Online Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania
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Aspiring engineers in Pennsylvania (PA) should be encouraged to learn that the state fosters a supportive environment for these professionals, in effect fueling the growth of employment opportunities. There’s a wealth of professional organizations in the state, including the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, and the Structural Engineers Association of Pennsylvania, to name a few. In general, these societies offer benefits to members such as continuing education resources, professional advocacy, job placement assistance, and networking events throughout the year.
In Pennsylvania, there’s an abundance of engineering opportunities. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reported that there were 94,180 architecture and engineering professionals in Pennsylvania (PA), a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.
Of course, some engineering positions are in greater supply (and greater demand) in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reported that these were the most popular engineering fields in Pennsylvania:
- Civil engineering – 14,610 working in PA
- Mechanical engineering – 14,300
- Industrial engineering – 12,550
- Electrical engineering – 7,660
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 Pennsylvania (PA). According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:
- Industrial Engineers – 12.3 percent increase (1,470 new jobs)
- Mechanical Engineers – 10.8 percent increase (1,910 new jobs)
- Chemical Engineers – 7.4 percent increase (120 new jobs)
- Aerospace Engineers – 7.1 percent increase (60 new jobs)
- Mining and Geological Engineers – 6.9 percent increase (20 new jobs)
Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 94,180 engineers and architectural workers in PA was $94,890, according to the BLS (May 2024); some earned substantially more such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $136,310. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $63,690.
Annual mean wages for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the state include:
- Computer Hardware Engineers – $136,310 annual average salary
- Nuclear Engineers – $134,640
- Aerospace Engineers – $120,670
- Electrical Engineers – $119,550
- Chemical Engineers – $119,510
In sum, engineering is a fast-growing and relatively lucrative occupation in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Ultimately, the promise of significant compensation and future job growth are compelling reasons to become an engineer. In addition to choosing an appropriate specialization of interest, prospective engineers in PA must also consider their education, training, and credentialing.
To that end, some engineers attend traditional degree programs with face-to-face classes, but there’s a growing number of PA-based online engineering programs as well. These degrees typically combine online coursework and hands-on opportunities through labs, companies, or other facilities under the guidance of approved mentors.
Some distance-based programs can be completed 100 percent online, while others require some on-campus visits. It’s important to note that most online engineering programs are available in computer-related specializations or at the graduate degree level when a student has developed more autonomy.
This guide explores online engineering programs in Pennsylvania, including the expected coursework and accreditation information.
| 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 |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Online MSE - Engineering Management | 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 |
| Texas State University | MS - Engineering Management: Industrial Mgmt | Visit Site |
| Texas State University | MS - Engineering Management: Manufacturing | Visit Site |
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