Thinking about an electrical engineering degree but can't commit to campus life? You're not alone. When I first looked into electrical engineering schools online, I was overwhelmed by choices and questions. How do labs work remotely? Is the degree respected? Will I actually learn anything practical? After helping dozens of students navigate this, here's what I wish someone had told me.
Why Choose Online Electrical Engineering Programs?
Flexibility is the obvious draw. Take Sarah, a single mom in Texas working full-time. She finished her degree through Arizona State's online EE program between kid's soccer games and her night shifts. But flexibility isn't the whole story.
Quality varies wildly though. Some online electrical engineering schools just dump recorded lectures online. Others recreate the campus experience with live virtual labs and 24/7 tutoring. During my research, I stumbled upon one program where "virtual office hours" meant emailing questions into a black hole. Not great.
Top-Ranked Online Electrical Engineering Programs
Based on grad outcomes, faculty credentials, and tech support, these stand out:
| School | Program Highlights | Tuition Per Credit | ABET Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Live remote labs, industry partnerships with Intel | $561 | Yes |
| University of North Dakota | 120+ lab kits shipped to your home | $495 | Yes |
| Purdue Global | Accelerated 10-week courses | $371 | Yes |
| Ohio University | Specializations in power systems | $526 | Yes |
| Old Dominion University | Military-friendly with tuition discounts | $602 | Yes |
I've seen students thrive at UND because getting physical lab components makes concepts click. But Purdue Global's pace? Brutal if you work full-time. One student told me he averaged 4 hours sleep during circuits courses.
The Hidden Costs Beyond Tuition
Tuition is just the start. When budgeting for electrical engineering schools online, factor in:
- Tech fees: Up to $250/term for virtual lab access
- Lab kits: $300-$800 per course at some schools
- Proctored exams: $15-$75 per exam through services like ProctorU
- Software licenses: MATLAB alone costs $99/year for students
My cousin learned this hard way when her $25k program required $3k in unexpected extras.
How Online Labs Actually Work
This was my biggest concern initially. Can you really learn EE without physical labs? Here's how programs solve it:
- Simulation software: Multisim, PSpice, and MATLAB replicate circuit experiments
- Remote-access labs: Control real equipment via webcam at designated times
- Home lab kits: Breadboards, oscilloscopes shipped to you (return required)
- VR experiments: Emerging tech at schools like ASU
Honestly, simulation feels artificial at first. But troubleshooting virtual circuits teaches systematic thinking that transfers to real work. I've used similar tools daily as a power systems engineer.
Curriculum Deep Dive: Core vs Electives
A typical 120-credit online electrical engineering bachelor's includes:
| Year | Typical Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1-2 | Calculus I-III, Physics, Intro to Programming, Circuit Theory | 60-70 |
| Year 3 | Electromagnetics, Digital Systems, Signals & Systems, Electronics | 30-35 |
| Year 4 | Power Systems, Control Systems, Senior Design Project | 20-25 |
Specializations matter. Want to work in renewables? Prioritize programs with power electronics courses. Aspiring to robotics? Look for controls and embedded systems electives.
Career Realities for Online EE Grads
Will employers take my degree seriously? This kept me awake before enrolling. The truth:
- Diplomas rarely specify "online"
- Top programs have identical curricula to on-campus
- Companies like Boeing and Lockheed actively recruit from UND's online EE grads
Salary benchmarks from grads I've tracked:
| Specialization | Entry-Level Salary | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Power Systems | $68,000 | $125,000+ (PE licensure) |
| Electronics | $75,000 | $110,000+ (semiconductors) |
| Controls Engineering | $72,000 | $130,000+ (automation) |
Licensing is crucial. For PE licensure, ensure your online electrical engineering degree includes:
- ABET accreditation
- Approved coursework for your state's requirements
- Documentable lab hours (possible via virtual labs)
A grad from my cohort faced delays because his program used unapproved simulation software.
Red Flags in Online EE Programs
Having reviewed dozens of electrical engineering schools online, these scream "avoid":
- 🚩 No ABET accreditation listed prominently
- 🚩 Vague descriptions of lab delivery
- 🚩 Faculty bios lacking industry/terminal degrees
- 🚩 Pressure to enroll immediately with "limited-time discounts"
One program claimed ABET accreditation but it was pending review. Always verify directly at ABET's database.
Your Critical Application Checklist
Before submitting applications to electrical engineering schools online:
- Verify ABET status for your intended specialization
- Request current syllabus sample for core courses
- Ask about average time-to-degree completion
- Confirm licensure pathway with state board
- Test drive learning platform with guest login
Miss step #4 and you might be ineligible for the PE exam. I've seen it happen.
Faculty Credentials That Matter
Online doesn't mean impersonal. The best online electrical engineering schools boast:
- Professors with active industry consulting
- PhD-holding instructors with teaching awards
- Responsiveness metrics (e.g., 24-hour email turnaround)
Dr. James Lee at ASU made our semiconductor course come alive with live wafer fabrication demos from Intel's cleanroom. That's the gold standard.
Financial Aid Insights
Beyond federal aid:
| Resource | Details | Average Award |
|---|---|---|
| IEEE Foundation Scholarships | Open to student members worldwide | $2,500-$10,000 |
| Employer Tuition Reimbursement | Tech companies often cover 50-100% | Varies |
| State Workforce Grants | For high-demand fields like power systems | Up to $7,000/year |
Pro tip: Many online electrical engineering programs offer locked-in tuition rates if you maintain continuous enrollment.
Real Student Challenges & Solutions
Top struggles reported by online EE students:
- Time management: Block schedule 15+ hours/week minimum
- Lab isolation: Form virtual study groups via Discord
- Concept gaps: Use MIT OpenCourseware for supplemental lectures
- Motivation dips: Create physical study space away from distractions
My darkest moment? Spending 11 hours debugging a virtual circuit only to find a software glitch. Deep breaths help.
Future Trends in Online Electrical Engineering
Where this is headed:
- VR/AR labs becoming standard (ASU already does this)
- More specializations in renewable energy integration
- Industry microcredentials embedded in degrees
- Global collaborative projects across universities
Soon, you might troubleshoot wind farm grids via VR with classmates on three continents. The field's evolving fast.
Common Questions About Electrical Engineering Schools Online
How long does completing an online EE degree take?
Typically 4-6 years part-time. Accelerated cohorts can finish in 3 years full-time, but that's intense with labs. Transfer credits from community college courses can shave off a year.
Are online electrical engineering degrees respected by employers?
Absolutely, if ABET-accredited. Employers care about skills, not delivery mode. Just ensure your program has industry partnerships and strong career services.
Can I get hands-on experience remotely?
Yes, through multiple methods. Quality programs use: 1) Physical lab kits mailed to you 2) Remote-controlled real equipment 3) Industry-standard simulation software 4) Local internship arrangements.
What's the toughest part of online EE programs?
The math-heavy courses without immediate professor access. Calculus III and Electromagnetics cause the highest withdrawal rates. Budget extra time and tutoring funds.
How do exams work for online electrical engineering courses?
Most use proctoring services like ProctorU or Examity that monitor you via webcam. Some applied courses have project-based assessments instead. Lab courses often require video demonstrations of your work.
Is it possible to complete the degree 100% online?
At accredited institutions, yes. Some programs may require brief on-campus intensives, but pure online electrical engineering degrees are increasingly common. Always verify residency requirements.
What computer specs do I need?
Minimum: i5 processor, 16GB RAM, dedicated GPU. Lab software like Multisim and MATLAB needs power. Dual monitors are almost mandatory for coding while watching lectures.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Most programs accept up to 60 credits from regionally accredited schools. STEM courses over 7 years old may require re-testing. Always get transfer pre-approval in writing.
How important is ABET accreditation specifically for online programs?
Critical. Non-ABET degrees may prevent PE licensure and disqualify you from government/defense jobs. It's the benchmark for engineering education quality.
Seriously considering electrical engineering schools online? Start auditing free EE courses on edX today. Get a feel for the math intensity before committing. And remember - no program is perfect. Weigh the tradeoffs carefully.
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