Online Engineering Schools in Ohio

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It’s common to find engineers employed in nearly all industries in Ohio (OH) as these professionals are truly vital to the state economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2016) reported that there were 94,370 engineering and architecture-related workers in Ohio, which accounts for more than one-and-a-half percent of all jobs statewide. The most popular subfields of the discipline included mechanical engineers (14,920 in OH), industrial engineers (14,720), civil engineers (7,700), and electrical engineers (6,200).

Of course, one of the benefits of working as an engineer in Ohio is the promise of a relatively high compensation. By illustration, the BLS (May 2016) found that the average annual wage for all engineering and architecture-related positions in Ohio was $76,770. The most well-paid engineers, aerospace engineers, earned an annual average salary of $110,690, more than double statewide average for all other positions ($45,930).

Notably, significant growth is expected across many engineering fields into the future, both nationwide and in Ohio. As proof of point, the BLS (Oct. 2016) predicted dramatic increases in openings across the nation between 2014 and 2024 in these engineering specializations:

Biomedical engineering – 23.1 percent increase in positions
Environmental engineering – 12.4 percent
Civil engineering – 8.4 percent
Mechanical engineering – 5.3 percent
Marine engineering – 8.9 percent

These are compared to the 6.5 percent average increase anticipated across all U.S. occupations. That said, engineering fields in Ohio have slightly differing growth projections. In fact, Projections Central (2017) found that the fastest growing specializations over that decade (2014-24) were the same—biomedical, environmental, and civil—but the percentages within the state were 12.5, 12.1, and 8.3 percent, respectively.

To support these professionals in their work, there’s a wealth of associations across Ohio offering advocacy, networking, and continuing education for common engineering credentials. Here’s a sampling of the vibrant organizations bolstering the engineering community in OH:

In general, the expected growth in job opportunities and the lure of a high salary are both compelling reasons to pursue a job in engineering; however, there are other considerations for anyone interested in this field. In addition to choosing an appropriate specialization, it’s essential for these aspiring professionals to seek out the right training and credentialing. While some engineers in OH attend brick-and-mortar institutions to earn their degrees in a traditional campus environment, there’s a growing number of distance-based programs—particularly in computer-related fields and at the graduate degree level—which accommodate working professionals, people living in rural areas, or those with other time commitments.

This guide explores the wealth of online engineering programs in Ohio, the dedicated professors in the state, and accreditation information about distance-based schools.

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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 bachelor’s degree and it’s necessary to qualify for a graduate program or professional credentialing in engineering, as well. Here is one standout bachelor’s degree in engineering that can be completed online:

B.S. in Computer Science – Franklin University

At Franklin University in Columbus, students can pursue a bachelor’s of science (B.S.) degree in computer science online. In order to graduate, students must complete 124 credit-hours in subjects such as computer programming, fundamentals of operating systems, human-computer interaction, discrete mathematics, and required electives. The cost per credit-hour was $494 for the 2016-17 school year. Additional fees may apply.

Ohio-Based Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

While some engineers choose to 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 the student to develop a deeper, specialized knowledge of their chosen field. Here are two featured online master’s programs in engineering available in OH:

M.S. in Welding Engineering – Ohio State University

At Ohio State University in Columbus, students have the opportunity to pursue an online master of science (M.S.) in welding engineering, a program that is top-ranked in the United States. Students can choose to specialize in a number of subfields, including welding processes, welding metallurgy, welding design, non-destructive evaluation, and others. All courses are offered online, and the program utilizes several laboratory and research facilities, such as the Center for Resiliency, the Data-Driven Decisions Laboratory, and the Institute for Ergonomics, among others. Tuition costs $16,525 per year for Ohio residents, although this does not include other fees.

M.S. in Energy Engineering – University of Toledo

Students at the University of Toledo can pursue an online master’s of science (M.S.) degree in energy engineering. Courses covered include energy sources, sustainability engineering, power systems operation, and other electives on the subjects of business, management, or law. The program requires 30 credit-hours, and costs $1,916 per three-credit course (not including additional fees).

Other Online Engineering Programs in OH

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:

A.S. in Computer Science – Franklin University

In addition to offering a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Franklin University also has a distance-based associate of science (A.S.) program. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete 64 credit-hours, including 24 hours focusing on core subjects and the rest covering general education or elective credits. Classes include applied calculus, discrete mathematics, database management systems, and object-oriented data structures, among others. Similar to the bachelor’s degree, the tuition cost per credit-hour was $494 for the 2016-17 school year.

Certificate in Fast-Track Programming – Sinclair College

For those interested in computer science and program development, the online certificate in fast-track programming at Sinclair College in Dayton may be the perfect option. 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 18 credit-hours total at $99.03 per credit-hour for Montgomery County residents; $146.28 for other Ohio residents; and $282.40 for out-of-state and international students. Additional fees may apply.

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?

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

Accreditation for Online Engineering Programs

Accreditation shows that a school is committed to providing high quality education and has taken the steps required to meet standards set by certain accrediting organizations. To be sure, eligibility for accreditation typically requires that a school demonstrate adequate finance management; boast comprehensive curricula and seasoned faculty; offer student support services; and have a track record of favorable student outcomes, among other indicators of quality.

While graduating from an accredited program may not be required for working as an engineer with some employers, it may be necessary to qualify for graduate programs; professional credentialing; 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

State Authorization Status

In addition to accreditation, prospective distance-based students are encouraged to search for programs with proper “state authorization” status, as well. 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 (e.g., Ohio State University), and for those which don’t, students can contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions 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

Outstanding Engineering Professors in Ohio

Fortunately for engineering students interested in online degree programs, there are highly skilled and reputable professors who teach in institutions offering online degrees. Here are two exceptional professors in OH from schools offering online engineering programs:

Dr. Raghav Khanna – University of Toledo

Dr. Raghav Khanna is an assistant professor at the University of Toledo in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Recent courses he has taught include electronic energy processing, and his research interests include wide bandgap semiconductor device modeling for next generation power electronic circuits, as well as renewable energy systems. He also served as a reviewer for two prestigious journals: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. He is a member of both IEEE and the Power Electronics Society.

Dr. Avraham Benatar – Ohio State University

Dr. Avraham Benatar is an associate professor in the Department of Materials Science Engineering at the Ohio State University, where he focuses on welding engineering and serves as the coordinator of the online welding engineering M.S. program, as well as the faculty director of the College of Engineering master of global engineering leadership. He was elected as a Society of Plastics Engineers Fellow in 2003, and was also awarded a Lady Davis Visiting Associate Professor Fellowship to the School of Mechanical Engineering at the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology during the 1998-1999 academic year. Finally, he has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.