10 Easiest Engineering Degrees To Earn Online in 2027

Engineering has a reputation as one of the toughest majors out there, and for good reason. Calculus sequences, physics labs, and design projects keep plenty of students on campus for four years or longer. If you're working full time or already have some college credit, though, a traditional engineering track may not be the most practical way to reach your goals.

The good news is that some easier online programs are built with your situation in mind. Engineering technology degrees, in particular, focus on applying engineering principles rather than deriving them, and many accept large blocks of transfer credit. Below, you'll find 10 accredited programs that make earning an engineering degree online more manageable, along with what they cost, how long they take, and where they can lead.

What Makes an Online Engineering Degree "Easier" To Earn?

No engineering program is easy in the casual sense, but some are far more accessible than others. The biggest difference often comes down to engineering technology versus traditional engineering. Engineering technology programs, which ABET accredits through a separate commission from its engineering programs, emphasize hands-on application and typically top out at applied calculus instead of differential equations and advanced theory. That applied focus also makes them much easier to deliver fully online.

Program structure matters just as much. Schools that offer 5- to 8-week terms, multiple start dates each year, and generous transfer policies can cut years off your timeline. Some programs use at-home lab kits or simulation software in place of on-campus lab sessions, while others are designed as degree-completion programs for students who already hold an associate degree. Credit for prior learning, whether from military training, certifications, or exams, can shrink your remaining coursework even further. Many of the easiest electrical engineering degrees combine several of these features in one program.

Easiest Online Engineering Degree Programs

The schools below offer fully online engineering or engineering technology bachelor's degrees with flexible formats and transfer-friendly policies. Each one gives you a realistic path to an accredited engineering credential without relocating or putting your career on hold.

1. Excelsior University

Few schools have offered online engineering technology longer than Excelsior University, a nonprofit online institution focused on adult learners. Its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology covers circuit theory, electronics, and electrical power, and it holds accreditation from the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (ETAC). You can complete the program 100% online or choose a hybrid option that blends online courses with in-person training.

Excelsior is especially appealing if you're bringing in credit from prior coursework or military training. The program requires 120 credits, but your actual time to completion depends on how much you transfer and how many courses you take per term. Courses start every eight weeks, and Excelsior also offers online bachelor's degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering technology if electrical work isn't your focus.

2. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) in New Jersey was designed specifically for adults, which shows in how flexibly you can earn credit. Its online BS in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology is a 120-credit program aimed at technologists already working in the electronics industry, and it carries ETAC accreditation. TESU's BS in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology is also ETAC-accredited if you're working in the power generation sector.

What sets TESU apart is the range of ways you can satisfy requirements. Beyond traditional online courses, you can earn credit through the Thomas Edison Credit-by-Examination Program (TECEP) and other exams like CLEP. If you already know the material from years on the job, testing out of courses can save you a significant amount of time and money.

3. Old Dominion University

If you're looking for a public university with a long track record in distance learning, Old Dominion University (ODU) is worth a close look. Its online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology lets you major in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering technology, and ETAC accredits all three majors. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step toward professional licensure in several states.

ODU works particularly well for transfer students. You can bring in up to 90 credits and only need to complete 30 credits through ODU, and the university delivers all upper-level engineering technology courses online, so students with an associate degree can finish without coming to campus. Keep in mind that some courses meet live at scheduled times online, so you'll want to plan around those sessions.

4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide

Embry-Riddle's Worldwide campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology entirely online through its College of Aviation. The ETAC-accredited program prepares you to apply engineering skills across a variety of industries, and you can customize the degree with a nine-credit concentration in areas such as aeronautical science or aviation safety.

The program's built-in Engineering Technology Area of Concentration is where Embry-Riddle places credit for prior technical learning. Many students bring in part or all of this credit from previous engineering or technical experience, which makes the degree a strong fit if you've worked in aviation, the military, or a technical trade. That structure can noticeably reduce the number of courses you'll need to take.

5. Indiana State University

Indiana State University takes a degree-completion approach to online engineering technology. Its online BS in Engineering Technology Management is designed for transfer students who've earned an associate degree in engineering technology, and the program holds ETAC accreditation. You'll build on your earlier technical education with management-focused coursework, which also prepares you for graduate study.

Indiana State also offers an online BS in Electronics Engineering Technology for transfer students, with clear pathways from associate programs at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University. Admission requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA in college-level work, and you can fulfill general education requirements through a mix of Indiana State's online courses and classes at your local college. Full-time Indiana State faculty teach the online courses.

6. University of Arkansas Grantham

As the online-focused member of the University of Arkansas System, University of Arkansas Grantham offers its Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology 100% online. The program holds ETAC accreditation, which puts it among a relatively small group of fully online, ABET-accredited electronics engineering technology programs nationwide.

Because most ABET-accredited programs still require full-time, in-person attendance, UA Grantham's fully remote format stands out. The program is a practical option if you need to keep working while you study, and the school's online structure is built around students balancing jobs, family, and military service.

7. Daytona State College

You don't need a large university to earn an accredited engineering degree online, and Daytona State College in Florida is a strong example. Its Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology has held ETAC accreditation since 2016 and was reaccredited in 2022. You can choose the standalone degree or a concentration, including electrical engineering technology or an industrial engineering technology track that became available fully online in 2024.

The program was built with transfer students in mind, particularly graduates of Associate of Science in Engineering Technology programs at Florida state colleges. As a public state college, Daytona State also offers some of the most affordable tuition you'll find for an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree. You'll need to complete the program's senior design courses through Daytona State itself, so factor that requirement into your transfer plan.

8. Indiana Tech

Indiana Tech's accelerated online format is one of the main draws here, with most online courses lasting only six weeks. The university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Engineering with concentrations in computer, electrical, industrial and manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. Note that the online bachelor's program is not yet ABET-accredited, and the university is working toward accreditation for its online engineering programs.

If ABET accreditation matters for your career path, Indiana Tech's online Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology earned ETAC accreditation in 2025, the first online AS in electrical engineering technology to receive that recognition. You can complete every course online, including labs, using an at-home lab kit. Starting with the associate degree and then continuing toward a bachelor's is one way to build momentum while keeping your options open.

9. DeVry University

DeVry University, a for-profit institution, offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with classes starting every eight weeks. The program is ETAC-accredited and holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Coursework covers areas such as industrial IoT, electrical power delivery, and the design and optimization of technical systems.

DeVry says you can finish the bachelor's degree in about 2 years and 8 months, or sooner with qualifying transfer credits. The program uses project-based learning in a virtual environment and prepares you to pursue industry certifications along the way. Qualifying students also receive a complimentary laptop, which helps if you're starting the program without the right equipment.

10. ECPI University

ECPI University, a for-profit school based in Virginia, is built for speed. Its Bachelor of Science in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology can be completed in as little as 2.5 years, with five-week terms and just two courses per term so you can focus on fewer subjects at a time. The online program is ETAC-accredited, as is ECPI's online BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

The degree requires 124 credits, and ECPI accepts up to 93 transfer credits, which can make a big difference if you've completed technical coursework before. The online format still includes hands-on learning experiences, and a mechatronics concentration is available if you're interested in automation and robotics.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. This information gives us a consistent baseline for comparing schools that vary widely in size, mission, and delivery format.

For an easiest online engineering list, we weigh features that genuinely lower the barriers to completion while still leading to a credible credential. Here's what we focus on:

• Accreditation: Priority goes to institutionally accredited schools whose programs hold ABET accreditation, and any exception is noted clearly in the school's entry.
• Program requirements: Programs with generous transfer policies, credit for prior learning, and applied coursework rank higher than those with heavy theoretical prerequisites.
• Online availability: Each program can be completed online, with fully remote formats and at-home lab options favored over required campus visits.
• Student outcomes: Graduation data, FE exam eligibility, and career preparation help show whether a program leads to real results.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an Engineering Degree Online?

If you're starting from scratch, an online engineering technology bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, the same as a campus program. Most require 120 to 128 credits. Accelerated formats can tighten that timeline, though, and some schools estimate completion in 2.5 to 3 years when you take classes year-round in five- or eight-week terms. Many of the fastest online engineering degrees use exactly this kind of structure.

The quickest route is the degree-completion path. If you already hold an associate degree in engineering technology, you may be able to finish your bachelor's in roughly two years, since programs at schools like ODU and Indiana State are designed around that 2+2 model. Military training, professional certifications, and credit-by-exam can shave off additional time, and turning work and life experience into college credit is especially common at adult-focused schools like TESU and Excelsior.

Are Online Engineering Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

The coursework in an accredited online engineering program covers the same material as its campus counterpart, so the content itself isn't easier. ABET applies the same standards to online and campus programs, so even the best online engineering degrees will still have you working through circuits, mechanics, and technical problem-solving. What changes is how and when you complete the work.

Online formats remove many of the logistical obstacles that slow students down. You don't have to commute, you can often study around a full-time job, and accelerated terms let you progress through the degree faster. On the other hand, online study requires strong self-discipline and time management, and lab work can feel less intuitive through simulations or home kits. Many students find the trade-off worth it, especially when the alternative would be putting their education off entirely.

How Much Does an Online Engineering Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online engineering technology bachelor's degree typically ranges from about $15,000 at a low-cost public college for in-state students to $60,000 or more at private and for-profit institutions. Public universities often charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state online students, so where you live can have a major effect on the final number.

Transfer credit is the biggest lever you have for lowering costs. If you complete general education or technical courses at a community college first, you'll pay far less per credit and only need to finish the remaining half of the degree at a four-year school. Credit-by-exam and prior learning assessments can reduce your bill even further, since these options usually cost a fraction of regular tuition. Fees, textbooks, lab kits, and software can add to your expenses, so ask each school for a full cost estimate.

Financial Aid for Online Engineering Degrees

Online students at accredited schools generally qualify for the same financial aid as campus students. Combining several sources is often the most effective way to keep your out-of-pocket costs low.

• Federal aid: Filing the FAFSA is the first step toward federal grants and loans, and the FAFSA does cover online college at accredited institutions. Pell Grants don't need to be repaid, and Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment plans. You'll want to submit your FAFSA as early as possible, since some aid is awarded on a first-come basis.
• Scholarships: Many schools offer scholarships specifically for online or transfer students, such as ODU's Monarch Rise Scholarship for eligible online transfer students. Professional organizations in engineering and technology also fund scholarships for students in technical fields. Applying for several smaller awards can add up quickly.
• Employer tuition assistance: Engineering and manufacturing employers frequently help pay for degrees that strengthen technical skills on the job. Check your company's benefits policy for annual limits, eligible programs, and any service commitment after you finish. Some employers pay schools directly, while others reimburse you once you complete a course with a passing grade.
• Military benefits: Active-duty service members can use Tuition Assistance, and veterans may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Schools like Excelsior, Embry-Riddle Worldwide, and ODU have long histories of serving military students, and many online colleges that accept military tuition assistance also award credit for military training.

How To Choose the Right Engineering Degree

The right program depends on your background, your career goals, and how much time you can commit each week. Keep these factors in mind as you compare schools:

• Type of ABET accreditation: Engineering technology programs and traditional engineering programs are accredited by different ABET commissions. Since states treat these degrees differently for professional licensure, confirm which one fits your long-term plans.
• Transfer and prior learning policies: Find out how many credits a school accepts and whether it evaluates military training, certifications, or exams. A generous policy can cut your time and cost dramatically.
• Lab format: Programs handle hands-on work through simulations, at-home kits, or occasional campus visits. Make sure the approach matches your schedule and learning style.
• Pacing and term length: Shorter terms help you finish faster but move quickly, while traditional semesters give you more time per course. Consider how many classes you can realistically manage alongside work and family.
• Specialization options: Look for majors or concentrations that line up with your industry, whether that's electrical power, manufacturing, mechatronics, or aviation.

Career Outlook With an Online Engineering Degree

An engineering technology degree prepares you for hands-on technical roles that support engineers in design, testing, and production. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earn a median annual wage of $78,190, and employment in the field is projected to grow 2% through 2035. The federal government, engineering services firms, and semiconductor manufacturers are among the largest employers, and many openings will come from workers retiring or changing careers.

Your degree can also serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying engineering roles. Electrical and electronics engineers earn a median annual wage of $125,040, with employment projected to grow 8% through 2035. Moving into these positions may require additional education or licensure depending on your state and employer, but the technical foundation you build in an engineering technology program gives you a solid starting point.

FAQs About the Easiest Online Engineering Degree Programs

Choosing an engineering path online raises practical questions about licensure, math, and lab work. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Can You Become a Licensed Professional Engineer With an Engineering Technology Degree?

It depends on your state. Many state boards allow graduates of ETAC-accredited programs to take the FE exam, but some require additional years of work experience before you can sit for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam, and a few don't accept engineering technology degrees for PE licensure at all. If licensure is a priority, review your state engineering board's requirements before you enroll.

How Much Math Is in an Online Engineering Technology Program?

You'll still need solid math skills, but the emphasis is on application rather than theory. Most engineering technology programs require college algebra, trigonometry, and applied calculus, along with physics and statistics. Traditional engineering programs, by comparison, typically include multiple calculus courses and differential equations, which is one reason many working adults find engineering technology more approachable.

How Do Online Engineering Programs Handle Lab Work?

Schools use a few different approaches to give you hands-on experience remotely. Some programs mail you lab kits so you can build and test circuits at home, while others rely on simulation software and virtual labs that mirror real equipment. A handful of hybrid programs require short campus visits for specific lab courses, so it's worth confirming the format before you apply.

Can You Earn a Master's in Engineering After an Engineering Technology Degree?

Yes, many graduate programs accept engineering technology graduates, especially master's programs in engineering technology, engineering management, and technology management. Admission to a traditional master's in engineering may require prerequisite courses in advanced math or engineering science first. Programs like Indiana State's Engineering Technology Management degree are intentionally designed to prepare you for graduate study.

Is an Online Engineering Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers generally view accredited online engineering degrees the same way they view campus degrees, since the diploma usually doesn't indicate how the program was delivered. ABET accreditation carries the most weight, because it signals that a program meets the profession's quality standards. Choosing a reputable school with strong industry connections goes a long way toward ensuring that online engineering degrees are respected by hiring managers in your field.

Find Online Engineering Degrees

An accessible online engineering program can help you build in-demand technical skills without stepping away from your job or family. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admissions, transfer credit, and lab requirements.