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New On OEP

Cloud Computing

Published : November 21, 2023

In simple words, cloud computing means on-demand access to computing resources via the internet. These resources include applications, data storage, servers (virtual servers and physical servers), networking capabilities, development tools, and more.

Vital AI: The Future of Architecture

Published : November 20, 2023

AI's integration into the architectural landscape is a testament to the industry's readiness for technological evolution, and it continues to shape the future of architectural design. “It goes hand in hand with computer science developments. It's a long legacy,” says Dr. Daniel Koehler, assistant professor at the University of...

Cybersecurity

Published : November 8, 2023

Help keep private information safe, and improve individual and institutional cyber defense by earning an accredited degree in cybersecurity online. Many online master’s degree programs, and a few undergraduate degree programs, allow students to obtain a degree in the field either primarily or totally online.

Online Engineering Programs by State

What Kinds of Engineering Degrees Are Offered Online?

Specialization description
Biomedical

The application of design concepts, problem-solving, and machines to medicine. In particular, this field promotes the development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and medical monitoring tools (e.g., prostheses, MRIs, EEGs, micro-implants).
Chemical

Involves the conversion of raw materials or chemicals into more useful (or economically valuable) forms. Some applications include nanotechnology, fuel cell development, and corrosion studies.
Civil

Deals with the development and upkeep of physical environments, especially as it relates to the construction, design, and maintenance of structures. Projects in this field include bridges, roads, canals, buildings, dams, and parks.
Computer

Comprises the control and design of computing devices and their functionalities. Three popular subfields include software, hardware, and network engineering.
Electrical

Encompasses the applications of electronics, electricity, and electromagnetism. Telephones, broadcasting equipment, power grids, and other systems using transistors or integrated circuits are typical areas of expertise in this discipline.
Engineering
management

Concerned with the intersection of engineering and business, utilizing the problem-solving capabilities of engineers coupled with the planning, administrative, and leadership competencies of effective management.
Mechanical

Combines knowledge of physics, materials, and power to the development, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems (e.g., aircraft, watercraft, transport systems, robotics, weapons).
Systems

Involves the improvement of complex engineering systems over their life cycles, especially through modeling or simulations. Systems can include industries (e.g., work-flow or optimization processes), spacecraft design, and microchip development.

Online Engineering Program FAQ

These are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding distance-based education in engineering. For additional information about program admissions requirements, common coursework, and types of online engineering degrees available, check out the sections below covering online bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and graduate certificate programs.

What are the Admissions Requirements for Engineering School?

View full Answer
1

Applying to engineering school is an essential first step on the path to becoming an engineer, no matter what specialty the student plans to pursue. The application process for both undergraduate and graduate students can be nerve wracking, since the results can have such a big impact on the trajectory of one’s career. However, with a bit of planned research and preparation, it is possible to apply for and obtain admission at top engineering schools for the best possible chance at a successful career.

What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

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2

Civil engineers can work on a variety of different projects and in different capacities. It is an interesting career to pursue for those who are passionate about design, have a strong foundation in math and science, work well with others, and want to impact big projects in their community and even abroad.

What is Electrical Engineering?

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3

Electrical engineering closely impacts our day-to-day life and is responsible for various technological innovations we enjoy today. At its core, electrical engineering involves the study and design of devices and equipment that uses electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics.
Whenever you go to flip a light switch in your house or even check the time on your smartphone, it took a series of electrical engineers to make that happen.

What is Biomedical Engineering?

View full Answer
4

From prosthetics to pacemakers, biomedical engineers are helping to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and patient quality of life. Read more about this field, and the education required to enter it.

Experts in the field: 5 influential engineering
professors teaching online

OnlineEngineeringPrograms (OEP) regularly profiles outstanding professors in online engineering to give prospective students a flavor for the thought leadership, teaching effectiveness, and impact of research of some of the most extraordinary professionals in engineering today.

OEP (2023) used the following criteria for these five influential engineering professors:

  • College or university affiliation: professor must be actively teaching at an accredited, top online program in engineering which has been recognized by an established authority (e.g., U.S. News & World Report, Fiske Guide)
  • Publications: professor must have published extensively in peer-reviewed, moderate- to high-impact factor scientific journals
  • Awards and research grants: professor must have a track-record of recognition in his or her field, evidenced by awards (e.g., "Best Paper Awards") and research funding from prominent institutions (e.g., NASA, NSF, Air Force)
  • Experience: professor must have at least 10 years of experience teaching engineering as well as demonstrated leadership through professional societies, conference boards, and/or community organizations
meet the Experts :
Dr. Wayne Whiteman

Dr. Wayne Whiteman—a former professor from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a senior academic professional at the Georgia Institute of Technology—decided to make his expertise available to students worldwide. He teaches the popular introduction to engineering mechanics class, a massive open online course (MOOC) offered through Coursera. Dr. Whiteman is the recipient of several awards, including Georgia Tech’s Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning (CETL) Undergraduate Educator Award (2011); Georgia Tech’s Women in Engineering Faculty Excellence Teaching Award (2004); Tau Beta Pi’s Eminent Engineer Award (2002), and others. Additionally, Dr. Whiteman served for 24 years in the US Army and retired as a Colonel from the Corps of Engineers.

Dr. Kathryn W. Jablokow

Dr. Kathryn W. Jablokow—an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State, teaches creativity and problem-solving I/II online, a cornerstone of interdisciplinary education in systems engineering. She earned her PhD from the Ohio State University and was awarded a NSF/NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Aachen, Germany. Dr. Jablokow is a member of several prominent societies, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE); the Occupational Research Centre in the United Kingdom; the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME); and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Furthermore, Dr. Jablokow has received multiple research grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and several teaching awards: the Penn State Great Valley Teaching Excellence Award (2012-13), the Arthur L. Glenn Award for Faculty Innovation, Penn State Great Valley (2010), the Penn State Engineering Society Outstanding Teaching Award (1994), and the W.M. Keck Foundation Engineering Teaching Excellence Award (1994).

Dr. Izhak Rubin

Dr. Izhak Rubin is the director of the prestigious online electrical engineering program at UCLA, U.S. News & World Report’s (2020) #2 online graduate program in engineering. Dr. Rubin has extensive experience in consulting, industry, and academia. He’s the president of the IRI Computer Communications Corporation, a multidisciplinary group of communications experts who develop software and provide business guidance. He’s held several prestigious positions, including serving as acting chief scientist of the Xerox Telecommunications Network (1979-80); program chairman of the NSF-UCLA workshop on Personal Communications (1984); and co-chair of IEEE’s workshop on Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (1993). He’s received several awards, such as the Lockheed-Martin UCLA Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award (2014) and IEEE MILCOM Conference’s “Best Unclassified Paper Award” (2006). Finally, Dr. Rubin is a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the highest honor bestowed by the professional organization.

Dr. David L. Darmofal

Dr. David L. Darmofal—a professor at the University of South Carlinia—made his expertise widely available through edX’s popular MOOC on aerodynamics. He’s published an astounding 80 peer-reviewed technical articles through scientific journals and conferences. He formerly served as a professor at MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and director of MIT’s Aerospace Computational Design Laboratory (ACDL). Dr. Darmofal was the recipient of many awards, including NSF’s CAREER Award (1997); MIT’s School of Engineering Bose Award for Junior Faculty (2002); MIT’s Earll M. Murman Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising (2011); and University of Michigan’s Aerospace Engineering Alumni Merit Award (2012). Finally, Dr. Darmofal is an associate fellow at several prominent organizations: the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society of Electrical Engineers, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM).

Dr. Christopher J. Durning

Dr. Christopher J. Durning of Columbia University teaches transport phenomena as part of the online master’s of chemical engineering program. He’s made impactful strides in technology to decontaminate water with the use of nanoparticles in a project funded by the Pall Corporation, an industry leader in water purification systems. His primary research interests include nano-structured materials; polymeric systems (transportation and diffusion, as well as surface and interfacial behavior); and the behavior of soft materials (e.g., self-assembly, association). He’s published several papers through prominent organizations and journals, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE 2009), Macromolecules (2000), and the Journal of Polymer Science (Part B) (1997, 1999).

A Closer Look:
Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) reports that there were 146,233 bachelor's degrees in engineering awarded in 2021. Nearly one-quarter of these degrees were in mechanical engineering (34,781 degrees), the most popular subspecialty, followed by computer science (23,742 degrees), and civil (13,586 degrees).

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)

Please note that subfields may also be designated by a postnomial (i.e., a parenthetical abbreviation). For example, a bachelor's degree in engineering with an emphasis in aerospace engineering may be designated as a BE(Aero), or for electrical engineering, BE(Elec).

Also, computer science (CS) is a field closely related to computer engineering (CEN). Lewis University notes that CS focuses predominantly on software, whereas CEN unites CS and electrical engineering with an emphasis on hardware.

Additionally, there is also the bachelor of technology (BTech) degree which differs from other engineering degrees. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)- the primary accreditation board for higher education in engineering-reports that while BTech programs focus on implementation and practical applications, other engineering programs (e.g., BSE, BSEE, BSME) hone in on design, planning, theory, and advanced mathematics. Also, the duration and career paths for these degrees may differ.

Top Schools Offering Online Bachelor's Programs in Engineering - There is a growing number of quality bachelor's degrees in engineering offered online. This featured selection has been chosen according to the following criteria:

  • Program is accredited by ABET
  • University boasts distinguished faculty in engineering, as evidenced by professor profiles below
  • Institution or program has received additional recognition from an established source (e.g., Fiske Guide, U.S. News & World Report)

Here are three top online bachelor's programs in engineering:

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 #6 among U.S. News & World Report's (2020) "best online bachelor's programs." Finally, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the world with nearly 40,000 online 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 professor 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).

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 five to 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 (2020) ranked UND among the top 150 public universities in the nation and #181 best undergraduate engineering programs.

Additional online bachelor's programs offered at UND:

  • BSE in chemical engineering
  • BSE in electrical engineering (i.e., BSEE)
  • BSE in civil engineering
Featured engineering professors at UND:

Dr. Sougata RoyDr. Sougata Roy, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, holds an MTech degree in mechanical engineering from the India Institute of Technology - Madras with a specialization in manufacturing and precision engineering. He earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University in 2018 and joined the University of North Dakota in fall 2020. His current research interests are in novel coating development for machine tools and minimum quantity lubrication in high-speed manufacturing.

Dr. George Bibel

Dr. George Bibel is a professor emeritus 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.

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.

Additional online bachelor's programs at Regis:

  • BS in health information management
  • BS in computer information systems
  • 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 that are integrally related to engineering, such as EKU's program below, which provides an interdisciplinary approach with elements from civil and environmental engineering.

A Closer Look:
Online Master's Degree Programs

While there are a number of entry-level online bachelor's degrees in engineering, a majority of current program offerings are post-baccalaureate and designed with working professionals in mind.

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE 2021) reports that there were 62,682 master's degrees in engineering awarded in 2019. Among these, 10,871 were computer science (inside engineering) degrees-more than any other subfield-followed by mechanical engineering (8,123 degrees), and electrical engineering (6,285 degrees). Also, there was an all-time high of women receiving 27.3 percent of all engineering master’s degrees in 2019 with environmental engineering conferring the highest percentage of degrees to women.

Admissions Requirements - Columbia University's reputable online master's degree in electrical engineering requires the following for applicants:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related field
  • Official transcripts with GPA >3.0
  • GRE test scores
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal/professional statement (two pages about student's personal and professional goals)
  • Application fee ($150)
  • TOEFL test scores (for candidates who received their bachelor's degrees in countries where English isn't the official language)

Though the application process for online engineering degrees may vary according to specialization or institution, these criteria are fairly representative of online master's degrees in engineering. Please note that some institutions have specific course prerequisites as well, depending on one's intended specialization.

Types of Online Master's Degrees in Engineering -There is a wide variety of master's degrees in engineering:

  • Master of engineering (ME or MEng): this degree is generally offered as a coursework-based alternative to the research-heavy master of science in engineering (below)
  • Master of science in engineering (MS, MSE, or MScEng)
  • Master of science in electrical engineering (MSEE)
  • Master of science in electrical and computer engineering (MSECE)
  • Master of science in engineering management (MSEM)
  • Master of technology (MTech)
  • Master of industrial and systems engineering (MISE)
  • Master of aerospace engineering (MAE)
  • Master of electrical and computer engineering (MEE)
  • Master of materials engineering (M.Mtl.E)
  • Master of mechanical engineering (MME)
  • Master of chemical engineering (MChE)
  • Master of engineering management (MEM)
  • Dual-degree (MSE+MBA)

Top Schools Offering Online Master's Programs in Engineering - Among all engineering degrees offered online, the vast majority of the programs available are master's degrees. This selection has been chosen according to the following criteria:

  • Institution is accredited by an established source (e.g., Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [HLC-NCA], the Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC], etc.)
  • University boasts outstanding faculty in engineering, as evidenced by professor profiles (e.g., awards, publications)
  • Institution or program has received additional recognition (e.g., Fiske Guide [2021], U.S. News & World Report)

Please note that the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) typically does not accredit master’s or doctoral programs in engineering, although there are rare exceptions.

Johns Hopkins University : Johns Hopkins University (JHU) provides an online master of science (MSE) in systems engineering program, one of only three ABET-accredited online master's degree programs in the U.S. Students can choose among several emphases in systems engineering (SE), including biomedical, cybersecurity, project management, and software. This program-also offered as a graduate certificate-is designed for working professionals and prepares its students for careers in industry and government. JHU also provides a Systems Engineering Advising Corner for information on career planning, tips for current and prospective students, and technology within the discipline. With a 25-year legacy and graduating more than 150 students annually, this rigorous program is the "SE source of choice" of numerous defense and security entities. Finally, JHU ranked in the top ten among U.S. News & World Report's (2020) best online graduate engineering programs. JHU is also among the most competitive programs admitting only 9 percent of applicants.

Additional online master's programs offered at JHU:

  • MS in computer science
  • MEng in environmental engineering
  • MS in electrical and computer engineering
  • MS in information systems engineering
  • MEng in mechanical engineering
Featured engineering professor at JHU:
Dr. Talia E. Abbott Chalew

Dr. Talia E. Abbott Chalew is an adjunct professor at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. She received her PhD from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where she was a postdoctoral fellow and focused her research on emerging nanoparticles in drinking water. She earned a master's in environmental science from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and was a lecturer at the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering. She teaches and develops undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

Purdue University: Purdue University's online dual-degree program (MSE+MBA) is offered in conjunction with the Indiana University's (IU) prestigious Kelley School of Business. This 60-credit program-ideal for engineers interested in enhancing their business credentials-can be taken in a variety of engineering specializations, including aeronautics & astronautics, computer science, electrical & computer, industrial, mechanical, and interdisciplinary engineering. There are two required one-week residencies at the IU campus. Finally, Purdue ranked #3 among U.S. News & World Report's (2020) "best online engineering programs" and in the top ten of several best online master’s degree programs.

Featured engineering professor at Purdue:
Dr. Stephen D. Heister

Received his PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2003, he was appointed the director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Center in High Mach Propulsion, the first institution of its kind in the U.S. He received the Elmer F. Bruhn Teaching Award from Purdue in 2011, and the C.T. Sun Research Award in 2005. His research specialties include aerospace propulsion systems, rocket engine combustors, atomization processes, and liquid propellant injection systems.

Ohio University : Ohio University (OU) provides an online master of engineering management degree, imparting skills to students such as project management, problem solving methodologies, effectiveness in leadership, process optimization, and other important competencies of the field. This 34-credit hour accelerated program can be completed in as few as 20 months, featuring coursework in engineering law, economic analysis, probability-based systems, designing experiments, and operations research, among other topics. Ohio University recently ranked #63 among U.S. News & World Report's (2022) best online graduate programs in engineering.

Other online master's programs at OU:

  • MS in civil engineering
  • MS in electrical engineering
Featured engineering professors at OU:

Dr. Diana J. SchwerhaThe director and an associate professor for the online master of engineering management program-received her PhD from West Virginia University in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering. She worked for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Pittsburgh Research Lab and currently directs a NIOSH training project in occupational safety at OU. She's a member of several prominent groups, including the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and the Institute of Industrial Engineers. She's produced countless scholarly journal articles and has given presentations across the U.S. and Europe.

Dr. Namkyu Park

An associate professor in OU's online master of engineering management program-earned his PhD, MS, and BS degrees from Seoul National University. He was the senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and founded the company Intelligenceware, Inc. Additionally, Dr. Park was the Asian regional chair of the International RosettaNet Initiative and belongs to several engineering societies, including the Decision Sciences Institute (DSI), the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), and the International Federation on Automatic Control (IFAC).

A Closer Look:
Online Doctoral Degree Programs

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE 2021) reveals that in 2019, doctoral degrees reached a new high with 12,372 awarded. These increasingly popular degrees mainly went to mechanical engineers, followed by electrical/computer, electrical subfields of 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.

Top Schools offering online Doctoral degree programs in engineering - This selection of online doctoral degrees in engineering has been chosen according to the following criteria:

  • Institution is accredited by an established source (e.g., Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [HLC-NCA])
  • University hosts top faculty in engineering, as evidenced by professor profiles (e.g., awards, peer recognition, academic research)
  • Institution or program has received additional endorsement from an established authority (e.g., Fiske Guide to Colleges, U.S. News & World Report)

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. 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. James Cale

Dr. James Cale is an associate professor in the systems engineering department with a joint appointment in the electrical and computer engineering department. He earned a PhD from Purdue University in electrical and computer engineering. His research interests include mathematical modeling and software development for the prediction of current harmonics in AC and DC and energy efficiency as well as data analytics for predicting failure in batteries and motors.

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 #50 in U.S. News & World Report's (2020) 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).

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 #56 on U.S. News & World Report's (2020) 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 professor 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.

A closer look:
Online Graduate Certificate Programs

Many of the graduate programs mentioned above also offer their programs as online graduate certificates. While these programs do not confer degrees, they can help post-baccalaureate and post-master's professionals attain a new specialty or deepen their skills.

Admissions Requirements - Post-baccalaureate certificate programs online typically have the following prerequisites:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, computer science, or a related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Application fee
  • TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English)

By contrast, post-master's graduate certificates online generally call for the following:

  • Master's degree in engineering, math, computer science, or a related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Application fee
  • TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English)

Additionally, some programs may ask for the completion of specific courses (e.g., statistics, advanced calculus) prior to enrollment.

Top Schools Offering Online Graduate Certificate Programs in Engineering - Please note that the criteria for the selection of these programs was identical to the process of selecting online master's programs in engineering (above).

Stanford University : One of the top private universities in the world and #2 on U.S. News & World Report's (2020) top engineering programs, Stanford provides an online graduate certificate in management science and engineering. This four-course program allows students to tailor their class progression to their needs, offering electives in dynamic systems, simulation, and economic analysis, among others. Stanford has roots in rigorous science and engineering programs, underscoring this program's curriculum, which was designed for self-starting professionals seeking to understand the intersection of policy, management, and technology within their respective industries.

Featured professors of engineering online at Stanford:

Dr. Yinyu YeHe is the K.T. Li chair professor of engineering at the Department of Management Science and Engineering and the Institute of Computational and Mathematical Engineering. He has received several awards, including the 2014 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Optimization Prize; the 2009 John von Neumann Theory Prize; the 2006 Farkas Prize for optimization; and the 2009 IBM Faculty Award. He co-wrote the popular textbook "Linear and Nonlinear Programming" (4th Edition, 2016) and currently teaches linear and non-linear optimization at Stanford.

Dr. M Elisabeth Pate-Cornell

Dr. M Elisabeth Pate-Cornell-a specialist in engineering risk analysis and management-has focused her recent work on the broad-ranging applications of game theory in areas such as counterterrorism and nuclear proliferation. She's a member of several societies, including the National Academy of Engineering and the Academie des Technologies. She also served on the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board from 2001 to 2008 and has received several awards: the 2003 "Best Paper Award" from the Military Operations Research Journal; the 2002 Fellows Award from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS); the 2002 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Society for Risk Analysis; and the 2002 Award for Meritorious Civilian Service from the U.S. Air Force.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) provides online graduate certificates in aerospace engineering and civil engineering with courses such as reliability engineering, modeling in materials processing, and corrosion of metals. Twelve of the credit hours can be applied to UIUC's online MSME degree. UIUC also has a stellar faculty, including Nobel laureates, National Medal of Science winners, and dozens of members of the esteemed National Academy of Sciences.

UIUS offers additional online graduate certificate programs in:

  • Business management for engineers
  • Advanced analytics
  • Strategic technology management
Featured professors of engineering at UIUC:

Dr. Matthew WestDr. Matthew West earned his PhD in control and dynamical systems from the California Institute of Technology. He taught at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University before joining UIUC in 2012. He's a member of several professional societies, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); the American Mathematical Society(AMS); and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). He's received numerous teaching awards from Davis (2004) and UIUC (2010, 2011).

Dr. Kelly Stephani

Dr. Kelly Stephani earned her PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas, Austin and has been an assistant professor at UIUC since 2014. She's the director of the Computational Kinetics Group-an interdisciplinary group of researchers at UIUC-which collaborates with professionals not only within the university, but also at NASA and the Air Force. She received NASA's 2015 Early Career Faculty Award, and is also a member of the American Physical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

University of Washington: The University of Washington (UW) provides several online certificate programs in engineering and one of the outstanding program options for aspiring civil engineers is the professional certificate in heavy construction management. This graduate certificate program features courses such as temporary structures, heavy construction estimating, and construction procurement systems. UW boasts an impressive rate of entrepreneurship with 65 companies having been started by UW faculty and students in the past five years. Also, among UW professors, there are 22 members of the National Academy of Engineering, 95 National Science Foundation (NSF) Early Career award recipients, two MacArthur Genius Award winners, and 25 fellows at Sloan Research.

Additional online graduate certificates in engineering at UW:

  • Global integrated systems engineering
  • Engineering leadership
  • Scientific computing
  • Big data technologies
  • Localization: customizing software for the world
  • Audio production techniques
Featured professor of engineering at UW:
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, an associate professor in the Department of Construction Management and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been with UW for 12 years. He's the associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering (CJCE) and has advanced research in project delivery systems, project controls, economic modeling, and risk analysis.

Online Engineering Program Accreditation

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.

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.

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