Best Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs

Electrical engineers revolutionized modern life beginning with the development of the telegraph, telephone, and light bulb. Now they work on complex electrical equipment such as cars, radar, and navigation systems. They design electrical systems and develop new ways to use electrical power such as renewable energy.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering can prepare you for a field that pays well and is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronics engineers earned a median annual wage of $109,010 as of May 2023. BLS projects a 9% employment growth rate for these engineers between 2023 and 2033.

Explore the field of electrical engineering, career opportunities, and some of the nation’s best online electrical engineering degree programs.

During their training, electrical engineers can choose a specialization like electronics engineering, computer engineering, or power systems. Mechanical engineering specializations include controls and robotics, materials science, and renewable energy and environmental flows.

These engineers often collaborate on projects and work in the same industries. Mechanical and electrical engineers work together to service airplanes, broadcast systems, and medical devices and equipment.

Electrical engineers are highly skilled and sought after for their expertise. They can choose one of many career paths across diverse disciplines. Electrical engineering jobs include electrical and electronics engineer, computer network architect, and aerospace engineer. Engineers with significant experience can apply for managerial roles.

New technologies offer growing opportunities for electrical engineers. These professionals are integral to the renewable energy sector and to design. They improve robotics and AI systems. Other occupations include electronic communications engineer, control engineer, and electrical design engineer.

Most engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and practical experience like an electrical engineering internship. According to the BLS, depending on their specific role, a professional with an electrical engineering background can earn well above six figures and expect strong job growth through 2033.

The following table outlines some of the jobs you can get with a degree in electrical engineering.

Earning a degree online allows you to study at your own pace. It also gives you access to programs outside of your local area. Explore what to expect in some of the nation’s best online electrical engineering degree programs.

Successful engineering students must have an aptitude for subjects such as math, physics, and chemistry. Admission to an engineering program requires prerequisite high school coursework in these subjects. Enrollees must complete around 120 credits to graduate and may earn a variety of degree designations, including a bachelor of engineering or BS in electrical engineering.

Students typically complete a bachelor’s program in four years. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow learners to graduate in less time. Many programs require a culminating engineering design project that demonstrates your knowledge and training. Alternatively, you may opt for a thesis.

Electrical engineering majors gain a mix of engineering and soft skills. You may learn how to design and test electronic hardware, computer software, and physical systems. You may also learn programming languages like C++, Python, and MATLAB. Participants apply their knowledge of science, math, and engineering to solve complex engineering problems. This often leads to strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Below you will find some common courses offered by online electrical engineering programs. Be aware that many of the best online electrical engineering degrees offer concentrations as well, such as electric power and energy systems, hardware and software for machine intelligence, microelectronics, and electromagnetics.

The cost of an online bachelor’s in electrical engineering depends on various factors. Your state residency is one thing to consider, as many schools charge higher out-of-state tuition. Online learners’ technology fees can also increase tuition costs.

Some schools offer a flat tuition rate for all online learners regardless of residency status. Online students often do not need to travel or relocate, which saves money.

The per-credit tuition rate for a bachelor’s in electrical engineering ranges from $235-$744 for in-state students. Comparing schools is the best way to see which program suits your academic needs and budget. Scholarships can also help students reduce tuition costs. The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop allows you to explore scholarships for engineering students.

If you want to stand out among other applicants once you graduate, get hands-on experience. Many top companies such as tech giants and engineering firms offer electrical engineering internships.

A co-op gives you full-time experience and academic credit during time off from school. Reach out to your academic advisor to explore the possibilities. Review the following internship and co-op opportunities and deadlines.

Certification programs give engineers an opportunity to advance their knowledge and demonstrate electrical engineering skills to potential employers. Explore some of the most popular electrical engineering certifications.