2026 Best Online Electrical Engineering Degrees for Industrial Automation Careers

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What is an online electrical engineering degree with a focus on industrial automation?

An online electrical engineering degree with a focus on industrial automation is a bachelor's or master's program that teaches students how electrical systems, control logic, sensors, motors, networks, and software work together in automated production environments. In plain terms, it prepares you to help design, test, troubleshoot, and improve systems such as robotic workcells, conveyor controls, motor drives, programmable logic controller networks, machine vision systems, and plant-floor data systems.

The phrase "industrial automation" is not always a formal degree title. Many universities use related academic labels such as electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, controls, embedded systems, power systems, robotics, mechatronics, manufacturing systems, or instrumentation. The best fit depends on the career you want. A design-heavy automation engineer role usually favors an electrical engineering or electrical and computer engineering degree; a hands-on controls technician or automation specialist role may also be served by electrical engineering technology, mechatronics, or industrial technology programs.

The table below shows how common degree types map to automation career goals. This matters because a program can sound technical but still miss the math, lab, or design depth expected for certain engineering jobs.

Program typeBest fitAutomation relevanceImportant limitation
Online BS in Electrical EngineeringStudents seeking engineering design rolesStrong foundation in circuits, signals, electronics, power, controls, and embedded systemsMay require intensive math, physics, and lab components
Online BS in Electrical Engineering TechnologyStudents seeking applied, hands-on rolesOften practical for PLCs, instrumentation, motors, and troubleshootingMay not qualify for every engineering title or PE licensure path
Online MS in Electrical or Computer EngineeringWorking engineers who want automation specializationUseful for controls, robotics, AI-enabled systems, power electronics, and embedded designUsually assumes prior engineering, calculus, and programming background
Online certificate in controls, PLCs, or roboticsTechnicians or engineers needing targeted upskillingFastest option for specific tools and platformsNot a substitute for a degree when employers require one

A good automation-focused program should help you build both engineering judgment and tool fluency. That means understanding why a system behaves a certain way, not just how to follow a vendor tutorial. Look for courses and projects that connect electrical theory to real plant problems: noisy signals, motor control, safety interlocks, downtime, system integration, data collection, and reliability.

How do online electrical engineering programs for industrial automation compare with campus options?

Online electrical engineering programs can be a smart option for working adults, military-connected students, and people who do not live near an engineering campus. The key difference is not academic seriousness; it is how the program delivers labs, teamwork, faculty support, exams, and hands-on practice.

The table below compares the decision points that matter most for industrial automation students. Use it to identify which format fits your schedule, learning style, and access to equipment.

FactorOnline electrical engineeringCampus electrical engineeringDecision guidance
FlexibilityOften asynchronous or evening-friendlyUsually fixed weekly scheduleOnline is stronger if you are working full time or relocating is unrealistic
LabsMay use remote labs, simulation kits, mailed equipment, or short residenciesMore immediate access to lab benches and faculty-supervised facilitiesCampus is stronger if you need frequent physical lab access
Peer interactionProject teams may meet virtuallyMore informal collaboration and club accessOnline students should ask how group design projects are managed
InternshipsOften self-sourced near the student's locationMay benefit from local employer pipelinesOnline students should prioritize schools with career services for remote learners
Automation practiceCan be strong if the program includes controls, embedded systems, and simulation toolsCan be strong if campus labs include robotics, drives, PLCs, or manufacturing systemsThe curriculum matters more than delivery format alone

Online study works best when you are organized, comfortable troubleshooting software, and willing to schedule lab time independently. It can be a poor fit if you need constant in-person support, lack reliable internet, or want daily access to robotics equipment and industrial controllers.

Students with military service should also compare support services, credit for training, deployment flexibility, and benefit certification. A dedicated guide to an electrical engineering degree online for veterans can help military-connected learners evaluate Yellow Ribbon participation, transfer policies, and online advising before enrolling.

A common mistake is assuming "online" means easier. Engineering courses still require calculus, physics, programming, design projects, and significant weekly problem-solving time. A better approach is to ask each school how online students complete labs, how exams are proctored, what software is required, and whether the diploma or transcript differs from the campus version.

Which accredited online electrical engineering schools offer strong industrial automation specializations?

The strongest schools for industrial automation are not always advertised under the exact phrase "industrial automation." Instead, look for accredited institutions with rigorous electrical engineering curricula and automation-adjacent strengths such as controls, robotics, embedded systems, power electronics, instrumentation, machine learning for physical systems, or smart manufacturing.

The examples below are useful starting points for U.S. students comparing online options. Program details change, so always verify current accreditation status, course availability, residency requirements, and whether the online version matches the campus curriculum.

SchoolOnline program exampleWhy it can fit industrial automation goalsWhat to verify before applying
Arizona State UniversityOnline Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical EngineeringABET-accredited online engineering option with foundations in circuits, signals, electronics, and control-related topicsCurrent ABET listing, lab delivery format, upper-division elective availability
University of North DakotaOnline Bachelor of Science in Electrical EngineeringABET-accredited program structure with engineering fundamentals relevant to power, controls, and systems workAny required campus visits, lab kits, transfer-credit limits, and course rotation
Florida International UniversityOnline Bachelor of Science in Electrical EngineeringElectrical engineering curriculum with areas relevant to power, electronics, communications, and embedded systemsCurrent accreditation coverage for the online pathway and availability of automation-relevant electives
Purdue UniversityOnline graduate study in electrical and computer engineeringAdvanced coursework can support controls, embedded computing, intelligent systems, and engineering leadership goalsPrerequisites, course sequencing, thesis or non-thesis options, and whether courses match your automation target
Ohio UniversityOnline Master of Science in Electrical EngineeringGraduate-level electrical engineering study that may support controls, systems, electronics, and technical advancementSpecialization choices, faculty areas, project options, and required undergraduate preparation

When comparing schools, separate marketing language from evidence. The most reliable indicators are institutional accreditation, ABET status for bachelor's engineering programs when available, course catalogs, lab requirements, senior design expectations, faculty expertise, and employer connections in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive, logistics, or process industries.

Before shortlisting a program, take these practical steps to reduce the risk of choosing a poor fit:

  1. Check the program's accreditation directly with the accreditor or the university's official accreditation page.
  2. Download the full degree plan and identify at least three courses tied to controls, embedded systems, robotics, power electronics, instrumentation, or industrial networks.
  3. Ask whether online students complete a senior design project, capstone, or applied automation project.
  4. Confirm how labs are delivered and whether you must purchase equipment, travel to campus, or use remote lab sessions at fixed times.
  5. Ask career services which employers have hired online engineering students, not just engineering graduates overall.

What coursework and concentrations prepare electrical engineering students for industrial automation roles?

Industrial automation sits at the intersection of electrical engineering, computing, mechanical systems, and operations. The most useful coursework teaches students how to design and control physical systems, read signals, automate decisions, and keep equipment safe and reliable.

The table below groups common coursework by the automation capability it builds. This helps you look beyond course titles and judge whether a program actually supports your career goal.

Coursework areaSkills developedRelevant automation tasks
Circuits and electronicsAnalyzing voltage, current, filtering, amplification, and component behaviorTroubleshooting sensors, drives, control panels, and signal-conditioning circuits
Signals and systemsModeling dynamic behavior and frequency responseUnderstanding sensor noise, feedback loops, vibration, and process response
Control systemsFeedback control, stability, PID tuning, and system modelingDesigning motor control, temperature control, motion systems, and process control
Embedded systemsProgramming microcontrollers and real-time devicesBuilding device-level control, edge computing, and machine interfaces
Power electronics and motorsWorking with converters, drives, motor control, and energy flowSupporting robotics, conveyors, pumps, compressors, and variable-frequency drives
Industrial networkingUnderstanding device communication and data exchangeIntegrating PLCs, HMIs, sensors, SCADA, and plant-floor systems
Engineering statistics and dataInterpreting measurements, variation, and system performanceImproving quality, predictive maintenance, and process optimization

Automation work increasingly includes data pipelines, anomaly detection, and AI-assisted monitoring, especially in factories that collect equipment data from sensors and controllers. Students who want to move toward smart manufacturing or industrial analytics may benefit from electives in machine learning, databases, and cloud systems, while those considering a data-heavy graduate path can compare options such as an online masters data science program after building an engineering foundation.

Strong programs also build professional habits, not just technical knowledge. Look for assignments that require documentation, requirements analysis, design reviews, safety considerations, version control, and testing. These are the everyday practices that separate a reliable automation engineer from someone who can only make a demo work once.

One red flag is a program that teaches only vendor-specific tools without enough engineering theory. PLC programming and robotics platforms are valuable, but employers often need people who can diagnose unfamiliar systems, read schematics, evaluate failure modes, and adapt when a plant uses different hardware.

What admission requirements and prerequisites do online electrical engineering programs typically have?

Admission requirements vary by degree level, but electrical engineering programs are usually more prerequisite-heavy than many online majors. The reason is straightforward: upper-division engineering coursework depends on calculus, physics, circuits, and programming. If you skip those foundations, controls and automation topics become much harder.

The table below summarizes common admission expectations. Use it to determine whether you are ready to apply now or should first complete prerequisite or transfer coursework.

Program levelTypical requirementsCommon prerequisitesBest applicant profile
Online bachelor's, first-year entryHigh school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, math readiness, application materialsPrecalculus or calculus readiness, chemistry or physics preparation, basic computing skillsStudents starting an engineering degree from the beginning
Online bachelor's, transfer entryCollege transcripts, minimum GPA, completed math and science coursesCalculus sequence, calculus-based physics, introductory programming, lower-division circuits where availableCommunity college students or adults with prior credits
Online master's in electrical engineeringABET or equivalent engineering background is often preferred, transcripts, GPA, resume, recommendationsSignals, circuits, linear systems, programming, differential equations, probability or statistics depending on focusEngineers seeking specialization or advancement
Graduate certificateBachelor's degree or technical background, depending on schoolVaries by topic; controls and embedded systems usually require math and programmingWorking professionals needing targeted skills

If you are not yet calculus-ready, that does not mean the path is closed. It means your smartest first step may be community college math, an engineering transfer pathway, or a bridge program. This can lower cost and reduce the risk of failing a high-tuition engineering course before you have the foundation to succeed.

Before applying, prepare a short checklist of questions for admissions and academic advising. These questions help reveal whether the program is built for students like you:

  • Which credits transfer into the electrical engineering major, and which count only as general electives?
  • Are online students eligible for the same engineering advising, tutoring, and career services as campus students?
  • What minimum grades are required in calculus, physics, and engineering prerequisites?
  • Are lab kits, software licenses, proctoring fees, or short residencies required?
  • Can part-time students access upper-division courses often enough to graduate on schedule?

A common mistake is applying before confirming transfer applicability. A school may accept your credits for university admission but not apply them to the engineering major. Ask for a degree audit before committing, especially if cost and time-to-completion are major concerns.

How long do online electrical engineering degrees for industrial automation usually take to complete?

Online electrical engineering degrees for industrial automation usually take the same academic time as campus programs, but the calendar can feel different because many online students study part time. A bachelor's degree commonly requires around 120 credits, while master's programs often require about 30 credits, depending on the institution and format.

The table below gives realistic completion ranges. These are not guarantees; transfer credits, course availability, lab sequencing, math readiness, and work obligations can change the timeline substantially.

PathTypical completion timeWho it fitsMain timeline risk
Full bachelor's degree from the startAbout 4 years full time; longer part timeStudents without major transfer creditsCalculus, physics, and engineering course sequences must be taken in order
Transfer bachelor's pathwayAbout 2 to 3 years after lower-division creditsCommunity college transfers and adult learnersSome credits may not apply to the engineering major
Online master's degreeAbout 1.5 to 3 yearsWorking engineers seeking controls, embedded systems, or automation advancementBalancing graduate projects with full-time employment
Graduate certificateAbout 6 to 12 monthsProfessionals needing targeted automation skillsMay not satisfy degree requirements for engineering roles

Students often ask whether an accelerated program is worth it. Acceleration can work if you already have strong math preparation, transfer credits, and enough weekly study time. It can backfire if condensed courses leave too little time for problem sets, labs, and debugging. Engineering learning compounds; weak understanding in circuits or signals can create problems later in controls, embedded systems, and power electronics.

If speed is your main priority and your target role is more software-oriented than hardware-oriented, compare alternatives carefully. For example, a fast track computer science degree may fit automation software, robotics perception, or industrial data roles better than electrical engineering if you do not need circuit design, power systems, or controls depth.

The practical way to shorten the timeline is not to overload every term. Instead, reduce wasted credits. Get a transfer evaluation early, complete math prerequisites before upper-division enrollment, choose a program with predictable course rotations, and avoid stopping out because a required class is offered only once per year.

What are the tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options for these online degrees?

Cost is one of the biggest differences among online electrical engineering programs, and tuition alone rarely tells the full story. You also need to account for engineering fees, lab kits, software, proctoring, residency travel, books, lost work time, and whether out-of-state online tuition applies.

College Board's 2024 pricing data provides a useful benchmark for comparing published tuition and fees across sectors. These figures are averages, not automation-program prices, but they help you judge whether a quoted online rate is unusually low, typical, or high.

  • Average published tuition and fees for 2024-25 public four-year in-state students: $11,610
  • Average published tuition and fees for 2024-25 public four-year out-of-state students: $30,780
  • Average published tuition and fees for 2024-25 private nonprofit four-year students: $43,350

The table below shows the cost items to request from each school. It is especially important for online engineering because lab delivery can create expenses that are not obvious on a tuition page.

Cost categoryWhat to askWhy it matters
Tuition rateIs online tuition charged per credit, per term, or by residency status?Out-of-state rules can change total cost dramatically
Engineering feesAre there college, technology, lab, or program fees?Engineering programs often have extra charges beyond base tuition
Lab equipmentAre kits, measurement tools, microcontrollers, or components required?Hands-on courses may require student-purchased hardware
SoftwareAre simulation, CAD, programming, or controls tools included?Licensing access affects both cost and learning quality
TravelAre campus visits, exams, or residencies required?Travel costs can make a low-tuition program less affordable
Transfer policyHow many credits apply directly to the major?Accepted credits that do not apply may not shorten the degree

Financial aid options may include federal grants, Direct Loans, state aid, institutional scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, military education benefits, and payment plans. To access federal aid, the school must be eligible for Title IV aid and you generally need to complete the FAFSA. Federal Student Aid loan limits can restrict how much undergraduates borrow each year, so students should not assume loans will cover every program cost.

To evaluate return on investment, compare the total net cost against your realistic target role, not the highest salary you find online. An affordable program that gets you to an accredited engineering credential can be a stronger investment than a prestigious program that requires excessive borrowing, but a low-cost program without the right labs or accreditation may limit options.

What industrial automation careers can graduates pursue with an online electrical engineering degree?

Graduates with automation-relevant electrical engineering training can pursue roles across manufacturing, utilities, aerospace, automotive, logistics, semiconductors, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, building systems, and energy. The exact title depends on degree level, experience, employer terminology, and how much of the job involves design versus maintenance or implementation.

The table below summarizes common career paths and how an online electrical engineering degree can support them. Use it to match your program choice to actual job responsibilities.

RoleTypical responsibilitiesHelpful preparationCareer fit
Controls engineerDesigning, tuning, documenting, and troubleshooting control systemsControl systems, PLC concepts, sensors, motors, industrial networkingGood for students who like both theory and plant-floor problem-solving
Automation engineerIntegrating equipment, robotics, data systems, and control logicEmbedded systems, robotics, power electronics, SCADA, programmingGood for cross-functional engineers who enjoy systems integration
Electrical design engineerDesigning panels, power distribution, wiring, and machine electrical systemsCircuits, power systems, codes, CAD tools, safety standardsGood for detail-oriented students who like documentation and design
Robotics systems engineerSupporting robot cells, motion control, sensors, and end-of-arm tooling integrationControls, kinematics basics, embedded systems, machine visionGood for students interested in advanced manufacturing and robotics
Instrumentation and controls engineerWorking with sensors, transmitters, process control, and measurement systemsSignals, process control, calibration, industrial networksGood for energy, chemical, water, and process-industry environments
Field applications or systems engineerHelping customers apply automation hardware and softwareCommunication, troubleshooting, product knowledge, electrical fundamentalsGood for engineers who enjoy travel, clients, and technical support

Industrial automation may not be the right path if you want a purely desk-based job, dislike troubleshooting under pressure, or are uncomfortable working around equipment, safety procedures, and production deadlines. It can be a strong fit if you enjoy solving physical-world problems, coordinating with technicians and operators, and improving systems that affect uptime, quality, safety, and productivity.

Career fit matters because technical fields are not interchangeable. If you are comparing engineering with information, education, or public-service careers, it may help to step back and ask broader career-design questions; for example, Research.com's guide on is library science a good career shows how to evaluate a profession by duties, salary context, education requirements, and long-term fit.

Entry-level candidates can improve their chances by building a portfolio of automation-relevant projects. Useful examples include a PID control simulation, microcontroller-based sensor project, motor-control experiment, PLC-style ladder logic exercise, data dashboard from sensor readings, or capstone project tied to a real process problem. Employers often want evidence that you can apply concepts, communicate clearly, and troubleshoot systematically.

What salary ranges and job outlook can industrial automation engineers expect in the U.S.?

Salary outcomes for industrial automation engineers vary widely because job titles overlap with electrical engineering, controls engineering, manufacturing engineering, robotics, and engineering technology roles. The most reliable national benchmark is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics category for electrical and electronics engineers, which reported a May 2024 median annual wage of $118,780. This does not mean every automation graduate will earn that amount; it is a midpoint across a broad occupation that includes many industries and experience levels.

The table below provides a practical salary and outlook context using U.S. labor-market categories most closely related to automation work. Treat these as reference points, then research local postings in your target industry and region.

Occupational categoryRelevant automation connectionU.S. labor-market contextHow to interpret it
Electrical and electronics engineersControls, embedded systems, power electronics, instrumentation, hardware designBLS reported a May 2024 median annual wage of $118,780Best broad benchmark for degree-level electrical engineering roles
Industrial engineersProcess improvement, manufacturing systems, productivity, operations integrationBLS projects faster-than-average employment growth for 2023 to 2033Relevant when automation work is tied to throughput, quality, and workflow
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and techniciansTesting, maintaining, and supporting automated equipmentOften more applied and technician-oriented than engineering design rolesUseful comparison for students considering engineering technology or associate pathways
Software developers and industrial data rolesIndustrial analytics, machine monitoring, digital twins, AI-assisted optimizationMore software-heavy than traditional electrical engineering rolesRelevant if your automation goal centers on data platforms or software products

The job outlook is supported by several durable trends: manufacturers are modernizing aging equipment, companies are using sensors and analytics to reduce downtime, robotics adoption is spreading beyond automotive plants, and energy systems increasingly need controls and power-electronics expertise. AI is also changing automation work, but it is not replacing the need for engineers who understand physical systems. Instead, it is raising expectations for engineers who can combine controls, data, and domain knowledge.

To estimate your personal salary potential, review job postings in your target metro area and note the required degree, years of experience, tools, travel expectations, and industry. A controls engineer in a high-cost semiconductor facility, an automation engineer in food manufacturing, and a field applications engineer for a vendor may all use similar skills but have different compensation structures.

What certifications and professional standards are relevant for industrial automation engineers?

Certifications are not always required for industrial automation roles, but they can strengthen a resume, document tool-specific skills, or support advancement. Professional standards also matter because automation systems interact with electrical safety, machine safety, cybersecurity, quality, and production risk.

The table below summarizes credentials and standards that are commonly relevant in U.S. automation environments. Requirements vary by employer, state, and industry, so verify what your target jobs actually request.

Credential or standard areaWhy it mattersBest for
Fundamentals of Engineering examFirst step toward the Professional Engineer pathway in many statesStudents in ABET-accredited engineering programs who may pursue licensed engineering work
Professional Engineer licenseCan be important for work involving public safety, stamped designs, or regulated engineering servicesEngineers in power, facilities, consulting, utilities, or public-facing design roles
ISA Certified Automation ProfessionalRecognizes broad automation knowledge across instrumentation, control, safety, and project workExperienced automation and controls professionals
Vendor certificationsDemonstrate skill with specific PLCs, drives, robotics platforms, HMIs, or industrial networksTechnicians, controls engineers, systems integrators, and field engineers
NFPA 70 and electrical safety practicesSupports safe work around electrical installations and equipmentEngineers working with panels, power distribution, machinery, or facilities
Functional safety and machine safety standardsRelevant to risk reduction, emergency stops, guarding, interlocks, and safety-rated controlsAutomation engineers designing or modifying production equipment
Industrial cybersecurity frameworksIncreasingly relevant as plants connect equipment to networks and cloud systemsEngineers working with SCADA, remote access, IIoT, and networked controllers

The PE license is worth considering if you expect to work in consulting, utilities, building systems, public infrastructure, or roles where engineering sign-off is required. It may be less central for many plant-floor automation jobs inside private manufacturing companies, though an engineering degree and strong safety knowledge still matter.

Do not collect certifications randomly. A better sequence is to first choose your target role, then identify the tools and standards that appear repeatedly in job postings. For example, a controls engineer may prioritize PLC and safety training, while an embedded automation engineer may prioritize real-time programming, electronics testing, and communication protocols.

A final red flag is any program or bootcamp that implies a short certificate alone will make you an engineer. Certificates can be valuable, but engineering roles often require a degree, substantial technical experience, or both. Use certificates to complement-not replace-the credential expected for your target job.

Other Things You Should Know About Electrical Engineering

Can I become an electrical engineer fully online?

Yes, some accredited universities offer online electrical engineering degrees, including bachelor's programs with remote or hybrid lab formats. You should still confirm ABET accreditation, lab requirements, exam proctoring, and whether any campus visits are required.

Is electrical engineering harder than computer science?

Neither is universally harder, but electrical engineering usually requires more physics, circuits, signals, and hardware labs. Computer science usually focuses more deeply on algorithms, software design, computing theory, and programming projects.

Do industrial automation engineers need to know programming?

Usually, yes. The amount varies by role, but useful programming skills may include structured text, ladder logic concepts, Python, C or C++, MATLAB, scripting, data handling, and debugging. Controls and automation roles increasingly reward engineers who can work across hardware and software.

Is a master's degree necessary for industrial automation?

Not always. Many automation roles are accessible with a bachelor's degree and relevant projects or experience. A master's degree can be helpful for advanced controls, robotics, embedded systems, leadership, research-oriented work, or career changers who already have a related engineering background.

References

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