Best Online Electronics Engineering Programs

Learn to design and build electrical equipment with an electrical engineering degree. Learn more about our top-ranked online programs.
By
portrait of Bethanny Parker
Bethanny Parker
Read Full Bio

Writer

Bethanny Parker has been a freelance writer for 14 years. She writes about career advancement, higher education, and real estate. She is a homeschooling mom who writes stories for children in her spare time. She is currently working on her marketing ...
Updated on July 6, 2023
Edited by
portrait of Colin Weickmann
Colin Weickmann
Read Full Bio

Editor & Writer

Colin Weickmann has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree and college planning resources for prospective students. He holds a BA in digital technology and culture from Washington State University. Colin is a former editor at Red...
Learn more about our editorial process

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.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

A bachelor's in electronics engineering is a four-year degree program that teaches industry standards in electronics engineering. Students learn how to analyze networks, apply circuit design principles, and manage electronics engineering projects.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that a four-year institution's average undergraduate tuition and fees were $16,647 in the 2019-20 school year. That means the average four-year degree costs about $66,590, not counting room, board, transportation, and lost wages. Some schools offer lower tuition for online students, but that is not always the case.

According to Payscale, people with a bachelor's in electronics engineering technology earned an average base salary of $85,000 per year as of December 2021. Common job titles include electrical engineer, senior electrical engineer, controls engineer, manufacturing engineer, and automation engineer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronics engineers earned a median salary of $103,390 in 2020. The BLS projects that jobs for electrical and electronics engineers will grow 7% from 2020-30.

Popular Online Bachelor's in Electronics 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 Electronics Engineering Program?

Students in a bachelor's in electronics engineering program learn skills such as time management, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They also learn the technical skills they need to work as electronics engineers. Those technical skills include using computer-assisted engineering (CAE) and design (CAD) software to design new electronic products.

This degree requires 120-132 credits and takes about four years to complete. Students may be able to finish faster if they take more credits per semester or attend school during the summer.

Graduates of a bachelor's in electronics engineering program typically receive a bachelor of science (BS) degree. This type of bachelor's degree typically requires more science courses than a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. Some schools offer concentrations in electronics engineering, such as analog electronics, digital electronics, and analog and digital electronics.

You may be required to take classes that have lab requirements. For example, the BS in electronics engineering technology at East Coast Polytechnic Institute requires eight lab courses, including an electric circuits lab, a digital systems lab, and a microcontrollers lab.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Program?

Electric Circuits I & II

These courses cover the fundamentals of AC and DC circuits. Students learn about resistance, current flow, and electrical units of measurement. They also learn about transformers, inductors, and capacitors.

Digital Systems I & II

These courses cover digital concepts such as combinational design, logic minimization, boolean algebra, and number systems. Students learn about digital displays, decoders, encoders, and interfacing.

Programmable Logic Controllers and Robotics

Students enrolled in programmable logic controllers and robotics learn about advanced control systems, including statistical process control and industrial control concepts. Students practice programming and troubleshooting programmable logic controllers.

Microcontrollers

This course introduces eight-bit microcontrollers and explores their history. Students learn about interrupts, I/O interfacing, memory, and architecture. They work on projects that require them to program and interface with electronic circuits.

Semiconductor Devices

In this course, students learn how analog electronic circuits and devices operate. The course covers field effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and diodes. Students also study multipliers, clampers, clippers, and power supplies.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Program?

Although each school has its own admission requirements, the requirements for each individual school are typically the same whether you plan to attend classes in person or online. Most colleges and universities require an application, official transcripts, and test scores. Some may also require an essay or letters of recommendation.

Application

The undergraduate application is pretty straightforward. Just fill out the form and make sure you don't leave any field blank. If you are applying to many schools, you may want to use a service such as the Common App to complete and file your applications all at once. Most schools require candidates to submit an application fee with their application.

Test Scores

Many schools require scores from college entrance exams. It's a good idea to take the ACT or SAT (or both) before starting the college application process. Allow plenty of time so you can retake the test if you are disappointed with your scores.

Letters of Requirements

Recent high school graduates should ask their high school teachers, counselor, or principal for letters of recommendation when applying to college. You may also be able to get a letter of recommendation from your supervisor at work if you are employed.

Essays

College application essays don't need to be long. In fact, they average 500-650 words in length. Most schools have a word limit, so make sure you follow it. Also, make sure you stick to the assigned topic if one is provided. Even though it is short, it's important to put some time and effort into your college application essay. It's one thing that can really make your application stand out.

Official Transcripts

You'll need to provide official transcripts from high school as well as any colleges you've attended. If you are transferring from another college, the school you are applying to will evaluate your credits to see if any of them can transfer. If you have transfer credits, you may not have to take as many courses to earn your degree.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Degree?

Career Outlook

The BLS projects that job opportunities for electrical and electronics engineers will increase by 7% from 2020-30. This is about as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations at 8%. For computer hardware engineers, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians, and electrical and electronics installers and repairers, the BLS projects a 2% growth rate from 2020-30.

Payscale reports an average salary of $85,000 per year for a bachelor's in electronics engineering technology. This is higher than many popular college majors, such as the bachelor's in business administration ($69,000 per year), and lower than others, such as the bachelor's in computer science ($88,000 per year).

Graduates with a bachelor's in electronics engineering often work in computer systems design, engineering services, telecommunications, the federal government, and semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing.

Career Paths

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical and electronics engineers determine the cost and requirements for electrical systems. They design products that use electricity in new and different ways. They oversee the manufacture and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that it meets quality standards. They must be able to perform complicated mathematical computations.

Median Annual Salary: $103,390

Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers design and test complete computer systems as well as individual parts, such as circuit boards. They also create schematics for new computer hardware. When the hardware has been manufactured, they test it to ensure that it meets their specifications. After testing the components, they analyze the results and make the required modifications.

Median Annual Salary: $119,560

Controls Engineer

Controls engineers work with control systems in various applications. Their job includes troubleshooting, program design, testing, documenting work performed, and executing engineering processes. Controls engineers need to be able to work well as a part of a team. They typically need to know some programming languages and have a bachelor's degree in engineering.

Average Annual Salary: $78,710

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers research and develop ways to design, manufacture, and ship a variety of items. They figure out the best ways to use the available machinery and help assembly line workers work more efficiently. They sometimes work with management to obtain new equipment that will help improve efficiency.

Average Annual Salary: $71,740

Automation Engineer

Automation engineers develop efficient workflows in their company's manufacturing facilities. They oversee the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment that improves efficiency and make sure that the company adheres to safety regulations. They are familiar with how different industry machinery works and train employees in using the machinery.

Average Annual Salary: $79,080

Electronics Engineering Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

Most electronics engineer positions require only a bachelor's degree. However, some do request a master's degree. For this reason, graduates of a bachelor's in electronics engineering program may want to continue their education at the master's level.

They can choose to pursue a master's in electronics engineering, a master's in electrical engineering, or a master's in computer engineering. They might also choose a different branch of engineering, earning a master's degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, or mechanical engineering. A master's in engineering management is a great choice for those with leadership aspirations.

How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Program?

Cost

NCES reports that the average cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for a four-year institution was $28,775 for the 2019-20 school year. However, that does not take into account the loss of income for the time you will be attending school. The true program cost includes all the costs you'll incur because of your program. Be sure to consider the cost of transportation when comparing costs between online and on-campus programs.

Program Format

Consider whether the program is synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous programs require you to attend live classes and lectures at a specific time. If you want to work while attending school, you'll probably want to attend part-time rather than full-time. This may allow you to schedule your classes around your work schedule. If you want to get through school quickly, look for an online school with an accelerated bachelor's in electronics engineering program.

Location

If you're pursuing an online bachelor's in electronics engineering, you may think that location doesn't matter. However, some online programs have in-person requirements such as labs and practicums. Be sure to check whether there are in-person requirements when deciding whether to go to college online or on campus.

Accreditation

Institutional accreditation is the most important type of accreditation. If a school is institutionally accredited, it means that all of their programs meet the requirements set forth by the accrediting organization. If you're transferring from one school to another, your credits are most likely to transfer if your original school was institutionally accredited. There is also programmatic accreditation. Employers may give priority to hiring graduates of electronics engineering degree programs with programmatic accreditation by ABET.

Student Support

Before choosing a college, consider what type of student support services you might need. If you'll be attending online, check to make sure those student services are available online or over the phone. Many schools offer tutoring, mentorship services, academic advising, career counseling, alumni connections, or internship placement assistance.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Programs

Rankings compiled by the 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.

Best Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Programs

  1. Eastern New Mexico University
    Location

    Portales, NM

    Tuition

    $10918

    ENMU's online bachelor's in electronics engineering technology program uses a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Degree-seekers hone skills related to circuit analysis, semiconductor devices, and control systems. The 57-credit major curriculum concludes with a capstone course.

    Career resources for online students include resume writing best practices and virtual workshops. Learners can also access CHOICES 360 — a free service that allows users to create a digital academic portfolio they can use to apply for jobs or graduate programs. Students can also take up to three personality assessments.

    Application materials include high school transcripts and standardized test scores. Learners who do not live in New Mexico pay a significantly higher tuition rate. First-year and transfer students may qualify for automatic, merit-based scholarships.

  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Location

    Lowell, MA

    Tuition

    $18257

    UMass Lowell's bachelor's in electronic engineering technology program uses a hybrid curriculum, wherein the majority of courses take place on campus. Program highlights include coursework in C programming, technical physics, and microprocessors. Additionally, degree-seekers can personalize their degree by selecting four electives within the major.

    Through the career center's website, students can access resume assistance and explore graduate programs. These resources, and others, have helped 94% of undergraduate alumni experience a positive career outcome soon after graduation.

    Prospective students can sample an online course at no charge, and UMass Lowell accepts GED and HiSET scores. Transfer applicants — those with 12 or more college-level credits — need not submit ACT or SAT scores. In-state learners whose high school transcripts put them in the top 5% of admitted students receive a full-tuition scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Programs

Is a bachelor's in electronics engineering worth it?

To determine whether an online degree is worth the cost, you need to consider the true program cost, including any lost wages. For example, if your tuition, fees, room, and board cost $30,000 per year and you'll lose $30,000 per year in wages, your true program cost is $60,000 for each year you are in school.

If you expect to earn $80,000 per year after graduating and you earned $30,000 before, you'll be making $50,000 more per year after graduation. Divide the total program cost by the additional earnings per year to determine how long it will take for the program to pay for itself. In this example, it would take 4.8 years.

What can I do with a bachelor's in electronics engineering?

With a bachelor's in electronics engineering, you may qualify for a job as an electrical or electronics engineer, computer hardware engineer, controls engineer, manufacturing engineer, or automation engineer. The average or median salaries for these positions range from $71,740 per year for a manufacturing engineer (according to Payscale as of January 2022) to $119,560 per year for a computer hardware engineer (according to the BLS as of May 2020).

Other jobs you may qualify for with a bachelor's in electronics engineering include electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians, electrical and electronics installers and repairers, senior test engineers, and sales engineers.

Are electronics engineering majors in demand?

While the BLS projects that electrical and electronics engineers will increase at an average rate, the demand for other, related careers is lower. The BLS projects a 2% increase for computer hardware engineers, electrical and electronics installers and repairers, and electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians.

The BLS projects about 22,700 job openings each year for electrical and electronics engineers. Many of those jobs will be the result of people retiring or changing jobs. The BLS projects 20,400 more electrical and electronics engineer jobs by 2030.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in electronics engineering?

According to Payscale, people with a bachelor's in electronics engineering technology earn an average base salary of $85,000 per year. Your actual salary will vary depending on your job title, how much experience you have, and where the job is located. States that have a higher cost of living tend to have higher wages, and jobs located in large cities usually pay more than those in smaller cities.

Payscale reports that manufacturing engineers earned an average of $71,740 per year as of January 2022, while controls engineers earned $78,710 per year. Payscale reports that automation engineers earned an average of $79,080 per year as of January 2022.

What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's in electronics engineering?

The highest-paying jobs for people with a bachelor's in electronics engineering are computer hardware engineer jobs, which paid a median of $119,560 per year in 2020, according to the BLS. Computer hardware engineers design, research, and develop computer systems and their parts, then test them to make sure they work right.

The second-highest-paying job for people with this degree is electrical and electronics engineer. According to the BLS, the median pay for this job was $103,390 per year in 2020. Electronics engineers design electronic products and components for a variety of applications. Electrical engineers figure out new ways to use electrical power to develop new products.

Image Source: danchooalex, Getty Images

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.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.