2026 Best Online Master's in Electrical Engineering at Accredited U.S. Universities
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Choosing an online master's in electrical engineering is a high-stakes decision because the degree can support careers in power systems, semiconductors, robotics, communications, and embedded systems. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2024 median annual wage of $111,910 for electrical engineers, showing why many working engineers consider graduate study.
This guide is for students and professionals comparing accredited U. S. programs. You will learn how online programs work, which schools to consider, what they cost, and how to judge whether the degree fits your career goals.
Key Things You Should Know
- Accredited online electrical engineering master's programs are usually offered by institutionally accredited U.S. universities; ABET accreditation is more common at the bachelor's level and matters most for licensure pathways.
- Most online master's programs in electrical engineering require about 30 graduate credits and are commonly completed in one to three years, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.
- BLS wage data shows electrical engineers had a 2024 median annual wage of $111,910, but salaries vary by industry, location, security clearance, experience, and specialization.
What is an online master's in electrical engineering?
An online master's in electrical engineering is a graduate degree focused on the design, analysis, and improvement of electrical, electronic, and computer-based systems. Programs commonly cover power systems, signal processing, communications, controls, microelectronics, electromagnetics, embedded systems, and machine learning applications in engineering.
The degree is usually designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field. Some programs admit students from physics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, or computer science backgrounds if they complete prerequisite courses in circuits, electronics, signals, and calculus-based engineering analysis.
The "online" format typically means lectures, assignments, exams, and advising are delivered through a learning platform. Many programs are asynchronous, which helps working engineers study around job schedules. Others include live evening sessions, team design work, proctored exams, or limited campus visits for orientation or labs.
This degree makes the most sense for engineers who want deeper technical specialization, promotion into senior engineering roles, preparation for research and development work, or a path toward doctoral study. It may be less useful for students who want a broad career change into nontechnical management, because an MBA or engineering management degree may match that goal better.
Students comparing engineering fields should also think about the systems they want to build. For example, electrical engineering often fits people interested in energy, electronics, and automation, while an environmental engineering online degree may be a better match for students focused on water, air quality, remediation, or sustainability infrastructure.
Which schools offer accredited online electrical engineering master's programs?
Many respected U.S. universities offer online master's programs in electrical engineering or the closely related field of electrical and computer engineering. The best choice depends less on one universal ranking and more on accreditation, specialization, faculty expertise, cost, scheduling flexibility, and how well the curriculum matches your career target.
The table below highlights examples of accredited U.S. universities with online electrical engineering or electrical and computer engineering master's options. Program names, delivery formats, tuition, and admission policies can change, so applicants should verify details directly with the university before applying.
| University | Online graduate program | Good fit for | Accreditation note |
| Arizona State University | Online MS in Electrical Engineering | Working students seeking broad EE electives and flexible online delivery | Institutionally accredited university; check program page for current requirements |
| North Carolina State University | Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Students interested in power systems, electronics, communications, and controls | Institutionally accredited university; engineering credentials should be reviewed for licensure goals |
| Purdue University | Online graduate electrical and computer engineering options | Engineers seeking a research-intensive university with strong engineering recognition | Institutionally accredited university; program structure varies by graduate option |
| University of Southern California | Online MS in Electrical Engineering through Viterbi | Students seeking a private research university with a large engineering network | Institutionally accredited university; review total tuition carefully |
| Johns Hopkins University | Online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Professionals in defense, communications, systems, and applied technology sectors | Institutionally accredited university; many students are working professionals |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Online MS in Electrical Engineering | Students seeking modular online learning and stackable graduate coursework | Institutionally accredited university; verify degree pathway and performance-based admissions rules |
| Ohio University | Online MS in Electrical Engineering | Students looking for a structured online engineering master's with applied coursework | Institutionally accredited university; review prerequisites and concentration availability |
| University of Florida | Online electrical and computer engineering graduate options | Students interested in a public research university with strong engineering programs | Institutionally accredited university; confirm whether the current online option matches EE goals |
When comparing schools, look first at institutional accreditation, then at curriculum fit. For professional engineering licensure, also check whether your undergraduate degree is ABET-accredited, because state licensing boards often evaluate the bachelor's degree more closely than the master's degree.
A practical way to narrow your list is to choose three categories: one affordable public option, one program with the strongest specialization in your target field, and one highly flexible option for working adults. Then compare total cost, course rotation, faculty, employer recognition, and graduation requirements before applying.
How do online and on-campus electrical engineering programs compare?
Online and on-campus electrical engineering master's programs can cover the same advanced theory, but the student experience is different. The online route is usually better for working engineers who need schedule flexibility, while the campus route may be better for students who want lab-intensive research, funded assistantships, or daily access to faculty and facilities.
The comparison below summarizes the main trade-offs. Use it to decide which format supports your learning style, budget, and career plan.
| Factor | Online master's in electrical engineering | On-campus master's in electrical engineering |
| Schedule | Often asynchronous or evening-based, making it easier to study while employed | Usually follows daytime classes and campus research schedules |
| Hands-on access | May use simulations, remote labs, recorded demos, or project kits | Better access to physical labs, equipment, and research groups |
| Networking | Strongest when programs include live sessions, cohort projects, and alumni engagement | More organic networking through labs, seminars, student groups, and campus events |
| Cost structure | May reduce relocation and commuting costs, but tuition can still be high | May offer assistantships, but living and relocation costs can be significant |
| Best for | Working professionals, military students, parents, and students far from major research campuses | Students seeking research intensity, lab access, funded graduate study, or PhD preparation |
Do not assume online automatically means easier or cheaper. Strong online engineering programs can be rigorous because they teach the same graduate-level math, design, and analysis expected on campus. The difference is delivery, not necessarily academic standard.
Also remember that online STEM degrees vary by discipline. An exercise science online degree, for example, may require different in-person or applied lab considerations than an electrical engineering degree that can use simulation tools, coding environments, and remote instrumentation.
Before enrolling, ask admissions advisors how exams are proctored, whether any campus visits are required, how often specialized electives are offered, and whether online students can access the same career services as campus students. These details often matter more than the delivery label.
What admission requirements do these programs usually require?
Admission requirements vary by university, but online electrical engineering master's programs generally expect applicants to show strong quantitative preparation and readiness for graduate engineering coursework. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is the clearest pathway, but related engineering and science backgrounds may qualify with prerequisites.
The table below shows common requirements and why they matter. It can help you identify gaps before you spend money on applications.
| Requirement | What schools commonly look for | Why it matters |
| Bachelor's degree | Electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field | Graduate courses assume prior exposure to circuits, systems, programming, and advanced math |
| Prerequisite coursework | Calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, signals and systems, electronics, electromagnetics, or programming | Missing prerequisites can slow your progress or limit course choices |
| GPA | Many programs prefer a strong undergraduate record, especially in technical courses | Graduate EE courses are math-intensive and cumulative |
| GRE | Some schools require it, some waive it, and others have made it optional | Policies change, so applicants should check the current program page |
| Professional experience | Often helpful but not always required | Work experience can strengthen applications for professionally oriented programs |
| Statement of purpose | A clear explanation of specialization goals and career plans | Programs want evidence that the curriculum fits your goals |
| Letters of recommendation | Academic or professional references who can discuss technical ability | Strong letters help confirm readiness for advanced engineering work |
Applicants from non-EE backgrounds should be especially careful. A program may admit them conditionally, but prerequisite courses can add time and cost. If your goal is to move from software, physics, or mechanical engineering into embedded systems, controls, or signal processing, ask whether prerequisite courses count toward the degree or must be completed separately.
Common application mistakes include choosing a program before checking prerequisites, submitting a generic statement of purpose, and assuming GRE waivers apply to every applicant. A stronger approach is to contact the graduate coordinator with your transcript and ask which courses, if any, you should complete before applying.
What courses are included in the curriculum?
An online master's in electrical engineering usually combines advanced theory with technical electives. Most programs require a core or breadth requirement, then allow students to specialize in a field such as power, communications, controls, electronics, computer engineering, photonics, or signal processing.
The table below groups common course areas and the kinds of career goals they support. This is useful because the "best" curriculum depends heavily on what you want to do after graduation.
| Course area | Common graduate topics | Career relevance |
| Power and energy systems | Power electronics, electric machines, smart grids, renewable integration, protection systems | Utilities, grid modernization, electric vehicles, renewable energy, industrial power |
| Signal processing | Digital signal processing, image processing, statistical signal analysis, adaptive filters | Communications, radar, medical devices, audio, imaging, defense systems |
| Communications and networks | Wireless systems, information theory, network protocols, RF systems | Telecommunications, aerospace, connected devices, satellite systems |
| Controls and robotics | Linear systems, nonlinear control, autonomous systems, estimation, robotics | Automation, robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, autonomous vehicles |
| Electronics and microelectronics | Semiconductor devices, analog circuits, VLSI, integrated circuit design | Semiconductor firms, chip design, consumer electronics, hardware engineering |
| Computer engineering and embedded systems | FPGA design, real-time systems, computer architecture, hardware-software integration | IoT, defense, automotive systems, firmware, edge computing |
| Machine learning for engineering | Optimization, neural networks, data-driven control, AI for signals or systems | AI-enabled devices, predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, advanced analytics |
Students interested in AI, machine learning, or data-heavy engineering should compare how much math, programming, and applied modeling each EE program includes. If your goal is broader analytics rather than hardware, power, signals, or systems, a data science degree online may be a more direct fit.
Many programs offer thesis, project, and coursework-only tracks. A thesis is usually best for students considering a PhD or research career. A project can be valuable for working engineers who want a portfolio artifact. A coursework-only path may be best for students seeking speed, flexibility, or employer-funded professional development.
When reviewing curriculum, do not just count electives. Check how often they are offered online, whether prerequisites block access, whether the faculty are active in your specialization, and whether the program uses current tools such as MATLAB, Python, SPICE, FPGA platforms, cloud simulation environments, or industry-standard design software.
How long does the degree take and what does it cost?
Most online master's in electrical engineering programs require about 30 graduate credits. Full-time students may finish in about one to two years, while part-time working professionals often take two to three years. Some universities set maximum completion windows, so students who pause for work or family reasons should confirm time limits before enrolling.
Cost depends on tuition, fees, residency rules, course load, employer reimbursement, and whether prerequisite courses are required. NCES graduate tuition data released in 2024 showed that average annual graduate tuition and required fees were far lower at public institutions than at private nonprofit institutions, which is a useful reminder to compare total cost rather than prestige alone.
Typical cost items to verify before enrolling include the following:
- Public university graduate tuition and required fees may be lower for in-state students, but some online programs use a separate distance-learning rate.
- Private university tuition is often higher, but some programs offer strong employer networks, specialized faculty, or flexible pacing that may justify the cost for certain students.
- Technology fees, online course fees, proctoring fees, textbooks, software, and graduation fees can add to the advertised tuition.
- Prerequisite courses may increase the total price if they do not count toward the master's degree.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students have an annual borrowing limit of $20,500 for the 2024-25 award year, so students should compare program cost with borrowing limits and employer benefits.
The table below shows how timeline and cost trade-offs usually work. It is not a pricing list for specific universities; it is a decision tool for comparing enrollment pace.
| Enrollment path | Typical pace | Best for | Main trade-off |
| Full-time | Often three or more courses per term | Students who can reduce work hours or study intensively | Faster completion but less time for full-time employment |
| Part-time | Often one or two courses per term | Working engineers using employer tuition benefits | More manageable schedule but longer time to degree |
| Accelerated | Compressed terms or heavier course loads | Students with strong preparation and clear goals | Less flexibility if work or family demands increase |
| Stackable or modular | Certificates or course sequences that can build toward the degree | Students who want to test graduate study before committing | May require careful planning to ensure credits apply |
To reduce cost, ask whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement, whether military education benefits apply, whether online students qualify for the same scholarships as campus students, and whether you can start with a graduate certificate that later transfers into the degree. Avoid choosing the cheapest program if it lacks the specialization you need; a low-cost degree that does not support your career target may have weak practical value.
What career paths can this degree prepare you for?
An online master's in electrical engineering can prepare students for advanced technical roles, specialized engineering positions, and leadership tracks that require deeper expertise than a bachelor's degree alone. It is especially useful when the curriculum aligns with a specific industry need, such as power grid modernization, semiconductors, robotics, wireless systems, or defense electronics.
The table below connects common career paths with the graduate coursework that often supports them. Use it to match programs to outcomes instead of relying only on school reputation.
| Career path | Typical responsibilities | Helpful graduate focus |
| Power systems engineer | Designs, models, and improves electrical power generation, transmission, distribution, and protection systems | Power electronics, smart grids, renewable integration, electric machines |
| Embedded systems engineer | Develops hardware-software systems for devices, vehicles, sensors, and industrial equipment | Real-time systems, FPGA design, computer architecture, firmware |
| Controls engineer | Designs systems that regulate motion, stability, automation, and feedback behavior | Linear systems, nonlinear controls, robotics, estimation |
| Signal processing engineer | Builds algorithms for radar, audio, communications, imaging, sensing, and medical devices | Digital signal processing, statistical methods, machine learning |
| RF or communications engineer | Works on wireless, satellite, antenna, and telecommunications systems | Electromagnetics, wireless networks, RF systems, information theory |
| Semiconductor or electronics engineer | Designs circuits, devices, chips, and electronic components | VLSI, semiconductor devices, analog circuits, microelectronics |
| Engineering project lead | Coordinates technical teams, design reviews, schedules, and system requirements | Advanced EE electives plus communication, systems engineering, and project experience |
The degree is not limited to one industry. Employers may include utilities, aerospace companies, defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, automotive firms, robotics companies, telecommunications providers, medical device companies, and research laboratories.
Students should also consider whether they want to remain hands-on technically or move toward management. A technical master's is strongest for design, analysis, and senior engineering work. If your interests lean toward information organization, research services, archives, or knowledge systems rather than engineering design, a resource explaining what is library science may point to a very different but more fitting graduate path.
To improve career value while enrolled, choose projects that resemble real engineering problems, build a portfolio of simulations or designs, document software and hardware tools used, and connect with faculty or classmates working in your target industry. The degree matters more when it produces evidence of applied skill.
What salaries do electrical engineering master's graduates earn?
Salary outcomes depend on role, industry, location, experience, clearance status, and technical specialization. A master's degree can support advancement, but it does not guarantee a specific salary. The most reliable way to evaluate earnings is to compare the degree with the roles you are targeting.
BLS reported a 2024 median annual wage of $111,910 for electrical engineers in the United States. For prospective students, this figure is best used as a national benchmark, not a prediction of individual earnings. Entry-level engineers, public-sector employees, and workers in lower-cost regions may earn less, while experienced specialists in high-demand industries may earn more.
The table below explains how different electrical engineering roles can influence salary potential. It avoids promising outcomes and instead shows the factors that usually affect pay.
| Role or specialization | Salary factors to consider | How a master's may help |
| Power systems engineer | Utility sector, renewable energy projects, grid modernization, regional infrastructure investment | Advanced power coursework can support specialized design and planning roles |
| Semiconductor engineer | Chip design demand, fabrication expertise, location near semiconductor hubs | Graduate microelectronics and VLSI courses can strengthen technical credibility |
| RF or communications engineer | Defense, aerospace, wireless infrastructure, security clearance, antenna expertise | Advanced electromagnetics and communications courses can support specialized roles |
| Controls or robotics engineer | Automation demand, manufacturing sector, software integration, robotics experience | Graduate controls and robotics projects can demonstrate applied capability |
| Embedded systems engineer | Firmware skills, hardware-software integration, automotive and IoT demand | Advanced computer engineering electives can improve fit for complex product roles |
When estimating return on investment, compare total program cost with realistic salary movement in your current or target industry. Ask employers whether the master's qualifies you for higher pay bands, senior engineer roles, tuition reimbursement, or specialized technical assignments. If the answer is unclear, the degree may still be valuable, but the financial case needs closer review.
What is the job outlook for electrical engineers?
The job outlook for electrical engineers is supported by several major technology trends: grid modernization, electrification, automation, defense systems, semiconductor investment, electric vehicles, wireless communications, and AI-enabled hardware. These trends do not affect every specialization equally, so students should choose programs with current electives in their target area.
BLS employment projections for the 2024-2034 period indicate growth for electrical engineering roles, with demand influenced by engineering services, research and development, and advanced manufacturing needs. For students, the takeaway is that broad EE demand exists, but specialization and practical skills matter. A generic degree plan is less powerful than one aligned with power, chips, controls, communications, or embedded systems.
AI and automation are changing the field rather than eliminating the need for electrical engineers. Engineers increasingly use simulation, machine learning, digital twins, automated test systems, and model-based design. Students who can combine electrical engineering fundamentals with programming, data analysis, and systems thinking may be better positioned for modern engineering teams.
Common red flags include choosing a program with outdated electives, ignoring software skills, avoiding math-heavy courses despite targeting advanced roles, or assuming a master's alone will replace hands-on engineering experience. A better strategy is to select a specialization, learn the tools used by employers in that niche, and complete projects that show measurable engineering judgment.
What licensure or certification should graduates consider?
Electrical engineers do not always need a license, but licensure can matter in power, utilities, public infrastructure, consulting, and roles involving plans submitted to public authorities. Requirements vary by state, so students should check their state engineering board before choosing a program if Professional Engineer licensure is part of their plan.
The most recognized engineering licensure path in the United States is the FE-to-PE route. The usual sequence includes completing an engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining qualifying engineering experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam in the relevant discipline.
The table below summarizes credentials that may be relevant depending on your role. It is not a substitute for state board rules or employer requirements.
| Credential | Who should consider it | Important note |
| Engineer in Training or Engineer Intern status | Students or graduates beginning the PE licensure pathway | Usually connected to passing the FE exam and meeting state requirements |
| Professional Engineer license | Engineers in power, infrastructure, consulting, public safety, or regulated work | State requirements vary, and ABET-accredited undergraduate education may be important |
| IEEE professional involvement | Students seeking technical networking, publications, standards exposure, and professional development | Not a license, but it can support career growth and specialization awareness |
| Vendor or tool certifications | Engineers using specialized software, cloud platforms, networking tools, or hardware design environments | Most useful when tied directly to job duties |
| Security clearance | Engineers pursuing defense, aerospace, communications, or government contractor roles | Not earned through a university, but it can strongly affect eligibility for certain jobs |
Students interested in licensure should not assume that any online master's automatically satisfies licensing requirements. Ask the program whether its graduates commonly pursue PE licensure, whether the curriculum supports the power or electronics PE exam, and how the school documents accreditation and transcripts for state boards.
If licensure is not relevant to your career goal, focus instead on technical proof: design projects, published code, simulation models, lab reports, capstone work, patents, conference participation, or employer-recognized training. In many private-sector EE roles, demonstrated technical ability can matter as much as formal credentials.
Other Things You Should Know About Electrical Engineering
Yes, it can be respected when it comes from an accredited university with a rigorous engineering curriculum. Employers usually care more about the university, coursework, projects, skills, and work experience than whether classes were completed online.
Some do, but many use simulations, remote labs, design projects, or software-based assignments instead of traditional campus labs. Requirements vary by specialization, so students targeting hardware-heavy fields should ask how practical work is handled.
Many online programs are designed for working professionals, but the workload can still be demanding. One course per term is often more manageable for students with full-time jobs, especially in math-heavy or project-intensive classes.
Not always. Many programs offer thesis, project, and coursework-only options. A thesis is usually better for research or PhD preparation, while a coursework-only path may fit professionals seeking advancement or specialization.
References
- Curriculum and the Purpose of Education – ReStorying Education https://restoryingeducation.pressbooks.sunycreate.cloud/chapter/what-is-curriculum/
- Difference Between Licensure vs. Certification | University of Bridgeport https://www.bridgeport.edu/news/designing-your-career-path-licensure-vs-certification/
- Job Outlook: Electrical Engineering | Progressive https://www.progressiverecruitment.com/en-us/knowledge-hub/industry-insights/job-outlook-electrical-engineering/
- The national curriculum https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum
- How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree? | edX https://www.edx.org/resources/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-bachelors-degree
- What is the Average Salary of an Electrical Engineer? - Samuel Frank Recruitment https://samuelfrank.com/average-salary-of-electrical-engineers/
- Best Electrical Engineering Master's Degrees Online 2026 https://www.onlineu.com/degrees/masters-electrical-engineering
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree? https://www.pointloma.edu/resources/accelerated-undergraduate/how-long-does-it-take-get-bachelors-degree
- What Is Curriculum? Simple Guide For Students & Parents (2026) https://www.uscaacademy.com/blog/what-is-curriculum/
- Admission Requirements | Undergraduate Admissions + Programs https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions/how-to-apply/admission-requirements/index.html
