Online Engineering Schools in Louisiana

As the engineering industry continues to grow in Louisiana and across the nation, more individuals are choosing to pursue careers in this field.

First, there are many professional organizations that offer members benefits such as continuing education, member advocacy, discounts on common occupational expenses, scholarly journals and newsletters, and other resources. Here are a handful of the professional engineering societies that exist in Louisiana: the Louisiana Engineering Society, the American Society of Civil Engineers – Louisiana Section, and the Audio Engineering Society – University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Second, there is expected to be ample job growth in engineering in the coming years, which can translate into higher job security. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reported that there were 30,650 engineering and architectural professionals in Louisiana (LA), a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) further reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 4 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2024 and 2034. About 195,000 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations.

That said, some specializations are expected to be in demand nationwide more than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields nationally 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)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 9 percent increase (26,200 new jobs)
Agricultural engineering – 8 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (6,100 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 7 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 7 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 7 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 6 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

The expected percentages were higher in Louisiana (LA). According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Biomedical Engineers – 25 percent increase (10 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 23.9 percent increase (160 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 20.3 percent increase (420 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 15.1 percent increase (210 new jobs)

In sum, engineering is a fast-growing and relatively lucrative occupation in Louisiana and beyond.

Overall, many aspiring engineers are attracted to the profession for the prospects of relatively high job security (i.e., employment growth) and lucrative salaries. Of course, prior to becoming an engineer, it’s necessary to complete a formal education program—typically at least a bachelor’s degree. Some students choose traditional, brick-and-mortar campus experiences. Still, there’s a growing array of online programs that can be excellent options for students living far from college campuses or who have scheduling constraints that don’t allow them to visit the physical campus several times per week. In short, distance-based programs can offer substantial flexibility while still providing a high-quality education.

This guide includes an overview of various online engineering programs in Louisiana and the expected coursework.

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
Texas State University	MS - Engineering Management: Industrial Mgmt	Visit Site
Texas State University	MS - Engineering Management: Manufacturing	Visit Site
sponsored × When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

Meet The Expert: Collin Wick, PhD

Dr. Collin Wick is the dean of the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University and the Daniel D. Reneau Eminent Scholar Chair, as well as a professor of chemistry. A faculty member since 2007, he researches computational materials science, including phase equilibria, aqueous interfaces, polymers, and solid-state systems such as battery electrodes, ceramic-metal interfaces, and shape-memory materials. His work emphasizes model development, algorithm design, and large-scale simulation tools.

Dr. Wick teaches courses in physical chemistry, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, polymer chemistry, and general chemistry, and has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles while helping secure nearly $13 million in research funding. He earned his PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Minnesota and has held postdoctoral research positions in Greece and at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about online engineering education in Louisiana?

Dr. Wick: What I wish the public understood about online engineering education at Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science is that it is purposeful, rigorous, and designed for professional advancement, not convenience alone. Our online engineering offerings are graduate-level programs focused on areas such as industrial engineering, project management, and engineering management. These programs build on traditional engineering foundations and equip working engineers with the skills needed to manage complex systems, lead teams, and take on larger-scale projects or senior leadership roles.

Just as importantly, our online programs reflect the same mission and values that define the College of Engineering and Science: a commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary thinking, integrity, and producing highly capable professionals who meet real workforce needs. Online delivery allows us to extend this high-quality, mission-driven education to engineers across Louisiana and beyond, supporting lifelong learning while maintaining the academic rigor and applied focus our college is known for.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online engineering students in Louisiana?

Dr. Wick: For aspiring online students, my advice is to approach these programs with intention. If you already have an engineering degree and are looking to lead larger projects, manage teams, or expand your professional scope, our online graduate programs are well-suited to those goals.

Your existing engineering education provides the necessary foundation. Success depends on a willingness to work hard, collaborate with others, and think beyond traditional technical roles. Students who commit to that mindset will find these programs to be a meaningful way to grow as both engineers and leaders.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Louisiana

The first step in the career of many aspiring engineers and computer programmers is typically the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Here are online bachelor’s degree programs offered by Louisiana-based institutions:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Louisiana State University of Alexandria

Louisiana State University of Alexandria’s Department of Math and Computer Science offers an online bachelor of science program in computer science where students will learn to use mathematics, computer programming, algorithms, and data structures to solve a variety of computational problems.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as Introduction to Computer Programming; Data Structures and Algorithms; Ethics in Computer Science; Discrete Structures; Cybersecurity; Computer Organization and Design; Operating Systems; and Software Development, among others.

Graduates will be ready to take up positions such as technology consultants, computer support specialists, web designers, software QA engineers, computer systems engineers, web developers, data engineers, database administrators, product managers, and more.

Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Although not technically an engineering degree, the online bachelor of science program in computer information systems from Northwestern State University of Louisiana is closely related to computer and software engineering. This program requires students to complete 120 credits, 80 of which are within the computer information systems core subjects. Students are also able to specialize in areas such as application development; information systems management; and networking and cyber security.

Courses include advanced systems development; systems analysis and development; web page development; intermediate object-oriented programming; advanced database systems; essentials of network design and hardware; strategic information systems project management; and applied project management.

Location: Natchitoches, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Louisiana Christian University – Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Computer Science

Louisiana Christian University offers an online bachelor of applied science (BAS) program with a concentration in computer science that allows students to apply their technical education credits earned towards a bachelor’s degree. Students with an associate or a technology degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 are eligible to apply. Students may transfer up to 60 credits of coursework.

The curriculum includes courses introduction to programming; structured programming; database management systems; data structures; software engineering; computer architecture; operating systems; algorithms; and applied networking.

Location: Pineville, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Louisiana

Although many aspiring engineers embark on their careers after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, others choose to earn a master’s degree, as well. These advanced degrees are generally necessary to secure high-level management positions, conduct in-depth research, and pursue additional opportunities.

Master of Science in Engineering Management – University of New Orleans

At the University of New Orleans, aspiring engineers can earn an online master of science program in engineering management. The school also offers a focus on systems innovation engineering for those who desire this specialization. Combining the best of both business and engineering worlds, this program is a collaborative effort between the Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration (COBA) and the Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering.

The program requires 30 credits in order to graduate, including either a thesis or additional electives. Classes in this program are project management; engineering and innovation management; technology entrepreneurship; and qualitative analysis of engineering management, among others.

Graduates will be prepared to take up roles such as biomedical engineering managers, electrical engineering managers, design engineering managers, manufacturing engineering managers, construction engineering managers, and systems engineering managers.

Location: New Orleans, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Engineering – Louisiana Tech University

The Louisiana Tech University of Ruston provides an online MS in engineering with a focus on industrial engineering. This program can be completed entirely online and does not include a thesis portion.

Made up of 36 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to engineering & science research methods; engineering computational methods; regression analysis; economics and decision making; operations research; manufacturing and operations analysis; facilities planning; engineering administration; reliability engineering; and logistics planning.

Location: Ruston, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University offers an online master of science program in civil engineering. Ideal for civil engineering professionals looking to refresh and elevate their knowledge of the industry, this program equips students to develop, design, and lead effectively in the field.

Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent with an overall GPA of 3.0. Those without a civil engineering undergraduate degree will be required to pass leveling courses to satisfy department requirements.

Comprising 36 credits, the program includes courses such as soil improvement and stabilization; introduction to asphalt mix design; geotechnical engineering and construction; traffic engineering operations and control; pavement design; concrete in transportation applications; advanced bridge engineering; and pavement management systems, among others.

Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as transportation engineers, pavement engineers, design engineers, project engineers, traffic engineers, structural engineers, and civil engineers, to name a few.

Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in Louisiana

In addition to online bachelor’s or master’s degrees, there are other distance-based programs available, including these two certificates.

Graduate Certificate in Coastal Engineering – University of New Orleans

At the University of New Orleans, aspiring engineers can earn an online graduate certificate in coastal engineering. This program requires four courses: coastal processes; sediment transport and dredging; ocean and coastal engineering; and the design of coastal and hydraulic structures. The classes are all offered in a dual format, meaning that students can complete these either online or in class.

Graduates through this program will learn to design levees and analyze slope stability, settlement, and seepage; evaluate the costs of different dredging methods; and how to utilize spillways, gravity dams, stilling basins, drop structures, outfall structures, and sector gates.

Location: New Orleans, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One to two years

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management – Louisiana State University

At Louisiana State University based in Baton Rouge, students can complete an online post-baccalaureate certificate program focusing on construction management, which is offered through the School of Engineering. Providing students with the tools to become capable leaders in the construction industry, this program prepares them to take the associate constructor level 1 exam and earn an American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Associate Construction Certification.

This 18-credit program generally takes six to 12 months of continuous study and includes courses on construction materials and methods; construction estimating; construction scheduling and cost control; structural principles and practices; mechanical and electrical systems; and construction contracting.

Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Six to 12 months

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Before signing up for an online engineering program, aspiring students are encouraged to perform due diligence and get answers to the following questions:

How much does the program cost?
Are campus visits required throughout the program?
What type of resources are available to distance-based students?
Will the school assist with job placement after graduation?
Can the program be completed part-time? Does it have to be continuous, or can students take breaks?
What have past graduates gone on to do?

Furthermore, applicants should also determine whether their programs are accredited and retain proper state authorization status.

Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important attributes of an online engineering program; while graduation from an accredited program is not always required to work as an engineer, many employers and almost all graduate schools may require it as a prerequisite for hiring or admissions.

Not all accreditation organizations are created equal, and prospective students should look for programs accredited by one of the organizations approved by the US Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Although other accreditation agencies do exist, it is often difficult to verify their credentials.

Accreditation agencies are generally organized into programmatic, national, and regional levels. Here is a list of CHEA-recognized organizations that offer accreditation for online colleges in Louisiana:

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

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Programmatic accreditation

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

State Authorization

In addition to researching accreditation status, prospective applicants must also determine whether their selected programs retain appropriate state authorization. Specifically, students are only eligible to study in online engineering programs in Louisiana that are authorized to operate in the state. Fortunately, this isn’t an issue for students attending distance-based programs located in their own state of residence, and the information is often readily available on a school’s website; for those schools that don’t have state authorization pages online, students are encouraged to contact admissions staff to determine eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

While admissions criteria vary by institution and degree level, they are generally similar across on-campus and online programs. For example, the master of science in engineering degree from the University of New Orleans asks for:

Completed application and fee
Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (applicants with a GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for probationary admission on a case-by-case basis)
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related applied science (applicants without a bachelor’s degree in engineering must complete a core foundation of general engineering courses)

Other common application materials for online engineering programs include course prerequisites, personal statements or essays, letters of recommendation, candidate interviews, and resume reviews.

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...