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Key takeaway: Online engineering degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, applying mathematics, science, and technical principles to the design and analysis of systems, products, and processes. Related occupations pay a median $100,840 to $171,270 a year, and employers are expected to fill approximately 77,800 engineering positions annually (BLS)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An online engineering degree applies mathematics, science, and technical principles to the design, analysis, and improvement of systems, products, and processes, spanning disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and aerospace engineering. Accredited online programs combine theoretical foundations with applied design through structured coursework, simulations, virtual labs, and collaborative projects. ABET accreditation is the recognized quality standard for engineering programs and should be a primary consideration when selecting a school.
These accredited schools offer online programs, report engineering completions, and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Browse engineering programs by state ->
Online engineering degrees apply mathematics, science, and technical principles to design, analysis, and system improvement. Coursework commonly includes calculus, physics, engineering design, systems analysis, and discipline-specific technical courses.
Online engineering programs are commonly offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Associate programs typically require 60-72 credits, bachelor’s programs require 120-136 credits, and master’s programs require 30-36 credits.
Online and on-campus engineering programs typically share the same learning objectives and academic standards. Key differences involve laboratory delivery: online programs use virtual labs, simulations, and short campus residencies instead of traditional physical labs.
Common specializations include civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, systems engineering, software engineering, engineering management, and computer engineering. Availability varies by institution.
Students should verify institutional accreditation from a recognized regional accrediting body. Engineering programs should hold ABET accreditation, which evaluates curriculum, faculty qualifications, and learning outcomes. ABET accreditation is critical for licensure eligibility as a Professional Engineer (PE). You can verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database.
Higher degree levels correlate with higher earning potential, and each step up opens additional roles.
| Degree Level | Credits | Typical Duration | Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60-72 | 2 years | $45,000-$60,000 | Engineering technician, CAD drafter |
| Bachelor’s | 120-136 | 4 years | $75,000-$134,000 | Civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer |
| Master’s | 30-36 | 1.5-2 years | $110,000-$167,000 | Senior engineer, engineering manager, specialist |
Salary ranges are approximate and reflect entry-level to mid-career earnings based on BLS data1 and program surveys.
A 4-year bachelor’s degree costs between $24,000 (public in-state) and $180,000 (private nonprofit) based on NCES IPEDS data; many online programs charge the same rate regardless of residency. For lower-cost options and the full value discussion, see Affordable Engineering Programs and Is an Engineering Degree Worth It.
Engineering programs balance mathematical reasoning with applied design and analysis, progressing from calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, physics, chemistry, and statistics through engineering design, computing and programming (MATLAB, Python), materials and manufacturing, and systems optimization. Most ABET-accredited programs require a capstone design project integrating knowledge from across the curriculum, and many let you focus through a concentration – civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, chemical, or industrial and systems engineering.
See the full breakdown on the Engineering Curriculum and Engineering Concentrations pages.
Engineering graduates apply their skills across infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, energy, and defense.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 5.0% | 23,600 |
| Electrical Engineer | $111,910 | 7.2% | 11,700 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 | 9.1% | 18,100 |
| Chemical Engineer | $121,860 | 2.6% | 1,100 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,830 | 6.1% | 4,500 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $106,950 | 5.2% | 1,300 |
| Environmental Engineer | $104,170 | 3.9% | 3,000 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $167,740 | 3.8% | 14,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
The PE is engineering’s signature license – required to sign and seal engineering drawings and widely expected for advancement and independent practice. The path has three pillars: an ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam (typically taken near graduation) followed by the Professional Engineer (PE) exam, and supervised experience (commonly four years).
State licensing requirements vary by state and discipline; most require an ABET-accredited degree. See Engineering Accreditation for what to verify.
Engineering or a related technical field? Choose engineering for ABET-accredited design and analysis with a PE licensure pathway; if you are weighing alternatives, compare computer science or technology degrees.
Compare programs by level or specialty:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Choose a state to compare accredited online engineering programs and city-level salary data near you.
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