In this article, we profile the 30 best bachelor’s in engineering online degree programs of 2020.
The demand for highly skilled engineers has been on the rise for decades. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a favorable job outlook for engineers of any kind over the next eight to ten years. To accommodate employment growth, colleges and universities provide online options for students who want to major in engineering but have a difficult time balancing life or work obligations with on-campus class attendance.
30 Best Bachelor’s in Engineering Degrees Online Methodology
We reviewed 107 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered bachelor’s in engineering online degree programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (regional and/or national), institution and/or program rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and affordability. We then listed the top online engineering degrees according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online engineering degree programs for 2020.
Reviewing Each of the Top Online Engineering Degrees
#30 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science – Software Engineering
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,136
The job outlook for software engineers is highly favorable, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a result, Southern New Hampshire University prides itself in offering a unique program designed to prepare students for this viable career. The program offers 100 percent online classes taught by SNHU faculty. Course materials are available 24/7–ideal for working students. Courses cover topics like client server development, full stack development, mobile architecture and programming, and software security. In addition to offering accredited engineering online degrees, SNHU has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #92 in best regional universities in the North and #1 in most innovative schools.
#29 – Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,747
The online bachelor’s in civil engineering degree from Liberty University consists of 131 credits and takes 3.5 years to complete. Liberty, accredited by SACSCOC, prepares students majoring in civil engineering for careers in this flexible discipline. In fact, the foundation students receive prepares them for work in all areas of modern engineering. Online courses cover topics like hydraulic engineering, project and construction management, surveying, and transportation engineering. Admission to the program requires applicants have at least a 2.0 GPA from high school and/or any college completed. In addition to offering accredited programs, Liberty ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #293-#381 in best national universities and #223 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#28 – University of Massachusetts
Online Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering Technology
Lowell, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,648
If you love technology, design, and complex problem-solving, the online bachelor’s in electronic engineering technology at UMASS might be an ideal fit. UMASS Lowell’s online engineering degree is fully accredited and prepares students to succeed in this unique and highly competitive industry. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses cover topics like control systems, digital electronics, foundations of microwave design, introduction to ethics, and technical communications for engineering technology. UMASS Lowell, in addition to being accredited, offers rankings with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #179 in best national universities.
#27 – Clemson University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Clemson, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,558
Clemson University’s online bachelor’s in electrical engineering (BSEE) is a 126-credit program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Courses, though delivered online, are taught by the same Clemson professors who instruct on campus. Curriculum gives a deep understanding and exploration of various applicable subjects. These subjects include computer engineering, controls, electromagnetic fields, power systems, and signal analysis. Clemson ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent 2020 rankings include #70 in best national universities and #42 in best colleges for veterans. If you plan to pursue graduate school, the online master’s in engineering programs rank #48 in the country.
#26 – Southern Illinois University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Technology
Carbondale, Illinois
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,904
Southern Illinois University offers a bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology degree designed for the AAS graduate or working adult. While the program delivers online classes, hands-on experiences allow students to utilize skills learned through software simulations and labs. Graduates of this program have gone on to pursue a number of career options as application engineers, field service engineers, or senior engineer technicians. According to major publications like U.S. News and World Report, Southern Illinois University ranks #254 in best national universities and #123 in top public schools. Also, several of the school’s online graduate programs have received top rankings.
#25 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,988
Pennsylvania State University World Campus offers a 126-credit bachelor’s in software engineering program that has received ABET accreditation. The online program is in partnership with Penn State’s Behrend’s School of Engineering and provides highly focused curriculum through online delivery. Courses cover topics like communication networks, digital design theory and practice, introduction to programming techniques, microprocessors, and operating systems. To graduate with the bachelor’s degree, students must obtain a C or better in all classes. As far as rankings go, U.S. News and World Report ranks Penn State #57 in best national universities and #158 in best value schools.
#24 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,320
National University offers an affordable engineering degree online for students interested in electrical and computer engineering. With 100 percent online classes, working and busy students benefit from the flexible format. Throughout the computer and electrical engineering program, students will study both digital hardware systems and software that enables these systems. Classes cover topics like digital logic design, linear systems and signals, and object-oriented design. National University ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #192 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#23 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology – Software Systems Engineering
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,529
The affordable engineering bachelor’s degree online program at Colorado Technical University (Colorado Tech) focuses on information technology and software systems engineering. Designed for students interested in an IT-based engineering specialty, the program is ideal for busy and working professionals. In fact, the program delivers online classes that cover topics like the fundamentals of networking, information technology architectures, systems analysis, and the software engineering profession. In addition to being fully accredited, Colorado Tech ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent Colorado Tech rankings include #192 in best engineering programs and #152 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#22 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering – Electrical Engineering
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
Arizona State University offers one of the most affordable engineering online programs on our list. The online bachelor’s in engineering with an electrical engineering concentration requires 40 classes that each run 7.5 weeks. A total of 120 credit hours are required to satisfy the program’s requirements. Online courses cover topics like circuits, digital design fundamentals, introduction to engineering, random signal analysis, and senior design. All classes are taught by ASU’s esteemed and experienced faculty. In addition to ASU’s full accreditation, the school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Recent rankings include #117 in best national universities. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #6 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#21 – Bowling Green State University
Online Bachelor’s in Technology – Quality Systems
Bowling Green, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,316
Bowling Green State University offers an online bachelor’s in quality systems program designed to prepare students the skills and knowledge necessary to qualify for jobs in this major industry. Core courses, running eight weeks in length, cover a variety of quality systems topics. These courses include leadership for lean manufacturing and service operations, lean systems for manufacturing and service applications, quality management system audits, and quality management systems planning. Bowling Green is a highly reputable institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #80 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#20 – The University of Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,780
The University of Alabama offers an affordable bachelor’s degree in engineering program that is primarily online. While the mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree can be completed almost entirely online, there are three on-campus lab requirements that must be met. Students may choose from three Alabama locations to satisfy these requirements. However, courses are delivered online and taught by the same university faculty who instruct on campus. These courses include engineering foundations, fluid mechanics, fundamentals of electrical engineering, and modern manufacturing practices. The ABET-accredited program also ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, rankings include #153 in best national universities and #129 in best value schools.
#19 – Old Dominion University
Online Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Technology
Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,680
Students with military training or those looking to balance work and school may enroll in the online bachelor’s in civil engineering technology program at Old Dominion University. To earn this degree from ODU, students must complete at least 30 credits with the university. The bachelor’s in civil engineering requires a total of 120 credits. Courses include advanced technical analysis, engineering economics, ethics and philosophy in engineering apps, and fluid mechanics. While classes are delivered online, some require regular meeting times. In addition to offering flexible courses, ODU is also accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent ODU rankings include #263 in best national universities and #128 in top public schools.
#18 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor’s in Technology and Management
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,485
For those interested in careers in engineering management or technology, the online bachelor’s in technology and management program at Oregon Institute of Technology is an ideally designed program. Fully accredited, this program serves serious students who have received AAS or AS technical degrees in electronics technology or engineering technology. In fact, transfer credits are accepted for classes taken at the associate’s degree level. Required courses include engineering management, introduction to management information systems, introduction to relational databases, and services management. In addition to offering fully accredited engineering programs, OIT ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best regional college in the West and 12th best value school.
#17 – University of Missouri
Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,477
Currently, University of Missouri’s College of Engineering offers three online degree programs: the bachelor’s in information technology, master’s in biological engineering, and master’s in industrial engineering. The IT bachelor’s degree lays a foundation of skills and knowledge necessary to pursue graduate school in various engineering fields of study. Courses are delivered online and cover topics in IT, problem solving, and web applications. These courses include audio engineering, computer systems administration, and software engineering. The program is fully accredited and the school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, University of Missouri ranks #139 in best national universities and #90 in best value schools.
#16 – Stony Brook University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Stony Brook, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,175
Offering one of the most affordable bachelor’s degree in engineering online programs on our list, Stony Brook University is also accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online bachelor’s in electrical engineering program is designed for students who want to continue working full time while attending school. The program is ideal for those seeking long-lasting careers in electrical engineering. Required courses, taught by university professors, include digital logic design, digital signal processing, electronics circuit, electronics laboratory, and engineering design. As stated above, SUNY Stony Brook ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best national university and 149th best value school.
#15 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology
Daytona Beach, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,912
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to the online bachelor’s in engineering technology. This convenient and flexible program prepares students to put the engineering skills they learn while earning their degree to work in a variety of industries. The program is ABET-accredited and recognized by major publications, such as U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Embry-Riddle ranks with U.S. News as the 11th best regional university in the South and 4th best college for veterans. In addition to school rankings, program rankings also yield favorable results. The online bachelor’s programs, including the bachelor’s in engineering technology, ranks #2 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. And if you’re a veteran, there is great news! Embry-Riddle ranks #1 for online bachelor’s programs for veterans.
#14 – Eastern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
Richmond, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,876
The fire protection and safety engineering technology degree from Eastern Kentucky University focuses on safety engineering and the comprehensive study of fire protection. The accredited bachelor’s in fire protection and safety engineering technology program is offered entirely online. There is an accelerated option that allows students to earn their degree in just over two years. Courses run eight weeks in length and cover various topics in fire protection, safety, and engineering tech. These courses begin six times per year, making it convenient for recently admitted students to jump in and begin taking classes. Eastern Kentucky ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 54th best regional university in the South. In addition to school rankings, the online bachelor’s programs, including fire protection and safety engineering, rank #58 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#13 – University of North Dakota
Online Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,736
The University of North Dakota offers an online engineering bachelor’s degree focusing on chemical engineering. The same lectures, coursework, and class materials are offered to online learners as delivered on campus. In fact, the same professors who instruct on campus also facilitate courses online. Required courses for the chemical engineering program include chemical engineering reactor design, chemical engineering thermodynamics, introduction to transport phenomena, and process dynamics and controls. UND is a fully accredited institution. Also, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, UND ranks #263 in best national universities and #128 in top public schools. The online bachelor’s programs, including the bachelor’s in engineering online degrees, rank #73 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – Indiana State University
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology Management
Terre Haute, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,236
Indiana State University offers an online bachelor’s in engineering technology management program designed for transfer students with an associate degree in engineering or a closely related technical area. Courses are delivered online and cover topics like CAD fundamentals, electronic fundamentals, engineering design and management, lean manufacturing systems, and production planning and control. Graduates of the program may seek employment as a tech-savvy engineer or pursue graduate school for additional training. Indiana State is a public institution, ranked and accredited. In fact, ISU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a 293rd-381st best national university. In addition to the school rankings received by Indiana State, the online bachelor’s programs have received rankings of #183 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – North Carolina State University
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering
Raleigh, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,101
North Carolina State University online engineering degrees are 2+2 engineering programs that allow students to finish their first two years of pre-engineering courses at a home institution. The next two years are completed at NC State. Engineering programs that may be completed with the 2+2 options include civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering. While many classes are delivered online, some may require on-campus visits or instruction. Thus, the NC State engineering program is considered to follow a hybrid format. NC State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 84th best national university. Also, NC State’s online bachelor’s programs rank #39 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Bemidji State University
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Engineering
Bemidji, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,940
Bemidji State University’s engineering degree online programs include the bachelor’s in applied engineering. The BAS engineering degree is offered entirely online, with courses taught by the same engineering professors who teach on campus. Required courses include economic and cost analysis, industrial design and innovation, materials science and metallurgy, and service process and improvement. The program is ATMAE-accredited and the school has earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Bemidji State ranks with U.S. News as the 92nd best regional university in the Midwest and 22nd top public school. BSU offers one of the most affordable bachelor’s in engineering online degrees on our list.
#9 – University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering Technology
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,896
University of Southern Mississippi offers an online bachelor’s in industrial engineering technology that is both affordable and convenient. Through this online engineering program, students earn a quality education without having to set foot in the classroom. Southern Miss faculty infuse courses with contemporary industrial applications, providing students with the knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Course topics include engineering economics, engineering project management, global supply chain management, plant layout and material handling, and production and inventory control. In addition to offering affordable online engineering programs, the school has received rankings from major publications. In fact, U.S. News ranks Southern Miss #293-#381 in best national universities.
#8 – Lamar University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Beaumont, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,494
Through the Phillip M. Drayer Department of Electrical Engineering, Lamar University offers a hybrid online bachelor’s in electrical engineering program designed for students interested in engineering careers. All course activities are distance-friendly, giving students flexible learning options. Additionally, all in-class sessions are either recorded or their content is made available to all students, in or out of class. There is also a 2+2 degree path that offers online options. All BSEE courses can be taken online through this unique pathway. Students earn their first two years of credits at a community college or home institution, then transfer to Lamar’s online engineering program. Lamar ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, Lamar’s online bachelor’s programs rank #171 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#7 – Grantham University
Online Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering Technology
Lenexa, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,280
Grantham University offers a bachelor’s in electronics engineering technology program that is ABET-accredited and designed for working professionals looking for an online engineering degree. The program consists of 120 credits and takes 38 months to complete. Courses cover various engineering topics like circuit analysis, digital electronics, fundamental properties of AC and DC circuits, instrumentation and measurement, and technical project management. In addition to the program’s ABET accreditation, Grantham has earned recognition by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school offers one of the most affordable online electronics engineering technology degrees on our list. Students may earn their degree for less than $8,300 per year.
#6 – American Military University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,324
American Military University (AMU) offers a bachelor’s in electrical engineering designed to lay a solid foundation in electrical engineering theories, tools, and competencies. Coursework is delivered online and covers topics like energy conversion and transport, fundamentals of circuit analysis, international system of units, and passive microwave circuit analysis and design. For admission, applicants must have completed the math equivalent of pre-calculus, or higher. AMU is a part of the American Public University System, which is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. Also, the school offers online bachelor’s degree programs for less than $7,500 per year.
#5 – Kennesaw State University
Online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering Technology
Kennesaw, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,456
Kennesaw State University offers a bachelor’s in engineering online degree that emphasizes skills needed to work in the industrial engineering technology field. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, making it a top choice for individuals seeking quality online engineering programs. Successful degree candidates earn an online BS in industrial engineering technology. To receive the degree, students must satisfy requirements. These include taking courses in advanced statistics with application, engineering economy, human resource management for engineers, operations research concepts, product and process costing, and statistical quality control. In addition to ABET-accreditation, Kennesaw ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and most innovative school.
#4 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering Technology
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,450
Affordability sets Eastern New Mexico University at the top of our list for engineering online degrees that focus on electronics engineering technology. The program is 100% online and is designed to assist working and busy students with flexible courses. Required classes cover topics in circuit analysis, control systems, introduction to engineering with MATLAB, and modern computer architecture. Graduating from the program opens doors to various engineering fields, such as electronics, industrial control, and manufacturing and testing. ENMU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, 2020 rankings include #87-#113 in best regional universities in the West and #72 in top performers on social mobility.
#3 – Western Carolina University
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,277
Western Carolina University offers one of the most affordable engineering bachelor’s degrees online. This program is ideally designed for working professionals who desire to attend school while balancing work and life obligations. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same instructors who instruct on campus. Some of the required courses cover topics like engineering economic analysis, engineering logistics, engineering materials, occupational safety standards, and technology and civilization. Western Carolina University ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, WCU ranks #23 in best regional universities in the South and #12 in best colleges for veterans.
#2 – Seminole State College of Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology
Sanford, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,131
Another affordable option for a bachelor’s in engineering online degree is the bachelor’s in engineering technology at Seminole State College of Florida. This ABET-accredited program prepares students for engineering careers by offering studies that explore contemporary topics and hands-on experiences. Online courses cover topics like computer-aided design, fundamentals of DC circuits, introduction to the engineering profession, principles of computer programming, and statistics. In addition to the esteemed ABET accreditation, Seminole State ranks with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report lists the school as a top regional college in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #237 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#1 – Daytona State College
Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology
Daytona Beach, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,106
Daytona State College is our most affordable school for earning a bachelor’s in engineering online degree. The online bachelor’s in engineering technology prepares graduates for technical positions in the fields of IT, network security, and other engineering niches. The program is ABET-accredited and costs less than $3,500 per year. Courses cover a variety of engineering and technology topics, including databases, digital security and forensics, operating systems, networks, and programming. In addition to affordability and ABET-accreditation, Daytona State offers rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs recently ranked #29 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
BDP Staff
May 2020
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