Best Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs

Electrical engineers design and maintain the electrical systems that play a large role in our homes, jobs, and society. With a two-year master’s in electrical engineering, electrical engineers can pursue some of the most important and desirable positions in this essential field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth in electrical engineering between 2020 and 2030, about equal to the rate of 8% for all occupations. Electrical engineers also earned median annual wages of $101,780 in May 2021, more than twice the median annual wages for all occupations.

The graduate school decision can be a difficult one to make, but this guide can help ease some of the challenges therein. This page highlights the electrical engineering discipline and explores the admissions process and postgraduate potential. It also lists the best online master’s in electrical engineering programs from the top online schools.

An online master’s in electrical engineering may look quite different depending on the school and the program. Usually, the programs feature 30-45 credits and take students two years to complete. They may feature extensive research and a thesis requirement or offer more technical training and have a practicum requirement.

Often the program differences are the result of different degree types. Schools may award an MS or master of engineering (M.Eng.). The former leads to more analytical training and research-based careers, and the latter provides leadership and career-focused training.

While both degree types can lead to the same careers, their training differences may help prospective students choose between them. For example, the course-based M.Eng. provides more targeted training, which might appeal to students who want a more straightforward educational journey. MS programs, conversely, provide more freedom for students to express themselves and explore their study interests.

Finally, when preparing for graduate school, prospective students should think about their ideal concentrations. Many master’s in electrical engineering programs offer specialization options, which can help learners direct the focus of their studies and future careers. Some popular concentrations include communication, signal processing, as well as bioelectrical, systems, and control.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

This course provides students with an understanding of communication networks and systems. The training covers topics in coding, signal detection, and information theory.

Students in this course learn how to protect power systems through fault analysis, calculation of line parameters, and stability studies. In addition to the practical examinations, learners look at theoretical discussions on this topic.

In this course, students learn the leading ideas, concepts, and techniques for machine learning in electrical engineering. They look at ways engineers can use machine learning for data analysis, predictive purposes, and improving system performances.

This course covers the theory of programmable logic controllers and their applications. Students learn how to program the algorithms used to interact with motors, sensors, and systems.

While growth has slowed or declined for engineers in manufacturing and utilities industries, technological innovation may keep electrical engineers in demand for the foreseeable future. The BLS projects the addition of more than 12,700 new electrical engineers between 2020 and 2030, plus more than 20,000 annual openings on average to cover standard turnover.

In May 2021, electrical engineers earned median annual wages of $101,780, considerably higher than the median annual wage of $45,760 for all occupations. Equipped with graduate-level training and leadership skills, engineers may gain access to some of the highest-level positions and wages within this field.

Depending on their training and experience, electrical engineers can also apply their skills to other engineering fields, such as computer, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. The BLS projects the addition of nearly 150,000 new engineers and architects between 2020 and 2030.

Discover what paths an online master’s in electrical engineering can open for you. Learn more about STEM careers.

Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment and devices. They must adhere to electrical codes and safety regulations when designing, maintaining, or improving electrical work. They can work in transportation, telecommunications, or power transmission industries. These engineers can also specialize in power generation, electric motors, communication systems, or navigation systems.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$101,780

Engineering managers oversee the engineering activities for organizations. They help develop and propose the plans and budgets for projects, hire staff and delegate tasks, and monitor and evaluate progress and performances. Engineering managers communicate and deal with contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$152,350

Health and safety engineers work in many industries to protect people from products, systems, and processes. They may test products to ensure they operate properly and verify they follow health and safety protocols and guidelines. These engineers also develop and implement new processes and procedures for organizations and engineers to follow.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$99,040

Computer hardware engineers design and build devices and components for computer systems. They identify hardware needs and areas for improvement or add in computer hardware to manufactured products. Electrical and computer engineering often overlaps in the areas of computer processors, communication, and circuit boards.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$128,170

Biomedical engineers design and develop devices and equipment for medical and healthcare purposes. They may look to improve biological processes and parts using technology and engineering processes or create products that support healthcare professionals or improve health outcomes. Electrical engineers may apply their knowledge of electronics, electromagnetic waves, signal processing, and computing devices to this field.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$97,410

Not all graduates want to enter the workforce immediately after their master’s in electrical engineering. For those who wish to pursue postsecondary teaching roles or research and development positions, for example, continuing education is a viable option. Programs like a doctorate in electrical engineering or a related discipline can take them in this direction.

Other possibilities include doctorates in organizational leadership. Combined with their engineering background, students in this field can pursue advanced management positions and careers working with management practices.

Yes. A master’s in electrical engineering has plenty of value to aspiring engineers. The degree prepares graduates for the electrical engineering field and may qualify them for higher-level positions and salaries than bachelor’s graduates. The electrical engineering foundation allows graduates to move into overlapping engineering disciplines as well.

Students in an online master’s in engineering also benefit from the value of an online degree. Online learning provides more training opportunities to learners and features more flexible scheduling. For many working professionals, online learning is the only study option.

Most graduates with a master’s in electrical engineering enter the workforce as electrical engineers after they finish school. Their master’s degrees may help them bypass entry-level positions, leading instead to senior-level positions.

Graduates can apply their electrical engineering skills to other engineering disciplines or even move into a leadership position in business or another industry if they wish. Continuing education is another option. Graduates can pursue a doctoral degree in engineering or look into an interdisciplinary field, such as organizational leadership.

Yes. Electrical engineering graduates are in demand because of steady development of new technologies and technological advances requiring their expertise. The BLS projects 7% growth for electrical engineers between 2020 and 2030, working out to nearly 13,000 new professionals.

While this is about the same projected growth as for all occupations, master’s graduates have advanced and specialized training that should make them desirable candidates. These professionals can also access management and health and safety engineering positions. The BLS projects the addition of 8,000 and 1,500 new professionals in these fields, respectively.

The wages available to graduates with a master’s in electrical engineering depend on their position, location, employer, and industry. The median annual wage in May 2021 for electrical engineers was $101,780, as per the BLS. The top 10% of professionals in the field made more than $162,930.

In terms of industries, research and development paid the highest median annual wages at $125,080. Semiconductor and electronic components manufacturing paid $107,190, instruments manufacturing paid $102,110, and electric power generation paid $101,780.

The highest-paying position for graduates with a master’s in electrical engineering is in engineering management. Professionals in this field earned median annual wages of $152,350 in May 2021, as per the BLS. The top 10% of managers earned more than $208,000.

Computer hardware engineers also made very high wages in May 2021. According to the BLS, they earned $128,170. The top 10% in the field made more than $208,000 as well.