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Electrical engineers design, test and improve electronics systems. They’re a crucial part of teams that make groundbreaking ideas come to life, from pilots’ flight navigation technology to the device you’re using now.
Electrical engineering can be a great career choice for curious students who enjoy solving problems in math and science classes. If you love subjects like trigonometry, linear algebra and physics, this high-paying, in-demand career could be right up your alley. Like other engineering degrees, electrical engineering programs help you build skills through technical courses and hands-on labs.
Our research team ranked the best online electrical engineering degrees based on our strict methodology. Discover the top contenders to consider as you begin your pathway toward this exciting career.
A synchronous online electrical engineering degree suits students who prefer real-time feedback, discussion and interaction. However, these programs have set meeting times, so consider a school that offers convenient evening or weekend classes.
Online electrical engineering degrees typically provide helpful resources and tools for students to gain practical experiences while studying conveniently from a distance. Still, it’s important to consider whether online college is right for you.
For example, a primary benefit of completing an electrical engineering degree online is that you won’t have to commute to and from school, which can leave some wiggle room in your schedule for personal and professional obligations. However, if your program delivers courses synchronously, you’ll still need to make room for live class meetings in your schedule.
In contrast, an asynchronous program doesn’t require you to meet with instructors or peers at specific times, making it a more flexible option. However, you need a high level of self-motivation to succeed in this format. Also, synchronous or hybrid classes could be more suitable if you prefer real-time feedback and collaboration with your instructors and classmates.
Additionally, pay attention to costs when comparing online and in-person electrical engineering programs. Online college can help you save on transportation and housing costs. Schools may provide the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state online students, potentially reducing costs for nonresidents.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education approve institutional accrediting bodies.
Institutional accreditation is reserved for schools committed to meeting academic and quality standards set by accrediting bodies. Students typically need to attend an accredited school to be eligible for federal financial aid or transfer credits to another institution.
Online electrical engineering degrees or engineering departments may also earn programmatic accreditation. This usually comes from ABET, an organization that endorses science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.
Some employers and certifications in the engineering sector prefer or require their candidates to graduate from an ABET-accredited program. Every program on our list has earned ABET accreditation.
If you plan to become certified in electrical engineering, enroll in a program that helps you achieve that goal. Accreditation, a well-designed curriculum and internships are a few features that certifying bodies expect from their candidates’ programs.
A degree can open the doors to numerous electrical engineering careers, including controls engineering, technical writing, test engineering and instrumentation design. Choose a program that aligns with your goals to help you inch closer to your dream career.
To start, look for a program that prepares you for an electrical engineering certification, which may make you stand out to potential employers. Well-rounded programs cover practical electrical engineering skills as well as codes and standards. Some also include optional or required internships, allowing you to gain the work experience that certification programs sometimes prefer.
Also, consider whether you want to continue your education with a graduate degree. If so, attending a school with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering or a relevant pathway could smooth the transition.
The online electrical engineering degrees in this ranking charge $236 to $600 per credit, and most require 123 to 128 credits. Total tuition ranged from about $30,200 to $76,800, with an average of roughly $47,000.
To compare, the average four-year public school charged $9,750 in tuition and required fees for the 2022–23 school year, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Nonprofit public colleges cost an average of $38,421 per year. An average four-year program, then, totals $39,000 and $153,684, respectively.
Fill out the FAFSA® to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, like grants and loans. Also, check your school’s financial aid opportunities, as many offer scholarships, grants and tuition assistance programs to reduce your costs.
Students interested in becoming electrical engineers usually need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, although some advanced positions prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Based on our methodology, the best online electrical engineering degree comes from Stony Brook University, which offers an ABET-accredited program with asynchronous coursework.
An electrical engineering degree could be a worthwhile investment, especially if salary is your priority. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in the architecture and engineering sector, earning a median annual salary of over $109,000.
Electrical engineering degree programs incorporate advanced math and science concepts, which can be taxing for some students. However, if you enjoy learning physics, calculus and similar subjects, you may welcome the challenge.
At the bachelor’s level, an electrical engineering degree is usually called a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering or a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical engineering. Some schools also offer an Associate of Applied Science or a Master of Science in electrical engineering.
