2022’s top online electrical engineering master’s degrees | ZDNet

Online master’s in electrical engineering programs prepare graduates for lucrative roles as electrical and electronic engineers. Many are designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers while earning full-time. 

Electrical engineering jobs focus on manufacturing and installing electrical power equipment, while electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary for electrical engineers of $100,830 and $107,540 for electronics engineers. 

These professionals can specialize in aerospace, bioengineering, computer hardware, and more. Developing  specialized knowledge through a master’s degree can increase your earning potential.

Explore our guide to learn more about electrical engineering master’s degrees, including the best available online.

The best online master’s in electrical engineering degrees

ZDNet’s ranking methodology relies on data curated by experts and rigorously reviewed by our editorial team, resulting in program lists our readers can trust. Schools cannot buy their way onto our lists, and we select them based on our established metrics. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

What to expect in an online master’s in electrical engineering degree program

Many online master’s in electrical engineering degree programs are designed for working professionals and offer asynchronous learning platforms. Students participate and collaborate on projects through discussion boards and group chat applications. Programs may be thesis- or non-thesis-based. Often, those that do not require a thesis substitute a project or a comprehensive examination. 

Courses cover a mix of practical and theoretical topics. Students may choose a specialization and take related advanced courses.

Available specializations include analog and mixed-signal circuits, device science and nanotechnology, energy and power, electromagnetics and microwaves, and information science and systems.

Online engineering students juggling full-time jobs need organization, time management, and self-motivation.

Electrical engineering master’s courses

Online master’s in electrical engineering curriculums vary depending on specialization and focus. The list below offers a sampling of some of the courses electrical engineering graduate students commonly take. 

Circuits I

In this introduction to circuit modeling and analysis, students master modeling typical components in electronic circuits and using network theory to solve linear and non-linear circuits under dynamic and static operations.

Digital communications

Students learn the basics of digital communication systems and spread-spectrum communications through coursework covering analog message digitization, binary and M-ary signaling methods, and signal space representation of digital signals.

Renewable electric energy systems

This course covers new renewable electricity generation technologies (solar, wind, and fuel cells) and their integration into the power grid, along with the topic’s economic and policy aspects. 

System and signal analysis

This course defines and describes systems and signals, including analog and digital signals, filter design, and sampling and signal reconstruction, along with engineering applications and other related advanced topics.

Electrical engineering degree levels

Electrical engineering degree programs offer a range of opportunities. Undergraduate certificate or associate degree-holders qualify for entry-level work, while doctorates may pursue an academic career in teaching and research. 

This field is open to many types of students. Choose the degree level that best fits your goals and current qualifications.

Certificate in electrical engineering

Length: 3-24 months

Cost: $325-$1,700 per credit

Post-grad careers: Electronics technician; electrical engineer; systems engineer

Schools offer electrical engineering certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduate programs present the foundational theories of electronics. Completers qualify for positions as electronics technicians or bachelor’s-level study.

Graduate electrical engineering certificates focus on specialized industry topics, such as nanotechnology and telecommunications, or prepare students for master’s degree programs. Enrollees typically hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. 

Learning takes place through classroom instruction and lab work, and online courses are available. 

Associate in electrical engineering

Length: Two years 

Cost: $5,000-$15,000 per year

Post-grad careers: Electrical systems coder; electronic and electrical installer, electrical engineering technician

Associate degrees in electrical engineering introduce students to the field through courses like circuit theory, computer hardware, computer instrumentation, digital electronics and communication, and fiber optics. 

The curriculum may include experiential learning, such as hands-on projects, apprenticeships, and internships. 

Students can earn electrical engineering associate degrees in person or online at community colleges, technical colleges, and universities. Graduates can qualify for entry-level electrical engineering jobs or transfer into bachelor’s degree programs. 

Bachelor’s in electrical engineering

Length: Four years 

Cost: $9,500-$35,000 per year 

Post-grad careers: Electrical engineer; electronic engineer; computer hardware engineer

Electrical engineering bachelor’s programs emphasize the theoretical foundations and practical applications of electrical and electronic engineering. Coursework covers digital systems fundamentals, electrical circuits, electrical engineering design analysis, and engineering economics. Students also take advanced math and physics courses.

Some programs may require internships or labs where students fabricate and install electrical systems. Many programs offer online classes and laboratory work.

Graduates can pursue entry-level electrical engineering positions or apply to master’s degree programs. 

Master’s in electrical engineering

Length: Two to three years 

Cost: $12,000–$41,000

Post-grad careers: Industrial and power electronics engineer; computer architect; systems designer

At the master’s level, electrical engineering students typically specialize in areas like bioengineering, computer engineering, renewable energy, and systems design. Learners hold bachelor’s degrees and have often previously worked in the field.

Programs include advanced computer networks, digital processing systems, and communications coursework. 

Students may complete a thesis or a research project before graduating.

Doctorate in electrical engineering

Length: Five to six years 

Cost: $329-$1,965 per credit

Post-grad careers: Electrical systems analyst; machine learning engineer; postsecondary electrical engineering teacher

Doctorate in electrical engineering programs tend to attract professionals interested in academic, laboratory, or industrial development and research roles. Common specializations include computer algorithms and applications, graphics and interactive media, and signals and systems.

Doctoral students attend classroom and lab sessions while working on their dissertations. Many engineering schools offer online and hybrid learning but may require brief on-campus residencies. 

Candidates may have to take a qualifying exam to enroll in a program.

What’s next?

The hardest part about choosing an online master’s in electrical engineering may be narrowing down your specialization area. You must also decide whether to enter a master of engineering or master of science in engineering program. 

Researching schools on our list and contacting them for more information can help you define your best path.