Online Engineering Schools in California
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“California is a standout location for engineering thanks to its dynamic mix of world-class universities, groundbreaking industries, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.”
Ahmad Banafa, PhD, Engineering Professor at San José State University
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. For illustration, predictions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033—about 195,000 openings are projected each year.
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:
- 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)
- Aerospace engineering – 6 percent increase (4,100 new jobs)
- Environmental engineering – 7 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
In California specifically, the expected percentages were even higher. According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 are projected to be:
- Civil Engineers – 12.3 percent increase (6,200 new jobs)
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators – 13.4 percent increase (4,500 new jobs)
- Mechanical Engineers – 14.4 percent increase (4,000 new jobs)
- Industrial Engineers – 15.5 percent increase (3,800 new jobs)
- Computer Hardware Engineers – 7.6 percent increase (2,300 new jobs)
- Aerospace Engineers – 9.1 percent increase (1,000 new jobs)
- Electrical Engineers – 7.7 percent increase (2,200 new jobs)
- Biomedical Engineers – 7.1 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 2025) found that California was the third most expensive state, coming in behind only Hawaii and Massachusetts. 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.
There are many university programs—including distance-based training—available for aspiring engineers across all specializations to prepare for this high-growth, high-paying career field.
This guide examines accredited online engineering schools in California with discussions of admissions requirements, programs at all levels, and other relevant information.
Featured Online Engineering Programs | ||
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ECPI University | Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Associate's) | Visit Site |
ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | 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 |
University of Southern Indiana | Online MBA - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
Norfolk State University | MSEE - Biomedical Engineering | Visit Site |
Norfolk State University | MSEE - Microelectronics and Photonics | Visit Site |
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