Online Engineering Schools in Florida

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Engineers play a vital role in the economy in Florida, as well as throughout the United States. These skilled professionals are tasked with designing, testing, and ultimately building products and structures for the modern world. There’s a range of specializations to accommodate every industry and interest, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental, among others. And while engineering is one of the more lucrative career fields in the U.S., some subfields are growing faster than others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow three percent nationwide between 2019 and 2029—an addition of 74,800 new positions in that period—which is just a bit lower than the average job growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time (4 percent).

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

Industrial engineering – 10 percent increase (30,000 new jobs)
Electrical engineering – 5 percent increase (9,000 new jobs)
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering – 5 percent increase (1,000 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 4 percent increase (12,400 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 4 percent increase (1,400 new jobs)

In Florida (FL) specifically, the expected percentages were even higher. According to Projections Central (2021), the top-growing subfields of engineering included:

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians – 20 percent increase (130 new jobs)
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects – 20 percent increase (30 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 19.4 percent increase (2,100 new jobs)
Computer Hardware Engineers – 15.6 percent increase (350 new jobs)
Electrical Engineers – 15.2 percent increase (920 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineering Technicians – 14.9 percent increase (140 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 114,400 engineers and architectural workers in FL was $80,230, according to the BLS (May 2020); some earned substantially more such as petroleum engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $160,710. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $50,020.

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

Petroleum Engineers – $160,710 annual average salary
Mining and Geological Engineers – $118,140
Nuclear Engineers – $108,570
Aerospace Engineers – $109,540
Computer Hardware Engineers – $102,610
Electronics Engineers – $102,350

The following shows the 2020 median pay for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the country:

Petroleum Engineers – $137,330 median salary
Computer Hardware Engineers – $119,560
Aerospace Engineers – $118,610
Nuclear Engineers – $116,140
Chemical Engineers – $108,540
Electrical and Electronics Engineers – $103,390

In short, engineering is expected to be a relatively high-growth and high-paying career field in the future. Furthermore, while some students in FL choose to pursue a traditional degree on campus, there’s a growing number of online engineering programs, particularly at the graduate degree level and in certain subfields such as electrical or computer engineering. This guide explores what to expect from an online engineering program in Florida, including the state’s most prominent schools, the expected coursework, and professors who teach online.

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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Florida

Ultimately, a bachelor’s degree in engineering is generally a prerequisite for any type of engineering-related work and is certainly necessary to pursue a graduate-level education as well. And while computer science and electrical engineering may be two of the most commonly studied online disciplines, in reality, students have the option to pursue nearly all engineering fields in a distance-based setting.

To illustrate this, the following includes descriptions of online bachelor’s degree programs in engineering based in Florida.

Online BS in Computer Science – Florida State University

Aspiring engineers may choose to pursue an online bachelor of science degree in computer science through Florida State University in Tallahassee. Emphasizing the interdependence of design, distributed networks & systems, and object orientation, the program helps students develop a broad-based background that is sufficient for entering the field of computing. Students develop core competencies in database structure, programming, operating systems, and computer organization.

Topics covered include software engineering, computer organization, programming, introduction to UNIX, ethics in computer science, data structures, algorithms, & generic programming, and operating systems & concurrent programming, among many others. This program has received accreditation through SACS, as well as through the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET—the gold standard in programmatic accreditation in this field. Graduation from this program requires the successful completion of 120 credits.

The program can be completed entirely online; however, it should be noted that this is considered an “advanced standing” degree program, which means that students must have at least 60 or more hours of transferable credits and meet certain junior-level transfer requirements before they will be granted admissions.

Location: Tallahassee, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
Estimated Tuition: In-state ($180.49 per credit); out-of-state ($686.04 per credit)

Online BS in Computer Science – University of Florida

The University of Florida in Gainesville allows students to pursue an online bachelor of science degree in computer science through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences encouraging students to explore the theoretical foundations of computation and information. The program exposes students to a wide range of disciplines, including the theory of computer science, programming languages, physical science, software engineering, and mathematics.

Comprising 120 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as engineering statistics, geometry and calculus, programming fundamentals, linear algebra, algorithm abstraction & design, data structures and algorithms, introduction to computer organization, and several others. It should also be noted that course scheduling at the University of Florida is fairly flexible; students can take courses full-time or part-time, generally work on their schedule, and even take a semester off, if need be.

At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as computer programmer, business intelligence analyst, computer systems analyst, information security analyst, database administrator, network systems administrator, web developer, and software applications developer.

Location: Gainesville, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
Estimated Tuition: Florida residents ($129 per credit); Non-Florida Residents ($552 per credit)

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

Although a bachelor’s degree allows an individual to pursue meaningful work in the field of engineering, a graduate degree is often necessary for career advancement and leadership opportunities. Furthermore, an online graduate degree is often appealing, as it often allows the student to continue working while obtaining additional credentials and education to help them in their current pursuits. Anyone considering an online engineering graduate degree in Florida may wish to consider applying for one of the following distance-based programs.

MS in Industrial Engineering – University of Central Florida

At the University of Central Florida in Orlando, students have the option to pursue an MS in industrial engineering online. Students through this program will lead the way in the designing and improvement of products, processes, and systems within the services and manufacturing industries. Moreover, the program allows students to choose from six different focus areas: human systems engineering or ergonomics; interactive simulation & training systems; operations research; quality systems engineering; simulation modeling & analysis; and systems engineering.

The program features both thesis and non-thesis options, both of which require the successful completion of 30 credits, including nine credits of an assistantship. According to the program’s webpage, many students who are working full-time take six credits per semester, and can complete the program in approximately six semesters or fewer.

Students in this program will take courses on engineering statistics, project engineering, advanced engineering economic analysis, systems engineering, ergonomics, manufacturing systems engineering, management information systems, object-oriented simulation, and engineering logistics, among others.

The major admission requirements include an undergraduate degree in mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, quantitative management, or a similar field, one official transcript, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a goal statement.

Graduates of the program can pursue roles such as engineering managers, industrial engineers, operations analysts, management engineers, technical professionals, project managers, and quality control engineers.

Location: Orlando, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters or less
Estimated Tuition: In-state ($327.32 per credit); Out of state ($1,151.72 per credit)

MS in Aerospace Engineering – University of Florida

Students at the University of Florida in Gainesville can pursue a master’s of science degree in aerospace engineering with three distinct subspecialties: dynamics, systems & controls, solid mechanics & design, and thermal fluids transport. The aerospace program is entirely online and students are never required to visit the campus.

The program includes both a thesis and a non-thesis option; the former requires 24 credits of classwork and six credits of a thesis project, while the latter requires the successful completion of 30 credits of courses. Furthermore, because the online degree is the same structure as the on-campus version, distance students can communicate and collaborate with local University of Florida students while they study at their remote location.

Please note that UF also has online engineering program tracks in civil, computer, electrical and computer, environmental, industrial and systems, materials science, and mechanical with various sub-specializations available.

The curriculum includes courses such as analytical dynamics, control system theory, fundamentals of production engineering, continuum mechanics, conduction heat transfer, convection heat transfer, and gas dynamics, among others.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s in engineering or a closely related STEM discipline from an ABET-accredited program, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants.

Location: Gainesville, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: Florida residents ($501.38 per credit); Non residents ($725.75 per credit)

Other Online Engineering Programs

While many aspiring engineers in Florida choose to pursue either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, others look for alternative routes. Indeed, many other online options exist for aspiring engineering students in Florida, including those listed below:

AS in Computer Information Systems – Florida Tech

An associate of science (AS) degree in computer information systems from Florida Tech in Melbourne is an excellent option for those individuals aspiring to work as computer or software engineers. The degree can be completed entirely online, and students in this program will explore several programming languages, including C++, Java, and Visual Basic.

Students also take courses on business computer skills, foundations of information systems, electronic commerce, introduction to macroeconomics, principles of marketing, mastering eLearning, systems analysis & design, and several electives to satisfy the 61 credits necessary for successful completion.

Graduates of the program can take up roles such as computer support specialist, support analyst, help desk administrator, java developer, and junior program analyst.

Location: Melbourne, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Estimated Tuition: $510 per credit

Fundamentals of Engineering Review Course – Florida International University

This course taught at the Florida International University in Miami does not lead to a degree, but instead is an online course meant to prepare individuals for the fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam. The course lasts for 12 weeks and provides students with an in-depth study of the topics covered in the computer-based exam. Tuition for the course is $700 altogether, which gives students access to course lecture videos, as well.

Location: Miami, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: 12 weeks
Estimated Tuition: $700

Online Engineering Programs in Florida – What to Consider

Many aspiring students focus on certain considerations when selecting a specific engineering program—namely the location of the school, program reputation, cost of the school, admission rates, and other relevant factors. That being said, many students are now also considering whether an online program may be the right choice for them as well.

In reality, strong online engineering programs exist now that will provide the student with a high-quality education while still allowing for greater flexibility in terms of location and time. Of course, before applying to an online program, aspiring students should still ask certain questions, including the following:

What is the rate of employment after graduation? What types of jobs do graduates hold?
How long will the program take to complete?
Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
Do student support services exist, such as job placement help, advisors, and student-run organizations?
Do online students retain in-state status?
Are students required to visit the campus during the program? If so, what are the requirements?
Can the program be completed entirely on the student’s schedule? Or are scheduled logins required for certain courses?
Do students have the option to complete practical courses and internships in their local community? Or are students required to travel to complete these requirements?

In addition, students should be sure to examine whether or not a program has received accreditation and/or state authorization before making a final selection.

Engineering School Accreditation

Receiving accreditation means that a program has met certain standards set forth by an accrediting organization. More specifically, accreditation is synonymous with quality and will be treated as such; for example, students may find that graduate schools and employers will only consider applicants who have graduated from an accredited school, and the same goes for financial aid providers, as well.

Before awarding accreditation, an accrediting body will examine several factors, including the quality of the education provided, the financial management of the school, the services provided to students, the services provided to graduates, and student outcomes (i.e., student debt figures, graduate rates of employment, etc.), among other variables.

Not all accrediting organizations carry the same weight. Because of this, aspiring engineering students should consider looking for online programs that have received accreditation by an organization that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In addition, students should be aware that national, regional, and programmatic accreditation is available through different organizations. For example, the following includes a list of organizations that accredit online engineering colleges in Florida:

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 in Florida

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Programmatic accreditation

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

State Authorization Status for Online Engineering Programs

Students are only allowed to attend online engineering schools that retain authorization to operate in their specific state. In general, Floridians who are enrolled in online programs based in the state will not likely experience any issues; however, engineering programs based in other states may not be able to provide admissions to specific out-of-state residents.

As such, students from outside of Florida who are interested in pursuing an online engineering degree in the state are highly encouraged to review state policies before applying. Fortunately, this information is easily accessible on the website of many programs. For example, the University of Florida has a readily available state authorization page.

Admissions Requirements – Online Engineering Programs in FL

In general, online engineering programs in Florida typically maintain the same admissions requirements as their on-campus counterparts. And while some specific prerequisites will vary depending on the institution, some criteria will likely remain the same across all programs. The following provides a brief overview broken down by level of study:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

A high school diploma or GED with proof of coursework in biology, chemistry, and other relevant subjects
A GPA of above 2.5 for some programs, or 3.0 for others
Letters of recommendation provided by two high school teachers
An admissions essay or personal statement as described by the school
SAT or ACT scores

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, although other degrees may be accepted on a case-by-case basis
An undergraduate GPA of above 2.5 for some programs, or above 3.0 for more selective institutions
GRE scores (not always be required)
A personal essay or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation from professors or advisors, employers, or other qualifying positions

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering
Two letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose or personal essay
CV or resume
Test scores (varies by institution)

Engineering Professors to Know in Florida

The engineering professors listed below are leading educators who work in institutions that offer online degrees in Florida.

Dr. Waldemar Karwowski – University of Central Florida

At the University of Central Florida, Dr. Karwowski serves as a professor of industrial engineering and management systems. He has held various prominent positions throughout his career, including serving as the co-editor-in-chief of Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science since 2000; as editor of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing from 1997 to 2009; and as co-editor of the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics from 1994 to the present.

Dr. Karwowski’s areas of focus include human factors, neuroergonomics, ergonomics, human systems integration, and systems engineering, among others. His research has been published in several prominent journals such as the Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Journal of Production Research, and Journal of Safety Research. He completed his PhD in industrial engineering at Texas Tech University and an MS in production engineering at Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland.

Dr. Patrick Traynor – University of Florida

Dr. Traynor is a professor within the Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering at the University of Florida, where he also serves as the John and Mary Lou Dasburg Preeminent Chair in Engineering. His research interests include information security, networks, and pervasive and mobile computing, and he teaches or has taught courses in computer and network security and cellular and mobile network security.

Dr. Traynor been the recipient of many awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, the Lockheed Inspirational Young Faculty Award, and an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship in 2014. He holds his PhD and MS in computer science and engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a BS in computer science from the University of Richmond.