Online Engineering Schools in Oregon (OR)

Host to a booming engineering industry, Oregon is a superb location to begin a new career in this field. In fact, aspiring engineers in the Beaver State may find a myriad of job opportunities and competitive compensation offers, along with strong support from a number of engineering societies that operate across the state. Specifically, the following organizations advocate for engineering professionals in Oregon:

Professional Engineers of Oregon
Structural Engineers Association of Oregon
American Society of Civil Engineers – Oregon Section
Oregon Society for Healthcare Engineering

The future looks bright for those looking to start a new career as an engineer in Oregon and elsewhere in the United States.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) further reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 4 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2023 and 2033. About 195,000 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations.

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

Industrial engineering – 12 percent increase (40,900 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 11 percent increase (32,100 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 10 percent increase (2,100 new jobs)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 9 percent increase (26,200 new jobs)
Agricultural engineering – 8 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (6,100 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 7 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 7 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 7 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 6 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

The expected percentages were higher in Oregon (OR). According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Marine Engineers – 100 percent increase (10 new jobs)
Aerospace Engineers – 26.3 percent increase (50 new jobs)
Nuclear Engineers – 25 percent increase (20 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 23.5 percent increase (80 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 21.7 percent increase (900 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 21.5 percent increase (710 new jobs)
Flight Engineers – 20.7 percent increase (180 new jobs)
Environmental Engineers – 19.6 percent increase (110 new jobs)
Civil Engineers – 16.6 percent increase (720 new jobs)
Electronics Engineers – 15.4 percent increase (190 new jobs)

Of course, perhaps one of the most significant benefits associated with engineering occupations is the extremely competitive salary. According to the BLS (May 2024), some engineers earned substantially more, such as electronics engineers, a field with an annual average (mean) wage of $142,660. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $70,290.

In sum, engineering is a fast-growing and relatively lucrative occupation in Oregon and beyond.

How does a person become an engineer in Oregon? While a majority attend a university program on a traditional campus, a growing percentage is choosing to attend classes online. Currently, a swelling number of online programs exist that offer flexibility for students who do not live close to a school or who have other full-time responsibilities.

This guide details a variety of online engineering programs in Oregon, including discussions of coursework, accreditation information, and admissions requirements.

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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Oregon

To begin a career as an engineer, a person typically needs at least an undergraduate degree. Aspiring engineers can consider the following online bachelor’s degrees in engineering open to Oregon-based students.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Oregon State University

Although it is not a traditional engineering program, the online bachelor of science (BS) in computer science offered by Oregon State University’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science of Corvallis may be an excellent option for those looking to pursue a career in computer hardware or software engineering. Students in this program will be provided with opportunities to evaluate and design solutions to complex computing problems. Graduates will also have regular opportunities to network with industry professionals as they build their career portfolios.

Students in this 180-credit program will have two options that will enable them to focus their studies on an area of interest. These include applied computer science and cybersecurity. Courses include introduction to computer science; data structures; web development; software engineering; operating systems; design engineering and problem solving; engineering computation and algorithmic thinking; and elements of discrete mathematics.

Notably, this degree is geared towards students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, and allows for a one-year, two-year, three-year, or even four-year track for completion.

Location: Corvallis, OR
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Engineering – Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University offers an online IT and data-focused bachelor’s degree in computer science that allows students to focus on user interface design or big data while leveling up mathematics skills to prepare for a career in software development.

Featuring the latest tech skills, operating systems knowledge, and programming languages, this 180-credit program includes courses such as foundations of computer science; C/C++ programming; data structures; database management systems; software engineering; object-oriented programming; algorithm analysis; and operating systems.

Location: La Grande, OR
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Oregon

For many engineers, a master’s degree can help them further develop their knowledge and skills to remain more competitive in the workforce.

Master of Science in Engineering – Oregon Institute of Technology

The Oregon Institute of Technology of Klamath Falls offers an online master of science (MS) in engineering. Students are able to specialize in one of three different areas: systems engineering, electrical engineering, or power systems engineering. Prospective students should note that only the broad master of science in engineering and the systems engineering track are offered entirely online; the other options are delivered in a blended format, requiring campus visits.

During this program, students must complete 45 credits, 15 of which must be on the area of focus.

Location: Klamath Falls, OR
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering – Oregon State University

Oregon State University of Corvallis also offers a master of engineering (MEng) in industrial engineering, which can be completed entirely online. Designed for students with a STEM background, this online program combines the financial, management, and business knowledge needed to become effective leaders along with marketable, engineering-specific expertise.

Students in this 45-credit program take courses on project management in engineering; introduction to management for engineers and scientists; advanced engineering economics analysis; business legal environment; systems engineering; advanced strategic management; supply chain management; lean for engineering managers; and legal aspects of engineering management.

Career opportunities may include positions in energy, aerospace, consulting, construction, manufacturing, and computer hardware and software. Graduates will gain knowledge in the management of a technical organization, engineering economics, and project management.

Location: Corvallis, OR
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in Oregon

An array of other online programs exist for aspiring engineers in Oregon, including certificates and associate degrees. For those looking for an education outside of traditional bachelor’s or master’s degrees, the following may provide excellent options:

Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management – Oregon State University

In addition to the online master’s in engineering management program, Oregon State University also offers an online graduate certificate in engineering management. Ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and for those who are already working as professional engineers, this online program provides key soft and technical skills along with engineering-focused operational and business expertise.

This 18-credit program includes courses such as project management in engineering; supply and sourcing management; operations management; statistical concepts for engineering managers; financial and cost analysis; introduction to management for engineers and scientists; and advanced engineering economics analysis.

Location: Corvallis, OR
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

It’s true that the future looks promising for aspiring engineers in Oregon. That said, prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research the online engineering degree programs available to them to ensure they are able to receive the education they need to succeed. And, in doing so, potential applicants may wish to ask the following questions, among others:

Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
On average, how long does the program take to complete?
Does the school assist with job placement upon graduation?
What is the cost of the program? Does this include additional fees?
How many campus visits are required throughout the program?

In addition, anyone searching for an online engineering degree in Oregon should understand the concepts of accreditation and state authorization status.

Accreditation

Completing an accredited program is not a prerequisite to succeed as an engineer, but it has benefits; ultimately, because accreditation is synonymous with value, those with a degree from an accredited program may find it easier to secure employment or financial aid for further education.

Not all accrediting organizations are the same. Instead, prospective applicants are advised to search for programs that have received accreditation through one of the organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The following includes a list of various agencies that provide accreditation on a national, regional, and programmatic level to engineering schools across Oregon:

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

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Programmatic accreditation

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

State Authorization

In addition to accreditation, prospective applicants should also research state authorization status, as well. To elaborate, students in Oregon may only study at programs that have been deemed eligible to operate within the state, known as “state authorization.” Fortunately, this information is often readily available on a school’s website (e.g., Oregon State University), and for those that don’t, aspiring students should contact admissions departments to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

Overall, the admissions requirements for many online engineering programs are similar to their on-campus counterparts. Naturally, some differences will exist between institutions; however, in general, the criteria will remain almost identical, at least when broken down by level. For example, those seeking admission to the online master of engineering in industrial engineering at Oregon State University must have:

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (ideally from an ABET-accredited program)
One year of full-time, continuous, paid work experience in engineering, or a field that aligns with the undergraduate degree
Professional references from previous professors or employers
A 3.0 GPA
GRE scores (this criterion is not required if the applicant holds a degree from an ABET-accredited undergraduate program)

Other common admissions requirements include letters of recommendation, candidate interviews, additional test scores, proof of specific coursework, and a personal statement.

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...