9 Fastest Online Engineering Degree Programs 2025

Pursuing an online engineering degree is a flexible and efficient way to start or advance your career. Many universities offer online accelerated programs that combine comprehensive coursework, including core fundamentals, methodologies, and specialized topics, with practical hands-on experiences like internships.

Accelerated engineering programs offer students the chance to complete their bachelor's degree or even a master's degree faster than the traditional timeline. They use strategies like fast-track formats, online courses, and credit for prior learning to help students accelerate their education and achieve their goals in less time.

Whether you're a recent high school graduate or a working professional planning to change careers, engineering school can prepare you for career paths in fields, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.

Accelerated Online Degree Programs in Engineering

Accelerated degree programs have pros and cons, though they're often helpful for many students. Many schools offer accessible and accredited degree programs that provide students with various opportunities to fast-track their education and start their engineering careers sooner. We've listed some of the top programs below.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) provides three accelerated online programs for engineering degrees: mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. These programs allow students to earn a bachelor of science and an online master's degree in five years. Online students can earn credit for completed prerequisites and standardized exams (e.g., CLEP) and through prior learning assessments that recognize military service or work experience.

With a transfer credit policy accepting up to 64 credits, ASU helps engineering students reduce the time to graduate while ensuring they receive a high-quality education.

2. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) offers a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, which is designed to help students progress through their program with accelerated courses.

The transfer credit policy at MSU Denver accepts up to 90 credits, making it ideal for students looking to finish their degree in less time. The university also allows students to earn credit through CLEP exams and prior learning assessments, making it possible to accelerate their studies even more.

3. ECPI University

ECPI University provides a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering technology that can be completed in as little as two and a half years. The program is designed for students seeking a real-world, hands-on education, with opportunities to earn credit for military training, CLEP exams, and professional experience.

The university allows up to 93 transfer credits, making it one of the fastest paths to earning an engineering degree.

4. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology, with concentrations in electronics and power systems. This flexible program enables students to transfer up to 117 credits, requiring only seven remaining credit hours to graduate.

Excelsior also awards credit for standardized exams, military service, and professional experience, making it a top choice for students looking for a quick and convenient pathway to a degree.

5. Western Governors University

The Bachelor of Science in software engineering at Western Governors University (WGU) has a competency-based model, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Students with prior knowledge in software development or related fields can complete assessments as soon as they can show their understanding of the material.

WGU accepts up to 90 transfer credits and recognizes learning through CLEP exams and professional experience, enabling students to graduate in less than the average four years.

6. Regent University

Regent University's bachelor's degree in computer engineering combines flexible online courses with options for part-time or full-time enrollment. The program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits, which can help you save time and money.

Regent also offers credit for CLEP exams, military training, and prior learning. Regent's approach balances high-quality academics with opportunities to accelerate through your degree program at a faster pace.

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Bachelor of Science in computer science, with a specialization in software engineering, is another one of the fastest programs available. SNHU recognizes CLEP exams, work experience, and prior learning through assessments.

Students with significant transfer credits can complete their degrees in as little as one year. The program allows up to 90 transfer credits, enabling students to focus on completing their remaining engineering courses.

8. Thomas Edison State University

The online BS in electronics systems engineering technology at Thomas Edison State University has a self-paced learning format and provides flexibility for working adults. Students can transfer up to 90 credits in total and earn additional college credit for CLEP exams, DSST, and military or professional experience.

With only two courses, including a capstone, that are required to be completed at TESU, this bachelor's program provides one of the fastest paths to earning an engineering degree.

9. Old Dominion University

At Old Dominion University (ODU), students can enroll in an online bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology as a degree completion program through its ODUGlobal platform. Students with 60 prior credits can complete the remaining 30 credits online.

The program has accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and offers college credit for CLEP, DSST, and military training. ODU also provides flexible online learning, with live class sessions and asynchronous materials, ensuring students can balance studies with other commitments.

Our Selection Criteria

Our ranking methods highlight programs that combine quality, flexibility, and speed to meet the diverse needs of students. Each school in this list meets our high standards of criteria:

• Accredited: All schools are accredited by recognized organizations and submit annual reports to the National Center of Educational Statistics (NCES), ensuring academic excellence.
• Reputable: Institutions were selected based on positive student reviews, strong graduation rates, and excellent student outcomes.
• Accelerated degree paths: These programs offer fast-track options, self-paced courses, and degree completion pathways.
• Generous transfer credit policies: Schools may accept up to 120 credits, including CLEP, DSST, and prior learning assessments.
• Credit for experience: Credit is awarded for work, life, or military experience to help students graduate faster.

FAQs About Online Engineering Degrees

The frequently asked questions can help clear up some confusion you may have about accelerated online engineering programs.

What Is the Quickest Way To Get an Engineering Degree?

Enrolling in an accelerated online engineering degree program is the fastest way to earn your degree. Accelerated programs often feature fast-track options that combine traditional academic coursework with credit hours awarded for prior learning, such as military service or professional experience.

Additionally, schools with generous transfer credit policies allow students to transfer credits from previous education, significantly reducing the time to graduation. Many programs also offer self-paced or competency-based learning formats, enabling students to progress quickly by mastering material at their own pace.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Engineering Degree Online?

With accelerated options, students can complete a bachelor's degree in as little as a year. The timeline depends on factors such as the number of prior credits transferred, the acceleration pathway, and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

Traditional online engineering programs, without acceleration, typically follow a four-year timeline, while graduate programs may take one to two years. Flexible learning formats, including self-paced and asynchronous online courses, allow students to tailor their studies to fit their schedules, further speeding up the process.

What Can I Do With an Online Engineering Degree?

Graduates with an online engineering degree have access to a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as cybersecurity, chemical engineering, systems engineering, and industrial engineering.

Many roles, such as engineering management and project management positions, involve applying technical skills to solve real-world problems. This can involve designing infrastructure, developing innovative software, or managing complex engineering projects.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for engineers is expected to grow significantly. The positive job outlook is due to the advancements in technology and infrastructure development.

Discover Online Engineering Programs Today

Explore these accelerated online engineering programs, as well as the other accredited and accelerated programs outlined on Learn.org, so you can find the right fit for your goals. For additional information, reach out to the schools that interest you and take the next step toward your career in the engineering field.