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Behind every innovative and advanced equipment, device, or system is a dedicated electrical engineer with the technical aptitude. They usually have a solid knowledge of electrical systems and power circuits.
They know the nuts and bolts of electrical principles, control systems, power distribution, and digital or analog electronics.
Whether you’re gifted with technical abilities or fascinated with electronics and engineering, an online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering is the right pathway.
As technology evolves rapidly, the skills and knowledge you acquire from your Electrical Engineering degree can open even more opportunities in diverse industries. It is ideal for people who enjoy disassembling devices, nitpicking electrical devices, and learning how they work.
The Lowdown
Electrical engineering bachelor’s degree programs prepare graduates for designing and developing electrical products, circuits, devices, and systems.
A graduate usually works as an electrical engineer, developing products for the computer and electronics industry, going into robots, joining the medical equipment field, developing navigation systems, or producing computers and video games.
But before anything else, an online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering program is a solid first step to reaching your goals. These programs typically require lab work and courses in science and math.
Methodology
Enter the electrical engineering field by studying an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. You should consider the following factors when choosing an online degree that matches your goals:
- Offered as an online or hybrid/blended undergraduate program,
- Features a rigorous curriculum drafted by credible and highly qualified electrical engineers,
- Focuses on fundamental technical knowledge and skills in both engineering and electronics,
- Builds students’ understanding of electrical engineering through research, group work, lab work, online collaborations, capstone projects, and other enjoyable educational activities,
- Develops students’ skills such as research, leadership, problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills,
- Prepares students for advanced education, such as a Master’s in Electrical Engineering or a related field,
- Ensures one-on-one instruction with small class sizes,
- Provides students access to a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, student loans, grants, military benefits, and flexible payment plans,
- Granted ABET and regional accreditation.
Visit our Methodology page for information on our ranking process.
List of 10 Best Online Colleges with Online Degrees in Electrical Engineering
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering – Electrical Engineering
At Arizona State University, BS in Engineering in Electrical Engineering students become prepared to work in an array of industries that pioneer new technologies, such as the energy sector, robotics, and computing.
This is highly focused on the following subject matters:
- Design of electric power systems
- Antennas
- Electronic devices
- Signal processing algorithms
- Semiconductor devices
The foundational courses for the online electrical engineering degree emphasize advanced math, science, and the engineering design process. Some of the specialized topics can be chosen and taken on in your later years in college.
You learn how to use industry-standard simulation and design tools in lab courses and gain practical experience.
What’s Unique About this Program:
For those who want to combine their bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree, ASU offers an Accelerated Master’s program as an alternative pathway.
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you may be able to earn your master’s degree in just one year. As a result of this opportunity, you will be able to save time and money and acquire advanced knowledge in your field.
Depending on your circumstances, completing your online Electrical Engineering degree may take you longer or shorter than four years. You will typically build a foundation in the fundamental concepts of engineering and electrical over the first two years of study.
You could focus on a particular area of electrical engineering throughout the following two years.
Did You Know?
The first entirely online electrical engineering degree is offered by Arizona State University and is approved by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission.
This indicates that the online degree satisfies the commission’s requirements for academic quality and equips students for success in engineering professions.
Florida International University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Florida International University offers an online BS in Electrical Engineering degree. Through the online program, graduates learn to think critically, solve problems creatively, and become lifelong learners.
Their graduates are trained to stay up-to-date in their fields, and they excel at their respective companies. You can be the same as you finish strong in this online degree.
Electrical engineering also lays the foundation for students to pursue advanced studies in the field to pursue a master’s degree after graduation.
The following areas in electrical engineering are the main focus of this online degree:
- Electronics and electromagnetism
- Power Systems
- Nanotechnology
- Energy systems
- Controls
- Communications
- Computers
- Bio-engineering
Designing distribution systems based on new technologies will require electrical engineering expertise. To make innovative designs a reality, electrical engineers will work hand-in-hand as new technologies are discovered.
Electrical engineering degrees will prepare students for key roles in solar array, semiconductor, and communications technology developments.
Electrical engineers will pave the way for projects all over the nation as governments improve infrastructure. They are also paramount to the initiatives such as transforming renewable energy sources. Electrical engineers can also automate different production processes.
All these roles and more are expected from you as soon as you become an electrical engineer.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Students love this curriculum because they can learn how to construct, fix, and calibrate equipment on the spot. They’ll be trained to test electrical systems to diagnose and resolve development initiatives.
They can be trained about the upkeep and operation of electrical equipment required for many electrical equipments. On that note, you can get a well-rounded education that helps multiple industries today.
Did You Know?
FIU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering employs full-time faculty members with doctoral degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Most of the department’s faculty members have extensive experience working in the industry.
Stony Brook University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Prepare your electrical engineering career by enrolling at Stony Brook University’s online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. This online bachelor’s degree will give you thorough training and education in the fundamentals of the field.
Electrical engineering professionals and those in other fields seeking to advance their careers should consider this program.
Some of the industries that electrical engineers can join after graduation are the following:
- Computer technology
- Financial industry
- Energy departments
- Aeronautics
- Banking systems
- Communications
- Electronics laboratories
What’s Unique About this Program:
During and after graduation, electrical engineering students will develop an understanding of engineering, science, and mathematics principles and develop the ability to apply these principles to complex engineering problems.
Alongside, your communication abilities will be honed. You’ll learn to use engineering design to develop solutions that meet specific needs. In electrical engineering, you’ll also be able to make informed judgments while considering important variables in the field.
Did You Know?
Most graduates of this program are expected to be hired in industries and other organizations that strongly emphasize the design and execution of engineering systems and devices.
American Public University
Online Bachelor of Engineering: Electrical Engineering
Through American Public University’s online Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, you will gain practical experience and be offered many learning opportunities. You will also gain management skills that will be useful across a variety of fields.
Some of the coursework to expect in this online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree are the following:
- Analog circuit design
- Control systems
- Circuit analysis
- Passive microwave design and analysis
- Communication systems
- Energy conversion and transport
- Transmission and reception
- Electromagnetic field theory
- Radar and RF signal propagation
This electrical engineering degree provides online students with a solid engineering education that can be applied in many fields.
What’s Unique About this Program:
In this online program, you will develop professional and soft skills. You’ll learn to contribute to society using your professional expertise in developing solutions to societal and technical problems. Furthermore, you can develop your skills through self-study and lifelong learning.
Did You Know?
You’ll learn to solve complex engineering problems and apply engineering principles in this online degree. You can also incorporate engineering design into developing solutions to meet specified needs in respective industries.
Washington State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
The BS in Electrical Engineering degree is available at Washington State University. This online degree teaches you how to design, test, develop, and manufacture electronic systems and equipment. Whether you choose to work in the electrical engineering industry or not, WSU gives you the fundamentals to build your career.
This bachelor’s in electrical
program is best for transfer students, so it can be completed full-time in two years. Professors teach in-person classes for some courses and laboratories, but these can be recorded in videos so online students can access them through their Global Campus.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The prerequisites and the pre-engineering admission criteria can be satisfied at any two- or four-year college so you can finish your bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering faster.
If you are currently certified in Pullman’s electrical engineering major, you can work with your academic advisor so they can help you begin your curriculum. As with other transfer applicants, GPA and prerequisites are taken into consideration.
Did You Know?
Although it is not necessary to pursue a community college transfer degree to be accepted into the program, it would help you get more points or advantages to getting admitted.
Excelsior University
Online Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering Technology
Excelsior University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program. This includes courses to help you develop the skills necessary to join the electronics, computers, semiconductors, and electrical power industries.
This online program is designed to help professionals advance their skills by providing a broad understanding of technology concepts and a deep understanding of a chosen concentration area.
Choose between two technical focuses to develop a solid professional and technical foundation in a specific area of electrical engineering technology, enabling you to apply your knowledge to a position in a sector reliant on technology.
What’s Unique About this Program:
As a learner in electrical engineering, you can analyze, identify, and solve technical problems by applying general and discipline-specific concepts and methodologies. You’ll develop communication skills in both written and oral formats. You’ll learn to continuously learn and improve yourself to remain technologically current and adaptive.
Did You Know?
Electrical engineers frequently work in product assessment and testing, testing, adjusting, and repairing equipment using measurement and diagnostic tools. You can expect to follow these roles when you graduate from this field.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Online Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering
Understand how to use mathematics and computers to solve circuit problems, test equipment, and utilize electronics fundamentals in the real world by enrolling in UMass Lowell’s Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering Technology.
This online degree prepares you for employment in a variety of industries. After all, electrical hardware and software need to be designed, tested, and manufactured. This is also the best program to prepare for a master’s in Electrical Engineering or a related study.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Electronic Engineering Technology students need appropriate industrial experience. An industrial experience capstone course can be used by students who have worked on a specific project in a high-tech company.
Along the program, you can apply all the skills, knowledge, and techniques of mathematics, electronics, science, and engineering to resolve problems relevant to your field.
Did You Know?
Students must have their own electronic calculators ready during classes since trigonometric and logarithmic classes are included.
UMass Lowell charges half the tuition of private universities, and they have some of the lowest online tuition prices in the country. Certain courses are the same for some online programs, regardless of your residency.
Clemson University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Clemson University enables its diverse learners to complete their online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from anywhere. This requires an overall 128 credit hours for completion. Those interested in the online BSEE degree completion program must complete prerequisite courses with at least a B grade.
The prerequisite courses for this degree are not currently offered by Clemson online, so some must be taken at other schools and transferred to Clemson.
This online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering program is designed for those employed full-time by current employers in engineering companies. For those who don’t have prior engineering or associate’s degree experience, they may not qualify for this program.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The demanding curriculum holds students to the same standards as the on-campus program. A student needs solid arithmetic abilities, a strong work ethic, and a drive to get the degree to succeed.
Did You Know?
The Clemson ECE department offers an online route for professionals in the energy sector to finish the BS in Electrical Engineering via EPCE, a national hub for online energy education.
University of North Carolina
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
The BS in Electrical Engineering degree program is available at the University of North Carolina. This online degree is intended for individuals with an Associate in Electrical Engineering Technology degree or other related sub-studies.
Electrical Engineering Technology (ELET) graduates are employed in various industries. The Associate in Applied Science Degree in an applicable field of study is the entry-level requirement for the BS in Electrical Engineering Technology intended to meet the academic needs of these professionals.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Regarding program content, objectives, and outcomes, the part-time electrical engineering technology program for working adults is the same as the on-campus program. There is no need to attend on-campus during the summer for distance education courses, except for required laboratories.
There are usually five Saturdays in the summer session, with an 8 a.m.-5 p.m. schedule, and typically meets every other Saturday.
Did You Know?
Throughout the educational journey, enrollment specialists and advisors guide students. The Center for Teaching and Learning develops student-centered, quality-led programs in collaboration with AISLE and faculty. They assist adult students in developing and implementing plans to achieve academic and career success.
National University
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
National University offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree program to prepare distance learners for careers in the invention, design, development, manufacture, and marketing of new devices and electronics. Among the topics you will study are hardware design and development and software.
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering is an excellent start if you’re prepared to lay a strong foundation in math and engineering.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The educational goal of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at National University is to educate graduates to succeed in one or more of the following fields within a few years of graduation. You can learn more about engineering and other professional fields and prepare for graduate studies.
You’ll also have opportunities to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.
Did You Know?
- They have a dedicated admissions team to help you find the right program for your career goals and guide you through the admissions process.
- To simplify and streamline your application process, they’ve streamlined your enrollment process. Depending on your program of choice and location, you can start class as fast as within a month.
Tips to Go Into the Field of Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers have several chances for career progression and can work in various industries. Electrical engineers frequently finish particular certifications before applying because their job requirements might be extremely technical.
Learn about the tips you may take to prepare for your profession if you’re interested in becoming an electrical engineer.
Acquire an education.
The first step to acquiring an electrical engineering job is to study for an online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Most employers typically require this education for entry-level electrical engineers. Majors in electrical engineering can participate in lab and fieldwork in addition to classroom work.
Choose bachelor’s programs that also come with internships, as they allow students to apply classroom skills in real-world settings.
Master the basics.
Learn about the fundamentals of electrical engineering by taking classes and studying engineering-related materials. Electrical engineering’s fundamental scientific theories must be understood to succeed in the sector and take on complex tasks.
Grow your knowledge and keep learning.
Another helpful tip is to grow your knowledge and never stop learning. One effective way to do this is to practice your blueprint design and circuitry skills on independent projects. Your industry skills will be solidified as a result of this experience.
Take the professional engineering exam.
Electrical engineers need to acquire certifications and licenses for additional credentials. EITs must have four years of relevant work experience to qualify for the Professional Engineer exam.
Engineers must keep up with field changes even after earning their PE license because several states require continuing education to maintain their engineering license.
Get trained by a mentor.
Mentors in electrical engineering can help your career grow exponentially, too. Consult professors, peers, and engineering contacts to identify the best electrical engineering opportunities and learn from their experiences and bits of advice.
Look for entry-level electrical engineering positions.
After obtaining your degree and licensing, you can begin applying for jobs. This is the most crucial step, which can make or break your electrical engineering career. The key is finding work opportunities to contribute to and help you grow.
Take note that a career as an electrical engineer can be advanced through experience, accomplishments, and by completing the Professional Engineer exam. When you can add these to your CV, you may be able to compete effectively among applicants.
Finally, invest a few years in gaining experience and developing your electrical engineering skills after securing an entry-level position.
Possible Career Pathways in Electrical Engineering
Aerospace Engineer
In the aeronautics field, aerospace engineers are crucial roles. They create and test aircraft, satellites, and weapons. As engineers, they can ensure that aircraft and systems comply with engineering principles, the requirements of clients, and the environment.
Automation and Robotics Specialist
The development and construction of robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation are some things you must master if you choose this career path in electrical engineering.
Energy is provided for automated systems, production processes are integrated, and data is gathered for analysis by these systems. Automation and robotics specialists facilitate in improving automated infrastructure.
Electronics Engineer
It is the responsibility of electronics engineers to design and manufacture electronic components. Many companies worldwide require electronics engineers. The products they develop include computers, appliances, mobile devices, and other electronic devices.
Electronics engineers determine a new product’s power supply options and visual design elements. Electronic engineers also decide on a product’s final specifications to explain to consumers how it works and its limitations.
Biomedical Engineer
If you love the medical field combined with engineering, pursuing a biomedical engineering career is best. Electrical engineering can be used to transform products and materials. The biomedical engineering field creates medical equipment and implants, necessities in healthcare.
Technology Director
The technology field needs directors and leaders in organizational structures for corporations and businesses. They are typically in charge of arranging and managing all technological needs for the organization.
Technology infrastructure planning, hardware acquisition, and hiring personnel with advanced technical skills are all included in this role. Aside from technical electrical engineering aptitude, they must have business skills.
For new ventures, they look for suppliers or business partners and allocate resources accordingly.
Electrical Designer
Circuit layouts are created by electrical designers using their knowledge and expertise in electrical engineering. Electrical systems require the right voltage to function safely and efficiently, and electrical designers determine them.
They create circuitry systems that fit in a building, machine, or product based on the space available.
Engineering Manager
More on the management part, engineering managers manage engineers and systems and processes at work. Your technical skills can be combined with your leadership and project management skills in this career path.
Engineering management positions may combine other roles like financial aspects, marketing, and human resources. Additionally, you’ll manage diverse teams and come up with solutions to various problems.
Controls Engineer
Control engineers work alongside industrial facilities and energy producers to ensure dependable production processes. By modifying the manufacturing strategy, they maximize the output of the plant. Increasing productivity is achieved by changing the layout of the manufacturing floor and automating key workflow procedures.
Computer Engineer
Software engineers analyze, create, and test the code to run computers. Creating, maintaining, and designing operating systems are all part of this job responsibility. As well as creating computer games and mobile apps, some computer engineers create software for consumers.
Specializations Available in Electrical Engineering
Power Systems
The design of large-scale power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes is the responsibility of engineers specialized in power systems. The field of power systems ensures that electrical systems do not become overloaded and that power grids work properly.
Some jobs in this electrical engineering field are a design engineer, transmission line engineer, or an electrical plant-power distributor.
Computer Engineering
Nearly every facet of modern life is influenced by computers and computing systems. Thus, electrical engineering is combined with computer engineering, and this is a popular specialization. The use of computer chips has enhanced mechanical and electromechanical systems that were previously entirely mechanical.
Specializing in computer engineering will train you to advance the technology behind electronic devices and gadgets.
Microelectronics
Microelectronics is a core component of electrical engineering since it traditionally includes research into the physics of semiconductor devices and the design and production of such integrated circuits. If you love to enter into the semiconductor field, this is the best specialization to take.
Computer Hardware
Those who specialize in computer hardware will tackle the mechanics part of computers. Computer network architects or hardware engineers can find jobs by specializing in this field.
Communications
Those who specialize in communications systems will have to work in the telecommunications field. Graduates of the communications field must pass state licensing exams and gain four years of work experience before applying for the professional engineer exam.
Electrophysics
Engineers who specialize in electrophysics incorporate concepts from fundamental physics and work to turn them into workable solutions.
Electronics, communications, information processing, computer engineering, and microelectronics are some of the fields in which electrophysics overlaps with electrical and computer engineering.
Electrophysics must be combined with systems engineering and concepts based on physics principles to construct complex systems that function in everyday life. Electrophysics is a component of almost all contemporary electronics.
Control Systems
A specialty of the online Electrical Engineering program studies electromagnetic circuits inside machines known as control systems. These engineers design and test electrical components to ensure that hardware and software work together. One primary work in this field is to be a control systems engineer.
Electrical Engineer vs. Electrician
When people experience challenges in electronics, they often think of two professionals to seek help from. They would either contact an electrical engineer or an electrician and while these two have a thin line of difference, it’s important to dissect how they differ from each other exactly.
Online Electrical Engineering degrees focus on developing and designing systems and machinery that run on electricity. Their duties include designing concepts for electronic mechanisms and devices, drafting blueprints, building prototypes, performing initial product testing, and managing production. Consumers buy their goods from either them or the businesses they work for.
Electrical engineers understand how electrical devices work and why they do so. These products are created by electrical engineers, who also optimize their designs to improve them. They constantly review customer feedback to ensure their products adequately meet consumer needs.
In contrast, electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems. Electrical systems require wires to connect to power sources and to function. This role establishes and manages those wires.
Electrical systems are routinely inspected to ensure they are working properly, updated if necessary, and repaired if damaged. Contacting electricians for fixtures and electrical maintenance in facilities at home, hospitals, factories, stores, and other places is common.
Electrical equipment installation and use must be safe for everyone, so this is an important responsibility of electricians. These professionals use approved materials and practices to avoid issues such as fires and electric shock. The work of electricians involves ensuring that all the wirings and electric connections are safe and far from hazardous incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do graduates do with their online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering degree online?
Professionals with bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering can work as electrical design engineers or engineers. These positions are paid a median salary of $95,981, according to Indeed.
After gaining experience and earning a master’s degree, professionals can climb the career ladder and apply for higher company positions. These jobs include electrical manager, senior electrical engineer, or electrical engineering director. In the US, electrical engineering directors earn $202,713 on average.
What are the typical online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering courses?
The Electrical Engineering online degree coursework should be as rigorous as in-person programs, except for a few modifications for individuals with specialized concentrations. Problem-solving in mathematics and physics and improving analytical abilities will be the most prevalent activities.
In the beginning, students will take foundational courses in physics and chemistry.
Throughout the course, you will come across topics related to microprocessors, design and administration, control systems, and digital hardware.
For online platforms, hands-on laboratory work must often be completed at home, but some colleges insist you attend class on campus.
Is there a good demand for Electrical Engineers?
Electrical engineering majors are in demand on average. Electrical engineers are expected to grow by 5% between 2022 and 2032, opening more than 15,800 jobs. Those who earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering will likely find employment in the field.
Summary Points
- The right knowledge and training are provided by an online bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering to develop, design, and maintain electrical systems and equipment production. Students pursuing a degree in engineering are exposed to a wide range of electrical components, from computer hardware to electronic devices.
- People who develop things that use electricity and build things that use electricity work in electrical engineering. These engineers create and test a variety of projects and can impart their technical skills in diverse industries.
- Electrical engineering careers promise good salaries and steady employment but often need a bachelor’s degree.
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