25 BEST ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN ENGINEERING
Engineering is certainly one of the most versatile degrees that an individual can choose. And where would be without? Without engineers we wouldn't have roads, bridges, clocks, buildings, cars, airplanes, computers—pretty much anything that you could describe as a piece of technology has been shaped in one way or another by the discipline of engineering. There are numerous pathways open to students of engineering, from chemical engineering to computer and software engineering, all the way to mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, or even civil engineering.
Individuals who gain a bachelor's degree in engineering go into industry, business, government, education, and nonprofit. Most engineering professions are expected to grow at the average pace for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, most jobs related to engineering, on average, make at least three times the median wage. For example, engineers reportedly earned an annual income of $91,010 in 2016, alone. Nearly four years later, this salary amount is still well above the average salary of most educated, working-class Americans.
If you're interested in engineering the life of your dreams, check out Best Value Schools' 25 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Engineering for 2020!
Selection Criteria
Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the 25 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Engineering!
#1 | Brigham Young University Rexburg, ID |
#2 | Arizona State University Tempe, AZ |
#3 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY |
#4 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ |
#5 | Clemson University Clemson, SC |
#6 | Lamar University Beaumont, TX |
#7 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND |
#8 | The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL |
#9 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC |
#10 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
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Brigham Young UniversityLocation
Rexburg, ID
Tuition$7727
Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private university founded in the Nineteenth Century by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYUI offers a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering online. The program trains individuals the design and use of complex computer applications and programs. The degree consists of 54 credits and can be completed within the typical four years for a bachelor's degree.
Classes in the program include Computer Security, Human-Computer Interaction, and Object-Oriented Software Development. Students also take an internship and have a senior research project as part of the program. Consideration for admission requires a 2.0 GPA, and BYUI offers four different start dates through the year, which provides some flexibility for interested individuals.
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Arizona State UniversityLocation
Tempe, AZ
Tuition$12947
Arizona State University is located in Tempe, just outside Phoenix, AZ, and is a large public research university known for its innovative programs. ASU offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Engineering Management. The program is aimed at preparing individuals for supervisory roles in various industries. Classes generally run for seven and a half weeks.
Students take classes like Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving, Systems Dynamics and Thinking, and Lean Six Sigma Methodology. Students are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and cumulatively to be in good standing with the program. Transfer students should have a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and freshmen must be in the top 25% of their graduating class from high school.
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Stony Brook UniversityLocation
Stony Brook, NY
Tuition$14330
Stony Brook University is part of the State University System of New York and is a public research university. SBU offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Online which is designed for individuals already working the field, or others who are interested in breaking into electrical engineering. The program draws on faculty from SBU, as well as the University of Buffalo and Binghamton University.
SBU's degree is designed as a degree completion program. Students are required to complete some prerequisites in physics, calculus, and computer science, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission to the program. Classes in the major include Signals and Systems, Electromagnetics, and Object-Oriented Programming for Electrical and Computer Engineers.
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University of ArizonaLocation
Tucson, AZ
Tuition$15758
A large public research university, the University of Arizona is located in Tucson and annually enrolls over 44,000 students. Students can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering through The College of Engineering. The program excels by bringing computer applications to bear on all kinds of engineering challenges.
Lessons are taught by the same instructors who teach for the residential program. Some courses are not offered online, which students can finish residentially or directly transfer from a previously attended institution. Classes in the program include Computer Programming for Engineering Applications, Microprocessor Organization, and Circuit Theory.
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Clemson UniversityLocation
Clemson, SC
Tuition$18757
Clemson University offers online students an excellent opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, especially for anyone with completed coursework from other colleges, or who already working in the field of engineering. The BSEE curriculum is generally available in an asynchronous format and students must complete 25 courses in the program, not including general electives.
Courses in the program include Electric Power Engineering, Fields, Waves and Circuits, and Introduction to Linear Control Systems. Students enrolled in CU may be eligible to participate in the National Science Foundation program for Summer Research, or SURE. The program focuses on Solid State Devices and materials, and students are paired with a faculty advisor.
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Lamar UniversityLocation
Beaumont, TX
Tuition$11485
Lamar University is a public university based in Beaumont, TX, and is a member of the Texas State University System. LU offers a variety of online degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Online. This a degree completion program which allows students to complete their final two years through LU. All classes are online; however, there is one three-day residency required for a manufacturing lab component.
Applicants need to have completed at least six lower-division math courses before enrollment into the program. Classes in the program include Statistical Decision Making for Engineers, Production and Inventory Control, and Quality Improvement. The program is particularly useful for students who want to get involved in manufacturing.
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University of North DakotaLocation
Grand Forks, ND
Tuition$14478
A public research university, the University of North Dakota has an annual student enrollment of over 14,000. UND offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering online which is designed to be completed in 4-5 years. The program is perfect for individuals interested in the field of electrical engineering as it intersects with the biomedical, computer science, and aerospace industries.
Courses in the program include Computer Aided Measurement and Controls, Electric and Magnetic Fields, and Engineering Data Analysis. The program features a two-semester capstone experience which is project based and emphasizes a design experience. The program does not require an on-campus residency, and students have access to a variety of student services tailored specifically for the online program.
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The University of West FloridaLocation
Pensacola, FL
Tuition$11550
The University of West Florida is a public university with an annual enrollment of over 9,000 students. UWF offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology online for individuals who are interested in providing expertise in telecommunications and instructional systems in a variety of industries. Graduates will be able to bring the latest developments in technology to bear in education and business.
Students can take classes like Computer Aided Design and Modeling, Programming for Engineers, and Engineering Materials. Students also take a capstone course over two semesters, which is a project-based learning experience. The Department of Information Technology which oversees the program, offers several scholarships that students are encouraged to apply for.
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University of North Carolina at CharlotteLocation
Charlotte, NC
Tuition$14811
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a large public research university located on the north side of Charlotte. UNCC offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Fire Safety. The program includes an emphasis on the technical and non-technical aspects of fire safety and is ideal for individuals looking either to advance or to gain access to a career in fire safety leadership and management.
Classes in the program include Industrial Hazards & Electricity, Risk Management for the Emergency Services, and Fire Safety Engineering Problem Analysis. The online program is designed for students who have already completed their Associate's degree or the comparable number of credits. Overall, students in the program will take 49 credits in the major.
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Old Dominion UniversityLocation
Norfolk, VA
Tuition$15213
Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public research university with an average enrollment of 25,000 students. ODU offers a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology Online degree. The program is designed as a degree completion program, and students can concentrate in three areas, construction management, site development, or structural design according to their interests.
The program prepares students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam upon graduation, which is the first step towards licensure as an engineer. Courses in the program include Fundamentals of Surveying, Strength of Materials, and Plans and Specifications. Classes are offered both asynchronously and live, depending on the instructor or topic.
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Eastern Kentucky UniversityLocation
Richmond, KY
Tuition$12659
Eastern Kentucky University is a regional university with an annual student enrollment of over 16,000. EKU offers a Bachelors in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology. This is one of several online programs in the field of fire protection and safety and focuses on guiding students to take knowledge of fire suppression and prevention and bring it to bear on the construction and design of buildings and other spaces.
Courses in the program run for eight weeks, and classes include Fire Protection Hydraulics & Water Supply, Fire Arson & Explosion Investigation, and Principles of Occupational Safety & Health. Students of EKU may also pursue an Industrial Fire Protection Certificate as part of their program of study, making their overall degree more marketable.
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Kennesaw State UniversityLocation
Kennesaw, GA
Tuition$17929
Kennesaw State University is a public university with around 35,000 students annually enrolled. KSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology online, which is designed to help students of the program offer solutions to business and industry by making processes work smoother and faster. Students can choose between two concentrations: either Quality Principles or Logistics.
The QP concentration focuses on quality systems standards, principles, and methodologies. The L concentration is concerned with issues connected to the supply chain industry. Students take classes like Operations Research: Concepts, Models and Methods, Operations Management for Engineers, and Human Resources Management for Engineers.
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University of Southern MississippiLocation
Hattiesburg, MS
Tuition$12506
A public research university, the University of Southern Mississippi has an annual enrollment of over 14,000 students. USM offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology online for individuals interested in being equipped to navigate various careers in industry, including service and manufacturing. The program is great for individuals who want to move into managerial and supervisory roles.
Classes include Operations and Logistics Concepts, Production and Inventory Control, and Plant Layout and Material Handling. The program is totally online, though from time to time, instructors may ask students to attend an on-campus lecture. The program will allow up to 62 credits to be transferred and USM is more than happy to work with veterans or active duty personnel and their families.
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Eastern New Mexico UniversityLocation
Portales, NM
Tuition$9830
Eastern New Mexico University is a public university with an annual enrollment of around 6,000 students. ENMU offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology degree, which is well suited for individuals that are interested in working in electronics engineering and dealing with issues of design, analysis, and implementation.
Courses are delivered both asynchronously and live, and there is also a hybrid option for interested individuals. Classes include Renewable Energy Technology, Electrical Power and Machinery, and Sequential Circuits and Applications. The online program features an Online Writing Center, tutoring services, advising, an online library, and the Golden Student Success Center, all of which are meant to ensure a smooth and successful educational experience.
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Tuition$11359
Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university with an annual enrollment of around 10,000 students. BU offers a Bachelor of Science in Software Development online. The program was designed with significant input from professionals in the IT industry, as well as experts in the field so that students are introduced to the most cutting-edge theories, practices, and technologies.
This is a program designed with working professionals in mind. The major consists of 36 credits and features classes like Information Security, Server-Side Scripting with Ruby on Rails, and Management and Design of Database Systems. Students learn to work with Java, Ruby on Rails, SQL, and other Web-based applications. Applicants should either hold an associates degree, have a minimum of 60 credits, or one year of computer programming experience.
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Western Carolina UniversityLocation
Cullowhee, NC
Tuition$14456
Western Carolina University is part of the University of North Carolina System and is a public research university. WCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology online. The program is hybrid with some classes offered online, and others provided at the various distance education sites that WCU has spread across western NC. All on-campus courses, however, are taught in the evening as the program is specially designed for working professionals.
Classes in the program include Engineering Graphics, Electrical Systems, and Project Management. The program emphasizes project-based learning and features an Applied Systems Technology specialization. Students complete a capstone project which is generally conducted over their last two semesters.
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Indiana State UniversityLocation
Terre Haute, IN
Tuition$11443
Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a medium-sized public university. ISU offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology through its online program. The degree program is particularly focused on design and management. Students take classes the deal with topics like the design of machines, products, and mechanical tools.
Likewise, students also take classes in the management of organizations and teams related to manufacturing and mechanical engineering. Courses in the program include Elements of Machine Design, Fundamentals of Manufacturing Processes, and Manufacturing Processes and Materials. Most of the courses in the program are offered online, though a few have to be completed on campus because of the lab component.
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American Public University SystemLocation
Charles Town, WV
Tuition$10658
American Public University System is a for-profit, online institution with nearly 48,000 students enrolled annually. APUS offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program grounds students in all of the competencies, theories, and practices associated with electrical engineering. Students take foundational courses in disciplines like mathematics, physical sciences, and computer science.
Courses in the program include Electrical Circuit Analysis, Continuous and Discrete Signals, and Systems, and Control Systems Theory. Students can also concentrate in one of three areas: Communications, Mechatronic Systems, or General Concentration. APUS offers an online library which provides a wide variety of services as well as access to all the relevant materials that students need to succeed in the program.
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Florida Atlantic UniversityLocation
Boca Raton, FL
Tuition$10100
Located in sunny Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public university with five satellite campuses around the state. FAU offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science online through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The program provides the full array of topics for study and practice giving graduates an excellent grounding in the design, development, and theory of various computational systems and other applications.
The degree is composed of 43 credits of core courses which includes classes like Stochastic Models for Computer Science, Formal Languages and Automata, and Principles of Software Engineering. Students also take seven electives in computer science. FAU is based on a quarter system. Students can generally expect to take four classes per quarter.
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The University of AlabamaLocation
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuition$19993
The University of Alabama is a large university well known for its athletic programs, especially their football program. UA offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering online which aims to produce students who can not only design and oversee the use of machines in manufacturing but can also be involved in all areas of product manufacturing.
Students take classes like Modern Manufacturing Practices, Dynamic Machine Components, and Mechanical Engineering Design. There are some courses with lab components that require campus visits either to Tuscaloosa or to Gadsden. Admission to the program requires ACT/SAT scores for recent high school graduates, while transfer students need to have a cumulative 2.0 GPA to be considered for the program.
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Western Kentucky UniversityLocation
Bowling Green, KY
Tuition$11817
Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management online. WKU designed the BSETM program for students who already hold a certificate or associates degree from another technical school or WKU.
The program is ideal for individuals who are interested in a management or supervisory position in the industry. The program includes classes like Systems Design & Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Introduction to Supply Chain Management. Interested individuals should submit their official transcripts and ACT or SAT scores for consideration for admission.
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The University of Texas of the Permian BasinLocation
Odessa, TX
Tuition$9930
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is located in Odessa, TX and is a small public university. UTPB offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Online degree designed to prepare graduates for working in industrial technology and combines manufacturing technology preparation with work in engineering technology.
The UTPB program includes 38 credits in industrial technology core classes, as well as an internship component. Students take courses like Managing Technology, Safety, Health, and the Environment, and Environmental Technology. The program can also be taken in an accelerated format so that students can finish their degree sooner.
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Bemidji State UniversityLocation
Bemidji, MN
Tuition$14653
Bemidji State University is located in northern Minnesota and is a small public state university. BSU offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Engineering online. The program is designed for degree completion, which means that most applicants already hold an Associates degree, or have completed some college courses.
The major requires 38 credits in technical courses, some of which can be transferred into the program. Classes in the program typically include Operations Planning and Control, Lean Principles and Practices, and Materials Science and Metallurgy. The program is designed to prepare graduates to work in a variety of industries with applied engineering skills, which includes areas like manufacturing, transportation, and construction, among many others.
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Bowling Green State UniversityLocation
Bowling Green, OH
Tuition$17877
Bowling Green State University is a public university with around 20,000 students annually enrolled. BGSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems online. Courses run for seven weeks and are taught by the same faculty who teach in the residential program. Students take core classes, as well as technical cognates, and other required courses.
Students can finish the major in 24-36 months and take classes like Auditing Change Services, Leadership for Lean Six Sigma, and Kaizen Project. Graduates of the program often combine their work experience with the degree and apply for various ASQ certifications like Manager Quality and Organizational Excellence, or Six Sigma Green.
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National UniversityLocation
La Jolla, CA
Tuition$13320
National University is based in La Jolla, CA, and is a private university with an annual enrollment of over 23,000 students. NU offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology online. The program grounds students in the basic principles of engineering, especially as they pertain to the construction industry.
The major is comprised of 15 courses plus three courses focused on a construction project. Classes include Soil Mechanics and Foundation, Mechanical and Electrical Systems, and Legal Aspects of Engineering. Classes run for four weeks at a time, and if you want to take courses in a traditional setting, you can visit one of their 20 different campus locations in California and Nevada.
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