Online Engineering Programs in North Carolina
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“If you like to design new solutions, create and build things, or work with technology, you should be considering an engineering degree.”
Brett Tempest, PhD, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNC Charlotte
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 (2025) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2024 and 2034. About 186,500 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 2025, the latest data available) reported that these were the most popular engineering fields in North Carolina:
- Civil engineering – 12,810 working in NC
- Industrial engineering – 11,580
- Mechanical engineering – 9,560
- Electrical engineering – 7,090
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 – 11 percent increase (38,500 new jobs)
- Mechanical engineering – 9 percent increase (26,500 new jobs)
- Electric and electronics engineering – 7 percent increase (19,700 new jobs)
- Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (5,600 new jobs)
- Aerospace engineering – 6 percent increase (4,400 new jobs)
The expected percentages were higher in North Carolina (NC). According to Projections Central (2026), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2024 and 2034 included:
- Mechanical Engineers – 12.2 percent increase (1,160 new jobs)
- Industrial Engineers – 11.7 percent increase (1,340 new jobs)
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer – 11.3 percent increase (160 new jobs)
- Civil Engineers – 8.8 percent increase (1,160 new jobs)
- Aerospace Engineers – 8.0 percent (60 new jobs)
Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 79,670 engineers and architectural workers in NC was $97,700, according to the BLS (May 2025); some earned substantially more, such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $144,050. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $64,290.
Annual mean wages for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the state include:
- Computer Hardware Engineers – $144,050 annual average salary
- Nuclear Engineers – $136,120
- Aerospace Engineers – $127,500
- Electronic Engineers – $124,670
- Chemical Engineers – $123,550
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.
| Featured Online Engineering Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| ECPI University | Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
| ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Associate's) | Visit Site |
| ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Electrical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Industrial Engineering (MS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Mechanical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
| American Public University | Engineering: Electrical Engineering (BEng) | Visit Site |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online MBA - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
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