Online Engineering Programs in New York

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Engineers play an essential role in the economy in New York and throughout the United States. These professionals are involved in designing, testing, and ultimately building products and structures for the modern world. There are several engineering specializations to accommodate every industry, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental, among others. And while engineering is one of the more lucrative career fields in the US, some subfields are growing faster than others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow four percent nationwide between 2021 and 2031—an addition of 91,300 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 (5 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:

Chemical engineering – 14 percent increase (3,700 new jobs)
Industrial engineering – 10 percent increase (30,600 new jobs)
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering – 10 percent increase (1,700 new jobs)
Petroleum engineering – 8 percent increase (1,900 new jobs)
Civil engineering – 7 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

In New York (NY) specifically, the expected percentages were even higher. According to Projections Central (2023), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2020 and 2030 included:

Industrial Engineers – 29.2 percent increase (3,440 new jobs)
Ship Engineers – 26.5 percent increase (130 new jobs)
Biomedical Engineers – 22 percent increase (180 new jobs)
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects – 20.8 percent increase (50 new jobs)
Aerospace Engineers – 20.6 percent increase (70 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 100,120 engineers and architectural workers in NY was $94,490, according to the BLS (May 2022); some earned substantially more such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has anannual average (mean) wage of $132,740. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $74,870.

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

Computer hardware engineers – $132,740 annual average salary
Nuclear Engineers – $126,850
Materials Engineers – $103,970
Electrical Engineers – $107,980
Chemical Engineers – $113,900
Civil Engineers – $101,230

While engineering, on the whole, boasts impressive salary figures and growth projections, aspiring professionals in this field must have the requisite training and credentialing before seeking employment. Traditionally, prospective engineers across all subfields were relegated exclusively to on-campus training programs, but there’s a growing array of online engineering programs across all disciplines.

It’s important to note that many distance-based engineering programs are concentrated in certain subfields related to computers or at the graduate degree level. This is due to the imperative laboratory training in many fields, such as mechanical, biomedical, and environmental engineering. That said, with the growing availability of approved mentors or facilities close to online students’ homes, many established engineering programs have developed comprehensive online counterparts to their on-campus programs.

This guide explores the wealth of online engineering programs in New York, including outstanding professors, admissions and accreditation information, and what to consider prior to enrolling.

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NY-Based Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

Generally, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum academic credential for those seeking engineering employment. As mentioned above, the majority of distance-based programs are concentrated in specific engineering subfields, especially electrical engineering, and management, or at the graduate-degree level. Here is a sampling of accredited online bachelor’s programs in engineering from institutions based in New York.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – Stony Brook University

At Stony Brook University, students can pursue an online bachelor of science in electrical engineering. This program is not only ABET-accredited but also has an asynchronous class schedule, providing great flexibility for students with other commitments, such as full-time work.

Courses in this 120-credit program include electronics; random signals; calculus; semiconductor devices; electromagnetics; digital signal processing; power systems engineering; and engineering design, among others.

Location: Stony Brook, NY
Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Estimated Tuition: In-state ($295 per credit); out-of-state ($1,041 per credit)

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Technology (Computer Science Concentration) – Empire State College

Students at Empire State College in Saratoga Springs can obtain an online bachelor’s of science, mathematics, and technology with a concentration in computer science. Students develop a thorough knowledge of mathematics, programming, and other subjects. The program typically requires 120 credits to complete.

Focusing on aspects of the computer field with a well-defined set of abstract principles and concepts, this computer science concentration is ideal for students interested mostly in systems programming, computer hardware design, or algorithms.

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Estimated Tuition: $353 per credit

Bachelor of Science (various) – Excelsior College

Finally, Excelsior College based in Albany provides three distance-based BS degree programs, all ABET-accredited: electrical engineering technology; information technology; and nuclear engineering technology.

In its electrical engineering concentration, students have the option to specialize in electronics or power systems. This concentration prepares students for allied and electrical engineering technology positions in industries such as electrical power, electronics, nanotechnology, and semiconductors & computers. The curriculum of this 124-credit program includes courses such as circuit theory; electronics; digital electronics; microprocessors; computer programming; and project management.

The concentration in information technology provides students with the skills, knowledge, practices, and applications they need for making an immediate impact in the field of information technology. In addition to the general concentration, students here can specialize in either cybersecurity technology or network operations. The curriculum of this 120-credit program includes courses such as an introduction to programming; intermediate programming; data communications and networking; operating systems and computer systems architecture; database management systems; and web design and development.

Finally, the online BS in nuclear engineering technology program prepares graduates for technical positions in the nuclear industry. Providing knowledge and skills in areas such as health physics, reactor operations, chemistry, quality assurance, and instrumentation, this program allows students to choose between two technical concentrations in nuclear cybersecurity or nuclear leadership. The curriculum of this 124-credit program includes courses such as introduction to computers; health physics and radiation protection; radiation measurement; introduction to heat transfer and fluid mechanics; and electrical theory.

Location: Albany, NY
Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Estimated Tuition: $510 per credit

NY-Based Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

While a bachelor’s degree allows individuals to begin working in the field of engineering at the entry level, a master’s degree is often necessary to expand one’s career, allowing graduates to take on greater responsibilities and higher pay, as well. In addition, a master’s degree allows students to develop a level of knowledge and expertise in their field that is more comprehensive and specialized. Here are five standout online master’s degree programs based in NY:

Master of Science in Computer Science – New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology’s School of Engineering and Computer Sciences offers an online master of science program in computer science, providing students with an in-depth knowledge of computational theory, computer algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, and more.

Building on their undergraduate studies in engineering, computer science, information technology, management, or mathematics, students in this program will gain the critical experience they need to become leaders in the industry. Students can also choose to complete a thesis as part of their degree, which can help them in gaining specialized knowledge and skills and better qualify them for development and research jobs.

The program’s 30-credit curriculum includes computer architecture; algorithm concepts; operating system security; programming languages; software engineering; computer graphics; computer networks; and database systems.

Graduates of this program will be ready to take on positions such as software engineers, research and development experts, network specialists, IT directors, and cybersecurity experts.

Location: Long Island, NY; New York, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: 10 months
Estimated Tuition: $1,540 per credit

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering – Columbia University

At Columbia University in New York, students can pursue a master of science program in biomedical engineering entirely online. The program prepares graduates to apply applied science and engineering to problems in medicine, biology, and the understanding of living systems, and to develop biomedical systems and devices.

Students must complete 30 credits to complete this program successfully, and will take courses on computational neuroscience; quantitative physiology; solid biomechanics; sound and hearing; physiological control systems; principles of applied mathematics; and cardiac mechanics; among others.

Applicants to the program must possess an undergraduate degree in science, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or any other related field from an accredited academic institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Application requirements include three recommendation letters, official transcripts, a current resume, a personal-professional statement, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE scores are optional.

Location: New York, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $2,362 per credit

Master of Science in Computer Science – Syracuse University

Syracuse University provides an online master of science program in computer science that prepares students to analyze, question, and create solutions for future technological challenges. Preparing graduates to drive new developments in the field, the program’s curriculum focuses on emerging topics such as security and assurance, advanced programming, artificial intelligence, and computer architecture.

The curriculum requires 30 credits of coursework in subjects such as structured programming and formal methods; computer architecture; principles of operating systems; design and analysis of algorithms; software engineering; software modeling; computer security; mobile application programming; object-oriented design; and introduction to cryptography.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field from an accredited institution, with an average grade point average of 3.0 or better and demonstrated core competencies in calculus, discrete mathematics, programming (C and C++), computer organization, and data structures. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Location: Syracuse, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
Estimated Tuition: $1,802 per credit

Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering – Cornell University

Cornell University offers an online master of engineering program in systems engineering, ideal for students who have already entered the workforce and want to earn their master’s degree without taking a break from their employment. Engineers from several undergraduate disciplines are deeply involved in implementing and designing complex systems. This master’s degree supports their career goals and gives them the tools to continuously improve professional skills.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as model-based systems engineering; systems analysis behavior and optimization; systems engineering management for virtual teams; creativity and innovation within systems engineering; energy policies for systems transition; systems integration, verification, and validation; and sociotechnical systems modeling and simulation.

Applicants to the program must have a baccalaureate degree, preferably in mathematics, science, or engineering, conferred by an accredited college or university and must document at least one year of work experience in a relevant field to be eligible. Additionally, they must submit a statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts from each college or university previously attended, two letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants.

Location: Ithaca, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $2,603 per credit

Master of Engineering in Engineering Management – University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers a nationally ranked online master’s in engineering management program providing graduate study for students who desire to enhance their technical competence and effectively take leadership positions within an organization. Graduates can make strategic decisions and shape policies about finance, personnel, and operations.

The 30-credit curriculum includes courses such as principles of engineering management; technical communications for engineers; case studies in engineering management; production planning and control; quality assurance: management tools that ensure success; and production planning and control: operations management strategies that work.

Graduates can take up roles such as engineering project managers, industrial management engineers, cost systems analysts, senior lead analysts, chief technology officers, and construction management engineers.

Location: Buffalo, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: Resident ($471 per credit); non-resident ($565 per credit)

Other Online Engineering Programs in NY

Here are two online associate degree programs in engineering based at institutions in NY:

Associate of Science in Computer Science (Transfer Program) – Monroe Community College

At Monroe Community College in Rochester, students can pursue a distance-based AS degree in computer science. While some attendance is required, the school website states that 50 percent or more of the program can be completed entirely online. This associate degree transfer program helps students develop sharp creative and analytical skills so they can thrive in a computer science bachelor’s degree program and a rewarding career after graduation.

Students require 62 to 63 credits to graduate from this program, which covers courses on calculus; data structures; digital computer organization; computer programming; and discrete mathematics, among other areas of study.

With a solid foundation at Monroe Community College and a bachelor’s degree, graduates will be ready for positions such as computer systems analysts, software developers, computer science teachers, computer and information systems managers, and computer programmers.

Location: Rochester, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: Resident ($198 per credit); non-resident ($396 per credit)

Associate of Science in Computer Science – Jamestown Community College

Students at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown can pursue an AS degree in computer science, a two-year program designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college. Attendance is not required for this program, as it can be completed entirely online. Focusing on software development and design, this program will include studies in programming, networking, database design, web technologies, computer theory, and advanced mathematics.

Students take 60 credits of courses, including those on programming concepts; data structures; computer organization; discrete mathematics; and a number of others related to computer science, along with elective credits, as well.

Location: Jamestown, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: NYS resident ($221 per credit); out-of-state resident ($442 per credit)

Above all, there are many online engineering degree programs in NY and beyond. To explore the opportunities at all levels—many of which are open to students living in the Empire State—please visit any of the specialization or degree types pages. Some of the online programs catering to high-growth career subfields in NY include:

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

As mentioned above, aspiring online engineering students must weigh several factors in their degree program search, including the education quality, the program’s total cost, the institution’s reputation, the time required to complete the degree, admissions rates, and other variables. Since online learning requires substantially more independence than traditional, on-campus degree programs, students considering a distance-based engineering program should consider:

Does the program assist with job placement after graduation? Can the program provide employment statistics for graduates?
Can the program be completed entirely online? Or is campus attendance required?
Do online students have in-state status?
What is the estimated completion time for full-time students? Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
Are students able to complete practical experience credits near their home communities?

In addition to the above questions, aspiring students should determine their program’s accreditation and state authorization statuses before making a final decision.

Accreditation

Accreditation shows that a program has met certain quality standards set forth by an accrediting agency. To receive accreditation, a school must meet some requirements such as providing student services; strong student outcomes; sound administrative and financial management; high-quality education, and several other criteria. In sum, accreditation is an indicator of academic quality, and for students, graduation from an accredited program may be required to qualify for certain graduate programs, certifications, or employment opportunities.

However, not all accrediting organizations are the same, as some carry more weight than others. Aspiring students should seek out programs that have been accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In addition, aspiring students should understand that accreditation is available through different organizations on a programmatic, national, and regional level. To be sure, the following includes a list of prominent organizations that accredit online engineering programs in New York:

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

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Programmatic accreditation

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

State Authorization

Students are only eligible to enroll in online engineering programs that have been authorized to operate in their home state. In general, New York residents enrolled in online programs based in NY will be fine; however, some online engineering programs in other states may not provide admissions to non-resident students. All online students should carefully examine state policies before applying to any programs. Fortunately, many programs show this conveniently on their website (e.g., NYU). For those who don’t, online students are encouraged to contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions to Online Engineering Programs

Finally, online engineering programs in New York maintain admissions requirements that are similar to their campus-based counterparts. Here is a list of common admissions requirements for online engineering schools in New York:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

A high school diploma or GED with proof of prerequisite coursework (e.g., physics, chemistry, calculus, etc.)
A competitive GPA; generally 2.5 or 3.0, depending on the program
Letters of recommendation provided by two teachers
A statement of purpose or other personal essays
ACT or SAT scores

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering with proof of prerequisite coursework
An undergraduate GPA of above 2.5 for some programs, or above 3.0 for more selective institutions
GRE test scores
A statement of purpose or other types of personal essay
Letters of recommendation from professors, employers, advisors, or other qualifying professionals

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering
A resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
A personal essay

Online Engineering Professors in New York

Fortunately for aspiring engineers who are interested in completing a degree online, there is a wide array of highly skilled and respected professors who teach classes at a distance. Here are three renowned professors who teach in programs that offer online degrees:

Dr. Petar Djuric – Stony Brook University

Dr. Djuric is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Stony Brook University. He previously served as a research associate at the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences in Belgrade, Serbia, and his work focuses on signal and information processing, particularly the theory of signal modeling, detection, and estimation. Dr. Djuric teaches or has taught courses such as deterministic signals and systems; random signals and systems; stochastic systems; and detection and estimation theory.

He was a recipient of the EURASIP Technical Achievement Award in 2012, as well as the IEEE Signal Processing Magazine Best Paper Award in 2007. He completed his PhD from the University of Rhode Island, and his BS and MS degrees from the University of Belgrade.

Gerard A. Ateshian – Columbia University

Gerard Ateshian is a professor of biomedical engineering and the Andrew Walz Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University. He teaches or has taught courses such as biomedical engineering design; advanced musculoskeletal biomechanics; tissue engineering; mechanics of machines; mixture theory for biological tissues; and advanced thermodynamics. His research efforts are focused on cartilage tissue engineering and bioreactor design; cell mechanics; growth and remodeling of biological tissues; and mixture theory for biological tissues.

His research has been published in journals such as Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Journal of Biomechanics, and Annals of biomedical engineering. He has received several awards such as the YC Fung Young Investigator Award, the Columbia Engineering Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award, and OARSI Basic Science Award. Professor Ateshian completed his BS, MS, MPhil, and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.

Sreyasee Das Bhattacharjee – University at Buffalo

Dr. Sreyasee Das Bhattacharjee is an assistant professor of teaching in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She teaches or has taught courses such as introduction to artificial intelligence; database systems; introduction to machine learning; data models and query languages; and introduction to pattern recognition. Her research interests are in the areas of computer vision; multimodal data analytics; machine learning; large-scale visual search and mining; pattern recognition; and big data analytics.

Dr. Bhattacharjee completed her PhD in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology and is a recipient of the IBM PhD fellowship award and the Australian Endeavor Research Fellowship.

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...