Engineers are vital to U.S. innovation and economic growth. In recent years, the number of subfields and specializations in this discipline has exploded; each technological innovation snowballs into new opportunities for those trained in mechanics, thermodynamics, computing, and other areas.
Today, California engineers work in more industries than their predecessors, sparking demand for more properly-trained professionals. By illustration, Predictions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow four percent nationwide between 2021 and 2031—an addition of 91,300 new positions in that period—which is about as fast as the average job growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time (5 percent).
That said, some specializations are expected to be more in demand nationwide than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields listed with their expected growth:
Chemical engineering – 14 percent increase (3,700 new jobs)
Industrial engineering – 10 percent increase (30,600 new jobs)
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering – 10 percent increase (1,700 new jobs)
Petroleum engineering – 8 percent increase (1,900 new jobs)
Civil engineering – 7 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)
In California specifically, the expected percentages were even higher. According to Projections Central (2023), the top-growing subfields of engineering include:
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians – 18.2 percent increase (200 new jobs)
Civil Engineers – 16.9 percent increase (7,900 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 16.4 percent increase (3,500 new jobs)
Sales Engineers – 15.2 percent increase (1,600 new jobs)
Computer Hardware Engineers – 15.1 percent increase (3,000 new jobs)
Aerospace Engineers – 14.6 percent increase (1,200 new jobs)
Electrical Engineers – 13.8 percent increase (3,900 new jobs)
Biomedical Engineers – 13.8 percent increase (400 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 12.5 percent increase (200 new jobs)
Notably, many of the average salaries for California engineers are higher than national averages. As with any salary projections, taking into account the cost of living is also important. As such, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2023) found that California was the fourth most expensive state, coming in behind only Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii. For engineers, this means relatively high salaries may still need to go as far as lower salaries in other states, so that is something to keep in mind.
For aspiring engineers across all specializations, there’s an abundance of university programs—including distance-based training—to prepare for this high-growth, high-paying career field.
This guide examines accredited online engineering schools in CA with discussions of admissions requirements, programs at all levels, professors, and other relevant information.
Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider
Most students researching online colleges ponder the same basic characteristics—i.e., program availability, school reputation, and cost—but it is just as important to consider online education as a medium. Knowing the ins and outs of web-based learning ensures students ask the right questions as they review California’s online engineering schools. Examples:
Does this program have scheduled or flexible course log-ins?
Are occasional campus visits required?
Can students finish internships and other practical requirements locally?
What student support services are available?
Is the program exclusively full- or part-time?
What is its average time to completion?
Do all online learners have in-state status?
What kinds of careers do program graduates hold?
Not all program considerations are a matter of preference: accreditation and state authorization can define what a degree is worth, assuming it’s available at all.
Accreditation
Accreditation certifies that a third-party organization evaluated a California online engineering school or program and confirmed it met set quality standards and best practices. In other words, it signals value: many financial aid providers, graduate schools, and employers only consider applicants from accredited engineering schools. Unfortunately, not all accrediting agencies carry the same weight.
Students are encouraged to look for online colleges or degrees accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Programs can earn national, regional, and programmatic accreditation. Some accreditation bodies focus on engineering programs, for example, while others evaluate only online schools. The agencies most likely to accredit online engineering schools in California:
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
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
Programmatic accreditation
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
State Authorization
Students can only attend online engineering schools authorized to operate in their state. Californians who attend online programs based in the state are unlikely to have trouble, but programs based in other states may not be able to admit students from specific states. Therefore, out-of-state students considering an online engineering degree based in California should review state policies before applying for admission. Fortunately, many online schools in California list this information on their websites (e.g., the University of Southern California’s state disclosures page).
Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs
Finding the right engineering school pays off, but only for students who get into them. Online engineering schools in California typically have the same admissions standards as those with campuses. While specific requirements vary by school and program, some criteria are common. The following breaks them down by program level:
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent with coursework in math, physics, chemistry, and biology
High school GPA: >2.5-3.0
Letters of recommendation: Two from qualifying high school teachers
Admissions essay: Usually a summary of one’s background, reasons for applying, and long-term goals
Exam scores: SAT or ACT
Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements
Education: A bachelor’s degree in engineering; schools may accept other relevant degrees if applicants meet established prerequisites
Undergraduate GPA: >2.5-3.0
Exam scores: Some schools require GRE scores, though they may be waived in certain cases; minimums vary by program
Statement of purpose: Demonstrates why a student chose to apply and what he or she hopes to achieve
Letters of recommendation: Two or three from qualifying contributors
Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements
Education: A relevant and accredited bachelor’s degree; some programs require bachelor’s degrees with a minimum of four years of full-time study
Letters of recommendation: Two letters provided by professors, employers, or others who can speak to one’s engineering achievements and potential
Statement of purpose: One- to two-page statement clarifying why a candidate wanted to apply to the program
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Exam scores: Minimums and types of the test vary by school and may be waived in certain cases
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering
The BLS reports that most entry-level engineering jobs require bachelor’s degrees, but master’s degrees can improve one’s career and earning potential. It is not uncommon for bachelor’s degree holders to attend graduate school online while working full-time.
Nonetheless, an online bachelor’s in engineering can help get one’s foot in the metaphorical door. Computer science and engineering are perhaps the most common options, but online schools increasingly branch into new disciplines by incorporating local internships or apprenticeships. Here are a few of the online engineering bachelor’s degrees in California.
Online BS in Computer Science Degree Completion program – California State University, Monterey Bay
California State University, Monterey Bay’s online BS in computer science degree completion program offers both hands-on software development training and solid computer science theories. Students are provided with a balance of CS theory and hands-on learning in an interactive and collaborative environment with a concentration in software engineering.
Ideal for working professionals, this degree completion program requires applicants to be transfer-ready from another community college or university, or hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science. Transfer-ready students can be defined as those applicants who have 60 or more semester credits of transferable courses, have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and are in good academic standing at their current or most recent college or university.
The curriculum will explore courses such as operating systems; introduction to computer networks; internet programming; introduction to database systems; design and analysis of algorithms; and software engineering.
Graduates of this program will be exceptionally prepared to participate in the fast-paced information economy in jobs such as software engineers, mobile app developers, and technology project managers.
Campus Location: Monterey
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Estimated Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $525 per unit
Required campus visits: None
Online BS in Computer Science – National University
While National University does, as its name suggests, serve students from dozens of states, its official headquarters are in La Jolla. According to NU, students pursuing their online BS in computer science establish a strong technical background that benefits those entering the workforce or preparing for graduate school.
They study object-oriented programming, algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, and data structures, among other topics. Electives allow some degree of specialization. NU also offers an MS in computer science transition program. This online option allows students to take graduate-level courses as undergraduates, which reduces program requirements so students can graduate faster.
The curriculum of this 180-quarter-unit program includes courses such as object-oriented design; computer ethics; scientific problem solving; discrete structures and logic; data structures and algorithms; algorithm design; digital logic design; computer architecture; and database design. The program culminates with a capstone project.
Graduates will be able to analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing to identify solutions. They will be able to communicate effectively and function effectively as members of a team. Graduates will also learn about the basics of designing, implementing, and evaluating computing-based solutions.
Campus Location: La Jolla
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months or less
Estimated Tuition: $370 per quarter-unit
Required campus visits: None
Online BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering – San Jose State University
San Jose State University’s online degree completion bachelor of science program in interdisciplinary engineering combines knowledge and skills from several engineering fields and prepares students to work with both engineering as well as non-engineering groups.
The program’s curriculum covers three major areas: applied computing; innovation and law; and engineering management and statistical quality engineering. All areas provide students with the knowledge and skills that serve emerging and existing technologies.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as renewable energy engineering; engineering reports; engineering economic systems; engineering probability and statistics; fundamentals of mechatronics engineering; and technology and civilization.
Graduates of this program will be able to take up roles such as production engineers, research and development engineers, software engineers, senior IT managers, operations managers, and financial analysts, among many such roles.
Location: San Jose
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $450 per credit
Required campus visits: None
Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering
More students seek online master’s in engineering degrees than ever. The ability to work and study likely contributes to the trend, as do increasing employer expectations. Because much of an engineer’s hands-on practical training takes place at the undergraduate level, online engineering master’s degrees are more prevalent than bachelor’s degrees.
Graduate programs build upon one’s undergraduate studies, deepening students’ understanding of the field and preparing them to advance their careers. A few of California’s online engineering master’s degrees include:
Online MS - Computer Engineering (No GRE Required)
Sponsored
Online MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics – Stanford University
Stanford University’s online engineering programs offer the prestige of Stanford education with the flexibility and accessibility of online education. Its MS in aeronautics and astronautics is ideal for working professionals attending on a part-time basis.
Core classes fall into one of five specializations: fluids, structures, propulsion, experimentation, and guidance and control; math courses and electives round out the curriculum. According to Stanford, most part-time students complete the 45-unit program in three to five years; five years is the maximum period allowed.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must either hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university. Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. Application requirements include a completed online application, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and official TOEFL scores for international students.
Campus Location: Palo Alto
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (12 to 24 months); part-time (36 to 60 months)
Online MS in Biomedical Engineering – University of Southern California
The University of Southern California’s online engineering programs are highly-regarded: US News & World Report ranked the University’s online engineering degrees 15th in the nation in 2022. According to USC, the online MS in Biomedical Engineering program aims to provide a broad background in the field—one ideal for students entering interdisciplinary medical technology careers or doctoral studies. The program can be completed with or without a thesis.
Made up of 28 credits, the program includes core courses such as advanced topics in biomedical systems; integration of medical imaging systems; physiological control systems; advanced studies of the nervous system; signal and systems analysis; analog integrated circuit design; and more.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related discipline, electronic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students whose first language is not English.
At the end of the program, graduates will be able to pursue opportunities in the areas of bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, pharmaceuticals, orthopedic surgery, and systems physiology.
Campus Location: Los Angeles
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $2,309 per unit
Required campus visits: None
Online MS in Engineering – University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA’s graduate-level online engineering programs are perhaps among the most prestigious in the United States: US News & World Report ranked them 16th nationally in 2022 among the best engineering schools.
Though this program leads to an MS in engineering, most students choose one of five major specializations: electrical engineering; computer science; materials science and engineering; civil and environmental engineering; and mechanical and aerospace engineering. Additional programs include system engineering, engineering management, reliability engineering, and mechanics of structures.
Note that UCLA also offers several online engineering graduate certificates. Most students complete programs within two years, including two summer sessions, but are allowed to do so within three. Students can learn more about each specialty track on the UCLA website.
This program offers highly qualified engineers the advantages and accessibility of a fully online master’s program. Students will be able to strengthen their knowledge of industry and technology while maintaining prior outside commitments.
Applicants to the program require a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, mathematics, or physics, a grade point average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, GRE test scores (can be waived), and TOEFL/ or IELTS scores for international applicants.
Campus Location: Los Angeles
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $4,200 per course
Required campus visits: None
Other Online Engineering Programs
Most online engineering students in California seek bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but the options don’t end there. A limited number of online associate degrees give students a head start in their training and there are droves of specialized online engineering certificates as well. Examples of these online engineering programs in California include:
Online Graduate Certificate in Astronautical Engineering – University of Southern California
University of Southern California’s online graduate certificate in astronautical engineering program is ideal for practicing scientists and engineers who wish to enter space-related fields or those who want to obtain additional training in specific space-related areas. This fully online program does not require any campus visits and includes the same dedicated faculty members who teach on campus.
Applicants for this program require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related discipline, electronic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.
Comprising 12 credits, the program includes courses such as plasma dynamics; spacecraft system design; human spaceflight; liquid rocket propulsion; and spacecraft power systems. Graduates will be able to take up opportunities at consulting firms, warehouse and distribution facilities, aerospace & defense, quality control inspection, and spacecraft operations.
Campus Location: Los Angeles
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (18 to 24 months); Part-time (30 to 36 months)
Estimated Tuition: $2,309 per unit
Required campus visits: None
Online AS in Engineering – College of San Mateo
The College of San Mateo is another CVC campus with a range of online learning options, including an online AS in engineering degree. The College of San Mateo suggests its engineering graduates should know how to use math, science, and engineering concepts and tools to identify and solve problems. They should also be able to communicate and collaborate effectively. Keep in mind that CSM’s status as a CVC institution lets students explore additional online courses from other participating schools.
Students take basic math and science courses, selected engineering core classes (e.g., electrical and materials engineering), and at least one programming course. Sample some of the courses in the curriculum: principles of microeconomics; introduction to engineering; elementary probability and statistics; engineering statics; engineering graphics; and materials science. The program comprises 60 to 70 transferable units.
Campus location: San Mateo
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $46 per unit, plus fees
Required campus visits: None
Online Graduate Certificate in Embedded Systems Engineering – University of California, San Diego
The University of California San Diego’s online systems engineering certificate develops a tech-savvy application for a range of industries. Students learn the techniques and methodologies systems engineers use to create efficient production processes, from concept to fabrication.
The program consists of 24 credits including coursework in systems engineering management; systems requirements analysis; systems verification and validation; systems engineering software overview; and systems hardware or software integration. While most students complete the program within two years, UCSD allows them as many as five.
Graduates will be ready to take up positions in industries such as defense, financial services & banking, information technology, aerospace & airlines, health care, communications, manufacturing, automotive, utilities, and transportation.
Campus location: La Jolla
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
