Online Engineering Programs in New York

Engineers play an essential role in the economy, both 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.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2026) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035—around 174,800 openings are projected each year, on average.

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

Industrial engineering – 12 percent increase (45,400 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 11 percent increase (33,500 new jobs)
Electrical engineering – 10 percent increase (19,800 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 9 percent increase (6,900 new jobs)
Aerospace engineering – 8 percent increase (5,700 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 8 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 8 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Agricultural Engineering – 7 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Civil engineering – 6 percent increase (24,500 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 6 percent increase (2,400 new jobs)

In New York (NY) specifically, the expected percentages show different numbers. According to Projections Central (2026), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2024 and 2034 included:

Aerospace Engineers – 4.7 percent increase (40 new jobs)
Flight Engineers – 4.6 percent increase (230 new jobs)
Ship Engineers – 3.6 percent increase (20 new jobs)
Electrical Engineers – 1.8 percent increase (140 new jobs)
Environmental Engineers – 1.4 percent increase (40 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 107,050 engineers and architectural workers in NY was $105,230, according to the BLS (May 2025)—the latest data available as of September 2026. Some earned substantially more, such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $164,770. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $82,460.

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

Computer hardware engineers – $164,770 annual average salary
Nuclear Engineers – $150,090
Aerospace Engineers – $135,720
Materials Engineers – $123,860
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer – $123,850
Electrical Engineers – $122,140

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.

Many distance-based engineering programs are concentrated in certain computer-related subfields or at the graduate degree level. This is because many fields, such as mechanical, biomedical, and environmental engineering, require hands-on laboratory training. That said, as approved mentors and facilities become more accessible to online students, 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 admissions and accreditation information, required coursework, and what to consider before enrolling.

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
Regent University	Online BS - Computer Engineering	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
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Meet the Expert: Robert Amundsen, PhD

Dr. Robert Amundsen is an associate professor and director of the MS in energy management program in the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences at New York Institute of Technology. Since joining New York Tech in 1986, he has been a leader in advancing education and practice in alternative energy systems and sustainability. Each year, he helps organize the university’s annual Energy Conference, which brings together leading experts in energy and environmental issues.

Dr. Amundsen is a Fellow of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and was inducted into the AEE Energy Managers Hall of Fame in 2018. He also served as president of the Long Island Chapter of AEE and has received the Environmental Educator of the Year Award and the Energy Professional Development Award. He holds dual BS degrees in Physics and Astronomy, and in Engineering and Applied Science, from the University of Rochester. He earned his MS and PhD in energy management and policy at the University of Pennsylvania.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What makes New York special when it comes to engineering?

Dr. Amundsen: New York is a great place to study engineering! There are many technology companies that offer opportunities for internships and future employment.

Salaries are significantly higher than the national average. Numerous partnerships provide access to advanced research facilities. New York is a transportation hub that has direct connections to popular travel destinations by road, rail, and air. After hours, world-class cultural attractions and entertainment venues enhance the quality of life and offer experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: Do you have any advice for new and aspiring engineers?

Dr. Amundsen: Successful engineering careers are built on a strong foundation of math and science, so take all of your courses seriously. Nurture your problem-solving abilities by participating in team projects and gaining practical experience.

Remember to work on your written and oral communication skills. Attend industry events, join professional societies, and participate in networking whenever possible. Be sure to stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude!

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of engineering look like to you?

Dr. Amundsen: Interdisciplinary teams will become even more important due to the complexity of modern engineering projects. AI will increase efficiency and enable key breakthroughs. Remote work and virtual collaboration trends will continue. Rapid prototyping will accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies. Digital twins and advanced modeling techniques will allow engineers to minimize costs while achieving optimum performance.

Meet the Expert: Pamela Abshire, PhD

Dr. Pamela Abshire is chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University. She was previously affiliated with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, which she joined in 2001. She also maintained an appointment with the Institute for Systems Research and affiliations with the Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, the Maryland NanoCenter, and the Maryland Robotics Center.

Dr. Abshire earned her bachelor of science in physics, with honors, from the California Institute of Technology, and a master of science and a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins University. A Fellow of the IEEE, she has served on advisory committees for the US Department of Commerce and DARPA and in leadership roles for IEEE, including the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Board of Governors and as General Co-Chair for IEEE ISCAS and IEEE MWSCAS.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What makes New York special when it comes to engineering?

Dr. Abshire: New York understands that engineering is what makes modern society work, and electrical engineering is at the heart of most of that technology—from sensors to communications to computing to automation to energy grids and beyond. New York’s economy is the third-largest in the US (eighth-largest in the world), and the Empire State has a proud history of investment in the people and infrastructure that bring excellence and expertise to the field of electrical engineering.

New York also has world-class educational, entrepreneurial, and career opportunities in electrical engineering, both during a degree program and afterward. Every new electrical engineer contributes to technological innovations that produce a stronger economy and stronger national security, which leads to a more prosperous future for all.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: Do you have any advice for new and aspiring engineers?

Dr. Abshire: Electrical engineering is a diverse and multidisciplinary field that draws from many other STEM disciplines—including physics, chemistry, biology, math, and computer science, among others. What this means for aspiring engineers is that they should study hard in any and all STEM-related disciplines, and once they’ve found their particular interests and specialties, it will be easy to map that into an electrical engineering context.

The best advice for any student is to follow your heart, find your niche, seek mentorship, and be open to learning and change. Durable skills are critically important to a successful career in electrical engineering, since that is how you solve problems, adapt to change, and communicate with others about your work and its impact.

Stony Brook’s electrical engineering online degree program is ABET-accredited and well-recognized for quality and career impact. As the top public university in New York, Stony Brook offers a transformative and affordable education and consistently ranks among the top universities for increasing the social mobility of its students.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of engineering look like to you?

Dr. Abshire: In any real work environment, whether it be in industry, research, or some other sector, practicing engineers are nearly always called upon to serve in many roles and wear many hats. The future of engineering will be increasingly interdisciplinary and interconnected, so cross-disciplinary training will become more and more important.

We need to find better ways of training new engineers and providing learning and retraining opportunities throughout long careers, so that engineers can access the range of skills and expertise that they need at any given time. Existing disciplines are our current way of organizing that knowledge, and those boundaries may become a little blurred over time.

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.

Providing thorough education and training in the fundamentals of electrical engineering, this upper-level two-year program is ideal for qualified students and professionals who have two years of coursework or equivalent and are seeking an excellent education in electrical engineering and commensurate opportunities for career advancement.

Courses in this 120-credit program include digital logic design; object-oriented programming for electrical and computer engineers; electrical circuit analysis; signals and systems; random signals and systems; electromagnetic waves and transmission lines; and semiconductor devices. Electives include fundamentals of low-noise electronics for sensors; integrated electronic devices and circuits; power systems engineering; and renewable distributed generation and storage.

Location: Stony Brook, NY
Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years (two years with transfer credit)

Bachelor of Science (various) – Excelsior University

Finally, Excelsior University 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, semiconductors, and computers. The curriculum of this 120-credit program includes courses such as circuit theory; electronics; digital electronics; microprocessors; blueprint reading; and project management.

The concentration in information technology provides students with the skills, knowledge, practices, and applications they need to make an immediate impact in the field of information technology. In addition to the general concentration, students can specialize in either cybersecurity technology or network operations. The curriculum of this 120-credit program includes courses such as fundamentals of programming; intermediate programming; business data communications; operating systems; 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 120-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.

Notably, Excelsior University also offers an online bachelor of science program in computer science with concentration options in artificial intelligence; networking and cloud computing; software development; and data science. This computer science program, however, is not ABET-accredited. An online bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology program is also available with concentrations in robotics; nuclear engineering; and renewable energy.

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

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 Energy Management – New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering & Computing Sciences offers an online master of science program in energy management, providing students with the essential knowledge and tools to implement and develop policies to improve energy efficiency. Graduates will gain interdisciplinary skills in modern energy technology, policy development, business practice, cost-benefit evaluation, program analysis, and computer-assisted management techniques.

Students in this program will have the option to specialize their degree by selecting one of five optional concentrations in power systems, facilities management, sustainability and climate resiliency, advanced renewable energy systems, or energy efficiency and decarbonization.

Building on their undergraduate studies, students in this program will engage in state-of-the-art research at the institute’s Energy and Green Technologies Lab and will closely collaborate with faculty members who are experts in risk assessment, facilities management, and alternative energy systems. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in funded research projects for the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and other organizations in New York Tech’s Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center (ETIC).

The program’s 30-credit curriculum includes courses such as energy management; systems engineering and management; energy technology in perspective; power plant systems; alternative energy systems; energy equipment assessment; facilities operation and maintenance; computer applications for energy management; wind energy technology; and energy-efficient lighting.

Graduates of this program will be ready to take on positions such as energy auditors, energy managers, environmental managers, facilities managers, and renewable energy professionals.

Location: Long Island, NY; New York, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

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. They will take courses on computational neuroscience, including circuits in the brain; quantitative physiology; solid biomechanics; sound and hearing; physiological control systems; principles of applied mathematics; and cardiac mechanics.

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

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; mobile application programming; object-oriented programming; and assured programming with formal methods.

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.

Notably, Syracuse University also offers online master’s degrees in computer engineering and engineering management.

Location: Syracuse, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: 15 months

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 their professional skills.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as digital twins and 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 foundations of systems engineering.

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

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; quality assurance: management tools that ensure success; and sustainable manufacturing.

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

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 64 credits to graduate from this program, which covers courses in 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

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. 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 introduction to programming; data structures; computer organization; discrete mathematics; and a number of others related to computer science, along with elective credits.

Location: Jamestown, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

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 type 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. 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

Matt Zbrog

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about a wide range of engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the potential impacts of major technological breakthroughs. His work largely centers around conversations with engineeri...

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...