2026 Online Electrical Engineering Degrees for Students Who Want Embedded Systems Careers
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
Choosing an online electrical engineering degree for an embedded systems career means weighing accreditation, labs, cost, coding depth, and career return. Embedded systems power vehicles, medical devices, robotics, aerospace systems, industrial controls, and connected products, so employers need engineers who can work across hardware and software.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2024 median annual wage of $111,910 for electrical engineers, making program choice a high-stakes investment. This guide helps prospective students compare pathways, avoid weak programs, and choose a degree that supports real embedded engineering goals.
Key Things You Should Know
- For first-time engineering students, an ABET-accredited online bachelor's program is usually the safest route because it supports employer screening, graduate admission, and future Professional Engineer licensure eligibility.
- Embedded systems careers sit between electrical engineering, computer engineering, and software development, so the strongest programs include circuits, digital logic, microcontrollers, C/C++, real-time systems, signals, controls, and hands-on labs.
- College Board's 2024 pricing report lists average published 2024-25 tuition and fees at $11,610 for in-state public four-year colleges and $43,350 for private nonprofit four-year colleges, before aid and online fees.
What is an online electrical engineering degree focused on embedded systems careers?
An online electrical engineering degree focused on embedded systems is a program that teaches students how to design, test, and troubleshoot electronic systems that contain both hardware and software. Embedded systems are "inside" larger products: anti-lock braking systems, pacemakers, drones, smart appliances, satellites, factory robots, wearable devices, and internet-connected sensors all depend on embedded engineering.
The degree may be labeled electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computer engineering, or embedded systems engineering. The label matters less than the curriculum, accreditation, lab access, and project work. Students comparing broader engineering degrees should look closely at whether the program includes digital systems and programming rather than only power, communications, or general electronics.
This pathway is a good fit for students who enjoy building physical products, debugging code that interacts with hardware, and solving timing, reliability, and power constraints. It is usually not the best fit for students who want a purely software career with little interest in circuits, signals, or lab measurement.
The table below shows how common degree types align with embedded systems goals. It can help you decide whether you need a bachelor's, a master's, or a shorter credential.
| Program type | Best fit | Embedded systems relevance | Decision point |
| Online B.S. or B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering | First-degree students seeking entry-level engineering roles. | Strong foundation in circuits, electronics, signals, controls, and digital design. | Prioritize ABET accreditation and hands-on lab requirements. |
| Online B.S. in Computer Engineering | Students more interested in processors, firmware, and hardware-software integration. | Often the most direct undergraduate route into firmware and embedded software roles. | Check whether the program still covers enough electronics and lab work. |
| Online M.S. in Electrical or Computer Engineering | Working engineers or graduates from related STEM fields. | Can deepen skills in real-time systems, signal processing, robotics, controls, or hardware design. | Usually requires prior calculus, physics, programming, and engineering coursework. |
| Graduate certificate in embedded systems | Engineers or developers needing targeted upskilling. | Useful for focused skills but usually not a substitute for an engineering degree. | Best when paired with an existing engineering, computer science, or technical background. |
How does choosing an online electrical engineering program compare to a campus-based pathway?
Online electrical engineering can be a strong option for students who need flexibility, but it is not simply the campus experience moved to video. Engineering depends on labs, proctored exams, design projects, and access to instructors who can support difficult technical work. This makes online engineering different from more reading- and research-heavy online fields such as a degree in library science.
The best online programs solve the lab problem through mailed lab kits, simulation platforms, remote-access instruments, local proctoring, short campus residencies, or partner labs. Campus programs, meanwhile, may provide easier access to physical equipment, research groups, student clubs, and informal faculty interaction.
The comparison below summarizes the trade-offs that matter most for embedded systems students. Use it to decide whether online learning fits your schedule, learning style, and technical goals.
| Factor | Online pathway | Campus pathway | Which may be better? |
| Schedule flexibility | Often designed for working adults and part-time learners. | Usually follows fixed daytime schedules. | Online if you need to work while studying. |
| Lab access | May use kits, simulations, remote labs, or required visits. | Often provides direct access to equipment and lab staff. | Campus if you learn best through supervised physical labs. |
| Networking | Depends heavily on virtual projects, faculty access, and career services. | More organic access to clubs, research labs, and local employers. | Campus if internships and in-person networks are a priority. |
| Cost control | Can reduce relocation and commuting costs, though fees vary | May include housing, transportation, and campus-based expenses. | Online if you can keep your current job and avoid relocation. |
| Employer perception | Strong when the institution is reputable and the program is accredited. | Often familiar to regional employers. | Either, if accreditation, projects, and outcomes are strong. |
Online learning is most practical for motivated students who can manage weekly deadlines, seek help early, and build a portfolio outside of class. A campus pathway may be better for students who need structured daily support, want undergraduate research access, or are not yet confident with independent technical problem-solving.
Which accredited U.S. schools offer online electrical engineering degrees in embedded systems?
Only a limited number of U.S. schools offer fully or substantially online electrical engineering bachelor's degrees, and even fewer market the degree specifically as "embedded systems." A better approach is to look for accredited electrical or computer engineering programs with embedded-relevant coursework, then confirm current accreditation and online availability directly with the school.
For bachelor's programs, ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission accreditation is especially important. For master's programs, institutional accreditation is standard, while ABET is less commonly applied because many engineering master's degrees are not ABET-accredited.
The table below lists examples of accredited U.S. institutions with online engineering options that can support embedded systems preparation. Program names, formats, and accreditation status can change, so students should verify details before applying.
| School | Online program example | Level | Accreditation note | Embedded systems fit |
| Arizona State University | Online B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering | Bachelor's | ABET-accredited engineering program; institutionally accredited. | Good option for students seeking an online ABET bachelor's with circuits, electronics, signals, and systems coursework. |
| University of North Dakota | Online B.S. in Electrical Engineering | Bachelor's | ABET-accredited engineering program; institutionally accredited. | Strong fit for students who want a traditional electrical engineering curriculum with online flexibility. |
| Old Dominion University | Online electrical engineering technology and engineering-related options | Bachelor's or completion pathways | Students should confirm the exact program's ABET status because engineering and engineering technology accreditation differ. | May fit students interested in applied electronics and industry-facing technical roles. |
| Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals | Online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Master's | Institutionally accredited; graduate engineering accreditation is typically handled differently from ABET bachelor's review. | Useful for working professionals seeking advanced signal processing, communications, computer engineering, or systems depth. |
| Purdue University Online | Online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Master's | Institutionally accredited; confirm current program delivery and concentration options. | Good fit for engineers looking for advanced study in electrical and computer engineering topics relevant to embedded design. |
When reviewing schools, do not assume that "online," "engineering," and "embedded systems" mean the same thing across institutions. A program may be strong in power systems, telecommunications, or general electronics but offer limited firmware, microcontroller, or real-time computing work.
What courses and technical skills do embedded systems-oriented electrical engineering programs cover?
Embedded systems students need a hybrid skill set. They must understand how electricity behaves in real circuits, how processors execute code, and how software interacts with sensors, actuators, memory, buses, and timing constraints.
The strongest programs combine theory with repeated design and debugging work. The table below connects common courses to the practical skills employers often expect from entry-level embedded or firmware candidates.
| Course area | What students learn | Why it matters for embedded systems |
| Circuit analysis and electronics | Voltage, current, filters, amplifiers, transistors, and circuit behavior. | Helps engineers design and troubleshoot hardware that embedded code controls. |
| Digital logic and computer architecture | Boolean logic, memory, processors, buses, and digital hardware. | Builds the foundation for microcontrollers, FPGA work, and low-level debugging. |
| Microcontrollers and embedded programming | C, C++, interrupts, timers, peripherals, and firmware structure. | Directly prepares students for embedded software and firmware roles. |
| Signals and systems | Sampling, frequency response, transforms, and signal behavior. | Important for sensors, audio, communications, medical devices, and control applications. |
| Control systems | Feedback, stability, modeling, and controller design. | Used in robotics, vehicles, drones, manufacturing equipment, and mechatronics. |
| Real-time systems | Scheduling, latency, concurrency, and deterministic behavior. | Critical when missed timing deadlines can cause product failure or safety problems. |
| Engineering design projects | Requirements, prototyping, testing, documentation, and teamwork. | Creates portfolio evidence that employers can evaluate beyond grades. |
Students should also build practical tool familiarity outside standard lectures. A useful embedded systems portfolio often includes several of the following:
- Projects using microcontrollers such as ARM-based boards, Arduino-compatible boards, ESP32, or similar development platforms.
- Programming experience in C or C++, plus exposure to Python for testing, scripting, and automation.
- Use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, soldering tools, and circuit simulation software.
- Version control with Git and clear technical documentation for each project.
- Experience with communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
- Basic understanding of power consumption, thermal constraints, reliability, and manufacturability.
AI is also changing embedded work. Engineers increasingly use machine learning at the edge, automated test generation, model-based design, and AI-assisted code review. However, AI tools do not remove the need to understand circuits, timing, safety, and hardware constraints; they raise the value of engineers who can verify whether automated suggestions are technically safe.
What admission requirements and prerequisites do online electrical engineering programs typically have?
Admission requirements vary by school and degree level, but electrical engineering is mathematically demanding. Students who are comparing online majors across very different fields, such as an online animal science bachelor degree, should understand that engineering programs usually require a more sequential calculus, physics, and lab science pathway.
Online bachelor's applicants typically need strong high school preparation or transferable college credits. Online master's applicants usually need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a closely related technical field.
Before applying, students should check whether they meet the academic foundation below. Missing prerequisites can add time and cost, especially if courses must be taken before upper-division engineering work.
- Mathematics: calculus I through differential equations is commonly expected for advanced undergraduate engineering coursework.
- Science: calculus-based physics with lab is often required, especially electricity and magnetism.
- Programming: C, C++, Python, Java, or another structured programming background may be required or strongly recommended.
- Prior engineering coursework: transfer students may need circuits, digital logic, statics, or introductory engineering design depending on placement.
- Admissions materials: transcripts, application form, personal statement, resume, and sometimes letters of recommendation are common.
- Graduate requirements: some master's programs may request GRE scores, though many engineering schools have made them optional or program-specific.
One common mistake is applying to a program without confirming course sequencing. If calculus or physics is offered only once per year, a missing prerequisite can delay graduation even when the program is advertised as flexible.
How long do online electrical engineering degrees take and what do they cost?
Online electrical engineering degrees can take as little as two years for transfer students or as long as six years for part-time learners starting from the beginning. A traditional bachelor's degree is usually designed around four years of full-time study, while an online master's degree often takes one to three years depending on course load and whether the student is working full time.
Cost is more complicated than tuition alone. College Board's 2024 report lists the following average published 2024-25 tuition and fees for U.S. four-year colleges, before grants, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and living costs:
- $11,610 for in-state students at public four-year colleges.
- $30,780 for out-of-state students at public four-year colleges.
- $43,350 for students at private nonprofit four-year colleges.
Those figures are not embedded-systems-specific, but they give a useful benchmark. Online students may save on housing or commuting, yet they may still pay technology fees, lab kit costs, proctoring fees, software subscriptions, or occasional travel for labs and exams.
The table below summarizes common timeline and cost drivers. It can help students estimate total investment rather than focusing only on the advertised per-credit price.
| Cost or time factor | Why it matters | How to evaluate it |
| Transfer credits | Accepted credits can reduce both time and tuition. | Request a written transfer evaluation before enrolling. |
| Lab requirements | Engineering labs may require kits, shipping, travel, or special software. | Ask for a full list of required lab expenses by course. |
| Part-time pacing | Working adults may need fewer courses per term. | Compare the fastest, standard, and realistic completion plans. |
| Residency rules | Some schools require a minimum number of credits taken through the institution. | Check whether transfer-heavy students can still graduate on time. |
| Financial aid eligibility | Degree-seeking status and course load can affect aid. | Confirm federal aid, scholarships, military benefits, and employer reimbursement rules. |
A lower-cost program is not automatically the best value if it lacks accreditation, embedded systems coursework, or career support. Conversely, a higher-priced program may be worthwhile only if it offers strong labs, recognized faculty, employer connections, and a curriculum that matches your intended role.
What entry-level and advanced careers can an embedded systems degree lead to?
An embedded systems-oriented electrical engineering degree can lead to roles in automotive technology, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, medical devices, robotics, energy systems, telecommunications, industrial automation, and internet-of-things products. Entry-level titles vary because some employers classify these jobs as electrical engineering, firmware engineering, computer engineering, or embedded software engineering.
Students interested in embedded AI, sensor analytics, robotics perception, or intelligent edge devices may eventually combine engineering training with machine learning or analytics study. For those who want to move heavily into AI modeling rather than hardware design, an online data science masters may be a complementary or alternative graduate path.
The table below connects common job titles to their typical responsibilities. It can help students choose electives and projects that match the work they want to do after graduation.
| Career path | Typical responsibilities | Helpful preparation |
| Embedded systems engineer | Designs integrated hardware-software systems for products, devices, or machines. | Microcontrollers, electronics, real-time systems, testing, and documentation. |
| Firmware engineer | Writes low-level software that controls hardware components. | C/C++, debugging, memory management, peripheral interfaces, and version control. |
| Electrical design engineer | Designs circuits, boards, power systems, or signal interfaces. | Circuit analysis, electronics, PCB concepts, simulation, and lab instrumentation. |
| Controls engineer | Develops feedback systems for machines, robotics, vehicles, or industrial equipment. | Control theory, sensors, actuators, MATLAB or Python, and system modeling. |
| Test or validation engineer | Builds test plans, verifies product performance, and diagnoses failures. | Measurement tools, scripting, reliability testing, and technical reporting. |
| Systems engineer | Coordinates requirements, interfaces, risk, and performance across complex products. | Engineering fundamentals, communication, documentation, and cross-functional design. |
Career growth often comes from moving from component-level work to system-level responsibility. A typical progression may start with testing or firmware tasks, then expand into architecture, technical leadership, product safety, or management.
What are typical salaries for electrical engineers specializing in embedded systems?
There is no single federal salary category for "embedded systems engineer," so the best salary evidence comes from related U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupations. The May 2024 BLS median wage for electrical engineers was $111,910, which is a useful baseline for students considering the return on an electrical engineering degree.
The table below shows closely related occupational categories. These figures describe broad occupations, not guaranteed outcomes for embedded systems graduates.
| Related occupation | May 2024 median annual wage | How it relates to embedded systems |
| Electrical engineers | $111,910 | Closest general category for circuit, signal, power, controls, and electronics roles. |
| Electronics engineers, except computer | $127,370 | Relevant for electronic systems, communications hardware, sensors, and device design. |
| Computer hardware engineers | $155,020 | Relevant for processor, board-level, hardware architecture, and device development roles. |
| Software developers | $133,080 | Relevant for embedded software roles when work is classified primarily as software development. |
Actual pay depends on region, industry, clearance requirements, internship experience, graduate education, and the depth of a student's project portfolio. Defense, semiconductor, aerospace, automotive autonomy, and medical device employers may value different combinations of hardware, firmware, verification, and safety knowledge.
Students should use salary data as a planning tool, not a promise. A strong way to estimate realistic outcomes is to compare local job postings with the program's course list, internship access, alumni outcomes, and required technical tools.
What is the job outlook and industry demand for embedded systems engineers in the U.S.?
The job outlook for embedded systems engineers is supported by demand for connected devices, electrified transportation, automation, aerospace systems, medical technology, defense electronics, and edge computing. The BLS projects employment for electrical and electronics engineers to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, which suggests stronger-than-average demand for the broad engineering category that includes many embedded-adjacent roles.
That outlook does not mean every graduate will find the same opportunities. Embedded systems hiring is skills-sensitive: employers often screen for C/C++, debugging ability, hardware familiarity, communication protocols, and evidence that candidates have built working systems.
Several current trends are shaping what students should learn now:
- Edge AI is pushing more computation into devices, which increases demand for engineers who understand both machine learning constraints and hardware limitations.
- Automotive electrification and advanced driver-assistance systems are expanding opportunities in sensors, controls, power electronics, and safety-critical firmware.
- Cybersecurity expectations are rising because connected devices can create physical and data-security risks.
- Semiconductor and electronics supply chain concerns are increasing interest in hardware-aware engineers who can design reliable and testable products.
- Employers increasingly expect portfolio evidence, internships, or project experience rather than coursework alone.
Students who want the strongest labor-market position should not treat the degree as the only credential. Internships, capstone projects, open-source contributions, lab competence, and clear documentation can make the difference between being generally qualified and being interview-ready.
How can students evaluate and choose a reputable online embedded systems program?
Choosing a reputable online embedded systems program requires more than comparing tuition pages. The best decision starts with your target role, then works backward to accreditation, curriculum, lab quality, faculty support, and career outcomes.
Use the steps below before committing to a program. They are designed to reduce the risk of enrolling in a degree that is flexible but poorly matched to embedded systems work.
- Confirm accreditation first, including institutional accreditation and ABET accreditation for undergraduate engineering programs when relevant to your goals.
- Map the curriculum to embedded systems skills, including circuits, digital logic, microcontrollers, C/C++, signals, controls, real-time systems, and engineering design.
- Ask how labs work online, including whether students use mailed kits, simulations, remote instruments, local labs, or required campus visits.
- Request a transfer credit review before enrolling if you have prior college coursework, military training, or an associate degree.
- Compare total cost, including tuition, fees, lab kits, software, travel, proctoring, books, and the opportunity cost of reducing work hours.
- Review career support, including internship help, employer partnerships, capstone projects, alumni outcomes, and access to engineering career advisors.
- Check faculty access and course pacing, especially for difficult subjects such as circuits, signals, electromagnetics, and control systems.
- Look for portfolio opportunities, because embedded systems employers often want evidence that you can build, test, debug, and explain working hardware-software systems.
Common red flags include vague accreditation language, no clear lab plan, limited upper-division engineering courses, no embedded or computer engineering electives, unrealistic completion timelines, and admissions staff who cannot explain prerequisite sequencing. Another mistake is choosing a program only because it is online; the degree must still support the type of engineering work you want.
The smartest choice is the program that fits your current preparation, budget, schedule, and target role. For some students, that will be an ABET-accredited online bachelor's degree. For others, it may be a campus program, a computer engineering degree, a master's program, or a targeted certificate after a related STEM degree.
Other Things You Should Know About Electrical Engineering
Yes. Many entry-level embedded systems and firmware roles are accessible with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field. A master's degree can help for specialized roles in controls, signal processing, robotics, semiconductors, or research-heavy positions.
Often, yes. Many programs require lab kits, microcontroller boards, measurement tools, or software. Before enrolling, ask for a course-by-course list of required equipment so you can estimate the true cost of the program.
Usually not for firmware and product-development roles, but it can matter in certain regulated engineering environments or public-facing engineering services. If licensure may be part of your long-term plan, prioritize an ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program and check your state board's rules.
Strong projects show hardware-software integration. Examples include a sensor-based data logger, motor controller, wireless device, small robot, real-time monitoring system, or low-power IoT prototype. Document the design goal, circuit choices, code, testing process, failures, and final results.
References
- How to Become an Embedded Systems Engineer? - Maven Silicon https://www.maven-silicon.com/blog/how-to-become-an-embedded-systems-engineer/
- Embedded Systems Essentials with Arm Professional Certificate - Design Course https://www.arm.com/resources/education/online-courses/efficient-embedded-systems
- Embedded Systems Electrical Engineer https://jobs.siemens.com/en_US/externaljobs/JobDetail/513663
- A Review of Embedded Systems Education in the Arduino ... https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jep/article/download/6845/4454/22721
- How to Become an Embedded Systems Engineer – Robocraze https://robocraze.com/blogs/post/how-to-become-an-embedded-systems-engineer
- UK Embedded Systems Salaries | Zenovo (Updated 2025) https://zenovo.co.uk/a-guide-to-embedded-recruitment-salaries-in-the-uk/
- Inside the Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Degrees https://www.onlinecolleges.me/engineering-degrees/bachelors/electrical-engineering/
- Assess Engineering Skills | EWskills https://www.ewskills.com/assessment
- How I Teach Embedded Systems https://jaycarlson.net/2019/07/26/how-i-teach-embedded-systems/
- Electrical/Embedded Systems Engineer - Med Associates Inc. https://med-associates.com/careers/electrical-embedded-systems-engineer/
