Online Engineering Degrees: How They Work and What Employers Want

Online engineering degrees have become a practical option for professionals who want advanced credentials without stepping away from their full-time jobs. This guide explains how online engineering programs work, how employers view them, and what to look for when choosing the right fit.

Online learning has become one of the most common ways working professionals earn graduate credentials. Universities have expanded online master’s degree offerings to meet growing demand for flexible programs that do not require relocation or career interruption.

In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that 53.2% of postsecondary students took at least one distance education course in fall 2023, reflecting how widely online learning is now embedded in higher education. ¹ For many learners, online graduate study makes it possible to build advanced skills, stay employed, and apply new knowledge immediately in real workplace settings.

That shift is especially relevant in engineering, where professionals often need deeper technical expertise to advance into specialized or higher-responsibility roles. Yes, you can earn an engineering degree online, especially at the graduate level. Online master’s programs are designed for professionals who already have a technical foundation and want to deepen their expertise, move into higher-responsibility roles, or build specialized skills that apply across industries.

The most important factor is not whether a program is online or on campus. What matters is whether it delivers rigorous learning, credible instruction, and applied outcomes that translate into real engineering work.

Explore Online Engineering Degree Programs at NMSU Global Campus.

What Engineering Degrees Can You Earn Online?

Engineering is one of the most structured fields in higher education, which means the type of degree you can earn online often depends on the discipline and your career goals. Online options are most common at the graduate level. Instead of introductory training, graduate coursework builds on your existing technical foundation and focuses on advanced application.

In general, online engineering pathways fall into two categories: master’s degrees and graduate certificates. Both can be valuable, but they serve different purposes.

Explore Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

Online master’s programs are designed for learners with a background in engineering, math, science, or a related technical field. Rather than covering the basics, graduate coursework tends to focus on advanced problem-solving, systems thinking, and professional decision-making.

A master’s degree in engineering may be a strong fit if your goals include:

• Expanding technical expertise in a specific discipline.
• Qualifying for more advanced responsibilities or leadership work.
• Strengthening analytical skills for complex projects and systems.
• Preparing for specialized roles in industry, research, or infrastructure.

Many online engineering master’s programs also use project-based learning, modeling, and applied analysis to mirror how engineering work is done in professional settings. Coursework often centers on solving realistic problems using industry tools and structured methods, such as simulation, systems modeling, or statistical analysis. Students may also complete collaborative assignments that reflect how engineering teams work in practice, including documenting assumptions, defending recommendations, and delivering results within real constraints.

NMSU Global Campus offers online master’s degree pathways in engineering disciplines that connect to high-demand industries and applied work:

• Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering

Consider a Graduate Certificate to Build Specialized Skills

A graduate certificate is often the right choice when you want focused training in a shorter format. Certificates can help professionals add specialized expertise, build confidence in a new area, or strengthen qualifications for role expansion without committing to a full master’s degree right away.

The graduate certificate option can be especially useful if you want to:

• Build a targeted skill set that supports your current role.
• Explore a specialization before applying to a master’s program.
• Gain systems-level knowledge that translates across engineering fields.

Identify Engineering Fields Commonly Offered Online

Online graduate engineering programs are often available in disciplines that translate well to applied projects and software-supported learning environments. These commonly include chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and systems engineering.

Explore the Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering and the Graduate Certificate in Electric Energy Systems at NMSU Global Campus.

How Online Engineering Degree Programs Work

Online engineering programs follow structured, instructor-led formats that support consistent learning and applied practice. Coursework typically includes weekly modules that may involve recorded lectures, readings, software-based assignments, discussion, and collaborative project work.

While online programs offer flexibility, they are not self-paced in the “work whenever” sense. Strong programs still require consistent engagement and meet the same academic standards as on-campus coursework.

Online engineering coursework may include:

• Technical assignments and applied problem sets
• Design-based projects and case study analysis
• Modeling, simulation, or systems tools
• Group projects that reflect real engineering team environments
• Technical writing and documentation aligned with professional standards

This structure is also why online engineering programs can build practical, career-relevant skills. The next question for many learners is how hands-on learning works in an online format, especially in engineering fields that have traditionally relied on labs and physical equipment.

How Labs and Hands-On Learning Work Online

One of the most common concerns about online engineering education is a lack of hands-on training. At the master’s level, many engineering programs focus less on traditional lab sequences and more on applied analysis, simulation, design, and project-based work.

Instead of completing set lab experiments, learners often demonstrate their competency through technical projects, modeling tasks, and real-world problem-solving that aligns with how engineering work is done in many professional settings.

Depending on the discipline, hands-on learning for online students may include:

• Simulation-based modeling and testing that allows students to evaluate designs and outcomes.
• Applied design work using engineering tools that mirror industry workflows.
• Data analysis and interpretation that supports evidence-based technical decisions.
• Project work tied to real operational systems and practical engineering constraints.

This approach helps learners build both technical confidence and professional readiness, especially when coursework is designed around the types of problems engineers are expected to solve on the job.

Why Online Engineering Degrees Matter for Career Growth

Engineering is consistently viewed as one of the strongest degree paths for long-term career value, in part because it combines high-demand technical skills with clear job-market alignment. In fact, engineering majors are projected to earn the highest starting salaries among Class of 2024 graduates, with an average projected starting salary of $76,736. ²

Research also consistently shows that STEM majors, including engineering, are among the top-paying fields over time. According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the best engineering jobs include industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. ³

Engineering is also a field where credibility is built through both education and experience. For many professionals, online graduate study is valuable because it allows learning and application to happen at the same time.

Online engineering degrees often work well for professionals who want to:

• Build advanced expertise while continuing to work.
• Strengthen qualifications for leadership or specialized roles.
• Broaden technical responsibilities within a current role.
• Shift into a new engineering discipline or industry context.
• Develop systems-level thinking that supports complex work environments.

Compare Online Flexibility With On-Campus Scheduling

On-campus programs can be a strong choice for learners who want in-person experiences and have the flexibility to attend scheduled classes each week. Many students also value the structure of being physically present in class and having face-to-face access to faculty and peers.

Online programs are often more practical for professionals who need to balance full-time work, family responsibilities, and long-term advancement goals. Instead of planning around fixed class times, online learners often complete coursework during the hours that work best for them — whether that means evenings, weekends, or time blocks between professional responsibilities.

At NMSU Global Campus, online programs are designed for working adults. Courses offer predictable weekly schedules, clear assignment deadlines, and consistent access to course materials, which can make it easier to plan ahead.

Flexibility does not mean lower expectations. The rigor of an engineering program still comes from the curriculum, the faculty, and the level of applied work required. Strong online engineering programs evaluate students through technical problem sets, project-based learning, written documentation, and collaborative work that reflects real engineering workflows.

Learn more about earning an online graduate degree and the major differences between full-time versus part-time enrollment in the NMSU Global Campus Blog. ⁴

Evaluate Whether Online Engineering Degrees Are Respected

Online engineering degrees are widely respected when they come from accredited institutions like New Mexico State University and are built around rigorous academic standards. In most cases, employers focus less on the course delivery format and more on what the program prepares graduates to do. A strong engineering degree signals technical skill, structured thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems in real-world conditions.

In most engineering environments, hiring teams look for evidence of:

• Technical capability and sound problem-solving skills that translate into reliable work.
• Clear communication with stakeholders, including the ability to explain decisions and tradeoffs.
• Experience working on complex projects that involve constraints, timelines, and collaboration.
• Strong judgment under pressure, especially when decisions impact safety, cost, or performance.
• An ability to learn quickly, adapt to new tools, and contribute consistently over time.

Verify a Degree Program’s Accreditation and Academic Quality

Accreditation is one of the most important indicators of quality when choosing any online engineering program. Regional accreditation confirms that the institution meets recognized academic standards and is held accountable for educational outcomes.

Some learners also ask about ABET, which is most closely tied to undergraduate engineering programs. At the graduate level, employers and licensing boards typically focus more on an institution’s regional accreditation, the rigor of the curriculum, and how the program supports your technical and professional goals.

If professional licensure is part of your long-term plan, review your state requirements and understand how education and professional experience fit together. Online study can still be a strong option, but it should match the expectations of the career path you are pursuing.

Focus on Results, Not Format

The strongest online engineering programs are designed to produce measurable outcomes. That includes a curriculum built around applied learning, faculty with relevant expertise, and performance expectations that reflect professional engineering work.

Ultimately, credibility comes down to results. If an online degree program develops the analytical skills, systems thinking, and real-world problem-solving ability expected in engineering roles, the course delivery format becomes far less important than what you can do with the degree.

Connect Online Engineering Programs to Career Pathways

A graduate engineering degree can support multiple professional directions depending on the discipline and the type of work you want to pursue. For many working professionals, graduate study is less about changing careers and more about building the depth needed to take on more complex responsibilities. These may include advanced technical work, project leadership, and higher-level decision-making.

Career outcomes also depend on industry context. The same engineering specialization can lead to different roles in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, technology, or public agencies. The most useful approach is to start with the kind of work you want to do next, then choose the discipline that best supports that path.

Identify Common Pathways by Engineering Discipline

Engineering disciplines often lead to different types of work, even when they overlap in core technical skills. The examples below highlight common directions graduates pursue and the kinds of responsibilities each specialization often supports.

• Chemical Engineering supports manufacturing systems, production processes, materials, and industrial innovation roles.
• Civil Engineering supports infrastructure planning, design-focused project work, and advanced development environments.
• Electrical Engineering supports power systems, automation, controls, and advanced technical design pathways.
• Industrial Engineering supports process improvement, systems optimization, and operations leadership roles.
• Systems Engineering supports cross-functional integration, project coordination, and systems-level problem-solving across technical environments.

Each pathway reflects a different type of engineering responsibility, from improving performance in existing systems to designing new ones, which can help you choose a program that matches the problems you want to solve in your career.

Choose the Right Online Engineering Program

Choosing an online engineering program becomes easier when you focus on fit and outcomes. The best choice aligns with your career goals, your technical background, and the type of work you want to do next.

Before applying, it helps to understand what graduate engineering programs typically expect. Many master’s degrees assume a strong foundation in math and engineering fundamentals, often including coursework in calculus, physics, and core engineering topics. Applicants may come from engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or closely related STEM fields. Some programs also accept professionals from adjacent disciplines but may require prerequisite courses to ensure readiness for graduate-level work.

Graduate certificates can be a practical option for learners who want specialized training without committing to a full degree right away. They often work well for professionals who already have a technical background and want to build expertise in a specific area, such as systems thinking, process improvement, or engineering management. In some cases, certificate coursework can also provide a pathway into a master’s program or help learners demonstrate graduate-level readiness.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Apply

• Does the program align with the engineering discipline tied to your goals?
• What academic background is expected, and how closely does it match your transcripts and experience?
• What prerequisites are required, and are they realistic for your current skill level?
• Does the program offer support or guidance for applicants who need prerequisite coursework?
• How applied is the coursework, and what types of projects will you complete?
• What technical tools and software are used in the curriculum?
• How do faculty support learning, feedback, and evaluation for online students?
• How does the program connect to real industry work and professional outcomes?

FAQ: Online Engineering Degrees

Can You Earn an Engineering Degree Online?

Yes. Many students earn engineering degrees online, especially at the master’s and certificate level. Online programs are designed to provide rigorous coursework and applied learning that supports professional advancement.

Are Online Engineering Degrees Respected by Employers?

Online degrees are respected when they come from accredited institutions and build strong career-relevant outcomes. Employers tend to value skills, applied problem-solving, and program credibility more than format.

Do Online Engineering Programs Include Labs?

Graduate engineering programs often use applied projects, simulations, design tasks, and modeling tools instead of traditional lab sequences. The specific approach depends on the discipline and program structure.

Is an Online Engineering Degree the Same as an On-Campus Degree?

In most cases, yes. Online programs typically follow the same academic standards and lead to the same credential as on-campus options. The difference is the delivery format, not the value of the credential.

What Should You Look for in an Online Engineering Program?

Look for accreditation, strong curriculum design, faculty expertise, applied learning opportunities, and support for online students. If licensure is part of your plan, confirm how program requirements and state licensure expectations align.

References

1. “Student Enrollment: What is the percent of students enrolled in distance education courses in postsecondary institutions in the fall?” National Center for Education Statistics, Fall Enrollment 2023 data.

2. Gray, K. “Projections Point to Salary Increases for Class of 2024 Bachelor’s Grads.” National Association of College and Employers (NACE), 30 January 2024.

3. “2025 Best Engineering Jobs.” U.S. News & World Report, 20 August 2025.

4. “Full-Time vs. Part-Time Online College Degrees: Pros and Cons.” 21 October 2024.