Online Engineering Schools in South Carolina

Fortunately for engineers in South Carolina (SC) and beyond, not only is this sector among the most lucrative in the state, but it’s also growing significantly faster than many other occupations. For illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) reported that there were 42,130 architecture and engineering professionals in South Carolina (SC), 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 South Carolina:

Civil engineering – 7,460 working in SC
Industrial engineering – 7,270
Mechanical engineering – 5,060
Electrical engineering – 2,450

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) 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 South Carolina. According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Industrial Engineers – 26 percent increase (1,770 new jobs)
Aerospace Engineers – 23.2 percent increase (130 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 20.4 percent increase (990 new jobs)
Materials Engineers – 18 percent increase (110 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 17.6 percent increase (60 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 42,130 engineers and architectural workers in SC was $95,270, according to the BLS (May 2024); some earned substantially more such as aerospace engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $137,870. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $56,990.

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

Aerospace Engineers – $137,870 annual average salary
Computer Hardware Engineers – $122,270
Electronics Engineers – $119,150
Nuclear Engineers – $118,630
Marine Engineers – $118,370

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

Once an engineer in the Palmetto State is working in the field, there’s a wealth of professional organizations and societies offering continuing education, events, networking opportunities, scholarly journals, newsletters, and other resources to members. These include:

South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers
Structural Engineers Association of South Carolina
IEEE South Carolina Council

Not surprisingly, engineering is an attractive career prospect for its relatively high growth projections and salary. Prior to joining this field, it’s important to secure the proper training and credentialing. Historically, there were exclusively campus-based engineering degree programs available, but there’s a growing array of online degrees as well.

This guide explores online engineering degrees in South Carolina, including information about the expected coursework, estimated time to completion, accreditation information, and admission requirements.

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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in SC

A majority of engineering careers and professional certifications in South Carolina require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree. While most of these programs are still on campus, here are three standout distance-based (and hybrid) bachelor’s degrees from institutions in SC.

Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science – Charleston Southern University

At Charleston Southern University, students can complete a bachelor of technology degree in computer science. Designed for students already holding an associate degree in an approved technical field, this online program requires students to attain at least 125 credits (including the associate degree) to graduate. Graduates will learn the skills necessary to enter the exciting fields of networking, computer programming, technical program management, or app design.

Courses include procedural programming; data structures; scripting languages; computer architecture; algorithms; applied networking; and advanced operating systems.

Graduates will be equipped for various career paths such as software developers, IT analysts, networking specialists, and mobile app developers.

Location: Charleston, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science, Cybersecurity – University of South Carolina, Palmetto College

Palmetto College, which is associated with the University of South Carolina system, offers an online B.S. degree in applied computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity that equips students with essential skills in algorithmic design, data structures, software engineering, information security, calculus, and discrete math.

To apply for this program, students must have 45 to 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

The core curriculum includes courses such as computer systems and organization; algorithm and system design; software engineering; data security; and cyber defense.

Graduates can take up roles such as network security engineers, cybersecurity analysts, information security analysts, incident responders, forensic computer analysts, and compliance and risk analysts.

Location: Columbia, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management – University of South Carolina Upstate

The University of South Carolina Upstate offers an online bachelor of science program in engineering technology management that is designed for working professionals with an engineering technology associate’s degree providing them with the skills to further not only their education but also their career prospects. Applicants to this program must possess an ABET-accredited associate degree in engineering technology.

Courses include engineering cost analysis; engineering work analysis; engineering teams theory and practice; principles of marketing; marketing management; principles of organizational management; management of human resources; advanced organizational behavior; process improvement; and managerial economics.

Location: Spartanburg, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in SC

Aspiring engineers seeking a higher salary, increased employment prospects, or positions in management may consider pursuing a master’s degree in the field. A majority of distance-based programs in engineering in SC and nationwide are at the graduate level, and students will likely find a greater range of specializations than at the undergraduate level. Here are four outstanding SC-based online master’s degrees in engineering.

Master of Science in Computer Science – University of South Carolina

At the University of South Carolina based in Columbia, students can pursue an online M.S. degree in computer science. Classes are offered through the school’s APOGEE distance education program. Providing in-depth skills and knowledge on the core topics of compilers, algorithms, and computer software, this program allows students to choose either the thesis or the non-thesis option. A thesis involving research is intended for students who seek both depth and breadth in advanced computing topics.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as computer architecture; compiler construction; analysis of algorithms; and a seminar on advances in computing.

Applicants generally hold a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a related field and should have completed courses in data structures, algorithmic design, analysis of algorithms, computer organization, discrete mathematics, calculus, and operating systems.

Location: Columbia, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering – Clemson University

Students at Clemson University can pursue an online M.Eng. degree in industrial engineering. This program offers a significant amount of flexibility and is specifically designed for working professionals who wish to stay employed full-time. Integrating fundamental tools and concepts from industrial engineering and management, the program’s curriculum provides a diversified knowledge base of techniques and information for improving current supply chain processes.

This 30-credit program covers courses such as foundations of supply chain and logistics; descriptive analysis; prescriptive analytics; supply chain and logistics modeling; health, safety and the environment; case studies in supply chain and logistics; and a capstone design project.

Location: Clemson, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years

Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Risk Engineering and System Analytics – Clemson University

The master of engineering degree in civil engineering with a concentration in risk engineering and system analytics through Clemson University’s Glenn Department of Civil Engineering will prepare graduates to identify and assess risks, remediate known risks cost-effectively, and implement and evaluate risk mitigation strategies.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as human factors in risk engineering; fundamentals of risk engineering; fundamentals of uncertainty modeling; quantitative methods in risk engineering; optimization support systems; data mining for system analytics; risk analytics in supply chains; and design thinking for risk engineering.

The program teaches students to better communicate and understand risk and risk management techniques and upon graduation, students will be well-prepared to work in a variety of roles and industries, including insurance, engineering and business consulting, financial engineering, risk assessment and management, and many more.

Location: Clemson, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Computer Science – Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University offers an online master of science program in computer science providing students with an advanced understanding of the technical fundamentals of computer science architecture, networking, database, and software engineering.

Applicants to the program must have a baccalaureate degree in computer science or a related field from an accredited senior institution along with official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official GRE test scores will be required if requested.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as advanced computer networks; distributed database systems; advanced operating systems; software engineering test & maintenance; data mining; open source software engineering; and network penetrating, testing, and ethical hacking.

Location: Charleston, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One to two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in SC

In addition to the distance-based bachelor’s or master’s degree programs, here are three notable online programs based in South Carolina.

Graduate Certificate in Water Resources Engineering – Clemson University

Clemson University offers an online graduate certificate in water resources engineering equipping professionals with an advanced understanding of modern water resource engineering modeling methods. The program goes beyond simply reviewing code provision and provides a deep understanding of fundamental modeling approaches.

Comprising 12 credits, the program includes courses such as hydrologic analysis and design; water resources engineering; stormwater management; and flow in open channels.

Location: Clemson, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Associate of Science in Computer Science – Limestone University

At Limestone University in Gaffney, aspiring computer software or hardware engineers can pursue an online A.S. degree in computer science. This program allows students to choose either the programming concentration or the information technology concentration. The programming concentration is for those who are interested in a programming career.

This curriculum includes courses such as introduction to computer science; operating systems and networking fundamentals; imperative programming; java programming; web page development; database management; and internet database, requiring a total of 62 credits.

Location: Gaffney, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Studies – University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing offers an online graduate certificate in cyber security studies providing students with the ability to apply knowledge of cyber security concepts, technologies, and models to computer systems. Graduates will understand cyber security risk management, countermeasures, and threats, and apply this understanding to develop cyber defense strategies. They will also be able to design cybersecurity protocols to meet organizational needs.

This 12-credit program comprises core and elective courses. Major subjects include network systems security; information security principles; building secure software; computer crime and forensics; introduction to cryptography; information warfare; and secure database systems.

Location: Columbia, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Prior to applying to an online engineering program in SC or elsewhere, prospective students are encouraged to research the following questions:

How long does it take to complete the program?
Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
What is the total cost of the program? Are scholarships available?
Can practical experience courses be completed in the student’s own community?
Can the program be completed entirely online? If not, how many hours or days of on-campus attendance is required?
Does the program offer job placement assistance after graduation or other student services?
For undergraduate programs, does this prepare students to continue on to graduate degrees?

Furthermore, future students are strongly encouraged to verify their program’s accreditation and state authorization statuses.

Online Engineering Program – Accreditation

Accreditation is essentially a stamp of approval from an accrediting organization, demonstrating that a given program or institution has met baseline standards of quality. Accreditation can be offered on a national, regional, or programmatic level. A wide variety of accrediting organizations exist in the U.S. Not all entities are created equal, however. Students should seek out programs or institutions that have been accredited by one of the organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Pursuing accreditation is voluntary for a university, and it shows a commitment to meeting certain standards set forth by an organization, including those pertaining to the quality of education offered, student outcomes, administration, and the management of finances, among other factors. Here are the main organizations that accredit engineering schools and programs in SC:

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

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Programmatic accreditation

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

Online Engineering Program – State Authorization

Prospective online students in South Carolina should also be aware that they may only enroll in programs that are eligible to operate in the state, which is referred to as a program’s “state authorization” status. For students residing in the same state as their online programs, it’s not an issue. Please note that many distance-based engineering schools offer this information on their websites (e.g., the University of South Carolina), and for those that don’t, prospective students should reach out to program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements

The application process for online engineering programs is generally the same as that of their on-campus counterparts. Here is a brief outline of general application requirements for online engineering and computer science programs in South Carolina:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

Application and fee
High school diploma or GED
At least a 2.5-3.0 GPA, depending on the program
Letters of recommendation
SAT or ACT scores
A personal essay

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

Application and fee (NOTE: Some graduate degree programs require two applications: one to the graduate school and one to the relevant engineering department)
A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field (e.g., physics)
At least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, depending on the program
GRE scores (not always required)
A statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering
Resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
A personal essay
Test scores

Finally, some more competitive programs may have additional requirements, including candidate interviews or portfolio reviews.

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...