Top 10 Part-Time PhD in Engineering Degree Programs 2025

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are terminal research degrees. They're typically designed to lead to roles in research or academia, but can also help you further your career in the field. A PhD in engineering can lead you to management or advisory roles.

Many students wanting to pursue an engineering PhD are already working professionals, and as a result, a part-time PhD in engineering is ideal. These programs provide more flexibility and are less intensive than full-time options. Keep reading to learn more about part-time PhDs in engineering.

Can You Earn a PhD in Engineering Part-Time?

You can certainly earn a PhD in engineering part-time. Most schools understand that PhD students are often working professionals or have busy lives, so they offer part-time options that allow students to balance school with their other obligations.

In a part-time program, you'll take fewer credit hours per term than full-time students. Full-time is generally considered nine credit hours, or about three courses. Part-time is usually anywhere from three to eight credits per term.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Engineering Online?

Although PhDs aren't the most common online degrees available, several schools offer part-time engineering PhDs online. These programs are ideal for students who require more flexibility in their schedules, are unable to attend campus, or wish to attend a school that's not local to their current location.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Engineering PhD?

It usually takes five to eight years to finish a part-time PhD. The length depends on several factors, including:

• how many credits your program requires
• how many credits you take per term
• whether you take courses during the summer months
• how long it takes you to complete your dissertation

Some programs allow students to complete their degree more quickly if they have already earned credits from a graduate program, such as a master's degree.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Engineering

A handful of schools offer part-time PhD programs in engineering. We've featured some of these top options below.

1. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public research institution in Fort Collins, CO. It offers a 72-credit online PhD in systems engineering that students can complete full-time or part-time.

This degree covers topics such as project management, risk assessment, systems engineering, and architecture. Students can transfer in up to 30 credits from a master's degree; however, a master's degree is not required for acceptance into the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85,896 total
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

2. Mississippi State University

At Mississippi State University (MSU), students can earn an online, full-time or part-time PhD in electrical engineering, computational engineering, and industrial and systems engineering. It also offers a general PhD in engineering with concentrations in:

• aerospace engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• engineering education
• mechanical engineering

MSU, a public research university, is located in Mississippi State, MS. For the online PhDs, students work with their advisor to create a schedule that works best for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $581 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) offers a few engineering PhDs that students can choose to earn part-time and online. Missouri S&T is a public research university in Rolla, MO.

Options include a part-time PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, engineering management, explosives engineering, and systems engineering. Credit hours vary by program and whether you hold a master's.

• Estimated tuition cost: $950 to $1,200 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: HLC

4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Several engineering PhDs with part-time options are available at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). These include a part-time PhD in civil engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, and more.

NJIT, located in Newark, NJ, is a public research university. It offers several of its part-time PhDs through a collaborative program designed specifically for working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,574 per credit (in-state); $2,167 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public research institution in Raleigh, NC. It offers an online PhD in nuclear engineering with a part-time option.

Courses cover topics like radiation safety, radiological emergency response, nuclear waste management, and radiological assessment. The program requires 72 credit hours. Other PhDs in engineering are available on campus at NC State, some with part-time options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,920 total (in-state); $126,113 total (out-of-state)
• Program length: Five to seven years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Tufts University

Students at Tufts University can earn their PhDs part-time through the School of Engineering. Options are available in areas like:

• biomedical engineering
• civil and environmental engineering
• electrical and computer engineering
• mechanical engineering

Tufts is a private nonprofit research university located in Medford, MA. While most of these programs are on-campus, some offer online or hybrid course options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,799 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama (Bama) offers two online engineering PhDs with online options. Bama is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, AL.

The first option is a part-time mechanical engineering PhD, the other is a part-time PhD in aerospace engineering and mechanics. Both programs require 60 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $28,800 total
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Maryland

The PhD in chemical and molecular engineering at the University of Maryland (UMD) is available on a part-time schedule. This is a 63-credit, on-campus research program.

UMD, located in College Park, MD, is a public research university. It requires all students in the PhD program to serve as teaching assistants for two semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,891 per year (in-state); $36,822 per year (out-of-state)
• Program length: Maximum of nine years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university in Grand Forks, ND. It offers several online PhDs that students can earn part-time, including options in:

• chemical engineering
• energy engineering
• environmental engineering
• petroleum engineering

These programs all require 90 credit hours of work. They're designed to be flexible for working students and allow up to seven years for students to complete their degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $71,827.20 total
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of South Carolina

Through the University of South Carolina (USC), students can earn a few PhDs online and part-time if they choose. These include PhDs in civil engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering.

USC, a public research university, is located in Columbia, SC. All of the PhD programs listed above require at least 60 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $34,335 total (in-state); $74,400 total (out-of-state
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the colleges listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
• Program flexibility: Every program allows students to study part-time or half-time.
• Program reputation: Each institution is nonprofit and known for high-quality education.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Engineering Programs

A flexible PhD allows you to earn your degree while working or tending to other responsibilities. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions to help you decide if this is the right option for you.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in Engineering Cost?

A part-time PhD in engineering could cost you anywhere from less than $20,000 to over $80,000. The cost will depend on several factors, including:

• what school you choose
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• how many credit hours the program requires
• what financial aid you qualify for

Many schools offer financial aid options, like fellowships, to PhD students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and talk to your advisor to see what you're eligible for.

Is a Part-Time PhD Program in Engineering Worth It?

If you're wanting to further your engineering career but can't go to school full-time, a part-time PhD is definitely worth it. These programs provide the same education as full-time programs, just on a more flexible schedule.

What Is the Cheapest Online PhD Engineering Program?

The cheapest online program for one person may not be the same for another, as there are several factors that go into what affects the cost of a PhD.

That being said, there are some affordable options listed above. For example, the degrees at Bama are about $28,800 total. At Mississippi State, students with a master's can earn their degree for about $29,050 total.

What Is the Shortest PhD To Get for Engineering?

The shortest degree for engineering is one that offers credit for a master's degree � assuming you hold a master's degree. Otherwise, it will depend on the type of degree you want to earn.

For example, a part-time electrical engineering PhD at one school may require 66 credits, while a part-time civil engineering degree at the same school may require 70 credits. To accelerate your program, take advantage of transfer credits, study full-time, and see if you can take courses during the summer.

What Is the Easiest Part-Time Engineering PhD To Earn?

There is no one easiest part-time engineering PhD to earn. All engineering PhDs require a strong knowledge of science and math, and as a result, what's easy will depend on your skill set and engineering background.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Find the perfect PhD in engineering by exploring the part-time options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment options, and financial aid.