admissions requirements:

• Official transcripts from high school (or college) with a competitive GPA
• Completion of specific coursework (e.g., trigonometry, calculus, physics, computer programming)
• SAT/ACT test scores (SAT Subject Tests in math or science may also be required)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal/professional statement (two pages about student's personal and professional goals)
• Application fee
• TOEFL test scores (for applicants whose first language isn't English)

Types of Online Bachelor Degrees in Engineering - These are the most common types of bachelor's degrees in engineering awarded in the United States:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (BE or B.Eng): these degrees typically emphasize more technical or practical aspects of engineering (e.g., circuits, electronics) whereas the BSE (below) may be more theoretically focused
• Bachelor of science in engineering (BSE or BSc Eng)
• BS in electrical engineering (BSEE)
• BS in mechanical engineering (BSME)

1. Arizona State University : Arizona State University's (ASU) online bachelor of science in electrical engineering (BSE or BSEE) program prepares students for careers in energy production, healthcare technology, or sustainable development, to name a few fields. With exciting coursework in areas such as electromagnetic fields, microprocessors, and solid-state electronics, ASU's esteemed faculty uses web-based instruction and a variety of digital simulation tools to impart the valued skills of electrical engineering. Furthermore, ASU ranked #8 among U.S. News & World Report's (2016) "best online bachelor's programs" and the reputable Fiske Guide to Colleges (2016) highlighted its outstanding engineering programs (electrical, civil & environmental, and materials science), adding that ASU is a founding member of the NASA Astrobiology Institute. Finally, ASU is the largest public university in the world with 42,000 students and accepts 80 percent of applicants.

Additional online bachelor's programs offered at ASU:

• BSE in engineering management
• BS in graphic information technology
• BS in information technology
• BS in software engineering
• BS in technological entrepreneurship & management

Featured engineering professors at ASU:

Dr. Jennifer Blain ChristenDr. Jennifer Blain Christen joined the prestigious ASU faculty in 2008 after receiving her MS in electrical engineering and her PhD from Johns Hopkins University. Her research interests include bio-compatible integration for CMOS electronics (i.e., low power integrated circuits), microelectromechanical systems (MEMs) devices, and microfluidics. From 2007 to 2010, she received the "Best Paper Award" from Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems-a cutting-edge journal co-sponsored by two branches of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEEE)-as well as from IEEE's Circuits and Systems Society in 2010. Additionally, she has received honors from both the National Science Foundation (2001-2006) and General Electric (1998).

Dr. Umit Ogras

Dr. Umit Ogras completed his PhD in electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon in 2007, and worked at Intel Corporation's CAD Laboratories from 2008 to 2013 as a research scientist. He's interested in digital system design and embedded systems, as well as multi-core architecture and electronic design automation emphasizing multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoC). He has received numerous awards, including the Strategic CAD Labs Research Award; the IEEE Donald O. Pederson Transactions on CAD "Best Paper Award" (2012); the IEEE VLSI Transactions "Best Paper Award" (2011); and the European Design and Automation Association's (EDAA) Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award (2008).

2. University of North Dakota : The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online bachelor of science (BSE) in mechanical engineering. This 129 credit program comprises online coursework and on-campus labs. These in-person labs take place during the summer in Grand Forks, ND and typically last 5-14 days, depending on the number of class credits. UND assists all students in finding lodging during these brief stays. This convenient online program has boasted employees of companies such as 3M, Boeing, and Intel among its students, who pursued their bachelor's degrees while they continued working. U.S. News & World Report (2016) ranked UND among the top 100 public universities in the nation.

Additional online bachelor's programs offered at UND:

• BSE in chemical engineering
• BSE in electrical engineering (i.e., BSEE)
• BSE in petroleum engineering

Featured engineering professors at UND:

Dr. Matthew CavalliDr. Matthew Cavalli, a popular associate professor and assistant dean for outreach and recruiting, earned his MS and PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He's published 20 peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles, and has received project funding from the Department of Energy, LM Windpower (formerly LM Glassfiber), the National Science Foundation, and the Department of the Navy. He typically teaches courses on the behavior of materials and solid mechanics, leveraging not only his command of mechanical engineering theory, but also his empirical experience as a professional engineer (PE).

Dr. George Bibel

Dr. George Bibel is a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota. Professor Bibel began his engineering career at Standard Oil Co and was eventually promoted to head of the pressure vessel, piping, and tankage group. Bibel also worked with NASA Lewis from 1988 to 1997 as a university researcher or Summer Faculty Fellow. Professor Bibel is author of two books: Beyond the Black Box: The Forensics of Airplane Crashes (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008), and Train Wreck: The Forensics of Rail Disasters (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012); and is working with a certified Boeing/Airbus pilot on a second book about airplane crashes. Beyond the Black Box was developed into a seminar presented at Boeing. Bibel has introduced an innovated course on engineering disasters and is frequently interviewed on cable news and other national media (New York Times, Popular Science, NPR All Things Considered and Marketplace) about airplane crashes and train wrecks. Professor Bibel has also written "Listen Up and Fly Right (New York Times, 2008); Fasten Your Seat Belt, Yes, YOU (International Herald Tribune, 2008); Why Can’t Modern Technology Prevent Train Wrecks? (Huffingtion Post, 2012) and Train Wreck (Huffington Post, 2014). Professor Bibel received his BS and PhD from Case Western Reserve University and his MS from the University of Michigan.

3. Regis University: Regis University's ABET-accredited online bachelor of science (BS) in computer science imparts the fundamentals of computer engineering-particularly software development-with a combination of web-based coursework and intensive projects. In classes such as data structures, algorithms & analysis, and discrete mathematics, students gain proficiency in multiple computer languages, paradigms, and platforms, putting their newfound skills to practice by creating viable web designs, apps, software, and other business-ready tools. Finally, Regis's BS was rated #58 among U.S. News & World Report's (2016) top online bachelor's programs.

Additional online bachelor's programs at Regis:

• BS in business technology management
• BS in computer information systems
• BS in computer networking
• BS in health information management
• BS in information technology

Featured engineering professors at Regis:

Dr. Richard L. BlumenthalDr. Richard L. Blumenthal-a professor and program coordinator for the College of Computer & Information Sciences-earned his PhD in computer science from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his MS from Rutgers University. Before joining Regis in 2002, Dr. Blumenthal garnered significant professional experience. He was the principal software engineer for Creekpath Systems and the senior software engineer for Athene Software. He's a senior member of the Association of Computer Machinery (ACM) and has been published in the Journal of Information Technology Impact and the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence Education, among others.

Professor Pamela Smallwood

Professor Pamela Smallwood earned her MS in computer science from Arizona State University before joining Regis University in 2000. She has worked for Park College, the University of Dayton Research Institute, and the U.S. Air Force, as well as with the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (CCSC). She's currently a reviewer and co-editor of the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges. Finally, Professor Smallwood has received two teaching accolades at Regis University: a 2004 Special Recognition Award and a 2000 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Finally, there are some online bachelor's degrees which are integrally related to engineering, such as EKU's program below, which provides an interdisciplinary approach with elements from civil and environmental engineering.

Admissions Requirements - These are the typical admissions requirements for online doctoral degrees in engineering:

• Bachelor's (or master's) degree in engineering, preferably in intended subfield for doctoral work
• Official transcripts with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0)
• GRE test scores (may be optional)
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal/professional statement
• Application fee
• TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English)

Types of Online Doctoral Degrees in Engineering - Here are some of the most common types of doctoral degrees in engineering in the United States:

• PhD in engineering: awarded in various subfields, this is the most common terminal degree for engineers interested in research or becoming professors in institutions of higher education
• Doctor of engineering (DEng, EngD)
• Doctor of technology (DTech)
• Doctor of science (DSci, ScD)

Please note that there is also a "degree of engineer" or "engineer's degree," although these are not commonly awarded in the United States. It's considered to be a practical, skills-based degree, falling somewhere between a master's and a doctorate.

1. Colorado State University : Colorado State University's (CSU) online PhD in systems engineering-ideal for top-level executives and senior management-comprises 72 credits of web-based coursework with classes such as electrical power engineering, systems engineering architecture, and engineering risk analysis. Students have the option to attend live lectures in Fort Collins (or South Metro Denver) when they choose, although ultimately, they may be required to come to campus to present their dissertations. CSU's engineering programs have caught the attention of the widely respected Fiske Guide to Colleges (2016) for turning out more STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) graduates than any other Colorado campus. Finally, CSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA).

Other online engineering degrees offered from CSU:

• ME in biomedical engineering
• ME in civil engineering
• MS in civil engineering
• ME in electrical and computer engineering
• ME in engineering management
• ME in mechanical engineering
• ME in systems engineering
• MS in systems engineering

Featured engineering professors from CSU:

Dr. John M. Mike

Dr. John M. "Mike" Borky is an esteemed member of the global aerospace and defense (A&D) community, with five decades of experience in the field. He developed the model-based system architecture process (MBSAP) and spent five years as a visiting professor of aerospace engineering at UCLA, as well as seven years on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (including three years as vice chairman). He's held leadership positions with several A&D companies, including Raytheon, TRW, and Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, and has received two prestigious awards from the United States Air Force: the Oak Leaf Cluster and the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.

Dr. Liuqing Yang

Dr. Liuqing Yang earned her PhD in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and worked at the University of Florida, Gainesville since 2004. She joined CSU in 2010 and has published more than 140 scientific journal and conference papers, many met with distinction. She won the 2006 "Best Paper Award" at the IEEE International Conference on ultra-wideband (UWB); a 2007 summer faculty fellowship with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR); and the 2009 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), among others. Finally, she's an active reviewer for more than 10 scientific journals, as well as a chair member for numerous professional conferences.

2. Michigan Technological University : Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) offers an online PhD in mechanical engineering and engineering mechanics (ME-EM). Michigan Tech is tied for #40 in U.S. News & World Report's (2016) top graduate engineering programs online and 80 percent of its engineering PhD graduates are offered work in the industry. This school provides interdisciplinary collaboration on projects such as nanotechnology and alternative energy sources, with more than $13 million spent on engineering research, funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Defense, and others.

Additional online graduate degrees in engineering at Michigan Tech:

• MS in engineering mechanics
• MS in mechanical engineering

Featured professors of engineering at Michigan Tech:

Dr. Bo Chen

Dr. Bo Chen-the Dave House associate professor of mechanical and electrical engineering-is an expert on hybrid electric vehicles, monitoring and control networks, the smart grid, and mechatronics. She earned her PhD from the University of California, Davis, and has been awarded research funding from the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and several partners in the industry. She's written over 70 peer-reviewed papers, receiving the
"Best Paper Award" at the 2008 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Mechatronic and Embedded Systems and Applications. Finally, she's served as the chair of several committees, including the Technical Committee on Mechatronics and Embedded Systems of IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society; the Technical Committee on Mechatronic and Embedded Systems and Applications of ASME's Design Engineering Division; and for a number of international conferences.

Dr. Ossama O. Abdelkhalik

Dr. Ossama O. Abdelkhalik's expertise lies in optimization, ocean wave energy conversion, and space mechanics. At Michigan Tech, he teaches graduate courses on optimization, intermediate dynamics, space mechanics, advanced thermodynamics, and orbit determination methods, ranking among the top 10 percent of faculty evaluations in 2010. He's served as a conference chair for events organized by the American Astronautical Society (AAS), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE). Finally, he co-authored Space Mechanics for Engineers (2nd Edition, 2013).

3. University of Alabama at Birmingham : The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers an online interdisciplinary PhD in engineering, a collaboration between the Schools of Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Public Health, in addition to the College of Arts & Sciences. UAB offers two distinct tracks: computational engineering and environmental health & safety engineering. The former program focuses on computational fluid & structural dynamics and technology-aided geometry design among other cross-disciplinary topics. The latter emphasizes the complex interplay between humans and their environments, paying thought to the health of people and ecosystems. Finally, UAB's online graduate engineering programs tied for #40 on U.S. News & World Report's (2016) top list.

Additional graduate engineering degrees offered online at UAB:

• MEng in advanced safety engineering and management
• MEng in civil structural engineering
• MEng in construction engineering and management
• MEng in information engineering and management
• MEng in sustainable smart cities

Featured professors of engineering at UAB:

Dr. Jason Kirby

Dr. Jason Kirby earned his PhD in civil engineering from the University of Alabama, where he has since taught nine discrete courses such as hydraulics, green building design, and engineering geology. He has received research funding from the Alabama Water Resources Research Institute (AWRRI); Xella International; and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Finally, in 2009, Dr. Kirby united practice to practical (and moral) considerations, leveraging his undergraduate CE 430 class to help a family left destitute by a flood by preparing hydraulic and hydrologic models which were ultimately used as evidence in the family's lawsuit.

Dr. Rosalia N. Scripa

Dr. Rosalia N. Scripa was awarded her PhD in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida and has taught several courses at UAB, including introduction to engineering design, ceramic materials, and thermodynamics of materials. She has received research funding from NASA for her work with microgravity crystal growth, and serves on NASA's peer review panel for materials science research. Additionally, she serves several organizations such as Frontiers in Engineering Education; the Association of Women in Science Scholarship Program; and the Journal of Scientific Instruments.

Prior to enrolling in an online engineering program, students are advised to verify the accreditation status of the program or institution. This approval process in higher education was designed to ensure quality control among the most important aspects of a college and typically weighs factors such as condition of facilities; comprehensiveness of curricula; school finances; student outcomes; faculty eminence (i.e., number of publications or awards); and other factors used as measures of excellence.

For bachelor’s programs in engineering—both online and on-campus— the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the gold standard for programmatic accreditation. ABET comprises 35 member societies (e.g., American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE], American Institute of Electrical Engineers [now IEEE], American Society of Mechanical Engineers [ASME], etc.) with more than 2,200 experts from government, industry, and education. The vast majority of ABET’s recognized programs are bachelor’s level. As of October 2015, there were only three ABET-accredited online master’s programs.

For programs which aren’t accredited by ABET—including most online master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs—students are advised to ensure that their school has institutional accreditation, a school-wide approval granted to a university as a whole by one of six recognized regional entities:

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Finally, for distance-based educational institutions, the U.S. Council of Higher Education and the Department of Education also recognize the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) as a valid institutional accreditation body.