NC State You can go to class at a time that works best for you, allowing you to work around your own schedule Whether you are looking to advance in your current career or enhance your resume with the training and education that employers are looking for, an online engineering degree can open doors to a rewarding career.

Wish you could earn a reputable engineering degree without putting your life on hold? An Online Engineering Degree may be your wisest decision.

Getting an engineering degree once meant moving, commuting and sitting in full lecture halls. But now, elite universities have fully online offerings that provide the same rigorous education — without the agony. As a working adult or recent high school graduate, online degrees offer you flexibility, affordability, and quality faculty.

Online learning doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality; it means learning on your terms, at your pace.

An engineering degree online is not watered-down. You will dig deep into topics like calculus, physics, circuit design and systems analysis — just as in a conventional classroom. The difference? You’ll do labs using virtual tools, work with classmates in discussion forums and communicate with faculty in live or asynchronous sessions or via messaging systems.

Go to an accredited programs (it should say ABET & ACICU accredited) and your degree will mean something to industry and you can get a job.

The top online engineering degrees are those that provide a variety of specialization options, geared toward real-world application. Want to build machines? Go mechanical. Into clean energy? You may be interested in environmental engineering. From software and civil to aerospace and electrical there’s an interstice for just about every interest.

Picking a good specialization can help you land in front of industries with an appetite for talented engineers.

Most full-time students finish their online bachelor’s in engineering in around four years. Part-time students — of which there are many among working professionals — may take longer, but the flexibility allows it to be palatable. Some universities even have accelerated options for quick graduation.

One great thing about studying online is it’s your schedule, not that schedule.

Worried about tuition? Online engineering programs are often cheaper than on-campus degrees. You’ll also save on housing and commuting costs. And financial aid, scholarships and even employer tuition assistance can help lighten the load.

Better yet, many engineers make six-figures – so you can also think of this as an investment in your future.