Online Engineering Programs in Idaho

Engineers play an important role in the economy in Idaho and throughout the nation. They have permeated virtually every industry, and the subfields of engineering have expanded rapidly over the years, adding opportunities for talented professionals invested in the ongoing advancement of technology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2026) predicted that the majority of engineering specializations would grow faster than the national average between 2025 and 2035.

Fortunately for aspiring engineers in Idaho, the discipline’s subfields are expected to grow quickly in the state. By illustration, Projections Central (2026) predicted that the following subfields of engineering would expand substantially between 2024 and 2034:

Environmental engineering – 30.9 percent growth in Idaho positions, 2024-34
Civil engineering – 28.3 percent
Health and safety engineering – 24.8 percent
Industrial engineering – 23.6 percent
Computer hardware engineering – 19.2 percent
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors – 23.1 percent
Industrial Engineers – 21.2 percent
Environmental Engineers – 40 percent
Aerospace Engineers – 19.3 percent
Mechanical Engineers – 19.1 percent
Nuclear Engineers – 18.1 percent
Electrical Engineers – 17.9 percent

To put this into perspective, the BLS projected that all U.S. occupations would grow an average of 3 percent, highlighting the relative explosion in opportunities for engineers compared to those outside of the field.

Furthermore, the salary prospects in engineering are especially bright in the Gem State. The BLS (May 2025) found that the average salary for all engineering and architectural positions in Idaho was $99,940, with some earning much more than that, such as chemical engineers, who earned an average annual wage of $128,840. This is much higher than the average salary for all occupations in Idaho, which sat at just $61,170.

Along with salary perks, engineers in Idaho also enjoy the support of numerous professional organizations and societies. For example, the following organizations offer membership benefits to Idaho engineers such as networking events, discounts on business expenses, continuing education, scholarly publications, and more:

Before becoming an engineer, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition to the exceptional on-campus programs at the University of Idaho and other institutions, a growing number of distance-based programs offer greater flexibility for students while still providing a high-quality education.

This guide explores the curriculum, cost, and admissions procedures for online engineering programs in Idaho and profiles three talented professors.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
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
American Public University	Engineering: Electrical Engineering (BEng)	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	Online MBA - Engineering Management	Visit Site
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Meet the Expert: Whitney Ciani, PE

Whitney Ciani is the president and principal geotechnical engineer at Ciani & Hatch Engineering, a woman-owned firm she co-founded in Boise in 2023. She has provided geotechnical design and consulting services for over 20 years, holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Washington and a master of science in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a licensed professional engineer in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

Ciani’s project experience includes design-build work for the Washington State Department of Transportation, transportation projects for Local Highway Technical Assistance Counsel (LHTAC) and Idaho Transportation Department, along with dam safety, water and wastewater, and fish passage projects across the Pacific Northwest. Washington STEM named her a Notable Woman in STEM in 2018, WTS named her 2024 Member of the Year, and she currently serves on the board of ACEC of Idaho and WTS Southwest Idaho.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is unique about being an engineer in Idaho?

Ciani: Being an engineer in Idaho means the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct and visible impact on local communities.

Idaho’s rapid growth and diverse geography create a wide range of engineering challenges and opportunities, with exposure to a variety of industries including transportation, water resources, agriculture, land development, and energy. It offers the ability to work closely with local agencies and municipalities on projects that improve public infrastructure and quality of life, and a firsthand view of the dedication and hard work local governments invest in serving and improving their communities.

You get the chance to see projects progress from planning through construction and experience the tangible benefits they bring to residents. It’s a unique mix of urban growth and rural infrastructure needs that provides a broad range of project experiences.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring engineers in Idaho?

Ciani: Stay curious and be willing to continuously learn and adapt throughout your career. Seek hands-on experience early through internships, field work, and project involvement, and take advantage of Idaho’s close-knit engineering community by networking and seeking mentorship opportunities.

Many professionals are willing to chat with you, even if they do not have internship opportunities. Try to absorb as much as you can from other disciplines, even if it is not your focused discipline, to ensure effective collaboration and to become a well-rounded engineer. Develop strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to tackle new challenges.

Recognize that successful engineers work closely with clients, agencies, contractors, and the public, making interpersonal skills just as important as technical expertise. Embrace lifelong learning and new technologies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession, and remember that engineering is ultimately about improving communities and making a positive impact on people’s daily lives.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Idaho

Generally, earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming an engineer in Idaho. Aspiring engineers in the state can consider one of the following online programs.

Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology – Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s bachelor of science in surveying and geomatics engineering technology trains students to measure and map the earth’s surface, establish legal boundaries, and work with the satellite, GPS, 3D scanning, and drone technologies that define modern geospatial practice. The curriculum covers boundary and route surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, land and geographic information systems (GIS), and survey measurement analysis and adjustments.

Structured as a 2+2 degree, students first earn a two-year associate in civil engineering technology and then complete upper-division surveying coursework, all of which can be finished fully online with laboratory components supervised by a local mentor. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national Fundamentals of Surveying exam and enter careers in professional surveying and the broader geospatial community.

Location: Pocatello, ID
Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Applied Science in Robotics Engineering Technology – Idaho State University

Designed as a degree-completion path for students who already hold a two-year associate in robotics and communications systems engineering technology, this Idaho State University program takes working technicians into advanced automation and robotic system design. Students tackle embedded systems and computer architecture, advanced programming and GUI development, systems analysis, and applied calculus for robotics, then choose electives in specialties like laser systems and optics, rapid prototyping, or printed circuit board design. The upper-division coursework is delivered online, letting students build on their prior credits without leaving the workforce. Graduates emerge equipped to design, program, and maintain the robotic and automated systems used across manufacturing and industrial settings.

Location: Pocatello, ID
Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Idaho

Obtaining a master’s degree can help an engineer develop his or her skills and deepen one’s specialization in specific field. Additionally, a master’s degree can enhance one’s earning prospects and opportunities in leadership, as well as qualify a person for positions in academia.

Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho

The University of Idaho’s online master of engineering in civil engineering lets students concentrate in one of several subfields rather than follow a single fixed track. Available emphases include environmental and sanitary engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and water resources, structural engineering and mechanics, and transportation. Delivered fully online through the university’s Engineering Outreach program, this 30-credit non-thesis degree is built for working engineers who want to deepen a specialization while staying in the workforce.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 3 to 5 years

Master of Science / Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering – University of Idaho

Computer engineering students at the University of Idaho choose between two online paths: a thesis-oriented master of science for those drawn to research, or a coursework-based master of engineering for those focused on professional practice. Both are recognized as STEM programs and cover the hardware-software boundary, from embedded systems and digital design to computer architecture and networks. The degrees are delivered remotely through Engineering Outreach, which records on-campus lectures and streams them to students wherever they live.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 2 to 4 years

Master of Science in Computer Science – University of Idaho

Software sits at the center of nearly every modern industry, and the University of Idaho’s online master of science in computer science prepares graduates to design and build the systems that run them. Students work through advanced coursework in areas such as algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, and software engineering, with the flexibility to align electives with their goals. The program is available fully online through Engineering Outreach, making it accessible to professionals already working in tech.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 2 to 3 years

Master of Science / Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering – University of Idaho

Electrical engineering students at the University of Idaho can pursue either a research-oriented master of science or a coursework-focused master of engineering, both delivered entirely online. Coursework spans areas such as power systems, control systems, signal analysis, microwaves, VLSI circuits, and network synthesis, letting students shape the degree around their technical interests. Each track requires 30 credit hours and is offered through Engineering Outreach, the university’s distance-education arm that has delivered graduate engineering courses for more than 35 years.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 2 to 3 years

Master of Engineering in Engineering Management – University of Idaho

Aimed at engineers moving from technical roles into leadership, the University of Idaho’s online master of engineering in engineering management bridges the gap between the lab and the boardroom. The 30-credit non-thesis degree pairs engineering coursework with training in management, preparing graduates to oversee technical activities in business, industry, or government. Students can cap the program with a master’s project or an additional elective and a written comprehensive exam, and the whole degree is delivered online through Engineering Outreach.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 2 to 3 years

Master of Science in Geological Engineering – University of Idaho

Geological engineers apply earth science to the practical problems of construction, resource extraction, and hazard mitigation, and the University of Idaho offers this specialized master of science in geological engineering fully online. The research-oriented degree covers areas where geology meets engineering, such as slope stability, groundwater, and subsurface characterization. Offered through Engineering Outreach, it reaches students in the field and industry who cannot relocate to a campus.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 2 to 3 years

Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering – University of Idaho

For engineers working in product design, energy, manufacturing, or aerospace, the University of Idaho offers an online master of engineering in mechanical engineering through its Engineering Outreach program. The non-thesis degree covers advanced topics across the mechanical field and can be tailored with electives in supporting technical areas, making it a flexible option for professionals extending their expertise. All lectures are recorded on campus and delivered online, so students never need to visit Moscow to complete the degree.

Location: Moscow, ID
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 3 to 5 years

Other Online Engineering Programs in Idaho

A number of other Idaho-based online programs are available to aspiring engineers, including certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.

Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology – Idaho State University

Idaho State University offers a two-year associate of applied science in civil engineering technology that can be completed fully online through the university’s eISU division, with student support based at the Idaho Falls campus. The program covers the fundamentals of surveying, construction materials, and civil design work, preparing graduates for technician roles or for further study. It also articulates directly into ISU’s bachelor of science in surveying and geomatics engineering technology, making it the first half of that 2+2 pathway. The degree is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, and online students pay no out-of-state tuition premium.

Academic Certificate in Power System Protection and Relaying – University of Idaho

The University of Idaho offers this graduate-level certificate online through its Engineering Outreach program, delivered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The 12-credit program centers on two required courses, power systems analysis and power system protection and relaying, plus electives drawn from areas such as communication systems, digital filtering, and symmetrical components. Credits earned can typically be applied toward a full master’s degree in electrical engineering if a student later decides to continue. It’s aimed at practicing engineers in the power sector who want a focused credential without committing to a full degree.

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

The lure of a competitive salary and a growing industry are reason enough for many aspiring engineers in Idaho to pursue an education in this field. Prior to applying to an online program, however, applicants are advised to perform thorough research to ensure they know what to expect. For example, online program candidates should determine the following information before applying:

What is the tuition for the program? Are students required to pay additional fees?
Can the students complete the program entirely online? If not, how many campus visits are required?
Does the school assist with job placement after graduation? Does the school offer networking opportunities for students and/or alumni?
Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
Are students able to complete practical experience credits in their home community?

Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to determine whether or not the program is accredited and is authorized to admit students from their state of residence.

Accreditation

Accreditation status signifies that the program has met various quality standards set forth by an accrediting agency, thus demonstrating the value of a program. Many employers favor job applicants with a degree from an accredited program, and proof of enrollment in an accredited program may be required to obtain financing for education.

Not all accreditation is the same, however, and applicants should search for programs accredited by agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Here is a handful of the CHEA-approved organizations which accredit online engineering programs in Idaho:

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

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Programmatic accreditation

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

State Authorization

Students may only attend online programs that are eligible to operate in their state of residence. This is referred to as a program’s “state authorization” status.

Generally this information is readily available on program websites (e.g., University of Idaho), and for those institutions which don’t have it, people should contact admissions offices to determine eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

In general, many of the online engineering degree programs in Idaho have similar admissions requirements to their on-campus versions. For example, the online civil engineering master’s degree program at the University of Idaho calls for applicants with:

A bachelor’s degree
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

If the applicant’s GPA is lower than 3.0, they may also show proof of working in the program specific profession for five or more years; have a letter of support from a faculty member in the department; and write a detailed essay describing their professional experience and potential to succeed academically

While admissions materials vary by degree level and institution, other common requirements include the submission of proof of specific coursework; test scores; letters of recommendation; and candidate interviews.

Kimmy Gustafson

With a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in higher education, Kimmy Gustafson regularly contributes insightful articles to OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com, providing readers with a comprehensive view on the evolving landscape of engineering education since 2019. She has intervi...

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...