Best Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Degrees

The University of Virginia (UVA) has a broad range of online degree programs, including those offered through Virginia Engineering Online. UVA has hosted online courses for decades and aims to assist working professionals in attaining graduate credentials. The Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering is available entirely online. Students complete coursework either in real-time or via recorded lectures. Virginia Engineering Online graduates receive the same master’s degrees as their campus-based peers. The electrical engineering master’s degree requires 30 credit hours and includes a master’s project and independent study.

Online courses at Texas A&M University in College Station are identical in content to their on-campus counterparts, and online graduates receive the same degrees as residential students. Students can successfully earn a completely online Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M. This 30-credit degree includes classes from the College of Science and the College of Engineering and a mandatory final project. Students without the appropriate undergraduate background may consult with faculty upon admission to the program to determine any necessary electrical engineering foundation classes.

The online learning platform through Columbia University in the City of New York connects working professionals with a flexible, year-round distance education option and a network of Ivy League faculty. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science has several graduate-level, fully online programs, including a 30-credit Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. There are seven concentrations: telecommunications engineering, microelectronic devices, wireless and mobile communications, light wave (photonics) engineering, multimedia networking, integrated circuits and systems, and systems biology. Interested applicants must submit GRE scores.

Stanford University's School of Engineering hosts a graduate-level electrical engineering degree called the Honors Cooperative Program (HCP). Working individuals can pursue this professional development opportunity to advance in their fields or gain credentials to teach at a junior college. The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford is available mostly online and requires 45 credits to complete. All students attend the courses on a part-time basis and finish the program in three years, though they can take up to five years. Typically, the electrical engineering HCP students take one to two classes each quarter.

A Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Colorado (UC) Boulder can be completed 100% online, with 30 credits required to graduate. Online students must complete a series of credits via Coursera and pass with a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission to the master’s program at UC Boulder. Successful graduates receive the same degree as residential students. Once accepted, students can select from various specializations in the field, including photonics and optics, embedded systems, and power electronics. Individuals can also choose a dual-degree Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Engineering in Engineering Management option. Classes run in eight-week sessions, with six sessions throughout the year.

The Stevens Institute of Technology has three choices for graduate students pursuing an online electrical engineering degree: A Master of Engineering or a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, or a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The ME and MS in Electrical Engineering may be augmented by selecting a concentration in Robotics and Automation Systems, Power Engineering, Microelectronics and Photonics, Communications, or Artificial Intelligence. The MS in Artificial Intelligence has a specific concentration available in Electrical Engineering. The distance education platform, StevensOnline, shares the same faculty as the on-campus courses. Individuals in the online electrical engineering master’s programs engage in research opportunities, a thesis option, or a graduate co-op internship. Areas of study include mathematical foundations, electrical engineering courses, analytics skills, and software and hardware skills. MS in Electrical Engineering students learn additional analytical skills, while the ME requires additional hardware and software skills. The MS in Artificial Intelligence includes instruction in applied machine learning, big data, game theory, and applied modeling. All three degrees are housed in the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science; courses use Zoom video conferencing for live lectures and review sessions while also integrating Canvas learning management tools for recordings, discussion boards, and additional content. Online learners have access to the Stevens Library and a veteran’s office. Online students are considered part-time. Interested individuals should have a completed bachelor's degree in a related field with a 3.0 GPA minimum. To apply, a completed application (with fee), official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores are required.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program structured so students may focus on one technical area or follow a broader curriculum. Focus areas include Analog/RF Design, Digital Systems Design, Power Systems Engineering, and Systems Engineering. The degree requires ten classes for a total of 30 credit hours; the thesis option is not available online. Remote learning at WPI is asynchronous through the Canvas learning management platform. Students participate in class discussions and group projects and watch recorded lectures. Synchronous tools are available, but most coursework is completed on a student’s own schedule. Online students have access to orientation videos, an enrollment specialist, and WPI’s Career Development Center. To be considered for WPI’s MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in the same field with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. To apply, individuals should send in official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a completed application form. Graduates are encouraged to come to campus for their graduation ceremonies.

The Illinois Institute of Technology’s (IIT) remote learning platform, IIT Online, offers students three graduate programs in electrical engineering: a Master of Applied Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, or a Master of Applied Science in VLSI and Microelectronics. All three are hosted by the Armour College of Engineering. The 30-credit MAS in Electrical and Computer Engineering allows students to arrange their own degree plan and emphasis, with topics available in Power Electronics, Electromagnetics, Power Systems, Signal and Image Processing, and more. The 32-credit MS in Electrical Engineering includes a thesis option and offers two concentrations in Communications and Signal Processing or Computers and Microelectronics. And the 30-credit MAS in VLSI and Microelectronics combines coursework in computer engineering and electronics, though students have flexibility in which courses they choose. IIT's digital content is facilitated through the Blackboard learning management system, with most coursework offered asynchronously, requiring students to keep up with recorded lectures and readings without set class times. Students taking classes through IIT Online can contact Online Student Support Services for scheduling and academic concerns. Those needing technological assistance can access the IIT Support Desk. To be considered, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 GPA. If the undergraduate study is in a different discipline, students must demonstrate proficiency in the required prerequisites. To apply, students should submit a completed application (with fee), GRE scores, official transcripts, a professional statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.

The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is delivered through asynchronous tools, including pre-recorded lectures, discussion boards, and regular submission of homework and assignments. The program is hosted in the College of Engineering Courses and includes areas of study in computer engineering, telecommunications and digital signal processing, and electrical/energy systems and controls. The online program is a non-thesis option. Classes run on the same schedule as on-campus versions, so while students may complete work when it best suits their daily schedule, all materials are still required by the class’ end date. Participants are able to continue working full-time, typically taking just two classes each semester. Online learners have access to digital resources from the Georgia Tech Library and free access to Microsoft 365. To apply, students should submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT scores, a personal statement, a resume, and a completed application form (with fee). Students can apply for fall or spring semesters. Graduates are welcome to attend their graduation ceremonies at the Atlanta, Georgia campus.

Prospective engineers seeking an online graduate program have two choices from Purdue University, an Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering, or a Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The 30-credit Interdisciplinary MS allows a high level of customization in degree planning and includes a concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The 30-credit MS degree can be completed either part-time or full-time. Full-time students can finish in less than a year. Students may select a concentration in one of the following: Automatic Control, Computer Engineering, Fields and Optics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, Schweitzer Power and Energy Systems, VLSI and Circuit Design, or Communications, Networking, Signal and Image Processing. There is a thesis and a non-thesis option. Online content is delivered through the Brightspace learning management platform and the edX learning management platform. Online learners are partnered with a faculty advisor and have access to an online writing lab, digital library materials, and a disability resource center. Candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. Interdisciplinary MS applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer terms. The traditional MS accepts applications for fall or spring terms. To apply, individuals should submit a completed application form, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Prospective electrical engineers seeking an online degree from Arizona State University may consider the Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Electrical Engineering. This is a 10 class, 30-credit program with course topics in physical electronics and photonics, signal processing and communications, and antennas and microwave circuits. Most classes are asynchronous and rely on students to hold themselves responsible for completing assignments by the due dates. Classes run in either a 7.5-week or 15-week format and are hosted in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. There is an additional graduate option for a dual degree with the MBA program. The MBA/MSE in Electrical Engineering program is available online. This is an 18-course, 56-credit option with 7.5-week class sessions. This program requires one campus visit and an integrative capstone course through the W. P. Carey School of Business. Online students will be assigned an academic advisor and have access to a 24/7 IT Help Desk. Graduates are welcome to join the on-campus graduation ceremonies. To apply, candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least a 3.0 GPA. Prospective students for the online MSE should submit a completed graduate application (with fee) and official transcripts. Dual degree applications will also need a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, and a resume.

Online graduate degrees in electrical engineering from Colorado State University’s Fort Collins campus strive to provide students with flexibility and customization. Students take the same courses and share the same faculty members as the on-campus versions. Two degrees are available: a Master of Engineering with a concentration in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Both programs require 30 total credit hours; no thesis or final comprehensive exam is required. Topics include telecommunications, laser metrology, and electric power quality. The programs are similar, but the MS program includes three credits of independent study. Online courses are accessed through the Canvas learning management system. Content is delivered through recorded lectures, real-time virtual classes, podcast recordings, research articles, blogs, and discussion forums. Remote learning resources include advising, digital resources from the Morgan Library, a career center, free Office 365 software, and a technical Help Desk. Students may also participate in student government or receive additional services for adult learners or veterans. Candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a similar field. Undergraduate GPAs must meet the 3.0 requirement. Students may apply for fall or spring semesters. A resume, statement of purpose, official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation are all required to be considered for admission.

The Master of Science in Engineering program at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) has two concentrations available in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Materials. Offered through the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, this is a 36-credit program that includes a capstone project or successful completion of three written exams. Most students finish the program over nine academic quarters. Recorded lectures are posted weekly. Synchronous meetings use Zoom video-conferencing software. Materials and assignments are housed in the CCLE (Common Collaboration and Learning Environment) which uses the Moodle learning management system. Online students are assigned an academic faculty advisor with whom they are encouraged to frequently discuss their plan of study. They also have access to resources and research assistance through the UCLA Library. Graduates are encouraged to attend their graduation ceremonies on campus. Applications are accepted for fall or spring semesters. To apply, candidates should have a completed bachelor’s degree and must submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, college transcripts, and a completed application form (with fee).

The University of Houston’s (UH) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering hosts an online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The curriculum includes an emphasis in Power and Energy Systems. The program may be completed either full-time or part-time, with 30 total credit hours. Participants may pursue a thesis option or complete a non-thesis plan, which includes additional upper-level coursework in the Power and Energy Systems concentration. Areas of study include renewable energy, smart grids, modeling, and microprocessor systems. The MS in Electrical Engineering coursework counts as one year of experience toward professional engineer licensure. While courses use asynchronous methods, students are encouraged to actively participate in online discussion boards. Instructors have the option to schedule synchronous, live sessions of class. Classes are facilitated using Blackboard learning management software and Zoom software. Students receive technical tutorials, have access to UH library resources, and can access e-tutoring. Remote learners are required to attend campus for orientation. Applications are accepted for fall or spring semesters. Admission to the online program requires candidates to have a completed bachelor’s degree in a closely related field with a 3.0 GPA. To apply, submit a completed application (with fee), three letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, college transcripts, and GRE scores.

Iowa State University’s (ISU) Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering has areas of concentration in Communications and Signal Processing, Electric Power and Energy Systems, Systems and Controls, and Electromagnetics Microwave and Nondestructive Evaluation. The ME degree is offered online asynchronously and via live lectures; materials are housed in the Canvas learning management system. Classes are designed with a rubric approved by Quality Matters. The degree only requires one class each to be taken each semester, so students typically complete the program over five years. Participants are able to continue working full-time while completing their ME. The full program requires 30 credit hours including an optional independent study component. A virtual orientation helps demonstrate the tools and resources available to remote learners. They may utilize disability accommodations, academic advising, and resources from the ISU libraries. To be considered for admission, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 GPA and submit GRE scores (a score of 155 is required for the Quantitative section). Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. To apply, students should submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a completed application.

The University of Florida (UF) provides two online master’s degrees for individuals in the electrical engineering field: a 30-credit Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a 30-credit Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students may complete classes on a part-time or full-time basis, with one to three classes per semester. UF Online, the remote learning platform, awards the same degrees as the on-campus programs. Faculty from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering uses a program called EDGE (Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering) to deliver their online coursework. To meet the 30-credit graduation requirement, students select 10 three-credit courses that best match their career goals. EDGE allows for a highly customized program, with many different courses offered each term. UF Online students have access to an academic advisor for degree planning, a 24/7 IT Help Desk, and resources from UF Libraries, including a live chat feature with a librarian. In addition, UF provides an Office of Student Veteran Services. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer terms. Graduate admission applications for the online electrical engineering programs consist of a form (with fee), official transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and GRE scores. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree to apply.

Students pursuing an electrical engineering degree online have two programs available through the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT): a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a Master of Science in Power and Energy Systems. The MS in Electrical Engineering has three concentrations offered in Mechatronics, Power and Energy Systems, and Communication, Signal Processing, and Microwave. NJIT’s online courses allow students the flexibility to choose either a hybrid-learning plan, a live-virtual classroom model, or asynchronous coursework. Either MS degree requires 30 credits to complete. The MS in Electrical Engineering provides advanced training and faculty-supervised, research opportunities. The MS in Power and Energy Systems addresses the growing demand for power around the world and potential environmentally safe energy solutions. Online learners have access to a career center, digital resources from the Van Houten Library, and 24/7 technical assistance. Online students may work with an enrollment services manager. Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. Candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree. To complete the online admissions process, individuals should submit a completed application (with fee), GRE scores, official transcripts, and one letter of recommendation.

Drexel University’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is available entirely online. This is a 45-quarter credit program that combines 30 credits from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and 15 credits of electives. Nine credits may be awarded instead of a master’s thesis. Students will take classes in four 10-week quarters. Prospective students need a completed bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field. Coursework may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and most students can complete the degree requirements in two years. Online content is managed with Blackboard’s platform and available 24/7 using asynchronous tools. Students are expected to watch weekly lectures and videos and engage in chat features. Online students have access to enrollment counselors, academic advisors, and can even test-drive an online course. Drexel University is recognized as a Military Friendly institution, and students with military experience (and their immediate families) receive additional benefits. Candidates must have an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0. To apply, students should submit a completed application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume.

The University of Wisconsin’s Madison campus (UW Madison), provides an online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Engineering. The curriculum emphasizes study in electric power (including alternative energy), motor drives, and electric machines. The program can be completed part-time or full-time, generally takes two to four years. The full MS degree requires 30 credit hours to graduate. To be considered, individuals must complete a nine-credit, online Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion Control. These credits count toward the total for the MS degree, and students must complete the certificate with at least a 3.3 GPA. Online coursework is divided into modules with corresponding short recorded lectures, weekly discussion board conversations, and projects. A weekly real-time virtual class also required. Depending on the state, this program can meet the requirements for licensure with the National Society of Professional Engineers. Online students at UW may use digital resources from the library system, receive accommodations through the McBurney Disability Resource Center, and work with the DoIT Help Desk via phone, live chat, or email. Candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree (preferably in electrical engineering) with a 3.0 GPA. To apply, individuals should submit a completed application (with fee), GRE scores, a resume, official transcripts, a personal essay, and three letters of recommendation. A phone interview will also be scheduled.

Individuals seeking an online graduate degree in electrical engineering have two choices from the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T): a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a concentration in Electrical Engineering. The 30-credit MS in Electrical Engineering includes a thesis or a non-thesis option. Accepted students may select a concentration in Circuits, Communications and Signal Processing, Computer Engineering, Control Systems Technology, Electromagnetics, Electronics, or Power. The 30-credit MS in Computer Engineering is multidisciplinary. Online content is housed in Canvas learning management software. Most classes are live-streamed. Students have access to an IT Help Desk which includes a live chat feature during office hours. Students may also utilize disability support services and resources from the Curtis Laws Wilson Library. To be considered, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least a 3.3 GPA and GRE scores as follows: a Quantitate score of 155, a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 305, and a Writing score of 3.5. Students may apply for fall, spring, or summer terms. To apply, candidates should submit a completed application, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation (for thesis-option).

North Carolina State University (NC State) has two online degrees in electrical engineering: a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. EIther program comprises 30 credits to complete, with no thesis or residency requirement. The ME program provides several concentrations, including one in Electrical Engineering, though students have the chance to take classes from various disciplines. Online students may use resources from the Career Development Center, an IT Help Desk, digital materials from NC State libraries, and veteran student services. Most online classes at NC State employ a mix of synchronous and asynchronous tools, using the Moodle online management system and Zoom video-conferencing software. Lectures are recorded so students can view them when convenient, but there are specific due dates for assignments. Admission to the MS program is dependent on a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.25 GPA minimum. The ME program has a 3.0 undergraduate GPA minimum. Candidates can apply for fall or spring semesters. Students should also send in GRE scores (required for the MS, encouraged for the ME), official transcripts, a current resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.

Washington State University's Global Campus offers remote learners a Professional Science Master’s in Electrical Power Engineering. The PSM degree is available in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architectures and includes technical knowledge and managerial skills. Areas of study include power systems analysis, power systems economics, and high-voltage engineering. This is a 30-credit program that includes an internship project. Online learners will earn the same diploma as WSU on-campus students. Various methods are used to bring classes online, but most content is available through Blackboard learning management software. Faculty employ synchronous and asynchronous formats for classes. The WSU Global Campus pairs students with a personal academic advisor and offers 24/7 tech support for their online learning platforms. Students also have access to online library databases and online tutoring services. Students may access WSU’s career counseling service before they apply for degree planning. Candidates may apply for the fall or spring semester and must hold a completed bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a similar field with a 3.0 GPA. Along with a completed application (with fee), students should submit a letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. GRE scores are not required.

The Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) hosts a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with several concentrations and a 48-credit dual-MS in Engineering Management option. The general MS degree is 28 credits and includes concentrations in Computer Engineering, Computer Networks, Electric Power, Multimedia and Creative Technologies, and VLSI Design. The MS programs may be completed either full-time or part-time, in two or three years respectively. All classes are available remotely. Lectures are delivered electronically, recorded from the campus-based lectures. USC’s online classes combine real-time, scheduled seminars using Zoom software, and asynchronous, interactive assignments. Students receive a free membership to WeWork, which offers hi-tech study spaces around the country. Additionally, online students may access USC’s library resources, technical support, and an academic advisor. To apply, candidates should submit a completed graduate admission application (with fee) for spring or fall semesters. Applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related field. Additionally, official transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume are required.