Online Engineering Schools in Ohio

Meet the Expert: David Mikesell, PhD

David Mikesell

Dr. David Mikesell is a professor of mechanical engineering at Ohio Northern University. He holds a PhD and is a licensed professional engineer (PE).

Dr. Mikesell joined the ONU faculty in 2007 after earning experience in automotive engineering at Ohio State, designing automated assembly systems and metal-cutting tools at Grob Systems, and serving four years as a U.S. Navy officer.

Dr. Mikesell’s academic credentials include a BA in German from Duke University, a BS in mechanical engineering from ONU, and both MS and PhD degrees from Ohio State University. His research focuses on land vehicle dynamics, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about engineering education in Ohio?

Dr. Mikesell: Many are now saying that college is not worth it. But when you look at both short- and long-term employment data, you see that this is not true.

College graduates earn substantially more money; a college degree repays you many times over for the tuition you spend; college graduates have lower unemployment in good times and bad; college tuition is not as expensive as you think (private college discount rates are often over 50 percent from published rates); and over half of student borrowers graduate with less than $20,000 debt (what you’d pay for a good used car).

Bachelor’s degree holders are 47 percent more likely to have health insurance through their jobs than those holding high school degrees, and their employers contribute 74 percent more to their health coverage. College graduates are also much more likely to say that their work “fits my natural talents and interests” than those without.

The return on investment for an undergraduate engineering education is very high. Yes, we do need people in skilled trades right now, and that is a very respectable path. But for those who may be interested in engineering, they should really consider its advantages.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring engineering students in Ohio?

Dr. Mikesell: The material you learn is essentially the same regardless of which engineering school you attend. We all use the same handful of textbooks to teach the foundational courses. What you want to shop for is the experience. How does the place feel? Will your professors know you? Will they care if you are learning? Will you be taught by professors or graduate students? What opportunities do you have outside the classroom? Are the activities they advertise only available to a select few, or are they open to everyone?

Ohio-Based Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

For many aspiring engineers, a bachelor’s degree is the first step toward pursuing a career in this field. In some cases, an undergraduate degree is not necessary to obtain employment; however, many employers require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and it’s necessary to qualify for a graduate program or professional credentialing in engineering. Here are two standout bachelor’s degrees in engineering that can be completed online:

BS in Computer Science – Franklin University

At Franklin University in Columbus, students can pursue a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in computer science online. With this transfer-friendly degree, students will be well-prepared to assess, investigate, design, and collaborate on the creation of technology-based solutions. Solidly grounded in software development, students in this program will develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them to adapt to an ever-changing environment throughout their careers readily.

To graduate, students must complete 124 credits. Courses include an introduction to computer science & object-oriented programming; object-oriented data structures and algorithms; principles of computer organization; principles of computer networks; database management systems; fundamentals of operating systems; and application server programming.

Graduates will be able to take up roles such as computer programmers, database administrators, enterprise systems developers, software engineers, systems analysts, and software architects, to name a few.

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years

BS in Software Engineering – Western Governors University

Western Governors University at Columbus, OH offers an online bachelor of science program in software engineering, providing students with a strong foundation with key skills such as web development, scripting and programming, mobile application development, software quality assurance, and user experience design. The program includes industry-recognized certifications from CompTIA, ITIL®, and AWS built into the curriculum. These certifications can be earned and open doors for students even before they complete their degrees.

Additionally, students are presented with two tracks to choose from, allowing them to become fluent in either C# or Java. As part of the curriculum, the program includes courses such as hardware and operating systems essentials; version control; introduction to programming in Python; data structures and algorithms; javascript programming; software engineering; user interface design; software design and quality assurance; software security and testing; and mobile application development.

The school also has an online bachelor’s degree in computer science.

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 35 Months

Ohio-Based Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

While some engineers pursue employment following a bachelor’s degree program, a master’s degree may be preferable for those seeking better pay, leadership positions, or opportunities in academia. While not always necessary to work as a professional engineer (PE), a master’s degree can allow students to develop a deeper, specialized knowledge of their chosen field. Here are five featured online master’s programs in engineering available in OH:

MS in Welding Engineering – Ohio State University

At Ohio State University in Columbus, students have the opportunity to pursue an online master of science (MS) in welding engineering. This program is top-ranked in the United States. Students can choose to specialize in several subfields, including welding processes, welding design, non-destructive evaluation, and others. All courses are offered online, and the program utilizes several laboratory and research facilities.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to welding engineering; individual studies in welding engineering; physical principles in welding processes; resistance welding processes; high energy density welding processes; brazing and soldering; computational thermodynamics and kinetics; and welding of plastics and composites.

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

MS in Energy Engineering – University of Toledo

Students at the University of Toledo can pursue an online master of science (MS) degree in energy engineering. Graduates of this program develop expertise in several complementary areas, such as energy management, public policy, energy consulting, and energy economics and finance.

Applicants to the program must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, an undergraduate GPA of 2.7, official transcripts, GRE scores (for those with a GPA less than 2.7), a current resume, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency for international candidates.

Courses covered include environmental efficiency for buildings, energy management for facilities, sustainability engineering, power systems operation, power electronics, and other electives in business, management, or law. The program requires 30 credits.

  • Location: Toledo, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

MEng in Mechanical Engineering – University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an online master of engineering program in mechanical engineering, preparing students to solve complex engineering problems and manage projects and tasks successfully. Earning this degree can help students start a career in cybersecurity, robotics, mechanics, industrial manufacturing, computer-aided design, aerospace and aviation, waste treatment and disposal, biotechnology, automation, and energy.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or robotics engineering or a related field from a regionally and ABET-accredited college or university, an overall minimum GPA of 3.0, unofficial transcripts, a current resume, a statement of purpose, one letter of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE scores are required for students without a four-year bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering or engineering technology program. International students with less than 3.0 GPAs must also submit GRE scores.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as effectiveness in technical organizations, introduction to industrial artificial intelligence, intelligent systems theory, introduction to robotics, interdisciplinary innovation for engineers, and introduction to applied artificial intelligence and machine learning tools.

The University of Cincinnati also has an online master of engineering program in electrical engineering.

  • Location: Cincinnati, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

MS in Electrical Engineering – Ohio University

Ohio University offers an online master of science program in electrical engineering. The program prepares students for solving highly complex problems as they develop their design, research, testing, and development skills. The program has six concentration options: autonomous unmanned vehicles, computer engineering, communications and digital signal processing, electrical engineering, micro-nano devices and systems, and electronic navigation systems.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor of science degree in electrical or computer engineering from an ABET-accredited program, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE is required for applicants who did not graduate from an ABET-accredited electrical or computer engineering program.

The curriculum includes courses such as microwave theory and devices; computational tools for engineers; satellite-based navigation systems; digital signal processing; design of digital circuits; embedded systems; electronic navigation systems; and computer architecture.

  • Location: Athens, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

MS in Computer Science – Franklin University

Franklin University has a master of science program in computer science where students will learn how to deliver robust software solutions to help organizations increase efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and maximize investment. The program has optional focus areas in data analytics, cybersecurity, and software systems.

The 36-credit program includes courses such as advanced data structures and programming, algorithm analysis, issues in database management, distributed systems, data visualization and reporting, and system architecture and engineering.

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 20 months

Other Online Engineering Programs in Ohio

There are online associate degree and certificate programs in engineering available as well. Here are two other distance-based programs in engineering from Ohio institutions:

AS in Computer Science – Franklin University

In addition to offering a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science, Franklin University also has a distance-based associate of science (A.S.) program. To graduate, students must complete 64 credits, including 24 hours focusing on core subjects and the rest covering general education or elective credits.

Classes include an introduction to computer science and object-oriented programming, object-oriented data structures and algorithms, principles of computer organization, principles of computer networks, database management systems, and cyber security fundamentals.

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Certificate in Fast-Track Programming – Sinclair College

The online certificate in fast-track programming at Sinclair College in Dayton may be the perfect option for those interested in computer science and program development.

This program includes a six-course curriculum on subjects such as Java software development; database management; C++ software development; and information systems and design, helping prepare graduates for entry-level positions in software or network engineering. The program requires 19 credits to graduate.

Sinclair College also offers an online 61-credit associate of science degree in computer science.

  • Location: Dayton, OH
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

As mentioned above, prospective students should consider several important factors before applying to an online engineering degree program, including the following questions:

  • What is the average length of the program? Can the program be completed on a part-time or full-time basis?
  • Is the program 100 percent online? Are campus visits required throughout the duration of studies?
  • Does the program assist with job placement upon graduation? What other services exist for students and/or graduates? What is the track record of student outcomes or average student debt?
  • Are students able to complete practical experience requirements on their own time and close to their communities, or are they required to travel to locations designated by the school?
  • What is the cost of the program? Will this rise throughout subsequent years? Do additional costs exist for online students?

Aspiring students should also determine whether or not their programs have adequate accreditation and state authorization statuses.

Accreditation for Online Engineering Programs

Accreditation indicates that a school is dedicated to providing high-quality education and has taken measures to meet the standards established by certain accrediting organizations. To ensure this, eligibility for accreditation usually requires a school to demonstrate proper financial management, have comprehensive curricula and experienced faculty, offer student support services, and maintain a history of positive student outcomes, among other indicators of quality.

While graduating from an accredited program might not be required to work as an engineer with some employers, it may be necessary to qualify for graduate programs, professional credentials, or other opportunities.

It’s important to note that not all accrediting agencies carry the same weight. Students are advised to apply to programs that have received accreditation through an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Additionally, students should recognize that accreditation for OH engineering programs can be granted on a national, regional, or programmatic level by some of the organizations listed below:

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

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Programmatic accreditation

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

State Authorization Status

In addition to accreditation, prospective distance-based students are encouraged to search for programs with proper “state authorization” status. This is important since students may only attend online programs that are authorized to operate in Ohio and unfortunately, some programs in other states will not admit OH residents. Many schools publish this information directly on their website, and for those that don’t, students can contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for online engineering programs in Ohio are similar across institutions and are virtually the same for students attending traditional programs on campus. Here’s a breakdown of typical eligibility criteria for online engineering programs in OH at various levels:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Admissions Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Completion of relevant courses in high school, including those on physics, chemistry, computer-related courses, calculus, and others
  • >2.5-3.0 GPA, depending on the program
  • Letters of recommendation from two teachers
  • A personal essay (500-600 words)
  • ACT or SAT scores

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Admissions Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering from an accredited program with proof of prerequisite courses
  • >2.5-3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • GRE scores (not always required)
  • A statement of purpose
  • Two or more letters of recommendation from qualifying individuals, such as professors or employers

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Admissions Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering
  • A resume
  • Two or more letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose