Learn about three schools that offer online associate's degree programs in engineering. Find out about course requirements and how these programs work.
Overview of Online Associate's Degree Programs in Engineering
Online programs in engineering fields are not common since this field typically requires labs and other hands-on training requirements; however, options are available from some community colleges and universities. Students interested in online associate's degree programs in engineering can consider programs in engineering management technology, electronics and computer engineering technology, environmental engineering technology and engineering technology. These programs prepare students to work as an entry-level technicians supporting the daily tasks of engineers. Programs may also prepare students to transfer to 4-year bachelor's degree programs in engineering. Read on to learn about a few options for earning an online associate's degree in engineering.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutOnlineEngineeringAssociateSDegreePrograms">Important Facts About Online Engineering Associate's Degree Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Degree Fields Of Study </td><td> Civil Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, Engineering Management Technology, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Decision Making, Electronics, Ethics, Programming, Public Speaking</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Manufacturing, plant management, quality assurance, product testing</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Degree may be applicable towards a bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td>$60,460 <i>(Mechanical Engineering Technicians)</i> // $58,320 <i>(Civil Engineering Technicians)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)*</td><td>2% <i>(Mechanical Engineering Technicians)</i> // 0% <i>(Civil Engineering Technicians)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source. *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---GranthamUniversity">Grantham University</h3><p>Grantham University is a 4-year, private for-profit school that only offers distance education programs. Grantham's College of Engineering offers online associate's degree programs in engineering management technology and electronics and computer engineering technology. Both programs can be completed entirely online and require general coursework as well as engineering courses. The school offers scholarships for military and first responders who pursue engineering associate's degrees online.
</p><h3 id="section---CentralCarolinaTechnicalCollege">Central Carolina Technical College</h3><p>Central Carolina Technical College, a 2-year public school, offers an online associate's degree program in environmental engineering technology. Online students in this 63-semester-hour program complete the same coursework as their on-campus counterparts and have access to instructors from the South Carolina Environmental Training Center. An in-person experiential learning component is required.
</p><h3 id="section---NationalUniversity">National University</h3><p>National University, a 4-year, private not-for-profit school in La Jolla, California, offers a fully-online Associate of Science in Engineering Technology program. The program combines the study of engineering, math, science and technology to prepare students for engineering technician careers. Students take courses in engineering math, circuits, scientific problem solving and computer-aided engineering.</p>
