Online Engineering Programs in Utah

Meet the Expert: Pedro Huebner, PhD

Pedro Huebner

Pedro Huebner is an associate professor and lecturer of systems and mechanical engineering at the University of Utah’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Dr. Hubner currently serves as the director of systems engineering programs. He holds a PhD and a master of industrial engineering from North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What do you wish the public understood about pursuing an online engineering degree in Utah?

Dr. Huebner: Flexibility is central to the systems engineering and engineering management programs at the U. Our courses can be completed entirely online and are largely asynchronous, allowing students to decide when in their week they will attend to coursework and complete required activities. We have worked closely with professional instructional designers and our in-house video production studio to create courses specifically built for high-quality, flexible online education.

As a result, we offer outstanding courses that span the full range of engineering and management topics, including quantitative analysis, complex optimization, software proficiency, and problem-solving within the sociocultural dimensions of organizations.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students considering an online engineering program?

Dr. Huebner: Students should take full advantage of the resources our programs offer, as our online courses include much more than traditional lecture videos. Instructors often assign additional readings and interactive activities that help students engage more deeply with the material and with their classmates.

Ultimately, students decide how fully they want to participate in those opportunities. Those who stay engaged, complete the work, and participate actively tend to achieve the strongest learning outcomes. That level of success requires time, planning, and consistent effort. Being diligent and setting aside enough time each week for every course is key. Our faculty are here to support students every step of the way.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology – Utah State University

Utah State University’s online bachelor of applied science in engineering technology pairs STEM theory with practical application, drawing on insights from leading manufacturing organizations to focus on skills that are in-demand in today’s industry. The program is housed in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and is designed for hands-on learners who want to work alongside engineers in technical roles. It is worth noting that USU explicitly describes this as a technology degree rather than an engineering degree, distinguishing graduates as technologists with deep working knowledge of the systems and tools engineers use.

Coursework covers technology design, computer-aided drafting and design, electronic systems, material science, operations management, project management, and hazard recognition and control.

  • Location: Logan, UT
  • Duration: Four years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Utah

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering – University of Utah

The University of Utah’s online master of science in electrical and computer engineering enables working professionals and graduate students to earn a graduate degree with the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus program, delivered through flexible online formats that include real-time Zoom instruction and asynchronous course options. The program draws on the department’s broad expertise across advanced electrical and computer engineering topics while supporting students who require remote access and flexible scheduling.

The degree requires 30 graduate credits, with at least 18 credits in advanced electrical and computer engineering coursework, and students may complete the remainder with allied or additional ECE classes. Some courses are fully online, while others are offered remotely via synchronous or asynchronous delivery, and students work with advisers to plan a program of study suited to their professional and academic goals.

  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Duration: Four years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Master of Science in Systems Engineering – University of Utah

Students can prepare to become engineers who design, integrate, and manage complex systems across industries including aerospace and defense, health care, and technology through the University of Utah’s online master of science in systems engineering (MSSE). Delivered through UOnline, the program was developed in direct response to demand from major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, L3 Harris, and Boeing, and is aligned with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Students have the opportunity to pursue INCOSE’s Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) or Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certifications alongside the degree.

The program requires 30 credit-hours, typically completed over two years, and culminates in a capstone experience. Coursework focuses on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), simulation, and real-world applications. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering first may apply all 15 of those credits toward the MSSE.

  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Duration: Two years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Master of Engineering Management – University of Utah

The online master of engineering management (MEM) at the University of Utah bridges the gap between technical engineering expertise and organizational leadership, preparing graduates to make sound business decisions and effectively manage engineering-driven teams and systems. The program is housed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering and is taught by the same faculty who deliver the on-campus program.

The degree requires 30 credit-hours, including 18 hours of required core coursework covering engineering leadership, project management, systems engineering fundamentals, production systems design, economic analysis, and quantitative decision-making. Students complete an additional 12 hours of electives and graduate-level courses, and the program concludes with a capstone presentation in which students integrate concepts from across their coursework to address a real-world engineering management problem.

  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Duration: Two years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Master of Science in Construction Engineering – University of Utah

Engineers looking to move into leadership and management roles within the construction industry should consider the University of Utah’s online master of science in construction engineering. Offered through UOnline from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the program combines advanced technical training with construction-specific management skills, distinguishing it from both traditional engineering master’s programs and general MBA programs. The curriculum addresses areas such as field operations, sustainable design, supply chain management, and construction technology.

The degree requires 30 credit-hours across 10 courses, six of which are required core classes and four of which are chosen from a menu of electives. Applicants with a background in civil, construction, or architectural engineering are eligible with a 3.0 GPA; those from other engineering or STEM disciplines may qualify with additional professional experience in the construction industry.

  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering – Utah State University

Backed by one of the most distinguished aerospace research programs in the country, Utah State University’s online master’s of science in aerospace engineering draws on the university’s designation as a NASA space-grant institution and its Space Dynamics Lab, which holds the world record for the most student experiments sent into space. The program is offered through USU’s College of Engineering and covers a comprehensive range of advanced topics including aerodynamics, compressible fluid flow, spacecraft dynamics, propulsion, hypersonics, and optimal guidance and navigation.

The online track is a coursework-only option requiring 33 credit-hours. Students who wish to complete a thesis or research report are directed to the on-campus program instead. The program reports a 100 percent job placement rate upon graduation, with graduates pursuing careers at employers such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and SpaceX.

  • Location: Logan, UT
  • Duration: Two years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Master of Science in Technology and Engineering Education – Utah State University

Built for working educators rather than practicing engineers, this fully online master’s of science in technology and engineering education from Utah State University focuses on strengthening the skills of professionals who teach in technology, engineering, and career and technical education settings. Housed in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the program covers curriculum development, research methods, educational theory, evaluation and assessment, and mentoring and supervision.

The degree requires 30 credit-hours and includes a thesis component developed in collaboration with a faculty chair and committee. Graduates typically use the degree to advance within their current teaching roles or move into positions in the broader technology and engineering industry.

  • Location: Logan, UT
  • Duration: Two years
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Other Online Engineering Programs

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering – University of Idaho

For engineers who want to build targeted credentials without committing to a full master’s program, the University of Utah’s online Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering offers a focused, accelerated path into the field. Offered through UOnline from the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, the certificate emphasizes Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using industry-standard tools, including Magic Systems of Systems Architect (MSSA) and SysML, alongside simulation, statistical analysis, and real-world project experience. Completion also positions students to pursue INCOSE’s Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification.

The program requires 15 credit-hours and accepts applications on a rolling basis for fall, spring, or summer entry. All 15 credits can be applied toward the University of Utah’s online master’s of science in systems engineering for students who choose to continue on to a full degree.

  • Location: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Duration: One year
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

The positive job outlook in Utah and high salaries in engineering are definite draws to the field. Before enrolling in online or distance-based education, students should consider the following:

  • What is the full cost of the program?
  • Are there scholarships available to online students?
  • What are the admission requirements?
  • Do online students have in-state status?
  • Are there course prerequisites?
  • Is the program authorized to operate in Utah?
  • Is the program part-time or full-time, and is there a time limit for completion?
  • Are there any on-campus requirements?

Additionally, aspiring students should determine the accreditation and “state authorization” statuses of their programs.

Accreditation

Each accrediting organization has its own standards for quality, but they generally evaluate financial management, student services, the quality of the teaching staff or facilities, and other criteria. Having a degree from an accredited institution or program may be a prerequisite to receiving financial aid or qualifying for various graduate programs and employment.

Since not all accrediting organizations are the same, aspiring students should seek out programs that have been accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In addition, students should understand that accreditation is available through different organizations on a national, regional, and programmatic level. The following includes a list of prominent organizations that accredit online engineering programs in Utah:

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

Students in Utah are eligible to enroll only in online engineering programs authorized to operate in UT. Also, some online engineering programs in other states may not provide admissions to non-residents or have differing tuition for residents and non-residents. Online students should carefully review university policies (e.g., the University of Utah) or contact admissions to ensure out-of-state eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

Admission requirements differ depending on the institution and degree level. Engineering students should contact the program of interest to learn the exact requirements and admission/completion deadlines.

Typical admissions requirements for online engineering programs may include:

  • Completion of specific coursework such as calculus-based physics, chemistry, geometry, etc.
  • Official high school or college transcripts with at least the minimum cumulative GPA
  • Official SAT/ACT test scores for undergraduate programs
  • Official score reports from the GRE, the GMAT, or the MAT for graduate programs
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essays
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • Application fees
  • TOEFL test scores (for applicants whose first language isn’t English)