Online Engineering Programs in Arizona

Aspiring engineers in Arizona (AZ) should be encouraged to learn that the state fosters a supportive environment for these professionals. In Arizona, there’s an abundance of engineering opportunities. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reported that there were 53,650 architecture and engineering professionals in Arizona (AZ), 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 Arizona:

Industrial engineering – 7,320 working in AZ
Civil engineering – 6,270
Mechanical engineering – 5,440
Electrical engineering – 4,970

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) further reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 4 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2023 and 2033. About 195,000 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 – 12 percent increase (40,900 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 11 percent increase (32,100 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 10 percent increase (2,100 new jobs)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 9 percent increase (26,200 new jobs)
Agricultural engineering – 8 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (6,100 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 7 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 7 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 7 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 6 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

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

Biomedical Engineers – 29.2 percent increase (70 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 27.9 percent increase (2,010 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 20.6 percent increase (1,100 new jobs)
Materials Engineers – 16.7 percent increase (60 new jobs)
Environmental Engineers – 14.8 percent increase (130 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 53,650 engineers and architectural workers in AZ was $105,620, according to the BLS (May 2024); some earned substantially more such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $155,730. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $65,740.

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

Computer Hardware Engineers – $155,730 annual average salary
Aerospace Engineers – $143,930
Electronics Engineers – $135,310
Chemical Engineers – $129,890
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers – $127,490

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

Engineers in AZ also enjoy other benefits, including support from local engineering organizations and societies and a relatively high salary compared to the rest of the workforce. In terms of support, engineering professionals in Arizona can join any of the following societies to network, find job opportunities, pursue additional education, and even obtain legal advocacy:

University of Arizona Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers – Arizona Chapter
American Society for Safety Engineering – Arizona Chapter
University of Arizona Society of Women Engineers
Arizona Society of Professional Engineers

However, prior to becoming an engineer, it’s necessary to attain the appropriate education and training. While some prospective engineers seek out traditional, on-campus degree programs, others choose online engineering programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate level. These may allow students and working professionals a greater degree of flexibility while completing their studies.

This article explores the wealth of online engineering schools in AZ, as well as the expected coursework, and accreditation information.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
ECPI University	Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
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ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	Online MSE - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Electrical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Industrial Engineering (MS)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Mechanical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
Texas State University	MS - Engineering Management: Industrial Mgmt	Visit Site
Texas State University	MS - Engineering Management: Manufacturing	Visit Site
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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in AZ

To qualify for credentialing or employment as an engineer in Arizona, candidates typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Here are three standout online bachelor’s degrees from AZ-based institutions.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering – Arizona State University

At Arizona State University in Tempe, students can pursue an online BS in engineering degree with a focus on electrical engineering. Students in this ABET-accredited program will develop engineering skills with a focus on the design of electronics, electric power systems, antennas, semiconductor devices, and signal processing algorithms. Upon graduation, they will be ready for careers that pioneer new technologies in computing, the energy sector, robotics, and more.

Made up of 120 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to engineering; digital design fundamentals; computer organization and assembly language programming; fundamentals of electromagnetics; random signal analysis; and circuits.

Graduates will be able to up roles such as aerospace engineers, computer hardware engineers, electrical engineers, electronics engineers, energy engineers, nuclear engineers, and solar energy systems engineers.

Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering – Arizona State University

Students at Arizona State University who prefer a computer-related field may pursue a distance-based BS degree in software engineering. Equipping students with the skills to develop, optimize, and design software systems, the program’s practical projects and curriculum ensure that students become proficient in software architecture, problem-solving, and coding. Upon completion, graduates will have the hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge required to pursue careers in application development, systems administration, and software engineering.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as software enterprise; principles of programming; object-oriented programming and data structures; computer organization and assembly language programming; introduction to programming languages; design and analysis of data structures and algorithms; computer systems fundamentals; principles of distributed software systems; and principles of database management, among others.

Graduates will be able to take roles such as computer programmers, computer science professors, computer software quality engineers, information technology managers, and software developers.

Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering – University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an online bachelor of science program in electrical and computer engineering that integrates the two disciplines and provides students the flexibility to focus on their interests in robotics, microelectronics, software design, power systems and signaling, and biomedical devices.

Consisting of 128 credits, the program includes courses such as computer programming for engineering applications; principles of artificial intelligence; device electronics; applications of engineering mathematics; introductory electromagnetics; device electronics; engineering ethics; electronic circuits; and introduction to ordinary differential equations.

Graduates will be prepared to take up positions such as chief engineers, electrical engineers, architectural & engineering managers, engineering managers, project engineers, and controls engineers.

Location: Tucson, AZ
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in AZ

While a master’s degree in engineering isn’t always a prerequisite for employment or professional credentialing, it can provide for a greater degree of specialization, which may lead to positions with greater pay and responsibilities.

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering – University of Arizona

At the University of Arizona in Tucson, students can earn an online MS degree in industrial engineering, preparing students to supervise production processes and optimize the next generation of manufacturing operations. Students in this program will examine production control methods and will develop practical skills that can be applied to projects of any scale. As graduates of this program, they will be prepared to establish best practices in every stage of the product life cycle.

This program includes between 30 and 33 credits, nine of which are in core areas including engineering statistics, and a survey of optimization. Electives include quality engineering; reliability engineering; human-machine interaction; law for engineers and scientists; technical sales and marketing; stochastic modeling; and fundamentals of data science for engineers, among others.

Location: Tucson, AZ
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Engineering in Software Engineering – Arizona State University

Current or aspiring computer engineers can pursue an online MS in engineering with a focus on software engineering from Arizona State University. Students in this program will develop expertise in various development methodologies, software design, proficiency in multiple programming languages, and code-based testing. Additionally, they will acquire a comprehensive skill set encompassing technologies such as big data processing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software integration, software architecture and design, and web-based computing.

This distance-based degree program includes 30 credits. Students take courses such as software engineering principles and concepts; software project, process, and quality management; software verification, validation, and testing; artificial neural computation; coding and applications; design of engineering experiments; software design; modeling and simulation theory and application; and introduction to systems engineering.

It’s important to note that qualifying applicants must have both a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related field, as well as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Software Engineering – Grand Canyon University

For those who have a passion for technology and wish to learn more about software engineering, Grand Canyon University offers an online master of science program in software engineering, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed in the ever-evolving field of software engineering. Students in this program will gain an in-depth understanding of software engineering practices and principles, as well as the ability to apply them to practical software development projects.

Made up of 38 credits, the program includes advanced software management & concepts; software engineering & security principles; advanced probability and statistics; design and analysis of algorithms; advanced software engineering fundamentals; and advanced software architectures.

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in AZ

In addition to online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, there are also distance-based associate degrees and graduate certificates available from schools in Arizona.

Advanced Software Developer Certificate – University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers an online advanced software developer certificate that helps students develop software engineering, IT architecture, and programming skills. Graduates learn to implement and design software solutions in relation to project scope and stakeholder needs. They will study multiple programming languages and software architecture principles.

Consisting of 24 credits, the program includes courses such as software development concepts; introduction to software engineering; software architecture; database fundamentals; and project management in software development.

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 10 months

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering – University of Arizona

Current degree-holders who don’t want to pursue a full master’s degree may earn an online graduate certificate in systems engineering from the University of Arizona. This program is ideal for professionals pursuing careers as systems engineers as well as for those working in life-cycle management, project management, and design.

This program requires 12 credits in four specialized systems engineering topics. Courses include systems engineering process; simulation modeling & analysis; engineering statistics; survey of optimization methods; cost estimation; and theory of linear systems, among others.

Location: Tucson, AZ
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Although prospective engineers may be lured by the promise of a competitive salary and solid job prospects upon graduation, there are other factors to take into consideration before applying to an online engineering program in AZ:

Is the program entirely online? If not, how often is campus attendance required?
How much does the program cost? Does this include all related costs and fees? Will tuition increase over the course of studies?
Can practical experience credits be completed in the student’s home community, or will the student need to travel to various locations?
Does the program assist with job placement after graduation? What other student services exist?
For undergraduate degrees, do these prepare students to enter into a graduate program? Or will students need to complete additional bridging courses?

Furthermore, prospective students are encouraged to ensure that their programs are both accredited and retain proper “state authorization” status.

Accreditation

Accreditation implies that a school or program has voluntarily met the standards set forth by one of the accrediting agencies throughout the U.S. While criteria vary, accreditation can show that a school is committed to providing high-quality education, student services, professional management of its finances, and other benefits. Of course, it’s important to mention that not all accreditation carries the same weight; instead, aspiring students should look for programs that have received accreditation through an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Furthermore, applicants should also recognize that schools can be approved on a programmatic, regional, or national level by some of the following agencies:

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

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Programmatic accreditation

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

State Authorization

Along with accreditation, prospective students are also advised to search for programs with proper “state authorization” status as well. To elaborate, students in Arizona are only eligible to enroll in programs that have been authorized to operate in the state. This is not an issue when a student and a distance-based institution are in the same state, but rather when a student chooses to enroll in an out-of-state online program. Many schools display this information boldly on their websites to aid in the research process (e.g., University of Arizona). For those that don’t, students are encouraged to contact admissions officials to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs in AZ

While admissions requirements for online engineering programs in Arizona vary, they generally reflect the same eligibility criteria as their on-campus counterparts. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the admissions requirements for online engineering programs in the state, broken down by degree level:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Admissions

Completed application and fee
Official high school transcripts or GED with proof of specific prerequisite classes in math and science
Competitive GPA (e.g., >2.5)
Letters of recommendation from teachers
ACT or SAT scores
A personal essay or statement of purpose

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Admissions

Completed application and fee (NOTE: Some engineering schools require separate applications to the graduate school and the Department of Engineering)
Official transcripts from a bachelor’s degree program in engineering with proof of prerequisite coursework
Competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0)
Standardized test scores
A personal essay
Two or more letters of recommendation

Online Graduate Certificate Admissions

Completed application and fee
A bachelor’s degree in engineering
CV or resume
Two or more letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose

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...