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As mentioned above, aspiring engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree before seeking employment or professional credentialing in the field. While the bulk of online programs in engineering are at the master’s degree level, there are a few bachelor’s programs based in Maryland, as well.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – University of Maryland Global Campus
Through the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, students can pursue an online BS in computer science, which prepares them in planning, designing, and optimizing computer hardware and software systems for government and commercial environments.
The curriculum of this program has been designed with inputs from industry experts, scholars, and employers. The program requires 120 credits in various core and elective subjects such as computer systems and architecture, compiler theory and design, computer graphics, operating systems, design & analysis of computer algorithms, and building secure web applications, among others. Some courses may be taken in a hybrid format for students who crave face-to-face interaction with professors and peers.
To be eligible for the program, students need to be at least 13 years old, have a high school diploma from a state-approved or regionally accredited U.S. high school or its equivalent, and meet the University of Maryland Global Campus’s English proficiency requirement. Standardized test scores are not required for admission.
Students will learn about analyzing, designing, developing, and documenting secure technical solutions for networking infrastructure and computing systems. They will also learn about analyzing, comparing, and contrasting programming languages, algorithms, operating systems, and compilers for selecting or developing solutions to problems.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in application software design, software engineering or architecture, and engineering in government agencies and corporate organizations.
Bachelor of Science in Software Development and Security – University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus also provides an online B.S. in software development and security. The program will help students in learning about designing, developing, and testing secure software applications, conducting software penetration testing, and providing recommendations for reducing computer security risks.
This 120-credit program requires core and elective classes on introductory programming, relational database concepts and applications, building secure web applications, and secure software engineering, among others. This can be completed in an online or hybrid format.
Students will learn about the basics of planning, managing, documenting, and communicating all phases of a secure software development project as part of a software development team. They will learn to identify and respond to attacks and threats for minimizing risk and protecting privacy, and will also be able to analyze and assess existing applications for vulnerabilities and weaknesses and implement techniques for mitigating security risks and threats.
Graduates will be able to take up technical roles in areas such as security management, security analysis, application & software architecture, intrusion analysis, information security, penetration testing, engineering, programming, system architecture, and security & code auditing.
While a bachelor’s degree is a typical entry-level qualification to work as an engineer, those who are seeking a deeper specialization, more research opportunities, or a leadership role may prefer getting a master’s degree. It’s worth noting that the bulk of online engineering programs across the country are at this level.
Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master of science in civil engineering program preparing students to apply advanced methods of analysis and design for finding solutions to the challenges faced by the built environment—from bridges and buildings to harbors and ports. Ideal for working professionals, this civil engineering program includes three focus areas to choose from: Structural engineering, ocean, and coastal engineering, and geotechnical engineering.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of at least 3.0, relevant work experience, official transcripts, and proof of their proficiency in English for international students.
Taught by subject matter experts, the curriculum of this program includes courses such as mathematical methods for engineers, structural mechanics, geotechnical engineering principles, BIM applications in civil engineering, advanced structural analysis, and design of wood structures.
Students will learn to solve complex civil engineering problems, and use skills, modern engineering tools, and techniques necessary for engineering practice.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics – Stevenson University
Stevenson University’s online master of science in cybersecurity and digital forensics trains technology professionals in preserving, acquiring, analyzing, interpreting, and documenting critical forensic findings for use in computer security proceedings.
The faculty of the program includes accomplished professionals with real-life, extensive experience. The curriculum includes courses such as windows forensic examinations, network penetration testing, legal compliance and ethics, mock intrusion and response, and file systems forensic analysis.
To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or technical field, or related work experience, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, a personal statement, and official college transcripts from all previous academic work, among other requirements.
Students in this program will participate in exercises that are based on real-life events such as cyber-attacks, cybercrimes, and thefts of electronic information. Graduates can take up roles such as cybersecurity engineer, network engineer, network architect, and cybersecurity analyst.
Master of Science in Computer Science – Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University offers a 100 percent online master of science in computer science program providing students with foundational computer science knowledge, combined with advanced topics and hands-on practicality.
For admission to the program, students need at least a bachelor’s degree (a BS in computer science or related area is recommended but not required) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, undergraduate degree transcripts, and completed online application form, among other requirements.
Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes five core courses which include predictive analytics, algorithms, intelligent automation, artificial intelligence, and accelerated and parallel computing. The remaining five courses should be from electives which include artificial intelligence topics such as big data, and advanced artificial intelligence; and software engineering topics such as software testing, agile methods, and computer language design.
Graduates can take up roles such as data scientist, network engineer, IT manager, software or systems analyst, software engineer, data engineer, machine learning engineer, Computer vision engineer, and software or systems architect.
Master Of Science In Applied Computer Science – Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University offers an online master of science in applied computer science program preparing students for exciting career opportunities within the government, in web development, network security, and a variety of other rewarding fields. Students will have the option to specialize in a general computer science specialization or a database concentration.
The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, and official transcripts.
Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as advanced data structures and algorithms, software engineering, web development and programming, database systems, data mining, security in computing, and artificial intelligence.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as computer programmer, database administrator, software developer, web developer, computer systems analyst, and computer network architect, to name a few.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering Technology – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore located in Princess Anne, students can pursue an online MS in cybersecurity engineering technology. The program prepares students with the technical skills knowledge needed for conducting operations that defend and protect information and information systems by ensuring integrity, availability, confidentiality, non-repudiation, and authentication.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree in a technology-related field such as computer science, engineering technology, information technology, computer or software engineering, information security, networking, or other related disciplines, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and satisfactory scores on GRE or GMAT.
This 34-credit-hour program consists of 12 semester-hours of core courses, a one-credit seminar course, as well as 21 semester-hours of elective courses. Overall, this program focuses on network security, mobile wireless networking and security, system integrity for cybersecurity, and cybersecurity administration. Students have 24/7 access to coursework, allowing them to pick the most convenient time to learn.
Graduates will have a detailed understanding of evaluating cybersecurity needs, addressing computer security breaches, measuring the performance of cybersecurity systems, troubleshooting, maintaining, and updating cybersecurity systems, and implementing cybersecurity solutions.
Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University’s master of science in engineering technology program can be completed entirely online. The program educates students in designing and developing applications, right from the inception stage till the product is manufactured, tested, and delivered. Engineers in this program will learn about the fundamentals of analysis, construction, and circuit modeling, as well as industry and government regulations.
Admission requirements to the program include an undergraduate degree (a BS degree in electrical engineering, engineering technology, or equivalent is recommended but not required) from a regionally accredited institution, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, and undergraduate degree transcripts, among other requirements.
The curriculum comprises 30 credits including courses such as mathematical analysis, fundamentals of professional management, technology-enabled operations, designing for testability, and designing for reliability and manufacturability.
Graduates will be ready for opportunities in a variety of industries such as engineering, production, manufacturing, designing, testing, and evaluating materials and products throughout the world. They will be able to take up leadership roles such as engineering technologist, lead engineering specialist, and engineering specialist.
Master of Engineering in Bioengineering – University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers an online MEng in bioengineering. Students in this program learn to integrate biological systems and principles of engineering to develop new devices and technologies that fight diseases, aid persons with disabilities, and improve human health.
To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, engineering, physics, chemistry, or any other technical field from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, a completed application, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and English proficiency scores for International applicants only. GRE scores are not required for admission but will be considered if submitted.
This 30-credit-hour program requires students to take six core courses and four electives, which cover subjects such as applied mathematics in bioengineering, regulatory affairs in medical product development, biomedical device developments, physiology for bioengineers, application of biomaterials, and genome editing and synthetic biology, among others.
Offering educational strengths in biology, medicine, and engineering, this master’s degree will prepare students to pioneer innovative engineering solutions improving human health around the world.
Master of Science in Engineering in Systems Engineering – Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers an ABET-accredited online master of science in engineering in the systems engineering program. The faculty of the program includes leading practitioners who incorporate case studies and problem-solving activities into discussion topics. Students will develop technical skills and will gain in-depth knowledge about the field of systems engineering. Students can also choose to specialize in a specific focus area: Cybersecurity, modeling and simulation, human systems, project management, modeling and simulation, systems, and software systems.
For admission to the program, students must have a bachelor of science degree issued by a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. Additional requirements include relevant full-time work experience, minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Comprising 10 courses, the curriculum includes courses such as introduction to systems engineering, software systems engineering, system conceptual design, system design & integration, system test & evaluation, enterprise systems engineering, and systems architecting.
Finally, there are other distance-based program pathways in engineering, which can translate into greater expertise and employment opportunities. Here are two exceptional graduate certificates from universities in Maryland that offer online certificate programs.
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Engineering – Johns Hopkins University
At Johns Hopkins University in Elkridge, students can pursue an online graduate certificate in environmental engineering. Students in this program will learn about the most recent technologies used for promoting effective solutions to complex challenges threatening the environment through waste and pollution in the water, soil, and air.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a GPA of at least 3.0, relevant work experience, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and proof of their proficiency in English for international applicants.
The curriculum includes five courses that must be completed in three years. Classes include the principles of environmental engineering, environmental biotechnology, radioactive waste management, industrial processes and pollution prevention, and air quality control technologies.
Graduates will be able to apply management and engineering solutions to solid waste problems utilizing contemporary technologies knowledge for the designing and operation of incinerators, landfills, processing facilities, and transfer stations. They will also be able to apply basic principles of wastewater and water treatment for designing major components of water distribution systems, drinking water treatment systems, wastewater treatment processes, and wastewater collection systems.
Certificate in Energy Systems Engineering – University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers an online certificate in energy systems engineering program preparing professionals for multi-disciplinary challenges in this rapidly growing field.
For admission to the program, students need a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental, chemical, or mechanical, and biomolecular engineering from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, a completed application, unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores for International applicants. GRE scores are recommended but not required.
This 12-credit program requires four courses on topics such as energy conversion I – stationary power, renewable energy applications, advanced batteries & fuel cells, and energy conversion II – mobility applications.
Beyond the promise of a competitive salary and a growing industry, aspiring engineers in Maryland are encouraged to consider several other factors before enrolling in an online program:
Additionally, future students should look for programs that are accredited and have proper “state authorization” status.
Graduating from an accredited program has its benefits; for one, some employers may only hire job candidates who have graduated from an accredited program, while graduate school admissions committees or financial aid organizations may favor applicants whose undergraduate program was accredited by a particular organization.
Of course, not all accrediting agencies hold the same weight, and prospective students are advised to search for those accredited by one of the organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including the following established entities which accredit online engineering schools in Maryland:
National accreditation
Regional accreditation (Maryland)
Programmatic accreditation
While attending an accredited program is optional (but strongly recommended), the same cannot be said for state authorization status. This affects students who live in one state and attend online programs in another. Students in Maryland may only attend programs that have been deemed eligible to operate within the state.
Many programs list this information on their websites (e.g., University of Maryland Global Campus), and for those who don’t, students should reach out to ensure eligibility.
Lastly, admissions requirements and processes vary by institution, but they generally are similar to on-campus engineering programs. Drawing from real examples of online engineering programs in Maryland (e.g., University of Maryland), here are some common admissions requirements:
Hedy Alavi, PhD – Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Hedy Alavi is an associate teaching professor in the environmental health and engineering department, an assistant dean for international programs, and a program chair for environmental engineering, science, and management programs at Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering. He earned his PhD and MS from Ohio State University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
His research efforts are focused on hazardous and solid waste engineering and management. He has received many awards such as The 2007 Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 1992 Merit Award from the State of Maryland, and the 1998 Excellence in Teaching Award.
John Fisher, PhD – University of Maryland
Dr. John Fisher is the Fischell Family Distinguished Professor and the chair of the department of bioengineering at the University of Maryland. His research interests include biomedical engineering; the synthesis of novel hydrolytically degradable, the study and use of biomaterials for the delivery of therapeutics; implantable polymers; and the interaction of biomaterials and tissue, among others.
He has several publications in prominent journals such as the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Biotechnology & Bioengineering, and Journal of Controlled Release. He completed his PhD at Rice University.
James Robertson, EdD – University of Maryland Global Campus
Dr. James Robertson is the program chair of computer science and software development and security at the University of Maryland Global Campus teaching courses such as secure programming in the cloud, database security, introductory programming, computer graphics, and image and signal processing. He joined UMGC in 2001 from Oracle, where he served as a principal consultant. He has presented several papers and has also participated in technical discussions at conferences across the United States.
He holds his MS in electro-optical engineering from the University of Dayton and an EdD in instructional technology from Towson University.
Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She...