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. In Ohio and throughout the United States, engineers design, test, and ultimately build structures and products for the modern world. There is a range of specializations to accommodate every interest and industry, including mechanical, civil, environmental, and electrical among others. And while engineering is one of the more lucrative career fields in the US, some subfields are growing faster than others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow four percent nationwide between 2021 and 2031—an addition of 91,300 new positions in that period—which is just a bit lower than the average job growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time (5 percent).

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

Chemical engineering – 14 percent increase (3,700 new jobs)
Industrial engineering – 10 percent increase (30,600 new jobs)
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering – 10 percent increase (1,700 new jobs)
Petroleum engineering – 8 percent increase (1,900 new jobs)
Civil engineering – 7 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

In Ohio (OH) specifically, the expected percentages were even higher. According to Projections Central (2023), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2020 and 2030 included:

Industrial Engineers – 13.5 percent increase (1,940 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 8.3 percent increase (90 new jobs)
Aerospace Engineers – 7.7 percent increase (280 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 7.6 percent increase (1,070 new jobs)
Civil Engineers – 7.1 percent increase (500 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 93,790 engineers and architectural workers in OH was $87,120, according to the BLS (May 2022); some earned substantially more such as aerospace engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $119,470. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $56,530.

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

Aerospace Engineers – $119,470 annual average salary
Nuclear Engineers – $117,990
Environmental Engineers – $104,160
Electronics Engineers – $102,550
Petroleum Engineers – $102,210

To support these professionals in their work, a wealth of associations across Ohio offer 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 OH, the dedicated professors in the state, and accreditation information about distance-based schools.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
Arizona State University	Electrical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Mechanical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
University of Tennessee, Knoxville	Online MS - Computer Science (No GRE Required)	Visit Site
Grand Canyon University	BS - Information Technology	Visit Site
Grand Canyon University	MS - Software Engineering	Visit Site
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	Online MSE - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Syracuse University	Online MS - Computer Engineering (No GRE Required)
Southern New Hampshire University	Online MBA - Engineering Management	Visit Site
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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 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 readily adapt to an ever-changing environment throughout their careers.

In order 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
Estimated Tuition: $398 per credit

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 start opening 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: 40 Months
Estimated Tuition: $3,625 per six-month term

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, such as the Center for Resiliency, the Data-Driven Decisions Laboratory, and the Institute for Ergonomics, among others.

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
Estimated Tuition: Ohio residents ($26,072.50); non-residents ($27,672.50)

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, a current resume, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency for international candidates.

Courses covered include energy sources, sustainability engineering, power systems operation, and other electives on business, management, or law. The program requires 30 credits.

Location: Toledo, OH
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $627.21 per credit

MEng in Mechanical Engineering – University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an online master of engineering program in mechanical engineering, preparing students to successfully solve complex engineering problems and manage projects and tasks. Earning this degree can help students start a career in cyber security, 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
Estimated Tuition: Resident ($797 per credit); non-resident ($812 per credit)

MS in Electrical Engineering – Ohio University

Ohio University offers an online master of science program in electrical engineering, preparing students for solving highly complex problems as they build their design, research, testing, and development skills. The program has six concentration options in 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 engineering writing; 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
Estimated Tuition: In-state ($840 per credit); out-of-state ($859 per credit)

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.

Comprising 36 credits, the program includes courses such as advanced data structures and programming; analysis of algorithms; issues in database management; distributed systems; data visualization & reporting; and system architecture & engineering.

Location: Columbus, OH
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 20 months
Estimated Tuition: $670 per credit

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 introduction to computer science & object-oriented programming; object-oriented data structures & 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
Estimated Tuition: $398 per credit

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 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
Estimated Tuition: Montgomery County residents ($136.03 per credit); other Ohio residents ($183.28 per credit); out-of-state and international students ($339.40 per credit)

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 shows that a school is committed to providing high-quality education and has taken steps 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

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 (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

Three Outstanding Engineering Professors in Ohio

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

Dr. Raghav Khanna – University of Toledo

Dr. Raghav Khanna is an associate 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 and renewable energy systems. He also served as a reviewer for two prestigious journals: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. His research has been published in prominent journals such as Applied Energy, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy.

Dr. Khanna completed his PhD and bachelor’s in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Wojciech Jadwisieńczak – Ohio University

Dr. Wojciech Jadwisieńczak joined Ohio University in 1996 and has been with the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology since 2001. His research efforts are focused on optical-electrical and magnetic properties of wide bandgap semiconductors, nanotechnology and photonic materials, optoelectronic devices and lasers, and materials for photovoltaics, among others.

Dr. Jadwisieńczak is a member of the Materials Research Society, Optical Society of America, and American Physical Society and has published more than 50 scientific papers cited more than 800 times. He completed his PhD in electrical engineering from Ohio University and his MS in physics from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland.

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. He 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.

Dr. Benatar completed his PhD, SM, and SB in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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...