Best Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
Writer
Editor
Reviewer
Writer
Editor
Reviewer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Finding A Program That's Right For You
Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey.
- Browse programs to find what you like best
- Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations
- Request more information
A bachelor's program in electrical engineering can prepare graduates to design and develop electrical circuits, systems, and products. Graduates typically work as electrical engineers, developing products for use in robotics, medical technology, phones, navigation systems, and game systems.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of a bachelor's program was about $29,030 per year in 2020-2021. This includes tuition, room, and board. Most schools charge the same tuition for online and on-campus classes.
It typically takes about four years to complete an in-person or online bachelor's in electrical engineering. Some students may complete the program more quickly by taking more classes each semester, attending school year-round, or entering an accelerated degree program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronics engineers earned a median annual salary of $101,780 in May 2021. The BLS projects a growth rate of 7% for these positions from 2020-2030, about the same as the growth rate for all occupations during this period.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Program?
Successful engineering students are usually curious and creative critical thinkers. Engineers must have strong communication skills and a desire to know how and why things work. Electrical engineers also need mathematics, physics, and organizational skills.
A bachelor's in electrical engineering usually takes about four years to complete and includes approximately 120 credit hours. However, there are ways to earn a degree faster. Choosing an accelerated online bachelor's in electrical engineering can reduce completion time to just two years.
Some schools offer concentrations for electrical engineering students looking to focus their training in a specific discipline. Popular concentrations include:
- Biosystems
- Communications
- Data Science
- Energy
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology
- Mixed-Signal and RF Integrated Circuits
- Multimedia
- Photonics and Quantum Technology
- Robotics
- Semiconductors and Nanotechnology
- System-on-a-Chip Design
A bachelor's in electrical engineering program typically requires students to take science courses, such as chemistry and physics, which may require lab work. You may also need to take electrical engineering courses with lab components. Computer programming and advanced mathematics coursework are also typically required.
Most bachelor's in electrical engineering programs confer bachelor of science (BS) degrees.
Descriptive Video Transcript
Interested in Electrical Engineering?
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Careers: Electrical or Electronics Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer
- Average Salary: $97,000 (Source: Payscale.com)
- Level Up With: MS in Electrical Engineering, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Best Online BS in Electrical Engineering Programs
- Stony Brook University
- University of North Dakota
- Florida International University
- Washington State University
- Arizona State University, SkySong
Head-to-Head
Top 3 Online Electrical Engineering Programs
1. Stony Brook University
- Location: Stony Brook, NY
- Status: Accredited
- School Type: Private
- Degree Type: Degree Completion Program
- Average Tuition: $7,070 In-state; $24,740 Out-of-state
- Admission Rate (based on university-wide data): 44%
- Credits to Graduate: 125
- Pre Reqs: High school diploma or GED certificate
2. University of North Dakota
- Location: Grand Forks, ND
- Status: Accredited
- School Type: Public
- Degree Type: Full Program
- Average Tuition: $8,212 In-state; $14,371 Out-of-state
- Admission Rate (based on university-wide data): 81%
- Credits to Graduate: 125
- Pre Reqs: High school diploma or GED certificate
3. Florida International University
- Location: Miami, FL
- Status: Accredited
- School Type: Public
- Degree Type: Full Program
- Average Tuition: $4,721 In-state; $16,529 Out-of-state
- Admission Rate (based on university-wide data): 58%
- Credits to Graduate: 125
- Pre Reqs: High school diploma, calculus coursework, SAT or ACT scores
Full rankings at BestColleges.com
Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $295
Out of State | $353
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Stony Brook offers a degree completion BS in electrical engineering for students who work full time. Participants complete upper-division courses using an asynchronous online format.
The curriculum explores topics such as object-oriented programming, signals and systems, and electronics. Enrollees complete a year-long project in engineering design as the capstone.
The program offers very affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Admission to the bachelor's in electrical engineering requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $643
Out of State | $643
Credits to Graduate
125
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
UND manages the largest electrical engineering program in the state. Students can earn a BS in electrical engineering entirely online in 4-5 years. The degree qualifies enrollees to pursue a professional engineer license in any of the 50 states. The curriculum's 125 credits include general education coursework that students can transfer.
Students develop the technical skills and problem-solving capabilities employers value. Participants complete labs remotely for the online bachelor's in electrical engineering. Support services include free online tutoring and unlimited academic coaching. Admission requires high school or GED transcripts.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $228
Out of State | $345
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
The BS in electrical engineering at FIU trains engineers to work in a variety of industries. Students complete 128 credits entirely online. An associate in arts can fulfill the degree's general education requirement. The major includes coursework such as logic design and applied software techniques in engineering.
Students choose at least two concentrations such as communications and bioengineering.
Admission to one of the nation's best bachelor's in electrical engineering requires a high school diploma, calculus coursework, and SAT or ACT scores. The program enrolls students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $541
Out of State | $603
Credits to Graduate
N/A
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
WSU designed the BS in electrical engineering as a degree completion program. Students enroll on a full-time basis. Enrollees receive technical training in all stages of electronic systems and equipment manufacturing. The program offers specialization options such as computer engineering and microelectronics.
An associate of science can fulfill general education and other requirements for the bachelor's in electrical engineering. Admission requires prerequisite courses and a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA.
Arizona State University-Skysong
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $688
Out of State | $
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
ASU's BS in engineering in electrical engineering leads to professional licensure in Arizona and other states. The degree provides foundational courses in math, science, engineering design. Students build on this knowledge with specialty coursework.
The bachelor's in electrical engineering covers topics such as electromagnetic fields and hardware design. Learners can choose an electric power and energy systems concentration.
Classes each last 7.5 weeks long and students receive free online tutoring. Admission requires a high school diploma and college preparatory coursework.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Program?
Introduction to Circuits and Signals
This course teaches the fundamentals of signal processing, circuit theory, and MATLAB programming. Students are introduced to analog circuits interfacing sensors to digital systems.
Java Programming
In Java programming, students learn how to use object-oriented programming principles to write code in Java. They learn to manipulate and debug classes and objects. Proficiency in programming will be necessary for advanced coursework, such as machine learning.
Electromagnetics
Students enrolled in this course learn the principles of electromagnetic fields as well as their power and energy contents. They will also have an introduction to Maxwell's equations, transmission lines and the Smith chart, electrostatics, magnetostatics, and dynamic fields.
Physics and Modeling of Semiconductor Devices
In this course, students learn how to model the terminal currents of semiconductor devices, including LEDs, solar cells, and photodetectors. They learn about diodes, bipolar transistors, and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) circuits.
Probability and Statistics in Engineering
Probability and statistics in engineering courses teach quantitative analysis of risk for engineering applications. The curriculum covers random processes, probability, statistics, and decision analysis.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Program?
Admission requirements are typically the same for online and on-campus programs. No matter where you apply, you'll need to complete an application and pay the application fee. Other requirements may vary from one school to another. For example, some schools ask for details about your extracurricular activities or work history.
Application
Each school has its own application, which usually needs to be submitted electronically. If you're applying to multiple schools, you may be able to save time by using the Common App to submit your applications. Some online schools have open enrollment policies that allow you to start school when it's convenient for you.
Test Scores
Many schools require applicants to submit test scores from college entrance exams such as the ACT or SAT. However, some schools accept applications without test scores. In fact, Harvard University recently announced that they will be "test optional" through 2026. Students who choose not to submit their test scores will not be disadvantaged during the admissions process.
Letters of Recommendation
Many schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation from applicants. When asking for letters of recommendation, you should ask people who know you well and are familiar with your work. If you're a recent high school graduate, this could be a teacher or counselor at your high school. If you have work experience, you can ask your supervisor or a mentor.
Essays
College application essays give you a chance to let your personality shine. These essays are usually fairly short, around 500-600 words. Many schools provide a theme or prompt for the essay. Because of this, you may have to write a new essay for each school in order to ensure that each one follows the required prompt.
Official Transcripts
You'll need to submit your official high school transcripts as well as transcripts from any colleges you've attended. If you have college credits, some of the classes you've already taken may qualify for transfer credit towards your degree. This may allow you to graduate faster since you won't have to take as many credits to graduate.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering?
Career Outlook
The BLS predicts a 7% increase in the number of jobs for electrical engineers from 2020-2030. A search on Indeed currently returns over 50,000 results for "electrical engineer" across the U.S. Some other popular college majors have higher growth projections and more available jobs, but electrical engineering does provide ample opportunities for those seeking to pursue a career in the field.
The BLS reports that electrical engineers earned a median annual salary of $101,780 in 2021. This is much higher than the average for all occupations, which was $58,260 as of May 2021.
Electrical engineers work in engineering services, telecommunications, government, electric power generation, and other industries. They design, test, develop, and supervise the manufacturing of various types of electrical equipment.
See where a bachelor's in electrical engineering can take you.
Career Paths
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Electrical and electronics engineers design electrical equipment and supervise manufacturing. They develop communications systems, radar, electric motors, navigation systems, and power generation equipment. They also design the electrical systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft. Some electrical engineers design faster and more reliable hardware for computers.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $101,780
Electrical Design Engineer
Electrical design engineers design new products. They also use their engineering knowledge to improve existing designs. The demand for electrical design engineers is high among electronics manufacturers in the semiconductor industry. Electrical design engineers work to find new ways to increase efficiency in the systems they work on.
Average Annual Salary (May 2022): $77,960
Senior Electrical Engineer
Senior electrical engineers design and test new electrical equipment, such as household appliances, computer equipment, and electric car components. They may also help customize or improve existing technology. They work in a variety of industries, including building maintenance, power generation, and manufacturing. Senior electrical engineers can supervise junior engineers and are responsible for making technical decisions.
Average Annual Salary (May 2022): $107,520
Principal Electrical Engineer
A principal electrical engineer oversees electrical projects within an organization. This includes overseeing a staff of junior and senior engineers. The principal electrical engineer serves as a project manager and quality controller, inspecting the work to ensure that it meets the requirements and determining the need for adjustments or corrections. The principal electrical engineer also provides estimates to customers and ensures that the project does not go over budget.
Average Annual Salary (May 2022): $129,900
Electrical Engineering Manager
Electrical engineering managers serve as department heads in the field of electrical engineering. The electrical engineering manager typically has a team of engineers who are involved in the design and development process. They use their teams to develop and commission electrical goods, circuits, and systems.
Average Annual Salary (May 2022): $124,840
Electrical Engineering Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
Students who wish to continue their education beyond the bachelor's level may choose to pursue a master's in electrical engineering. Master's programs typically require students to earn about 30 credits. They take around two years to complete.
Earning your master's in electrical engineering can improve your chances of landing a high-level engineering job such as electrical engineering manager. A master's degree also increases earning potential for professionals in the field.
How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Program?
Cost
Regardless of whether you pursue an in-person or online bachelor's in electrical engineering, the cost will likely be about the same. However, costs can vary significantly from one school to another, so it pays to shop around. To compute the true cost of an online program, students must consider all expenses, including room and board, transportation, and lost wages.
Program Format
If you'll be taking your classes online, you should consider whether the classes are synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses require you to log in at a specific time. You should also consider whether the program is full time or part time and whether it is accelerated. Accelerated bachelor's degree programs can be completed more quickly than traditional degree programs.
Location
If you're looking for an online bachelor's in electrical engineering, the program's location may not be as important to you, but choosing an online program near you does have some benefits, such as access to campus services. Some programs also require in-person orientations or practicums.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that your school and program meet academic standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. It also ensures that future employers will recognize your degree and increases the chances that you'll be able to transfer your credits to another school. Your engineering program should be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Student Support
When choosing a college, you should consider whether it offers adequate student support services. Some examples of online student services include career services, tutoring, mentorships, alumni connections, and internship services. If high school was academically challenging for you, it may be a good idea to choose a school that offers reading, writing, and math assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Programs
Is a bachelor's in electrical engineering degree worth it?
Since electrical engineers earned a median salary of $101,780 per year in 2021, it is certainly worth the investment to pursue a bachelor's in the field. According to the NCES, the average cost of a bachelor's program was about $29,030 per year in 2020-2021.
If someone earned $30,000 per year prior to enrolling in college, the total cost of tuition and forgone wages would be about $236,120 for a 4-year degree program. Assuming a professional earns $80,000 per year after graduation, the degree would pay for itself in fewer than five years.
What can I do with a bachelor's in electrical engineering?
A professional with a bachelor's in electrical engineering can pursue work as an electrical design engineer or electrical engineer. Electrical engineers made a median annual salary of $101,780 in May 2021, according to the BLS. California, Texas, and Michigan employ the most electrical engineers, with California employing 28,070 engineers as of 2021.
Once professionals have accumulated a few years of experience, and possibly earned a master's degree, they may be qualified to move up to positions like senior electrical engineer, electrical engineering manager, or principal electrical engineer. Principal electrical engineers made an average annual base salary of $129,900 in May 2022, according to Payscale.
Are electrical engineering majors in demand?
There is average demand for electrical engineering majors. The BLS predicts a job growth rate of 7% for electrical engineers between 2020 and 2030. It is reasonable to expect that someone who receives a bachelor's in electrical engineering would have a fair chance of landing a job in the field.
New Hampshire employs the most electrical engineers per capita, with 3.44 electrical engineering positions per 1,000 jobs as of 2021, according to the BLS.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in electrical engineering?
The median or average salary for someone with a bachelor's in electrical engineering ranges from $77,990 for an electrical design engineer to $129,950 for a principal electrical engineer. The amount a person could expect to make varies based on the location of the job and the amount of experience the person has working in the field.
California, Washington, D.C., and Washington state have the highest mean wages for electrical engineers. In 2021, electrical engineers in these states made mean annual wages of $126,640, $123,280, and $118,890, respectively, according to the BLS.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in electrical engineering?
The highest-paying jobs for professionals with a bachelor's in electrical engineering are principal electrical engineer, which paid an average of $129,950 per year in May 2021, and electrical engineering manager, which paid an average of $124,450 per year, according to the BLS. Both of these positions are supervisory positions that require the oversight of junior engineers or other employees.
