Best Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs of 2025

An online master’s in electrical engineering prepares students for a range of careers in the engineering field. While you do not need a graduate degree to enter the workforce, it can elevate your career opportunities, especially for leadership and supervisory positions. Most online graduate degrees in electrical engineering require 30 to 33 credit hours; in some cases, a full-time attendee could finish in just one year.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513 per year. Upon finishing their program, graduates would be eligible to apply for senior-level or managerial positions in electrical engineering and can expect an average annual salary of over $100,000.

We consulted Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine, for her expert advice on selecting the best master’s in electrical engineering program and securing funding for your online degree.

Choose your area of study

Your first decision when pursuing an online master’s in electrical engineering will be whether to obtain a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering. The requirements for these programs are typically the same, but they prioritize different overall goals.

A Master of Science in engineering tends to skew more toward research and theory, so those seeking Ph.D. programs and possible teaching positions will likely choose this option. Applicants pursuing a more practical application of engineering principles might opt for a Master of Engineering. Some institutions also offer dual-degree programs, such as an engineering degree combined with an MBA — though these programs demand a longer academic commitment.

Your next consideration is your concentration. Institutions offer different focus areas, and not all universities provide the same concentrations. Some common options include:

• Wireless and mobile communications
• Circuits and systems
• Computer engineering
• Robotics
• Bioengineering

If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that match these career goals.

“Develop a list of personalized parameters to help you narrow down graduate program options. Examples include overall cost, access to financial aid, faculty expertise, duration of the program, and employment rates post-graduation,” Villagomez says. “As you’re gathering information, consider which programs align with your needs and priorities at this stage in your life.”

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

You should also look for programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as this is essential for professional engineering licensure.

Some other questions to consider include:

• Do online students have access to support resources like tutoring, counseling, and career coaching?
• How is professional experience integrated into the program?
• What accommodations are available to those with disabilities?

It’s important to ensure your degree meets your personal and professional needs.

Villagomez recommends gathering the following information when researching schools and programs:

• Application and eligibility requirements
• Available courses
• Cost of attendance and financial aid resources
• Housing options (on and off-campus)
• Institution’s reputation and ranking
• Campus life and available co-curricular activities
• Available professional development resources
• Available general and niche support services

Prepare for tests and applications

Application requirements vary by school and program. Some may have rolling admissions, whereas others have a firm date by which you must submit your materials. Most programs set thresholds for a minimum undergraduate GPA and GRE/GMAT scores. If you struggle with standardized testing, consider enrolling in a GRE or GMAT prep course or setting aside additional preparation time. However, only some schools require admissions testing, so plan and do your research.

You may also need to submit undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Once you’ve identified the programs that match your goals, it’s time to compile your application materials and submit them. You might apply for just one program or want to give yourself options. Most schools post their acceptance rate so that you can get a sense of a specific program’s competitiveness. When you receive your acceptance notices, you’ll want to compare the pros and cons of each choice, factoring in cost, professional opportunities, schedule flexibility, and other variables that matter to you.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Generally, you can find the per-credit cost for your program online. Some programs offer scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities, but these are less common at the graduate level and can be very competitive. To help you plan for payment, contact the school’s financial aid office. You may qualify for federal assistance or affordable loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “Be sure to complete and submit this application and any others, such as your state’s Dream Act application, well ahead of deadlines to ensure your information is reviewed promptly,” says Villagomez. “Depending on your income and other financial factors, you may receive a generous financial aid package or have to rely more on loans and out-of-pocket contributions.”