Online Engineering Programs in North Carolina

Engineers in North Carolina are integral to the economy and are employed in various industries. Not surprisingly, the number of engineering positions in the state is expected to grow into the future. Engineers in North Carolina design, test, and ultimately build structures and products for the modern world. There’s a wide range of specialization options for accommodating nearly every industry and interest, including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and electrical engineering, among others. And while this field is one of the more lucrative careers in the US, some subfields are growing faster than others.

Also, engineers are vital to the local workforce and as a result, they enjoy the support and professional advocacy through various organizations, including the North Carolina Society of Engineers, the Professional Engineers of North Carolina, and the Structural Engineers Association of North Carolina, among others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2022 and 2032. About 188,000 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations.

Of course, some engineering positions are in greater supply (and greater demand) in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that these were the most popular engineering fields in North Carolina:

Civil engineering – 11,380 working in NC
Industrial engineering – 10,200
Mechanical engineering – 7,500
Electrical engineering – 5,260

That said, some specializations are expected to be more in demand nationwide than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields nationally listed with their expected growth:

Industrial engineering – 12 percent increase (38,400 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 10 percent increase (28,500 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 8 percent increase (1,700 new jobs)
Aerospace engineering – 6 percent increase (3,900 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 6 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)

The expected percentages were higher in North Carolina (NC). According to Projections Central (2024), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Mechanical Engineers – 19.8 percent increase (1,550 new jobs)
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer – 19 percent increase (370 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 17.9 percent increase (1,790 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 17 percent increase (90 new jobs)
Biomedical Engineers – 15.8 percent increase (120 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 72,010 engineers and architectural workers in NC was $86,950, according to the BLS (May 2023); some earned substantially more such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $140,650. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $59,730.

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

Computer Hardware Engineers – $140,650 annual average salary
Health and Safety Engineers – $117,820
Nuclear Engineers – $117,640
Aerospace Engineers – $115,000
Chemical Engineers – $108,620

It’s important to note that employment opportunities and salary expectations are only two considerations when charting a career path. Education is paramount. To qualify for any subfield of this relatively lucrative discipline, engineers must have the proper training and credentialing. While some engineers in NC choose traditional, campus-based programs, there’s a growing array of online engineering programs in the state.

This guide explores online engineering programs in NC, including expected coursework, accreditation information, admission requirements, and more.

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NC-Based Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

For some engineering fields, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for an entry-level position. It’s important to note that most online engineering programs are concentrated in certain subfields (e.g., computers) and at the graduate degree level. That said, here are three online undergraduate programs in engineering from institutions based in North Carolina:

BS in Engineering Technology (Fire Safety) – UNC Charlotte

At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, students can pursue an online bachelor of science (BS) program in engineering technology with a focus on fire safety. The courses are delivered entirely online.

Courses in this 60-credit program include industrial hazards and electricity; risk management; engineering economics; active fire protection; fire safety in constructed facilities; advanced fire service administration; risk management; community threat assessment and mitigation; and fire behavior.

Ideal for working adults, this part-time degree completion program is designed for transfer applicants who have an AAS in fire science, fire protection, or a similar title with a curriculum acceptable to the department.

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

BS in Geomatics – North Carolina A&T State University

Students at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro can pursue an online BS in geomatics, which is a broad engineering-related field using complex measurements to determine locations on the earth’s surface. It is the only four-year program in North Carolina that prepares students for professional licensure in this field, thereby leading to careers in hydrographic surveying, geomatics project consulting, or GIS/cartography, among others.

The program’s 120-credit curriculum emphasizes science, math, geospatial analysis, and technology. Courses include boundary and survey law, land surveying, route surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic science, automation, adjustment computations, and global positioning systems (GPS).

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

BS in Engineering Technology – Technical Operations (ETO) – Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University offers an online bachelor of science program in engineering technology with a concentration in technical operations. Offered at three off-campus sites in Hickory (Morganton), Spindale, and Asheville, NC, this part-time program is ideal for working professionals and is offered through a combination of part-time evening study and online courses.

Applicants who have a two-year degree in engineering technology and are interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in technical operations should apply for this program.

The curriculum requires a minimum of 124 credits and includes courses such as advanced engineering materials, quality systems, strength of materials, lean manufacturing systems analysis and planning, engineering analysis, engineering logistics, engineering project management, integrated control systems, and ergonomics.

With a technical operations degree, graduates will be prepared to enter careers in production operations, safety engineering, facilities management, supervisory roles, and production operations management.

Location: Cullowhee, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Eight semesters

NC-Based Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

Although many engineers pursue bachelor’s degrees and gain skills on the job, others seeking to work in leadership or academia may want to take their formal education further. A graduate degree in engineering can lead to higher-paying work, greater responsibilities, and a more thorough exposure to the graduate’s chosen field. Here are three standout online master’s programs in engineering in NC:

MS in Chemical Engineering – NC State University

At NC State University in Raleigh, students can pursue a master of science (M.S.) in chemical engineering entirely online. No thesis or on-campus residency is required; students must maintain an average 3.0 GPA or above to remain enrolled. Students in this program learn to solve problems that involve the use or production of fuel, chemicals, food, drugs, or other products using the principles of engineering and chemistry basics.

Applicants with degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, engineering, and other branches of science are ideal candidates for this program. Notably, the university offers two semesters of bridge courses for applicants who still need an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. Also, along with their bachelor’s degree, applicants must submit GRE scores for admission.

The program requires 30 credits of courses on transport phenomena; chemical reaction engineering; thermodynamics; polymer science and technology; biochemical engineering; special topics in chemical engineering; chemical engineering process modeling; and advanced chemical reaction engineering, among others.

Graduates can take up roles such as chemical engineers, chemical process engineers, pharmaceutical manufacturing process engineers, process development engineers, and process engineers.

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

MS in Software Engineering – East Carolina University

East Carolina University in Greenville allows students to complete an MS in software engineering degree online. This online program provides students with the skills, professional practices, and practical knowledge needed to succeed and excel in this rapidly changing software engineering industry. They will also be prepared for further graduate work leading to a PhD degree.

This online software engineering program has two available pathways. The traditional pathway is for those with bachelor’s degrees in software engineering, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, management information systems, or any other similar computing discipline. Thirty credits are required to earn the degree through this pathway.

The non-traditional pathway is for those with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, engineering, physics, statistics, chemistry, or any other similar analytic and quantitative discipline. This pathway requires students to complete two specially designed courses in programming and data structures foundations, and discrete structures and algorithmic foundations during their first semester of study. Thirty-eight credits are required to earn the degree through this pathway.

Core courses in this program include software engineering foundations, software project management, and foundations of software testing. Notably, applicants must submit GRE scores for admission.

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

MS in Engineering Management – UNC Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online master of science degree in engineering management preparing professionals for careers in managing programs, projects, organizations, and systems. Combining engineering disciplines with studies of system operations, organizational behavior, and business, this fully online program is the technical alternative to the MBA.

Concentration options are available in energy analytics; logistics and supply chains; and systems analytics.

For admission to the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related technical or scientific field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must submit satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores (waivers available).

The program, which is made up of 31 credits, includes courses such as an introduction to energy systems, fundamentals of deterministic system analysis, industrial and technology management seminars, fundamentals of stochastic system analysis, fundamentals of engineering management, engineering experimental design, and engineering systems optimization.

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

Other Online Engineering Programs in NC

Some aspiring engineers take alternative educational routes, completing associate degrees or certificates instead of advanced degrees. Here are three online certificate programs in engineering from NC-based schools:

Certificate in Computer Programming – NC State University

Working professionals with bachelor’s degrees may pursue an online computer programming certificate at NC State University. This certificate program is designed for people who hope to gain fundamental computing skills. The certificate requires 22 credits in eight different courses, all focused on computing and mathematics.

The curriculum includes courses such as elements of calculus, introduction to computing—Java, software development fundamentals, discrete mathematics for computer scientists, concepts and facilities of operating systems for computer scientists, and data structures and algorithms.

Graduates of this program will be ready for roles such as computer programmers, java developers or engineers, programmers or analysts, software developers or engineers, and software QA engineers or testers.

Location: Raleigh, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four to eight semesters

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering – North Carolina A&T State University

At North Carolina A&T State University, students can achieve a distance-based graduate certificate in systems engineering with 12 credits. This graduate certificate is designed to meet the growing demand for systems engineering skills across all computer science and engineering disciplines. The program prepares students for contemporary and future systems engineering skills and knowledge.

Students will be required to complete one class in each of the following four areas: systems engineering core; systems engineering management; systems engineering digital modeling; and systems engineering practice.

Location: Greensboro, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Graduate Certificate in Software Development – UNC Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online graduate certificate in software development, preparing graduates for software development positions or for completing a master’s degree in a computer-related discipline. Students in this program will learn the skills of software application design and implementation, object-oriented programming, software development methods, and database application integration.

This online certificate program is ideal for those who do not have undergraduate degrees in computer science and is an excellent fit for those who wish to add programming to their future path. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, an undergraduate GPA of 2.75, a completed online application, a statement of purpose, transcripts of all college coursework attempted, and a current resume.

The 15-credit program includes courses such as foundations of programming, web-based application development, network-based application development, software system design and implementation, and applied databases.

Graduates will be ready for positions such as software engineers, computer programmers, coders, software developers, and Java developers.

Location: Charlotte, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Three semesters

What to Consider in an Online Engineering Program

Before applying for an online engineering program in North Carolina, there are many variables to examine; these include the school’s reputation, the quality of the education offered, the program’s cost, the time it takes to complete, rates of admissions, and many other factors. Prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research their institutions of choice, taking into account the following questions:

How long does it take to complete this program? Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
Does the program assist with job placement after graduation? Are employment statistics available for recent graduates? What types of jobs do graduates generally obtain?
Can students complete practical requirements in their home communities, or will they be required to travel? If so, how far?
Can online students retain in-state status?
What is the cost of the program? Does this include all fees for distance learning?

Furthermore, prospective students should look for two specific items of interest when researching a program: accreditation and state authorization statuses.

Online Engineering Programs Accreditation

Although not required for all employment opportunities, graduation from an accredited institution can immensely benefit an aspiring engineer. To be sure, this may be required when applying for certain jobs, graduate schools, financial aid, or certification exams.

Overall, accreditation status demonstrates a dedication to providing high-quality education. Accredited institutions are typically evaluated on the basis of factors such as fund administration, student services provision, and program faculty and curricula quality.

However, it is important to note that not all accrediting agencies carry the same authority. Students are encouraged to look for programs that have received accreditation from an agency that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Furthermore, engineering students should understand that accreditation can be granted on three levels: national, regional, and programmatic. To illustrate this, the following offers a list of accrediting organizations of various levels that operate in North Carolina:

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)
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

State Authorization Status

Prospective students should also determine their program’s “state authorization” status along with accreditation. While this is not typically an issue for an online student residing in the same state as his or her institution, there may be a conflict when a distance-based student is located out of state. Fortunately, many universities display their state authorization status on their website for convenience. For those that don’t, aspiring students located out-of-state are advised to contact program coordinators.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

Generally, the admissions requirements for online engineering programs in North Carolina are similar to their on-campus counterparts. Here is an overview of the typical admissions requirements for online engineering programs in North Carolina, broken down by level of study:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Admissions Requirements

A high school diploma or GED
Proof of completion of prerequisite courses in high school (e.g., physics, chemistry, calculus)
A competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0)
Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers
A personal letter or statement of purpose
ACT or SAT scores

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree; some programs require bachelor’s degrees in engineering, while others accept students from other fields
A competitive undergraduate GPA (e.g., >3.0)
GRE test scores (sometimes optional)
Personal essay or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation; these may be from professors, employers, or other qualifying individuals

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
A CV
Two or more letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s likelihood of success in the program
Statement of purpose

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...