What an Online Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Covers
An online bachelor of electrical engineering teaches the same core discipline found on campus: circuit analysis, electronics, signals and systems, electromagnetics, control theory, and power systems. Most programs layer in programming, microprocessor design, and embedded systems so graduates can work across hardware and software. The difference is delivery. Lectures are recorded or live-streamed, labs are simulated or run through remote-access kits, and project work is often completed with household components or cloud-based design tools. Students typically need a high-speed internet connection and a dedicated workspace for schematic capture and simulation software.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Expect a mix of synchronous sessions for real-time problem-solving and asynchronous materials for self-paced study. Labs that once required a bench oscilloscope now use virtual instrumentation or mailed hardware modules, and capstone projects may be completed in teams using collaboration platforms. The curriculum still culminates in a senior design project or thesis that demonstrates the ability to define a problem, model a solution, and verify it against specifications.
Accreditation and Program Structure
Accreditation is the single most important filter. In the United States, look for regional accreditation and an ABET-accredited engineering curriculum. ABET accreditation signals that the program meets quality standards for curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes, and it is usually required for licensure as a Professional Engineer. ABET maintains a directory of accredited programs, including those delivered partially or fully online.
Most online bachelor of electrical engineering programs require 120 to 130 credit hours and take four years for full-time students, though transfer credits and accelerated pathways can shorten that timeline. A typical distribution includes general education, mathematics through differential equations and linear algebra, physics, and a sequence of core electrical engineering courses. Many programs offer concentrations in power and energy, communications, control systems, or microelectronics, allowing students to tailor elective clusters to a target career path.
How Labs and Hands-On Work Function Remotely
Remote labs rely on a combination of simulation software and hardware kits. Common tools include Multisim or LTspice for circuit simulation, MATLAB or Python for signal processing, and programmable logic boards or microcontroller kits shipped to students. Some universities operate remote-access lab stations where students log in to real equipment, run experiments, and collect data from their homes. These setups require stable internet and may have scheduled time blocks, so students should confirm lab availability before enrolling.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a strong record in mathematics and physics, and standardized test scores where still required. Transfer students with an associate degree or prior college coursework may receive credit for introductory calculus, physics, and circuits, potentially reducing the time to completion. Many programs also expect demonstrated proficiency in a programming language such as Python or C before upper-division coursework begins. International applicants may need to submit English proficiency scores and credential evaluations.
Cost, Financial Aid, and Return on Investment
Tuition for an online bachelor of electrical engineering varies widely. Public universities often charge in-state tuition regardless of residency for online cohorts, while private institutions may set a different rate for distance learners. Beyond tuition, students should budget for a reliable computer, a dedicated workspace, and any lab kits or simulation licenses. Financial aid, including federal loans and scholarships specifically for online learners, is available at many accredited institutions. When evaluating return on investment, compare graduation rates, median early-career salaries for electrical engineering graduates, and whether the program supports internships or co-op placements.
| Consideration | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | ABET and regional accreditation | Required for PE licensure in most jurisdictions |
| Credit Hours | 120 to 130 | Standard for a U.S. bachelor's degree |
| Lab Delivery | Simulation, remote access, or shipped kits | Varies by program; confirm before applying |
| Typical Duration | 4 years full-time; longer part-time | Accelerated options may reduce this |
| Concentrations | Power, communications, controls, microelectronics | Aligns with career focus |
Careers and Further Study After Graduation
Graduates with an online bachelor of electrical engineering enter roles such as design engineer, test engineer, field engineer, and systems integrator across industries including utilities, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The degree also serves as a foundation for graduate study in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields. For those pursuing professional licensure, completing an ABET-accredited program is a standard step toward sitting for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first milestone on the path to a Professional Engineer license.