There are many in-demand career paths for engineering graduates, but learners will need some level of college degree to pursue any of them. Traditionally, engineering programs have been limited to in-person learning, but the rise in the availability of online courses has also created some opportunities for online engineering degree programs.
Several online colleges in Michigan offer affordable online engineering programs, even if some are only available at the master's degree level. Students looking for online bachelor's degrees can find high-quality programs offered by schools in other states.
Affordable Online Engineering Degree Programs in Michigan
Many low-cost online colleges in Michigan offer many options for local residents. Online students in Michigan looking for an in-state engineering program have access to multiple graduate degree paths, including systems engineering and mechanical engineering degrees. These programs are graduate-level programs, so students will need to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field before applying for one of these programs.
1. University of Michigan
In-state students at the University of Michigan's online College of Engineering can complete a Systems Engineering + Design degree program.
Michiganders will pay $1,359 per credit hour, but there are multiple financial aid programs to help cover these costs. This online graduate program is near the top-ranking programs in the nation and covers necessary skills like design engineering, engineering management, and Lean and Agile engineering.
2. Michigan State University
The online mechanical engineering degree from Michigan State University is ranked as the 11th best by U.S. News & World Report. Students can choose from two concentrations for their Master of Science in mechanical engineering: Thermal Fluids Science and Engineering or Mechanics, Dynamics, and Manufacturing.
MSU charges $995 per credit hour for this online learning program, but students can qualify for financial aid programs.
3. Michigan Technological University
The Michigan Technological University (MTU) online master of engineering degree program allows students to expand their previous learning with a concentration in a specific engineering field or combine to provide a more well-rounded understanding of different disciplines. Students must first complete a Bachelor of Science in engineering, but it doesn't have to be the same discipline as the one they pursue at the graduate level.
Online graduate programs at Michigan Tech cost $1,516 per credit when registered for nine hours in a semester. However, Michigan Tech offers tuition reductions for members of certain nonprofit groups, military personnel, and students who enroll in a work-based assistantship.
Affordable Online Engineering Degree Programs From Other States
Michigan-based engineering students looking for a bachelor's degree don't have to stop their search with schools in the Wolverine State. Multiple out-of-state programs provide enrollment in undergraduate degrees in aerospace engineering, computer science, software engineering, and more which can be used to begin your career or to pursue one of the in-state online master's degree programs listed above.
1. Stony Brook University
The College of Engineering and Applied Science at Stony Brook University offers students an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in a fully online format. Michigan residents will pay $353 per credit hour with part-time enrollment or $4,240 for a full-time credit load. Students can bring an associate degree or equivalent transfer credits to satisfy general education requirements.
2. Arizona State University
There are many disciplines in this field, including electrical and computer engineering. Students at Arizona State University can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a concentration in software engineering.
This degree is offered through ASU's Ira A Fulton Schools of Engineering on-campus in Tempe or online. Students can continue their higher education with multiple online master's programs, including computer science and industrial engineering. Non-residents pay a $744 per credit hour tuition rate.
3. University of Alabama
Students can complete an online Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama through a primarily online format. For this program, students will need to go in person for live proctoring for exams, which can be completed at certified testing centers or on military bases for service members.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), one of the most respected accrediting bodies for these degree programs. Undergraduate students pay a rate of $385 per online credit hour.
4. University of North Dakota
Aerospace engineering is an increasingly in-demand field of study, and students can complete an online degree from the University of North Dakota. Coursework focuses on mechanical engineering and how it applies to aerospace manufacturing.
Students will participate in hands-on programs to practice their skills, but they can also pursue entry-level positions through various professional partnerships. This degree has a $641.79 per credit hour tuition rate.
5. University of North Carolina Charlotte
The Bachelor of Science in engineering technology in fire safety from the University of North Carolina Charlotte combines safety training and engineering practices to reduce risk. Students will learn about fire behavior and ways to minimize risk to keep engineering processes safe. Non-North Carolina residents pay $348.32 per credit hour for this online program.
6. University of Maine
Out-of-state students at the University of Maine pay $500 per online credit to complete degrees like a Bachelor of Science in surveying engineering technology. This degree program can lead directly to a Master of Science in engineering technology program.
7. University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi offers students an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering technology. Students pay $416.59 per credit hour, regardless of residency. This degree program focuses on optimizing various engineering processes in a variety of industrial settings.
!FAQs About Engineering Online Programs
Online programs have become increasingly popular, but engineering-based online degrees are less common. Due to their rarity, many Michigan students have questions about whether their degree will be respected and if they can use an online degree to start a career.
Are Online Engineering Degrees Respected?
Online engineering degrees are generally respected if they come from an accredited school. Provided your school has regional, national, or program-specific accreditation your degree will be as respected the same as on-campus degrees.
Can You Become an Engineer With an Online Degree?
You can become an engineer with an online degree from an accredited program. Many fields of engineering, like electrical and computer engineering, are primarily computer-based fields, and the learning programs translate well to online learning. You might need to pursue a graduate degree for some engineering careers, but there are online graduate programs as well.
What Is the Average Cost of an Online Engineering Degree in Michigan?
The average cost of an online engineering degree in Michigan is around $1,200 per credit hour — this is based primarily on the fact that these programs are almost exclusively master's degree programs. Students can qualify for federal, state, and school-provided financial aid packages to help cover these costs.
Begin Earning Your Engineering Degree Today
Finding an online engineering degree can be difficult, but our resources can make it easier. Use our resources to research individual programs and schools to find out more about admission requirements and how you can begin your application today.
