Online Electrical Engineering Degrees: Answering the Tough Questions
The demand for flexible engineering education has led to a surge in online electrical engineering programs, but prospective students often face legitimate concerns about how these digital degrees hold up in the real world. While the convenience is undeniable, smart applicants are asking pointed questions about accreditation, hands-on training, and career outcomes before enrolling.
ABET Accreditation: The Non-Negotiable Starting Point
Every serious electrical engineering program hangs its reputation on ABET accreditation. This endorsement matters more than delivery method, ensuring the curriculum meets industry standards. Without it, graduates may hit roadblocks when applying for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first step toward professional licensure. Some state boards still scrutinize online credits differently than traditional coursework, making ABET accreditation particularly crucial for virtual programs.
Bridging the Hands-On Gap
Engineering isn't just theory—it's soldering irons, oscilloscopes, and circuit boards. Reputable online programs address this through creative solutions. Some ship lab kits with breadboards and measurement tools to students' doorsteps. Others provide remote access to campus laboratories where equipment can be controlled via live video feeds. Certain intensive courses still require brief on-campus sessions, particularly for power systems work that demands high-voltage equipment.
The Licensing Maze
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure remains the gold standard, and the path starts with passing the FE exam. While ABET-accredited online degrees qualify graduates to sit for the exam, some states impose additional documentation requirements for online students. California, for instance, mandates that at least 15% of coursework hours occur in physical classrooms. These nuances make it essential to research state-specific rules before committing to a program.
Technology Requirements That Surprise Many
Online doesn't necessarily mean low-tech. Engineering software like MATLAB and PSpice often demands more computing power than typical home systems possess. Some programs require graphics cards capable of running CAD software smoothly, while others specify minimum internet speeds for streaming lab demonstrations. These technical requirements can represent hidden costs beyond tuition.
Employer Perceptions in Key Industries
Attitudes vary across sectors. Tech companies and utilities increasingly view ABET-accredited online degrees as equivalent to traditional ones, especially when candidates demonstrate hands-on experience. Aerospace and defense contractors sometimes maintain stricter preferences, though even these industries are adapting. The common denominator remains ABET accreditation—without it, even campus-based degrees face skepticism.
Time Commitments Versus Promised Flexibility
The appeal of "study anytime" often collides with engineering education's rigorous demands. Synchronous courses may require attendance at specific times for live demonstrations. Group projects spanning time zones can mean odd-hour collaboration. While asynchronous elements exist, most quality programs maintain firm deadlines that require disciplined time management.
Career Services for Remote Students
Virtual career fairs and online resume workshops have become standard, but their effectiveness varies. Some programs offer robust employer connections, while others provide little beyond basic job boards. Alumni networks can prove particularly valuable for online students seeking industry connections, though their strength depends heavily on the institution's reputation and history.
The Military Learner Equation
Service members represent a significant portion of online engineering students. GI Bill benefits typically cover ABET-accredited programs, but deployment schedules can complicate course sequences. Some institutions specialize in accommodating military learners with flexible pacing options and dedicated support staff familiar with service-related challenges.
Keeping Pace With Technological Change
Electrical engineering evolves rapidly, and online programs must work harder to stay current. The best maintain industry advisory boards and regularly update course content to reflect advancements in areas like renewable energy systems and semiconductor technologies. This currency often shows in the relevance of capstone projects and the software tools incorporated into coursework.
Online electrical engineering degrees have moved from novelty to mainstream option, but they're not one-size-fits-all solutions. The programs that deliver value combine rigorous academics with innovative solutions to hands-on learning challenges. Prospective students would do well to scrutinize accreditation status, state licensing rules, and hidden technical requirements before making what amounts to a significant investment in their professional future.
The most successful online engineering students tend to be those who approach their education with eyes wide open—recognizing both the unprecedented access these programs provide and the discipline required to make the most of them. With proper research and preparation, an online electrical engineering degree can indeed become a credible launchpad for a rewarding career.