Did you know electrical engineering can be challenging and rewarding as a career path? It’s a fascinating field that explores circuitry, power generation, and electrical design. You can work in various industries, including automotive, cybersecurity, and manufacturing, with an online electrical engineering degree.
The best part is that you can gain hands-on experience using standard tools of the trade through digital labs and internships. As you move through the program, you’ll develop industry-leading skills in programming, electromagnetics, and energy system design.
We have you covered if you’re considering exploring the best educational path for your career goals. Check out this guide featuring all three schools in the U.S. that meet our ranking criteria and offer online electrical engineering bachelor’s degrees.
Best Online Electrical Engineering Degree
1. National University
- Tuition: $370/quarter credit
- Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement: None
- Application Fee: None
Why We Chose It:
Accredited by ABET, the California-based National University‘s online electrical and computer engineering major is a degree-completion program requiring 67.5 quarter credits to earn a bachelor of science. Before declaring the major, students must complete math, physics and computer science prerequisites.
For this program, learners choose between four- and eight-week courses and may enrol any time during the year. Classes are also delivered asynchronously for optimal flexibility.
At the end of the program, students complete a three-month capstone with an approved company to gain real-world experience as they prepare for their future careers.
Pros:
- Relatively low average annual net price
- High median earnings among graduates
- Highly flexible scheduling
Cons:
- Relatively high median federal student loan debt among graduates
- Relatively low graduation rate
2. Arizona State University
- Tuition: $685/credit (in state)
- Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement: WICHE
- Application Fee: $70
Why We Chose It:
Arizona State University offers two accredited electrical engineering degrees online. Each degree requires 120 credits spread over 40 classes.
The bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering focuses on circuitry, electronics, and hardware design. This is ideal for careers in computing, robotics, or telecommunications. ASU offers an electric power and energy system bachelor’s degree that further studies power engineering, including system analysis.
Students pursuing either option can apply to an accelerated bachelor’s program to complete both degrees in about five years.
ASU offers more than half its students the federal Pell Grant based on income. ASU provides a simple-to-use calculator that displays expected tuition rates for part-time and full-time students.
Pros:
- Relatively low median federal student loan debt among graduates
- Relatively low percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
- High socioeconomic diversity
Cons:
- Relatively high average annual net price
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
3. University of Arizona
- Tuition: $652/credit
- Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement: WICHE
- Application Fee: $65
Why We Chose It:
The online bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Arizona involves 128 credits in cross-disciplinary studies. Learners explore the crossroads of electrical and computer engineering while developing advanced mathematics, programming and circuitry skills.
Each course lasts seven and a half weeks and provides digital-focused instruction and resources for hands-on learning. Students also participate in discussions and collaborative projects with peers and can access instructors for additional help.
U of A’s online campus partners with well-known technology companies, including Pixar and Microsoft, providing opportunities for students to network with seasoned professionals in the field.
Pros:
- Relatively low average annual net price
- Relatively high graduation rate
- Relatively high student retention rate
Cons:
- Low socioeconomic diversity
- Relatively high percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
Cost of an Online Electrical Engineering Degree
According to our research, an online electrical engineering degree costs anywhere between $300 and $700 a credit. Your total cost for a bachelor’s degree containing 120-130 credits can range between $36,000 and $91,000. Costs can vary widely between schools, particularly between public and private colleges and universities.
Some schools have separate tuition rates for their online programs. This can make tuition more affordable, especially for those who live outside of the state. When estimating the total cost of your program, you should include all costs, such as technology fees, distance education fees and books.
How to Find the Right Online Electrical Engineering Degree for You
The requirements and course offerings of bachelor’s degree programs in electrical engineering may vary between schools. Consider these factors when searching for the best online degree in electrical engineering.
Know Your Time Commitment
Online programs in electrical technology require a lot of focus and study time due to the math and science content. Select a program that fits your time constraints for assignments, projects, lectures and studying.
A part-time program in electrical engineering may be the best option for you if you have a busy work or personal life. You can also choose an asynchronous course, where you log in and complete the coursework when your schedule allows.
Look at Accreditation
The accreditation of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is a great way to evaluate its quality. Accredited programs and schools adhere to the quality standards set by an accrediting agency for curriculum, instruction and faculty.
ABET accredits a number of electrical engineering programs. Students who plan to pursue graduate school or Professional Engineering (PE) licensure should consider programs accredited with ABET. Most states require licensed PEs to earn a degree from an ABET-accredited program.
Verify that your school has institutional accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Students often need institutional accreditation to transfer credits and apply for federal financial aid.
Consider Your Future Goals
Electrical engineering degrees prepare you for various career paths, depending on the content, specializations, timeliness of completion, and student resources offered. Some programs, for example, help students transition to careers with job placement and partnerships with leading companies.
Find programs that will help you achieve your goals, whether they are academic or professional. Consider making an appointment to meet with an advisor and compare the schools you have shortlisted.
FAQs About Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
Can electrical engineers work in cybersecurity?
Yes. If you are interested in cybersecurity, look for a program which emphasizes computer and networking security via electives or a concentration.
How hard is an electrical engineering degree?
Electrical engineering can be a difficult field that requires advanced math and scientific skills. To ensure success, students enrolled in an electrical engineer program should take advantage of the resources offered by their school, including mentorships and tutoring.
Can electrical engineering be learned online?
You can learn electrical engineering online with high-tech distance-learning programs that combine immersive lectures and hands-on training. Online students need to schedule time for at least three hours of coursework and study each week.
Is an online electrical engineering degree worth it?
For those who are interested in a career in electrical engineering, earning an online degree is worth the time and money invested. Consider enrolling at a school that has a good track record of student outcomes to maximize your investment.