Online Engineering Degree Programs in Washington

Aspiring engineers in Washington enjoy an especially bright career outlook. The state is home to major engineering talent and innovation: Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon all have headquarters here. It also hosts a network of some of the best engineering schools in the nation: the University of Washington’s College of Engineering is consistently among the top recipients of federal research funding.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), employment in architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034. That should result in approximately 186,500 job openings every year, on average.

Some specializations of engineering are expected to be in demand around the country more than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields listed with their expected growth:

Industrial engineering – 11 percent increase (38,500 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 9 percent increase (26,500 new jobs)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 7 percent increase (19,700 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (5,600 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 6 percent increase (1,300 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 5 percent increase (1,100 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 5 percent increase (18,500 new jobs)

According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering in Washington (WA) specifically, between 2022 and 2032, include:

Computer Hardware Engineers – 27.3 percent increase (590 new jobs)
Biomedical Engineers – 22.9 percent increase (160 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 22.2 percent increase (120 new jobs)
Materials Engineers – 19.7 percent increase (120 new jobs)
Civil Engineers – 15.2 percent increase (1,990 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 14.5 percent increase (820 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 14 percent increase (1,150 new jobs)

Engineers in Washington also earn competitive salaries. The average salary for the 79,640 engineers and architectural workers in WA was $116,020, according to the BLS (May 2024), and some earned substantially more. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $81,550.

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

Aerospace Engineers – $159,790 annual average salary
Computer hardware engineers – $156,770
Materials engineers – $148,500
Petroleum engineers – $142,570
Electronics Engineers – $137,300
Chemical engineers – $136,270
Nuclear Engineers – $130,790

Finally, engineering professionals in Washington are also able to enjoy the support of various societies and organizations that operate throughout the state, which provide networking, training, yearly events, and other resources. Some of the exceptional associations in WA include:

All engineers need a robust education. While traditional, on-campus degrees may be the right choice for some, a growing number of students are choosing to enroll in online engineering programs. These distance-based degrees offer a high-quality education while allowing students a much greater amount of flexibility and scheduling convenience with their studies.

To learn more about online engineering programs in Washington, read on.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
ECPI University	Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
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ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
American Public University	Engineering: Electrical Engineering (BEng)	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	Online MBA - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Norfolk State University	MSEE - Biomedical Engineering	Visit Site
Norfolk State University	MSEE - Microelectronics and Photonics	Visit Site
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Meet the Expert: Daniel M. Ratner, PhD

Dr. Daniel Ratner is associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Engineering and professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington. His research focuses on leveraging molecular engineering and chemical synthesis to design molecularly-inspired materials for diagnostics and pulmonary drug delivery. He has patented multiple inventions and launched a start-up medical device company that licensed UW technology to address critical unmet medical needs in transfusion medicine.

Dr. Ratner trained in Infectious Diseases at the Boston Medical Center / Boston University. He earned his PhD in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his BA in chemistry from Pomona College. Dr. Ratner has a record of excellence in classroom teaching and curricular development, which has been recognized with multiple departmental teaching awards, two nominations for the UW Distinguished Teaching Award, the College of Engineering Dean’s Award, and selection to the National Academy of Engineering Frontiers in Engineering Education. He also has a strong record of mentorship in the laboratory, having mentored over 125 postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate trainees in his lab and on thesis committees.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What makes Washington special when it comes to engineering?

Dr. Ratner: The University of Washington College of Engineering intentionally connects a world-class public research enterprise to an engineering education that starts with exploration and purpose.

Students are admitted [directly to college] as Engineering Undeclared (ENGRUD) and spend their first year discovering their interests and mapping them to clearly defined “areas of impact.” At the end of the first year, students rank the engineering majors based on their preference, with strong academic and career advising and transparent requirements.

This model, combined with Seattle’s unique innovation ecosystem, gives students early, structured immersion in real problems and pathways. It sits on the foundation of a large, interdisciplinary college with more than 300 faculty, over 8,000 students, substantial research opportunities for students, and it is complemented by hands-on infrastructure like makerspaces, machine shops, and our Industry Capstone Program that pairs students with industry sponsors on real projects. This blend of breadth, scale, and translational opportunity is why UW Engineering is a special place to learn and to lead.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: Do you have any advice for new and aspiring engineers?

Dr. Ratner: Start with curiosity. We want students to anchor themselves in their why and the impact they want to make in the world. The first question we ask our students is, “What problem inspires you to be part of the solution?” We encourage new aspiring engineers to use the ENGRUD experience to build an education plan, be active in their Engineering First-year Interest Group, and explore the areas of impact to test what motivates you before you rank the majors that fit your interests.

Meet early with our dedicated engineering advisers, carefully review the placement requirements by major, and keep an eye on key timelines so your first-year coursework aligns with your intended pathways. Layer in community and practice: the Engineering Academic Center will sharpen your fundamentals, the Career Center @ Engineering will help you translate experiences into internships, and leadership programs like Emerging Leaders in Engineering will grow your communication and mentoring skills. When you are ready, seek out an impactful capstone project to apply your skills to improve the world.

OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of engineering look like to you?

Dr. Ratner: The future is integrative and impact-focused. The “easy” problems have been solved, and modern challenges require multidisciplinary solutions. Our Areas of Impact framework already mirrors where the field is heading: engineers will work across computing and data, health and medicine, energy, infrastructure, transportation, society, robotics and manufacturing, and air and space, often on the same project.

You can see this arc in initiatives that fuse AI with robotics, health, and sustainability, and in our college’s strategic priorities around creating a healthier and better world and translating innovation into impact. Paired with makerspaces, shops, a world-class clean room, design coaching, and industry capstones, that ecosystem readies graduates to move ideas from lab to practice with technical rigor while always anchored by our obligation to the public good.

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Washington

While some engineers cease their formal education after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, others go on to earn a master’s to enhance their knowledge of a specific field, secure leadership positions, or increase their salary prospects. Here are two online master’s degrees in engineering from institutions in WA:

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering – University of Washington

The master of aerospace engineering (MAE) at the University of Washington is a graduate-level degree focused on deepening technical expertise in aerospace science and engineering. It is designed primarily as a coursework-based program (not a thesis track), intended for engineers who wish to strengthen their skill sets without committing to a full research degree. Students engage in advanced coursework spanning topics such as fluid mechanics, propulsion, dynamics and control, structural analysis, and system design.

Because the MAE is embedded in UW’s Aeronautics & Astronautics department, students benefit from strong connections to aerospace research, faculty expertise, and industry collaborations. Students may choose to concentrate in either controls, fluids, structures, or composites.

Note that UW also offers online master’s degrees in civil engineering and mechanical engineering through its Department of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE).

Location: Seattle, WA
Duration: Up to three years
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Master of Science in Software Engineering – Washington State University

The master of science in software engineering at Washington State University is delivered fully online through the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Its 31-credit curriculum is built in collaboration with an industry advisory board that includes representatives from leading employers such as Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, and HP, ensuring alignment with the skills most in demand.

Students take core courses in areas such as software requirements, design, and testing; advanced courses in maintenance, quality, and project management; and electives in related technical fields. A culminating capstone project allows students to integrate these areas into real-world solutions. The program emphasizes both technical expertise and leadership preparation, positioning graduates for roles as software engineers, developers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists.

Location: Pullman, WA
Duration: Two years
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Other Online Engineering Programs in Washington

In addition to online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, aspiring engineers can pursue either pre-bachelor’s or post-graduate learning online. Here are two options:

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Management – Washington State University

The graduate certificate in systems engineering management at Washington State University is designed for engineers, technical professionals, and managers who want to build leadership skills in systems design, integration, and strategic decision-making without committing to a full master’s degree. The certificate focuses on bridging technical depth and managerial insight: students learn to navigate complex systems, lead cross-disciplinary teams, and make data-driven decisions in fields ranging from aerospace and defense to infrastructure, energy, and product development.

Because many of the certificate’s courses are shared with WSU’s master’s programs in engineering and technology management, students may be able to stack or apply certificate credits toward future graduate degrees. The certificate serves both as a standalone credential for professional growth and as a stepping stone into more advanced graduate work in systems engineering, operations management, or engineering leadership.

Location: Pullman, WA
Duration: Up to 12 months
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Leadership – University of Washington

Through the University of Washington, engineers can earn a graduate certificate in Systems Engineering Leadership (SEL). It prepares engineers and technical professionals to manage complex projects across technical, business, and leadership domains. Students who complete the certificate will gain the ability to lead diverse engineering teams, align technical work with business strategy, and make data-driven decisions in high-stakes environments. The SEL certificate goes beyond technical coursework by including training in financial planning, marketing strategies, and conflict resolution.

The 15-credit SEL program is designed with working professionals in mind: classes are offered via the UW Industrial & Systems Engineering department, and students may take individual courses even without full enrollment in the certificate. With careful planning, the certificate can also stack toward a master’s program, offering a pathway for further graduate study in systems engineering.

Location: Seattle, WA
Duration: Nine to 24 months
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Prospective online engineering students should ensure that their programs are the right fit before applying. Here are some of the most important considerations:

Can students complete this program on a part-time basis?
What is the total cost of the program? Does this include all associated fees and other expenses?
Will the school assist with job placement after graduation?
Does the school offer other online student services during and after the program?
Will students be able to complete practical experience credits in their home community, or will they need to travel to designated areas?
Is the program conducted entirely online? If not, how often will students be required to travel to the campus?

Additionally, students should determine whether the programs they are considering are both accredited and authorized to operate in Washington.

Accreditation

In general, graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite to earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and may be a qualification for graduate school or competitive places of employment. Accreditation through an established organization is essentially a measure of program quality, ensuring that the faculty, curriculum, administration, and student outcomes all hit specific baseline standards. Students are advised to look for programs that have received accreditation by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Here is a list of the established entities which offer accreditation to online engineering programs in WA:

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 Status

In addition to accreditation, prospective online engineering students must also ensure that their program has appropriate “state authorization.” While this isn’t an issue when a student and their online program are based in the same state, sometimes there is a legal restriction in one state that prohibits students from enrolling in another state’s programs. A majority of online engineering schools present this information on their websites (e.g., Washington State University), and for those which don’t, students should contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions criteria for online engineering programs is typically identical to an institution’s on-campus programs. Here is a list of common application materials derived from real online engineering schools in WA:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

A high school diploma or GED with proof of prerequisite coursework (e.g., physics, chemistry, calculus, etc.)
A competitive GPA; generally 2.5 or 3.0, depending on the program
Letters of recommendation provided by two teachers
A statement of purpose or other personal essays
ACT or SAT scores

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering with proof of prerequisite coursework
An undergraduate GPA of above 2.5 for some programs, or above 3.0 for more selective institutions
GRE test scores
A statement of purpose or other types of personal essay
Letters of recommendation from professors, employers, advisors, or other qualifying professionals

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering
A resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
A personal essay