Online Engineering Schools in Alabama

Aspiring engineers in Alabama (AL) enjoy a state with abundant educational programs and a relatively promising employment outlook in the field. For illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) reported that there were 50,130 architecture and engineering professionals in Alabama (AL), a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.

Of course, some engineering positions are in greater supply (and greater demand) in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reported that these were the most popular engineering fields in Alabama:

Industrial engineering – 8,040 working in AL
Civil engineering – 5,920
Aerospace engineering – 5,570
Mechanical engineering – 5,480
Electrical engineering – 4,470

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) further reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2024 and 2034. About 186,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations.

That said, some specializations are expected to be in demand nationwide more than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields nationally, listed with their expected growth:

Industrial engineering – 11 percent increase (38,500 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 9 percent increase (26,500 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (5,600 new jobs)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 7 percent increase (19,700 new jobs)
Agricultural engineering – 6 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 6 percent increase (1,300 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 5 percent increase (1,100 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 5 percent increase (18,500 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 4 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 3 percent increase (600 new jobs)

The expected percentages were higher in Alabama (AL). According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Industrial Engineers – 20.4 percent increase (1,450 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 13.6 percent increase (680 new jobs)
Materials Engineers – 12.7 percent increase (90 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 9.2 percent increase (60 new jobs)
Electronics Engineers – 6.8 percent increase (140 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 50,130 engineers and architectural workers in AL was $105,480, according to the BLS (May 2024); some earned substantially more, such as nuclear engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $136,480. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $55,350.

Annual mean wages for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the state include:

Nuclear Engineers – $136,480 annual average salary
Aerospace Engineers – $136,210
Computer Hardware Engineers – $133,770
Electrical Engineers – $122,950
Electronics Engineers – $117,680

In sum, engineering is a fast-growing and relatively lucrative occupation in Alabama and beyond.

Additionally, engineering professionals in Alabama also have the opportunity to join the myriad professional organizations and societies that operate throughout the state. To elaborate, the following highlights only a sample of the engineering groups in Alabama that offer professional advocacy, continuing education, and other benefits to members:

Alabama Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE)
Structural Engineers Association of Alabama (SEAoAL)
American Society of Civil Engineers – Alabama Section
American Society of Plumbing Engineers – Alabama Chapter
American Society of Safety Engineers – Alabama Chapter

So how does a person in Alabama join this relatively high-growth and high-paying career? Not surprisingly, a majority of these professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree prior to seeking work or professional certification. Of course, not everyone lives in a town with an institution of higher education, and particularly for people with family (or other) responsibilities, attending an on-campus program can prove challenging. Fortunately, there’s a growing array of accredited online engineering programs in Alabama, which typically combine distance-based coursework with limited on-campus requirements.

This guide explores online engineering schools in Alabama, including discussions of expected coursework, estimated time to completion, accreditation information, and admission requirements.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
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Meet the Expert: Michael A. Perez, PhD, PE, CPESC

Dr. Michael Perez is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Auburn University. He specializes in construction and post-construction stormwater practices, methods, and technologies. Dr. Perez earned his MS and his PhD in civil engineering from Auburn University.

At Auburn University’s Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility, Dr. Perez’s research investigated and improved the Alabama Department of Transportation’s sediment basin and inlet protection standard practices through large-scale testing. He also assisted in the design and development of a rainfall simulator, sediment barrier, and curb inlet testing apparatus, and conducted investigations into the application of unmanned aerial vehicles for construction and stormwater inspections.

Before joining Auburn, Dr. Perez served as an assistant professor at Iowa State University and worked as a consultant in Atlanta, where he managed MS4 programs for the Georgia Department of Transportation and designed erosion control, low-impact development, and green infrastructure practices for roadway projects.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What makes Alabama special when it comes to engineering?

Dr. Perez: Alabama has a very rich history in engineering. Huntsville, AL is home to the Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal, which became famous for developing rockets used for missiles and space exploration.

Today, the aerospace industry is booming from defense in Huntsville to Boeing’s manufacturing plants across the state. Alabama is also to become home to the new permanent headquarters for the U.S. Space Command, which will bring a ton of growth locally for engineers who service the defense industry.

Alabama has quickly become a major hub for manufacturing and is growing into one of the largest states for manufacturing vehicles. Birmingham, AL serves as home to several of the nation’s largest general contractors that build structures, bridges, and roads across the country.

There are endless opportunities for engineers across all disciplines to make an impact on our state and nation’s economy.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: Do you have any advice for new and aspiring engineers?

Dr. Perez: Get involved! There are so many opportunities for young engineers to get involved in their field through student organizations. At Auburn University alone, there are over 55 engineering student organizations. These allow you to learn from professionals, gain leadership experiences, travel abroad, get involved in competitions, give back to the community through public service, and create a sense of community and belonging amongst peers. It is a truly important part of the engineering education experience and one that will pay dividends in preparing students for their future engineering careers.

The most important thing an engineer can do is seek professional registration through the state to earn their Professional Engineering (PE) license. This license allows you to sign off on engineering documents. We encourage our students to take their first step toward professional registration by taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam during the last semester of their engineering undergraduate program. Students who pass the exam earn their Engineer in Training (EIT) credentials, a prerequisite to the PE licensure. After passing the PE exam and earning four years of experience under another PE, engineers are eligible to apply for licensure.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of engineering look like to you?

Dr. Perez: We’re in a period where engineering projects are becoming larger and more complex. We’re collaborating more and more with other disciplines to tackle these challenges, and we’re developing innovative methods to build projects faster.

In the future, we can expect engineering challenges to continue to grow in complexity, and we will need to leverage tools such as automation, robotics, and AI to increase efficiency and achieve our project goals.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Alabama

For most engineers, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is the first step toward joining the career. In addition to the wealth of on-campus engineering programs, here are four standout online bachelor’s degrees in engineering (or closely related disciplines) to consider.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of Alabama

The University of Alabama of Tuscaloosa provides an online bachelor of science program in mechanical engineering. Prospective applicants should note some classes in this program require students to complete weekend labs at locations in Tuscaloosa. This program not only prepares graduates to design complex machines but also for involvement in all aspects of product manufacturing.

ABET accredits this 130-credit program that includes courses on statics; mechanics of materials; heat transfer; engineering analysis; dynamic systems; thermodynamics; fundamentals of electrical engineering; mechanical engineering design; and fluid mechanics, among a wide array of others.

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology – University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama offers an online bachelor of science program in computer engineering technology where students will be able to explore topics such as cybersecurity, operating systems, network administration, hacking prevention techniques, risk management, and more. Notably, the program also includes a combination of engineering theory, technology, computer, and hands-on approach in labs with state-of-the-art equipment.

Made up of 120 to 125 credits, the program includes courses such as network maintenance and support; project management for engineering and technology; microprocessors/microcontroller programming; programmable logic controls; solid-state electronics; introduction to engineering technology; network security and risk management; introduction to cyber security; and operating systems.

Location: Livingston, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Computer Science – Auburn University

Merging traditional instructional methods with modern technology, Auburn University offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science, allowing students to finish their degree in an innovative and dynamic online learning environment. To earn this online degree, transfer students must earn a combined total of 120 credits, including 60 credits of prerequisite courses required to transfer and the remaining 60 credits of computer science courses in this online program.

Courses include introduction to computer science; discrete structures; software construction fundamentals; data structures; computer organization; operating systems; software engineering; computer networks; mobile application development; and web development.

Location: Auburn, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Alabama

After obtaining an undergraduate degree, some aspiring engineers begin their careers, while others continue on to obtain a master’s degree to enhance their earnings, employment, or management prospects.

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering – Auburn University

Auburn University’s online master of science in aerospace engineering equips graduate students with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills in aerospace system design, development, manufacturing, maintenance, and operation.

The program, offered through the Department of Aerospace Engineering, allows online students to pursue a non-thesis option and typically requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. Core courses span topics such as applied orbital mechanics, rocket and space propulsion, dynamic simulation, flight dynamics, spacecraft attitude control, and aerospace materials, with faculty guidance used to tailor a cohesive plan of study.

Admission is open to applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a closely related field, and applicants from other STEM disciplines are encouraged to apply; competitive applicants generally demonstrate strong academic preparation and provide letters of recommendation.

The program’s combination of rigorous coursework and research opportunities positions graduates for careers in industry, government laboratories, and research organizations, with the flexibility to engage in advanced technical roles in aviation, space systems, propulsion, and related aerospace sectors.

Note that Auburn also offers online graduate programs in other areas of engineering, such as aerospace engineering, civil engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, and more.

Location: Auburn, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering – University of Alabama at Huntsville

Students in the Industrial & Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Department’s graduate program at the University of Alabama at Huntsville may choose to pursue a master of science in engineering (MSE) with a specialization in either industrial engineering, systems engineering, or engineering management.

Consisting of 30 credits, the program courses include engineering management theory; engineering project management; strategic engineering management; engineering management structures & systems; and engineering economy analysis.

The engineering management concentration helps students broaden their crucial management skills and deepen their critical analytical, engineering, and science talents. The systems engineering concentration provides insight into the best practices and standards required to solve challenges by managing systems, technology, and people effectively. The concentration in industrial engineering uses statistical, scientific, and mathematical techniques to analyze, design, improve, and implement systems of information, materials, and people.

Location: Huntsville, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of Alabama

Aspiring engineers looking to hone their skills can pursue an online master of science in mechanical engineering through Tuscaloosa’s University of Alabama. This online program does not require a thesis.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a GPA of at least 3.0, and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE minimum score of 300 or five years of related work in the field. Those with bachelor’s degrees in a discipline other than mechanical engineering will need to meet prerequisite curriculum requirements.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as additive manufacturing; computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer; computer-aided automation; biomechanics; dynamic systems and control; fatigue and fracture mechanics; fluid mechanics; internal combustion engines; materials processing and characterization; renewable and sustainable energy; and mechatronics.

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Engineering, Structural Engineering Concentration – University of Alabama at Birmingham

The School of Engineering and the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offer an online master of engineering program with a concentration in structural engineering for professionals who hold an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as advanced mechanics of materials for structural engineering; advanced design of steel structures; advanced reinforced concrete; prestressed concrete behavior and design; advanced structural analysis; bridge engineering; structural dynamics and earthquake engineering; and design of structural steel connections.

Location: Birmingham, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Applied Manufacturing Engineering – University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama offers an online master of science program in applied manufacturing engineering emphasizing essential and key engineering concepts allowing students to pursue discipline-specific subjects that are consistent with their employment interest or environment. This online program is ideal for science and engineering professionals and new graduates who wish to improve their ability to solve real-world problems in manufacturing.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as quality management and six sigma; applied engineering programming; advanced applied engineering mathematics; advanced engineering principles; manufacturing systems design and economics; preventative maintenance and reliability engineering; engineering analysis and simulation; and precision control and automated manufacturing.

Location: Florence, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in Alabama

Prospective engineers should note that there are a number of other online program pathways in engineering, including the following.

Graduate Certificate in Power Engineering – Auburn University

Auburn University offers an online graduate certificate in power engineering through its Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students who successfully complete this certificate will have advanced knowledge in topics such as power system operations, power quality, and power electronics, among others. Notably, all academic credits earned in this program may be applied toward the electrical and computer engineering master’s degree.

Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent from an institute of recognized standing. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Students in this 12-credit program will be required to choose four courses from a wide list of options. These include power electronics; power systems analysis; electromagnetic compatibility; electric machines; power system protection; renewable energy in electrical power systems; smart grids; and power system dynamics and stability, among others.

Location: Auburn, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Engineering – Auburn University

Offered through the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Auburn University’s online graduate certificate in cybersecurity engineering prepares graduates to develop, analyze, protect, defend, and investigate computer and information systems. Graduates will have the ability to assess and identify cybersecurity threats; defend against cyber attacks; detect and mitigate cybersecurity breaches; and develop suitably protective network and software mechanisms.

Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent from an institute of recognized standing. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Comprising nine credits, the program includes courses such as digital forensics; computer and network security; and advanced computer and network security.

Location: Auburn, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

For many, the prospects of a growing industry and a competitive salary are enough to pursue a career in this field, but all prospective students are advised to thoroughly research their online programs of interest prior to applying. Among other questions, here are some of the most important considerations:

Can the program be completed entirely online? Some programs require attendance, while others allow students to complete the entire program from a distance.
What is the cost of the program? Prospective students should be aware that some programs charge additional costs and fees on top of tuition.
How long does it take to complete the program? Can it be completed part-time? A majority of programs have an expected completion window.
Is a thesis required? Those students who have an opinion on writing a thesis should ensure they are fully aware of the requirements before enrolling.
What have past graduates accomplished or where have they secured employment? Examining past students’ outcomes is important to determine whether a given program can help enrollees meet their own professional objectives.

Additionally, applicants should search for programs that are accredited and that retain appropriate state authorization status.

Accreditation

In general, attending an accredited engineering program is not necessary to begin working as an engineer; however, many employers only offer positions to those applicants whose program was accredited. Also, students in unaccredited programs may not qualify for financial aid opportunities or professional certification following graduation. As such, prospective students should search for programs that have been accredited by one of the following organizations, which are broken down by national, programmatic, and regional levels:

National accreditation

Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Regional accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Programmatic accreditation

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

Furthermore, applicants should note that not all accrediting organizations carry the same weight. Instead, aspiring engineers are encouraged to look for programs that have received accreditation through one of the organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

State Authorization

While searching for an accredited engineering program is highly suggested, finding a program that retains proper state authorization status is necessary. To elaborate, students are only allowed to study at programs that are eligible to operate in their state of residence; this information is typically listed on state authorization pages (e.g., University of Alabama), and for those that don’t, interested students should contact admissions offices to determine eligibility.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students should be encouraged to learn that admissions requirements are similar across on-campus and distance-based programs, albeit with variations by degree level. Specifically, many online undergraduate engineering degrees will have fairly similar requirements, and the same can be said for graduate and certificate programs.

For example, here are the admissions requirements for online engineering degree programs (undergraduate) at the University of Alabama:

A high school diploma or GED
A GPA of 2.5 for those who graduate four years before the enrollment date, or 3.0 for those who graduate within four years
ACT or SAT scores for applicants who graduated within four years (SAT or ACT scores are not required for students who graduated more than four years ago)

Additional application requirements may include submitting letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English), as well as participating in candidate interviews.

Matt Zbrog

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about a wide range of engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the potential impacts of major technological breakthroughs. His work largely centers around conversations with engineeri...

Jocelyn Blore

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepr...