Online Engineering Degree Programs in Washington

Aspiring engineers in the Pacific Northwest will enjoy an especially bright career outlook in the coming years. For one, those residing near Seattle not only enjoy the benefits of American juggernauts Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, and others, but they also have the University of Washington, which boasts one of the strongest engineering programs in the nation. Of course, some choose to pursue a degree at the institution and many others benefit tangentially from UW’s continuing education, networking opportunities, and proximity to other talented individuals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations 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 around the country more than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields 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)

In Washington State (WA) specifically, the expected percentages were even higher. According to Projections Central (2024), the top-growing subfields of engineering include:

Mining and Geological Engineers – 33.3 percent increase (10 new jobs)
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)
Environmental Engineers – 17.4 percent increase (370 new jobs)
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers – 16.8 percent increase (480 new jobs)
Sales Engineers – 15.6 percent increase (170 new jobs)
Civil Engineers – 15.2 percent increase (1,990 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 14.5 percent increase (820 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 73,920 engineers and architectural workers in Washington State (WA) was $108,250, according to the BLS (May 2023); some earned substantially more such as aerospace engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $150,390. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $78,130.

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

Aerospace Engineers – $150,390 annual mean wage
Computer Hardware Engineers – $145,670
Petroleum Engineers – $143,430
Chemical Engineers – $132,550
Electrical Engineers – $127,440
Materials Engineers -$125,470
Electronics Engineers – $125,180

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:

Washington Society of Professional Engineers
Structural Engineers Association of Washington
Washington State Association of County Engineers
Washington State Society for Healthcare Engineering

So how does a person become an engineer in Washington? 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.

This guide provides information about accredited online engineering schools in WA, as well as information about the expected coursework within various degree paths and admission requirements.

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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Washington State

Having at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field is a typical prerequisite for employment, professional certification, and admission to graduate school. Here are two online bachelor’s degree programs based in Washington State:

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management – Central Washington University

At Central Washington University in Ellensburg, aspiring computer or network security engineers can complete a BS in information technology and administrative management or a BAS in information technology and administrative management. Students in this program gain the knowledge and skills specific to the protection, detection, and recovery of cyber attacks on an organization’s information assets.

The BS program offers specialization options in administrative management, cybersecurity, project management, information technology, and data-driven innovation for IT managers. The BAS program includes concentrations in these areas.

This program is offered entirely online and includes coursework in digital forensics; cyberattack and defense; IT risk management; administrative management; project management; customer relationship management; foundations of digital environments; and customer relationship management, among others. Students must complete between 91 and 98 credits to receive their degree.

Students gain human-centered skills in database management, computer networking, web development, project management, financial management, and customer relationship management.

Location: Ellensburg, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering – Western Governors University of Washington

The Western Governors University of Washington—an entirely online university—offers a distance-based BS in software engineering that is designed by industry experts adding theoretical depth to the practical knowledge that students already have.

Classes focus on information technology fundamentals, web development, data management, software engineering, computer science, scripting and programming, network and security, and technical writing. Students may earn various certifications simultaneously, such as CompTIA A+, CIW User Interface Designer, and CompTIA Project+.

Admission requirements include a high school diploma or its equivalent and transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission.

At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as computer programmer, computer network architect, computer hardware engineer, computer systems designer, and web developer.

Location: Kent, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 35 months

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Washington State

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 Software Engineering – Washington State University

At Washington State University in Pullman, engineers wishing to deepen their knowledge can pursue an online MS degree in software engineering preparing students to apply their skills and knowledge for implementing high-quality software, providing innovative solutions, and taking leadership roles in government and industry. The program’s faculty includes world-renowned professionals who are experts in data science, computer science, software maintenance and evolution, security, and software testing.

This 30-credit program allows students to study full- or part-time and teaches them advanced skills in software design, validation, development, management, security, and maintenance. The program includes courses in software requirements, software testing, software design and architecture, software maintenance, software quality, project management, and introduction to database systems.

To be accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor of science degree in computer science or a related field or have had industry experience as computer scientists or software engineers.

After successfully completing the program, graduates can choose to pursue careers as software developers, requirements engineers, software engineers, project managers, quality assurance engineers, and many others.

Location: Pullman, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (24 months); part-time (36 months)

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering – University of Washington

Working engineers may consider a distance-based master of aerospace engineering program from the prestigious University of Washington in Seattle. This degree is meant to be completed part-time and typically takes three years. Students may focus on different concentrations, including controls, fluids, structures, and composites, and must complete 45 credits to graduate.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (other fields may be acceptable, as long as the applicant has completed fundamental engineering and math coursework) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Application requirements include a completed application, a current resume, electronic transcripts, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and proficiency in English, which is required of applicants whose native language is not English.

The program includes coursework in linear systems theory; classical control theory; fluid dynamics; aircraft propulsion; mechanics of solids; finite element methods; mechanics of composites; and advanced composite structural analysis, among others.

Location: Seattle, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 36 months

Other Online Engineering Programs in WA

In addition to online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, aspiring engineers can pursue other web-based academic pathways. Here are two standout graduate certificates that may be ideal for working engineers:

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Management – Washington State University

Current systems engineers looking to move into a more managerial position may pursue a graduate certificate in systems engineering management at Washington State University. This program provides managers and supervisors with the skills and knowledge needed to be more effective in their workplace.

This 9-credit program includes classes such as introduction to systems management; operations research and analytics for managers; risk assessment and management; and systems improvement: integrating TOC, lean, and six sigma. Notably, these credits can be applied to a master’s degree program as well.

For admission to the program, applicants need a bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, a current resume, and a personal statement.

Location: Pullman, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months or less

Certificate in Systems Engineering Leadership – University of Washington

Through the University of Washington, engineers can earn a certificate in systems engineering leadership entirely online. Students in this program gain the knowledge and tools required for becoming successful technical leads, first-level managers, or program managers in an organization of any size.

This program takes nine to 24 months to complete and covers 15 credits. Courses include navigating the business environment, technical leadership, decision analysis in engineering, and project performance. Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year.

The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor of science degree in engineering or a related technical field, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, and professional experience in an engineering-related field. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

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

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 the 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.

Engineering Program Accreditation

In general, graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite to earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and maybe 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 that don’t, students should contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Engineering Schools

Lastly, the admissions criteria for online engineering programs are 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

Completed application and fee
GED or high school diploma
At least a 2.5 GPA with high marks in math and science courses
Proof of prerequisite courses (e.g., algebra, calculus, physics, chemistry, biology)
Two or more letters of recommendation
Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT)
A statement of purpose or other required essay

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

Completed application(s) and fee (NOTE: Some online engineering schools require separate applications to the graduate school and engineering department)
Official transcript from a bachelor’s degree program in engineering (or a related field)
At least a 3.0 GPA
Proof of prerequisite courses (varies by degree program)
GRE scores
Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
A statement of purpose

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

Completed application and fee
A bachelor’s degree in engineering
Resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
A personal essay

Farheen Gani

Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She...