Online Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Degree Programs

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Is an Online ECE Degree Program Right for me?

Many individuals may be drawn to the idea of pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering online due to the possibility of earning a degree without ever setting foot on campus, or only rarely having to do so. And while that is certainly a wonderful convenience, an aspiring student interested in this field of study should consider several factors before selecting an online program.

To begin with, students may have restricted access to professors. In some cases, particularly with self-paced courses and recorded lectures, the professor may not be present as the student takes the class. In cases where a program includes courses with scheduled start times, the professor may indeed be present and teaching, but depending on the size of the class and how it is delivered, he or she may not be able to field questions as they arise.

Outside of class, professors often have virtual office hours and allow email questions or forum-based questions. So in that sense, the online program experience may more closely resemble that of a campus-based program.

In an online program, students may be asked to progress through most of the coursework at their own pace. They may only be required to adhere to a semester schedule, providing significant flexibility in completing and submitting assignments. But the flexibility of schedule can be a blessing and a curse; anyone who has difficulty working with little oversight or without a strict routine may struggle in an online degree program.

But an online ECE program may be an appealing option for organized self-starters who are employed or busy by day or who would have difficulty attending a physical campus. Gainfully employed people, parents of young children, military personnel, and people who live in remote areas often find online degree programs to be the right fit.

Admission Requirements for Online ECE Degree Programs (What to Expect)

As with other institutions of higher education programs, those wishing to pursue an online degree in electrical and computer engineering must meet specific admissions requirements before they can enroll. Because of this, if you consider participating in one of these programs, you must familiarize yourself with these criteria before moving any further in the process.

While the admissions requirements will vary based on the specific institution and the level of study (undergraduate vs. graduate), certain key components will likely remain the same.

At the undergraduate level, all institutions will generally require:

  • High school diploma
  • High school GPA, sometimes with a minimum requirement, like 3.0+
  • SAT or ACT scores, sometimes with a minimum requirement

At the graduate level, all schools will generally require:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Undergraduate GPA, sometimes with a minimum requirement, like 3.0+
  • GRE or any other requested graduate entrance exam

In many cases, aspiring students will also be asked to submit personal essays; letters of recommendation from previous teachers, professors, or employers; and even a CV or resume that provides additional information that could prove relevant to the admissions process.

Aspiring students should be aware of the application timeline, as well. For programs that start in the fall, many schools will require applications to be submitted by the beginning or middle of January; those that start in the spring may request applications by early fall.

While students in online programs have a great degree of flexibility regarding their studies, particularly within any given semester, most often, they must follow the academic calendar set by the physical campus administration.

ECE Program Accreditation

Similar to other engineering specialties, electrical and computer engineering programs are eligible to obtain accreditation from a national body, as long as they meet certain requirements.

Programs that meet specific eligibility requirements may achieve accreditation through the Engineering Accreditation Commission through the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), the primary national accreditation body for programs involving engineering and technology. ABET also acts as an umbrella organization for other agencies focused on the improvement of education in engineering, one of which is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

This organization plays an active role in the accreditation process of educational programs focused on electrical and computer engineering.

While attending a program that has received accreditation from ABET and IEEE is not required, it is a prerequisite for obtaining a Professional Engineering license (which also requires the completion of four or more years of related work, generally). It may certainly help with employment prospects upon graduation.

Electrical & Computer Engineering - Program Curriculum & Specialization

While the curriculum for a program focused on electrical and computer engineering will not be identical across the board, there are several courses and subjects that aspiring students should expect to cover throughout their studies.

For example, undergraduate students, along with taking general elective courses, will likely need to study:

  • Physics and calculus
  • Electronics and design
  • Introduction to circuits
  • Differential equations
  • Digital logic
  • Computer organization
  • Digital systems
  • Other electives related to computing and engineering

Graduate students will likely need to cover similar topics, although they may not be required to take elective courses; that being said, graduate students may need to take more research-based courses that require the publication of a paper upon completion.

Depending on the institution, there may be additional opportunities for specialization within the degree itself. To be sure, a student may have the option to pursue an additional specialization in electro physics, control systems, embedded systems, robotics, or any number of other areas.

Highly Regarded Online Electrical And Computer Engineering (ECE) Programs

Here, we have detailed highly-regarded electrical and computer engineering programs that offer degrees online and some professors who lead classes therein.

1Kansas State University

At Kansas State University, students can pursue a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. Students in this program can choose a specific emphasis: electric power systems or communication and networking. This program is ideal for working professionals as this is a 100 percent online program.

Made up of 30 credits, the program prepares students with the advanced skills needed to advance their careers in electrical and computer engineering. The electric power systems concentration includes courses such as advanced systems theory; computer engineering methods for analysis, simulation, and design; and applied probability theory and random processes, among others. The communication and networking curriculum includes courses such as communication systems; wireless communications; network theory; and research in electrical engineering, to name a few.

Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree in ECE from an ABET-accredited institution (GRE scores required if a bachelor’s degree is not from an ABET-accredited university), background in calculus, statement of objectives, curriculum vitae, three professional academic references, and unofficial transcripts.

At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as design engineers, reliability engineers, project engineers, field engineers, sales engineers, systems design engineers, and research and development engineers.

  • Location: Manhattan, KS
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $825.83 per credit

2Ohio University

Ohio University allows students to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on computer engineering. It is also possible to obtain this degree in as little as two years, and without ever visiting the campus. The program helps students develop the knowledge and skills for solving complex problems expanding their leadership skills and expertise. Apart from the computer engineering focus, the program offers several other concentrations, such as autonomous unmanned vehicles, electrical engineering, communications & digital signal processing, micro nano devices & systems, and electronic navigation systems.

Students in this program will take two foundational courses in computational tools for engineers and engineering writing. They will then grow in their area of expertise by specializing in one of six concentrations. The computer engineering concentration includes courses in embedded systems; computer architecture; design of digital circuits; micro-nano fabrication; computer communications network; nano electric devices & applications; and information theory and coding.

The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering disciplines from an ABET-accredited university, a grade point average of 3.0, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.

Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to research, design, develop, and test new technologies and industry applications and position themselves as leaders.

  • Location: Athens, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state ($868 per credit); out-of-state and international ($871 per credit)

3Georgia Institute of Technology

Through Georgia Tech, students may obtain a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering on their schedule. The program is fully online, although the online program is held to the same standards as those provided on campus. Students in this program gain technical knowledge about this high-tech industry of computer development.

Ideal for working professionals, this online program allows students to earn their degree on their schedule, in their own homes, and without sacrificing their careers. They’ll connect with their fellow learners, instructors, and the material itself using multi-platform digital learning tools.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts from every institution attended, references, professional resumes, personal statements, lawful presence documents, and TOEFL scores for international students.

Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as convex optimization; linear systems and controls; optimal estimation; wireless networks; statistical methods; modeling & simulation design; reliability engineering; and data & visual analytics, among others.

  • Location: Atlanta, GA
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,100 per credit

4Drexel University

At Drexel University, students can pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis on computer engineering. This program is highly interactive, and nearly a third of the faculty are members of IEEE. The program equips students with technically challenging research, development, and industry careers. The program is ideal for working professionals helping them build a strong foundation in theory, exploring and understanding new trends and technology.

The program comprises 45 credit,s including courses such as advanced power electronics; topics in circuits and systems; topics in communications, controls, and computers; computing and control; modern transistors; modern photonics; techniques of electrical and computer engineering research; machine learning & artificial intelligence; applied machine learning engineering; and neuromorphic computing to name a few.

Applicants to the program must have a 4-year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or any other related field from a regionally accredited institution in the US or an equivalent international institution, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a completed application, official transcripts, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, and TOEFL scores for international students.

Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work as circuits engineers, electrical controls engineers, design engineers, electrical design engineers, power systems engineers, electrical project engineers, and project engineers.

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,396 per credit

5University of Delaware

Students at the University of Delaware are allowed to pursue a master’s of science degree in electrical and computer engineering. Here, students may complete the degree in as little as two years. The online MS in ECE helps students in mastering the skills taught in other electrical and computer engineering programs and provides them with the critical insight for securing, protecting, and implementing the systems they create.

The program consists of 30 credits using hands-on training and foundational theory to challenge students to develop algorithms and efficient designs that incorporate defenses against cyber threats during information exchange. The curriculum includes courses such as signals and systems; digital signal processing; digital communication; modern machine learning; computer networks; and applied cryptography, among others.

Admission requirements for the program include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year university, a grade point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a statement of purpose, three reference letters, GRE scores (waivers available), and TOEFL scores for international students.

On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as R&D engineers, hardware engineers, software engineers, electrical engineers, network systems administrators, computer or design engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and information security analysts.

  • Location: Newark, DE
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $979 per credit

6University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering, preparing students to lead technological innovations by designing, testing, and developing complex systems. The program is ideal for working professionals who wish to excel in a design-oriented role. The program's faculty includes experienced educators and cutting-edge thinkers in fields ranging from advanced computer systems and networks to communications and signal processing.

Comprising 30 credits, the program includes courses such as computer networks; digital signal processing, communications, and control; detection and estimation; computer vision, control, and robotic systems; software engineering and artificial intelligence; remote sensing; wireless communications and networks; holography and diffractive optics; and high-performance computing.

  • Location: Tucson, AZ
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $995 per credit

7Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering offers students a state-of-the-art curriculum informed by groundbreaking research. Students in this program build the problem-solving abilities needed for applying computer and electrical engineering concepts in multidisciplinary applications and the technical proficiency needed for designing innovative solutions. Professionals in this program will be equipped to lead advances in areas such as automation, communication networks, and computer hardware.

With both thesis and non-thesis options, the program is built to empower students to follow their passions, confront technical challenges, and develop powerful new devices. The program’s 30-credit program includes courses in embedded cyber-physical systems; advanced power electronics and applications; computer and communications networks; sensing and control for autonomous vehicles; neural networks and deep learning; electronic circuit design; advanced power systems; and signal processing.

  • Location: East Lansing, MI
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $$29,850 total

8Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s Batten College of Engineering & Technology offers an online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering taught by experienced faculty members with decades of training and expertise. Students in this program will learn both practical application and engineering theory. The program’s faculty are active in cutting-edge research projects and work with several research centers on campus.

The program comprises 30 credits, including coursework in model engineering; cyber defense fundamentals; cyber-physical system security; network engineering & design; foundations of cyber security; solid-state electronics; linear systems; machine learning; and computer networking, among others. The program required students to complete a final project instead of a thesis.

Applicants to the program will need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Past graduates of this program have been employed in manufacturing, systems integration, automotive, shipbuilding, defense, aerospace, and telecommunication industries.

  • Location: Norfolk, VA
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state ($599 per credit); out-of-state ($623 per credit)

9University of Utah

University of Utah’s online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering prepares students to achieve organizational goals and lead multidisciplinary teams. Students in this program will explore the latest techniques and thinking in this constantly evolving field and learn from educators who work at the cutting edge of real-world applications and theoretical advances.

Providing students with valuable problem-solving skills, this master’s program equips them with in-depth skills and knowledge of current developments and powerful analytical skills that can be used in several electrical and computer engineering career paths.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as physics of nanoelectronics and related devices; power systems analysis; fundamentals of micromachining processes; and optics for energy, among others. Students will be required to complete weekly assignments and will have the opportunity to participate in live faculty office hours.

Graduates of this program will be able to identify and solve engineering problems, design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, communicate effectively, demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility, and create systems, components, or processes for meeting desired needs within realistic constraints.

  • Location: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: Residents ($1,292.54 per credit); non-residents ($1,786.70 per credit)

Campus Visitation Requirements for Online Electrical and Computer Engineering Programs

Most often, students pursuing an online degree in electrical and computer engineering will never be required to visit the campus throughout their studies.

Indeed, this is the case with a degree at Georgia Tech, which declares that students can obtain a degree without needing to set foot on the physical campus. That being said, some programs may require students to visit the campus once or twice per year, possibly for exams or other activities; because of this, it is imperative to pose these questions to the administration before enrolling.

Other Considerations for Selecting the Right Program

Lastly, aspiring students should consider a few other factors before they begin one of these online programs. For one, students should familiarize themselves with their selected institution’s career placement services, as the quality and commitment of these services can help ensure that students successfully find employment upon graduation.

Furthermore, students may wish to research alumni groups or other networks that exist for graduates of the program, as a strong alumni network can be extremely beneficial throughout a future career.

Influential Electrical and Computer Engineering Professors Who Teach Online

Fortunately for those interested in this type of degree, there are many highly influential professors in the field of electrical and computer engineering who teach online. Indeed, the following is a list of five educators who teach at schools that offer online degrees in electrical and computer engineering.

Kenneth E. Barner University of Delaware

Dr. Kenneth E. Barner the Charles B. Evans Professor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware. He teaches or has taught courses such as introduction to digital systems; signals and communications; signal processing; communications systems engineering; mechatronics; statistical signal processing; nonlinear signal processing; and modern machine learning, among others. His research interests include machine learning, digital image and video signal processing, and statistical signal processing.

Dr. Barner’s research has been published in journals such as Computers in Biology and Medicine and Electronic Letters. He earned his PhD and MS from the University of Delaware and a BS from Lehigh University.

Kapil Dandekar Drexel University

Dr. Kapil Dandekar is currently an E. Warren Colehower Chair Professor of electrical and computer engineering at Drexel University. He also serves as the associate dean for research and graduate studies in the college of engineering. He is a past member of the IEEE Educational Activities Board and a co-founder of the EPICS-in-IEEE program. His research interests include cybersecurity, engineering education, wireless physical layer security, and software-defined radio prototyping.

Dr. Dandekar teaches or has taught courses in wireless systems; introduction to modulation and coding; and analog and digital communications. His research has been published in prominent journals such as the International Journal of Antennas and Propagation and the Journal of Lightwave Technology. He completed his PhD and MS at the University of Texas and a BS at the University of Virginia.

Don Gruenbacher Kansas State University

Dr. Don Gruenbacher is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University. He also serves as the department head and the George and Alice Fiedler Chair. He has published several articles and was declared the 2003 Eta Kappa Nu Outstanding Faculty Member. His research efforts are focused on computer networks, digital design, and communications.

Dr. Gruenbacher has published more than forty-five conference and journal publications in technical research areas and around twelve publications in engineering education conference proceedings. He completed his PhD in electrical engineering, MS in electrical engineering, and a BS in electrical engineering at Kansas State University.

Avinash Karanth Ohio University

Dr. Avinash Kodi is the Chair of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Joseph K. Jachinowski Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Ohio University. His interests include computer architecture, hardware security and optical interconnects. He teaches courses in computer engineering, advanced microprocessors, the architecture of parallel computers, digital systems & computer design, and introduction to digital circuits & computer design.

Dr. Kodi has published his research in journals such as the Journal of Parallel and Distributed Systems and the Journal of Lightwave Technology. He has received many awards, such as the Outstanding Research Paper Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Marvin E. and Ann D. White Research Award. He holds his PhD and MS from the University of Arizona and a BE from Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India.

Waymond R. Scott Georgia Tech

Dr. Waymond R. Scott is the Joseph M. Pettit Professor within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he has served since 1986. His research interests include antennas, transient fields, methods for detecting buried objects using both electromagnetic and acoustic waves, and others.

Dr. Scott’s teaching and research are in the areas of acoustics and applied electromagnetics. He has published his research in journals such as the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America and Microwave and Optical Technology Letters. He completed his PhD, MS, and BE at Georgia Tech.

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