Best Online Engineering and Architecture Degree Programs

It’s hard to imagine a world without highways, mobile phones or electricity; nor is it easy to imagine a world without skyscrapers, factories or houses. Engineers and architects are the driving forces behind so many things we take for granted.

If you have an innovative, creative mind and are not afraid of mathematics, an online degree in engineering or architecture may be for you. Online programs particularly suit individuals who can’t put their jobs on hold but want to earn a college degree in engineering or architecture. The flexible, self-paced learning options can allow you to balance work, life and other commitments, while still studying toward your degree completion. 

Engineers are needed across the country. As the country starts updating obsolete infrastructure and constructing new projects to sustain the growing population, civil engineers, in particular, are expected to be in good demand, constituting about 23 percent of new jobs in engineering, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2018). The significant demand for engineers has led to various initiatives by the federal and state governments to encourage students to enter STEM fields in partnership with private institutions and companies. For example, in New Jersey, the Governor’s STEM Scholars Program creates enrichment opportunities for STEM students right up to doctoral levels while Washington’s multisector STEM Education Innovation Alliance aligns workforce needs with education and career training systems.

While the job growth for architects is 4 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average, the demand is expected to be stronger for green architects as more construction projects move toward sustainable design with modular and prefabricated buildings, wind and solar projects presenting greater opportunities for architects, according to Brightwing, a global recruiting and staffing firm. Initiatives like the Architecture 2030 Challenge, calls on architects across the country to meet the goal of designing carbon-neutral buildings by 2030. Several architecture and design schools are including curricula tied to participatory design encouraging students to connect with communities and other stakeholders to make a positive social impact through architectural design.   

Trends in Engineering and Architecture: Sustainability and green construction are the buzzwords these days with engineering and construction projects looking to ensure that resources are used sustainably with minimal environmental effects. Architects, too, are moving to more sustainable design in their projects using energy-efficient placement of windows to reduce electricity, for example. Modular and prefabricated buildings are also becoming more visible due to the amount of time and money they can save. Engineering projects are moving toward sustainability, as well, with wind and solar projects in big demand, particularly in states like Texas, according to Brightwing.

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer or simply looking to advance your education, explore this page for online degree program options in engineering and architecture.

Civil Engineers
Job Description:
Civil engineers design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain construction projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.
Median Annual Salary: $87,060
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree
Construction Managers
Job Description:
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.
Median Annual Salary: $95,260
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree
Industrial Engineers
Job Description:
Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.
Median Annual Salary: $88,020
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree
Industrial Production Managers
Job Description:
Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products.
Median Annual Salary: $105,480
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree
Mechanical Engineers
Job Description:
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
Median Annual Salary: $88,430
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree

Online colleges for engineering, architecture or construction can allow you to take theoretical courses via distance education. On-campus attendance may be needed to participate in the practical components of the program. Some programs may require short residencies that cover practical courses. You can explore the range of online degree programs and college options by taking the following steps:

Step One: Click on the buttons below to explore the variety of online degree program options in engineering and architecture. 

Step Two: Consider your college options by taking a look at the top online colleges for architecture and engineering. We’ve crafted these rankings using factors that are especially important to online students. 

Online Construction and Architecture Degree Programs

Employment trends for construction and civil engineering occupations are on the rise, according to a 2018 BLS report. IbisWorld predicts job openings for architects are likely to increase in the coming years due to institutional and commercial development.

Click on the tabs below to learn more about architecture and civil engineering degree programs at different degree levels complete with data-driven information that can help you decide on a career path that is right for you:

Architecture & Landscaping Civil Engineering
Online Degree Programs in Engineering

Online learning is set to become one of the next big trends in engineering education delivering personalized learning through blended courses where most of the coursework is online with campus based hands-on experiential learning according to a report by MIT titled “The global state of the art in engineering education.” Case studies from the same report show that online colleges for engineering are able to deliver “student centered curricula at scale”

Click on the tabs below to see what different online engineering degree programs have to offer. You’ll find details on the salary you can expect, job growth rates and the type of jobs you may be eligible for.

Engineering (General) Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Environmental Engineering Systems Engineering Industrial Engineering Quality Control & Safety

We’ve ranked the top ten accredited colleges based on criteria that are important to online students such as the number of online degrees awarded, career support and financial aid services. Details of the methodology we used and all the factors we have considered can be found at the bottom of this page. As an online student, this list of top online colleges by degree level, can present you with some of the best online colleges for you to consider.

Top Colleges for Online Associate Degrees in Engineering and Architecture

Online associate construction and architecture programs can help you break into the workforce with the practical skills needed for entry-level jobs assisting urban planners, licensed architects, and construction engineers. Associate degrees in engineering can result in competitive wages with aerospace engineering and operations technicians earning a median salary that was almost double the average for all occupations in 2017, according to the BLS. Students studying full-time can typically earn their associate degrees within two years.

1
Allen County Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$1,920
No. of online programs
81
% of students in distance education
74
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,251
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
No
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Central Carolina Technical College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$5,795
No. of online programs
4
% of students in distance education
64
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,898
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
No
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Central Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$2,640
No. of online programs
18
% of students in distance education
45
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,145
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Kilgore College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,000
No. of online programs
3
% of students in distance education
30
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,851
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
No
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Lakeshore Technical College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,026
No. of online programs
23
% of students in distance education
62
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,244
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
North Dakota State College of Science
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,354
No. of online programs
12
% of students in distance education
76
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,634
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,675
No. of online programs
11
% of students in distance education
45
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,448
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
Turtle Mountain Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$1,776
No. of online programs
0
% of students in distance education
51
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,483
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
39
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
Wake Technical Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$2,432
No. of online programs
29
% of students in distance education
48
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,827
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
Western Texas College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$2,970
No. of online programs
15
% of students in distance education
17
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,595
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
1
Allen County Community College
Average in-state tuition$1,920
No. of online programs81
% of students in distance education74
Avg. amount of Aid$3,251
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Central Carolina Technical College
Average in-state tuition$5,795
No. of online programs4
% of students in distance education64
Avg. amount of Aid$3,898
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Central Community College
Average in-state tuition$2,640
No. of online programs18
% of students in distance education45
Avg. amount of Aid$3,145
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Kilgore College
Average in-state tuition$3,000
No. of online programs3
% of students in distance education30
Avg. amount of Aid$5,851
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Lakeshore Technical College
Average in-state tuition$4,026
No. of online programs23
% of students in distance education62
Avg. amount of Aid$4,244
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
North Dakota State College of Science
Average in-state tuition$4,354
No. of online programs12
% of students in distance education76
Avg. amount of Aid$4,634
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Average in-state tuition$3,675
No. of online programs11
% of students in distance education45
Avg. amount of Aid$3,448
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
Turtle Mountain Community College
Average in-state tuition$1,776
No. of online programs0
% of students in distance education51
Avg. amount of Aid$9,483
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
Wake Technical Community College
Average in-state tuition$2,432
No. of online programs29
% of students in distance education48
Avg. amount of Aid$3,827
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
Western Texas College
Average in-state tuition$2,970
No. of online programs15
% of students in distance education17
Avg. amount of Aid$5,595
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Top Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering and Architecture

A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum requirement to work as an engineer or an architect, according to the BLS. About 47 percent of all bachelors’ engineering degrees awarded in 2017 were in mechanical engineering, computer science and electrical engineering, according to Dr. Brian Yoder, Ph.D., NACE. Graduates of engineering programs are among the top-paid graduates at the bachelor’s degree level. Students studying full-time can typically earn their bachelors’ degrees in four to five years depending on the program.

1
Bemidji State University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$7,630
No. of online programs
17
% of students in distance education
44
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,697
Admissions
Rate
66.6666666667
Graduation
Rate
46
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Eastern Kentucky University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,996
No. of online programs
52
% of students in distance education
45
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,160
Admissions
Rate
87.2874849183
Graduation
Rate
47
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Fort Hays State University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,990
No. of online programs
36
% of students in distance education
83
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,629
Admissions
Rate
92.2866271109
Graduation
Rate
44
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Indiana State University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,890
No. of online programs
58
% of students in distance education
43
Avg. amount
of Aid
$8,975
Admissions
Rate
89.9074722028
Graduation
Rate
41
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Kennesaw State University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,341
No. of online programs
46
% of students in distance education
42
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,048
Admissions
Rate
57.9355030908
Graduation
Rate
43
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Morehead State University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,750
No. of online programs
20
% of students in distance education
44
Avg. amount
of Aid
$6,323
Admissions
Rate
79.2550823564
Graduation
Rate
45
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Old Dominion University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$7,029
No. of online programs
49
% of students in distance education
51
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,488
Admissions
Rate
86.9891263592
Graduation
Rate
52
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$13,058
No. of online programs
4
% of students in distance education
29
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,087
Admissions
Rate
51.8660837552
Graduation
Rate
80
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of Southern Mississippi
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,514
No. of online programs
57
% of students in distance education
69
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,458
Admissions
Rate
97.8830409357
Graduation
Rate
49
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
Washburn University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,202
No. of online programs
26
% of students in distance education
37
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,857
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
44
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
1
Bemidji State University
Average in-state tuition$7,630
No. of online programs17
% of students in distance education44
Avg. amount of Aid$5,697
Admission Rate66.6666666667
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Eastern Kentucky University
Average in-state tuition$8,996
No. of online programs52
% of students in distance education45
Avg. amount of Aid$7,160
Admission Rate87.2874849183
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Fort Hays State University
Average in-state tuition$3,990
No. of online programs36
% of students in distance education83
Avg. amount of Aid$4,629
Admission Rate92.2866271109
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Indiana State University
Average in-state tuition$8,890
No. of online programs58
% of students in distance education43
Avg. amount of Aid$8,975
Admission Rate89.9074722028
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Kennesaw State University
Average in-state tuition$4,341
No. of online programs46
% of students in distance education42
Avg. amount of Aid$5,048
Admission Rate57.9355030908
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Morehead State University
Average in-state tuition$8,750
No. of online programs20
% of students in distance education44
Avg. amount of Aid$6,323
Admission Rate79.2550823564
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Old Dominion University
Average in-state tuition$7,029
No. of online programs49
% of students in distance education51
Avg. amount of Aid$7,488
Admission Rate86.9891263592
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Average in-state tuition$13,058
No. of online programs4
% of students in distance education29
Avg. amount of Aid$9,087
Admission Rate51.8660837552
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of Southern Mississippi
Average in-state tuition$8,514
No. of online programs57
% of students in distance education69
Avg. amount of Aid$7,458
Admission Rate97.8830409357
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
Washburn University
Average in-state tuition$8,202
No. of online programs26
% of students in distance education37
Avg. amount of Aid$5,857
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Top Colleges for Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering and Architecture

According to Burning Glass Technologies, engineering is “arguably a pioneering hybrid job” combining technical and business skills. Engineering programs at the master’s level may allow you to cultivate these in-demand hybrid skills and help increase employability. Master’s degree programs can take full-time students between one to five years depending on your undergraduate qualifications and the scope of the degree program.

1
Arizona State University-Tempe
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$10,104
No. of online programs
8
% of students in distance education
46
Avg. amount
of Aid
$11,252
Admissions
Rate
84.7779969482
Graduation
Rate
69
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
East Carolina University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,452
No. of online programs
67
% of students in distance education
45
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,795
Admissions
Rate
82.198982799
Graduation
Rate
65
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,637
No. of online programs
46
% of students in distance education
19
Avg. amount
of Aid
$8,274
Admissions
Rate
84.1643582641
Graduation
Rate
63
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$6,535
No. of online programs
39
% of students in distance education
41
Avg. amount
of Aid
$10,097
Admissions
Rate
46.8500823723
Graduation
Rate
81
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$5,366
No. of online programs
48
% of students in distance education
40
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,190
Admissions
Rate
73.7868795557
Graduation
Rate
61
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Purdue University-Main Campus
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$9,208
No. of online programs
29
% of students in distance education
21
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,844
Admissions
Rate
57.976248092
Graduation
Rate
81
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Texas Tech University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$6,576
No. of online programs
52
% of students in distance education
50
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,182
Admissions
Rate
70.6690659251
Graduation
Rate
60
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
The University of Texas at Tyler
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$6,150
No. of online programs
14
% of students in distance education
68
Avg. amount
of Aid
$6,343
Admissions
Rate
78.2890473104
Graduation
Rate
45
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of Florida
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,477
No. of online programs
65
% of students in distance education
50
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,169
Admissions
Rate
38.7533736024
Graduation
Rate
90
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$12,330
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
31
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,020
Admissions
Rate
77.9727095517
Graduation
Rate
56
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
1
Arizona State University-Tempe
Average in-state tuition$10,104
No. of online programs8
% of students in distance education46
Avg. amount of Aid$11,252
Admission Rate84.7779969482
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
East Carolina University
Average in-state tuition$4,452
No. of online programs67
% of students in distance education45
Avg. amount of Aid$7,795
Admission Rate82.198982799
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Average in-state tuition$8,637
No. of online programs46
% of students in distance education19
Avg. amount of Aid$8,274
Admission Rate84.1643582641
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Average in-state tuition$6,535
No. of online programs39
% of students in distance education41
Avg. amount of Aid$10,097
Admission Rate46.8500823723
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Average in-state tuition$5,366
No. of online programs48
% of students in distance education40
Avg. amount of Aid$9,190
Admission Rate73.7868795557
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Purdue University-Main Campus
Average in-state tuition$9,208
No. of online programs29
% of students in distance education21
Avg. amount of Aid$9,844
Admission Rate57.976248092
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Texas Tech University
Average in-state tuition$6,576
No. of online programs52
% of students in distance education50
Avg. amount of Aid$7,182
Admission Rate70.6690659251
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
The University of Texas at Tyler
Average in-state tuition$6,150
No. of online programs14
% of students in distance education68
Avg. amount of Aid$6,343
Admission Rate78.2890473104
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of Florida
Average in-state tuition$4,477
No. of online programs65
% of students in distance education50
Avg. amount of Aid$9,169
Admission Rate38.7533736024
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Average in-state tuition$12,330
No. of online programs25
% of students in distance education31
Avg. amount of Aid$7,020
Admission Rate77.9727095517
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

The BLS reports that the employment of engineering and architecture is expected to grow seven percent from 2016 to 2026. The highest growth is expected to be in engineering occupations. Additionally, the demand for architects with experience in sustainable design is expected to continue.

We’ve listed the top occupations in the fields of engineering and architecture using data from the BLS based on projected job openings, employment numbers and average wages so you know how to make the most of your degree program.

Occupations In-Demand for ENGINEERING-ARCHITECTURE
Job Openings
Median Salary
Typical Entry Level Education
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians1,10066,020Associate's degree
Aerospace Engineers4,500116,500Bachelor's degree
Agricultural Engineers20080,720Bachelor's degree
Agricultural Inspectors2,70045,490Bachelor's degree
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval11,80080,750Bachelor's degree
Architectural and Civil Drafters10,70056,340Associate's degree
Astronomers200114,590Doctoral or professional degree
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers1,50091,410Bachelor's degree
Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other8,80062,990Associate's degree
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists1,10065,470Bachelor's degree
Chemical Engineers2,400108,770Bachelor's degree
Chemical Technicians7,20049,260Associate's degree
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians7,70053,410Associate's degree
Civil Engineers28,30087,060Bachelor's degree
Computer Hardware Engineers5,200117,220Bachelor's degree
Construction Managers40,20095,260Bachelor's degree
Drafters, All Other1,70052,830Associate's degree
Electrical Engineers13,90098,530Bachelor's degree
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians12,70065,260Associate's degree
Electrical and Electronics Drafters2,80061,530Associate's degree
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians1,40058,350Associate's degree
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer9,000105,570Bachelor's degree
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary4,700101,010Doctoral or professional degree
Engineers, All Other11,70099,040Bachelor's degree
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians2,00050,620Associate's degree
Environmental Engineers4,60088,860Bachelor's degree
Geological and Hydrologic Technicians1,80051,130Associate's degree
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors2,00091,410Bachelor's degree
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians6,60056,550Associate's degree
Industrial Engineers22,60088,020Bachelor's degree
Industrial Production Managers13,800105,480Bachelor's degree
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects80092,400Bachelor's degree
Materials Engineers1,70093,360Bachelor's degree
Materials Scientists80096,810Bachelor's degree
Mechanical Drafters5,40057,060Associate's degree
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians4,30056,980Associate's degree
Mechanical Engineers22,90088,430Bachelor's degree
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers50091,160Bachelor's degree
Nuclear Engineers1,100113,460Bachelor's degree
Nuclear Technicians90082,080Associate's degree
Petroleum Engineers2,500137,720Bachelor's degree
Semiconductor Processing Technicians2,80038,060Associate's degree
Survey Researchers1,50059,170Master's degree
Surveyors4,00063,420Bachelor's degree

Methodologies and Sources

To be included in our rankings for the top colleges for online degrees in engineering and architecture by degree level all colleges had to meet the following 4 requirements:

  • Offer a degree or certificate program in that subject, either in an online or hybrid format
  • Have at least 1% of students attending some form of distance education
  • Have awarded at least one degree or certificate in that subject in 2015-16
  • Have reported data for all 19 ranking variables for associate/bachelor’s and 11 ranking variables for master’s (listed below)

We then ranked colleges and universities in the United States that fit our criteria, using 2016-17 data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the weights specified. The final totals were:

  • 32 colleges for online associate degree in engineering and architecture
  • 49 colleges for online bachelor’s degree in engineering and architecture
  • 131 colleges for online master’s degree in engineering and architecture

We then scored the final list of colleges by degree level on a 100-point scale using these specific data points:

Associate/Bachelor’s

  1. Associate’s/Bachelor’s Program prominence, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded via distance education in 2016-2017 were in this particular subject
  2. Ratio of undergraduate students participating fully or partially in Distance Education to Total Enrollment
  3. Average in-state tuition for undergraduates
  4. Retention rate
  5. Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal, state, local, institutional or other sources of grant aid
  6. Average amount of federal, state, local, institutional, or other sources of grant aid awarded to undergraduate students
  7. Student-to-faculty ratio
  8. Variety of Programs, based on the number of similar topics for programs in relevant CIP codes that are offered via distance education at any level
  9. Total electronic library collections, including digital books, databases, and media
  10. The availability of any tuition plans (Payment, Guaranteed, Prepaid, Other)
  11. Services (Academic/Career Counseling, Placement for Completers)
  12. Credit offerings (Dual, Life, AP, Military)

Master’s

    1. Master’s Program prominence, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded via distance education in 2016-2017 were in this particular subject
    2. Ratio of graduate students participating fully or partially in Distance Education to Total Enrollment
    3. Average in-state tuition for graduates
    4. Credit offerings (Life, Military)
    5. Services (Academic/Career Counseling, Placement for Completers)
    6. The availability of any tuition plans (Payment, Prepaid, Other)
    7. Total electronic library collections, including digital books, databases, and media

Methodology Sources

        • Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2016-17, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sources

      • 10 Construction Industry Trends in 2018 That Will Carry Over Into 2019, eSUB Construction Software, 2018, https://esub.com/10-construction-industry-trends/
      • Architects, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm, accessed October 2018
      • Architectural studies: Online doctorate, Mizzou Online, University of Missouri, https://online.missouri.edu/degreeprograms/human-environmental-sciences/architectural-studies/phd/, accessed October 2018
      • Architectural Technology, Associate in Applied Science, Delta College, http://www.delta.edu/programs/current/sciences-and-engineering/architecture/architectural-technology/associate/index/, accessed October 2018
      • Architecture and Engineering Occupations, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm, accessed October 2018
      • As Architecture Education Faces a Shift, How Will Our Communities Fit In, The American Association of Architects, February 2019, https://www.aia.org/articles/6108507-as-architecture-education-faces-a-shift-ho
      • CEE Online, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois, https://cee.illinois.edu/academics/graduate-programs/cee-online, accessed October 2018
      • Civil Engineers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm, accessed October 2018
      • Current Employment Statistics Highlights, Detailed Industry Employment Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018, https://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/ceshighlights.pdf
      • Earn an Associate of Science Degree in Engineering Management Technology, Grantham University, https://www.grantham.edu/online-degrees/engineering-management-technology-associates/, accessed October 2018
      • Electrical Engineering Doctorate Degree, Columbia Engineering, Columbia University in the City of New York, https://cvn.columbia.edu/program/columbia-university-electrical-engineering-doctorate-degree-doctor-engineering, accessed October 2018
      • Engineering and Four Trends Shaping the Workforce, Research Brief, Burning Glass Technologies, 2018, https://www.burning-glass.com/wp-content/uploads/BHEF_Engineering_18.09.21_revised3.pdf
      • Engineering by the numbers, American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, DC, USA, 2017, https://www.asee.org/documents/papers-and-publications/publications/college-profiles/2017-Engineering-by-Numbers-Engineering-Statistics.pdf
      • Engineering Majors Top Class of 2017 Salary Projections, National Association of Colleges and Employers 2017, http://www.naceweb.org/job-market/compensation/engineering-majors-top-class-of-2017-salary-projections/
      • General Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, http://web2.fit.edu/programs/7040/none-general-engineering, accessed October 2018
      • Hubbard, B., Architect Definition: What Does An Architect Do?, https://www.thearchitectsguide.com/blog/architect-definition-what-does-an-architect-do, accessed October 2018
      • Major: Architecture, BigFuture, The College Board, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/architecture-planning-architecture, accessed October 2018
      • Major: Construction Technology, BigFuture, The College Board, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/engineering-technologies-construction-technology, accessed October 2018
      • Major: Engineering, General, BigFuture, The College Board, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/engineering-engineering-general, accessed October 2018
      • Master’s of Architecture, New School of Architecture and Design, https://newschoolarch.edu/academics/school-of-architecture/graduate-architecture-programs/master-of-architecture-i/, accessed October 2018
      • Narusch, M., 4 Locations with the Highest Demand for Engineers, Brightwing, 2018, https://www.gobrightwing.com/2018/02/06/highest-demand-for-engineers/#!/
      • Online Construction Management Associate Degree, Ashworth College, https://www.ashworthcollege.edu/associate-degrees/construction-management/, accessed October 2018
      • Online Master of Architecture, Boston Architectural College, https://the-bac.edu/academics/school-of-architecture/master-of-architecture-online, accessed October 2018
      • Online Master of Architecture, School of Architecture, Southern Illinois University, https://architecture.siu.edu/graduate/online-master-of-architecture/, accessed October 2018
      • STEM education in the U.S.: Where We Are and What We Can Do | 2017, ACT, 2017, https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/STEM/2017/STEM-Education-in-the-US-2017.pdf
      • The 2030 Challenge, Architecture 2030, https://architecture2030.org/2030_challenges/2030-challenge/#toggle-id-1, accessed November 2018
      • The Climate Is Changing, So Must Architecture, Architect, The Journal of the American Institute of Architecture, https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/editorial/the-climate-is-changing-so-must-architecture_o, accessed November 2018
      • The global state of the art in engineering education, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2018, http://neet.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/MIT_NEET_GlobalStateEngineeringEducation2018.pdf
      • Will Automation Destroy Architecture? What You Need To Know, https://www.thearchitectsguide.com/blog/will-automation-destroy-architecture-what-you-need-to-know?rq=automation, accessed October 2018

Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.
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Methodologies and Sources