Online Engineering Schools in California

CA Engineering Opportunities by Field

Even with steep demand, the best opportunities generally go to engineers who invest in the right education and training. And employers are willing to pay for it: in fact, the EDD data places engineers among some of the highest-paid professionals in California. The types of engineers who earned the highest median wages in 2016:

• Computer Hardware Engineers: $131,874
• Aerospace Engineers: $116,393
• Electrical Engineers: $115,804
• Materials Engineers: $111,950
• Health and Safety Engineers:$104,970

Each job listed above represents a different engineering specialty. Students considering online engineering degrees in California should decide which interest them most before choosing a major.

Engineering Majors

Nearly every industry needs engineers. According to the National Society of Professional Engineers, however, the engineer title is often misused: think sales, automotive, and culinary engineers. This lingering point of contention for engineering organizations can make it difficult to research relevant careers and programs. For a list of the most common types of online engineering programs in California (and elsewhere), please see our list of engineering degree types.

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 B.S. in Computer Science – California State University, Monterey Bay

California State University, Monterey Bay’s online B.S. in computer science program provides a balance of CS theory and hands-on learning. Courses are eight weeks long and designed to be interactive and collaborative. Scheduling is flexible: students receive work on Monday that is due by Wednesday of the following week. While online engineering degrees afford students a greater degree of independence, schools like CSUMB design programs that also promote learner engagement, peer communication, and collaboration. Students can get faculty help along the way via email and Google Hangouts. Note that CSUMB’s online engineering students are expected to take some proctored exams, usually within their home communities.

• Campus location: Monterey
• Cost: $525 per unit, plus fees
• Required campus visits: None

Online B.S. 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 its online B.S. 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 specialization. NU also offers an M.S. 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.

• Campus location: La Jolla
• Tuition and fees: $362 per unit in tuition and fees
• 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:

Online A.A. in Computer Information Systems – Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey Peninsula College’s A.A. in computer information systems is a fully online program ideal for students considering careers as computer engineers. Core coursework explores computer systems, networking, and programming in Python and Java. According to MPC, the online CIS program is a transfer-oriented degree that helps graduates segue into four-year programs with up to 60 units under their belts. Monterey Peninsula College is a member of the California Virtual Campus (CVC)—an online gateway that connects students with online courses from other participating schools at no additional cost. That means students enrolled in the online CIS program could pursue engineering-geared electives even if they are not a part of the core curriculum.

• Campus location: Monterey
• Cost: $46 per unit, plus fees
• Required campus visits: None

Online A.S. 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 A.S. in engineering degree. Students take basic math and science courses, selected engineering core classes (e.g., electrical and materials engineering), and at least one programming course. 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.

• Campus location: San Mateo
• Cost: $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 applicable to a range of industries. Students learn the techniques and methodologies systems engineers use to create efficient-if-complex production processes, from concept to fabrication. The program builds upon core coursework in concept development, system analysis, and engineering management. Additional electives explore systems safety, logistics, project management, and design thinking. While most students complete the program within two years, UCSD allows them as many as five.

• Campus location: La Jolla
• Cost: An estimated $6,200 in tuition and fees and $740 in books and materials
• Required campus visits: None

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 type of test vary by school and may be waived in certain cases