Online engineering programs are available at
both the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. At each level,
individuals can choose from programs in a variety of engineering
specialties, such as electrical, mechanical, industrial, civil and
chemical engineering; engineering diploma programs are not typically
available through distance learning. Some of the more commonly available
online engineering programs include electrical engineering, chemical
engineering and industrial engineering.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Online bachelor's degree programs in electrical engineering provide students with an overview of contemporary and traditional aspects of designing electronic and electrical components and systems. Candidates study a variety of electrical engineering components, including electronics, control systems, circuits and electromagnetic fields. In addition to the traditional engineering coursework, students develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills in order to better prepare for a competitive global marketplace. Some online programs require applicants to have a number of general education transfer credits or an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field.Program Information
Online bachelor's-level electrical engineering programs typically require approximately 120-136 credit hours composed of general education coursework, core electrical engineering courses and electives that allow students to customize their learning. Foundation courses in chemistry, physics, math and English are usually required.Some online engineering programs offer the required coursework entirely online, while others require brief on-campus learning labs. Others are offered as degree completion programs, providing only upper-division coursework in electrical engineering online and expecting students to complete all general education and lower-division courses at an accredited community college or 4-year institution prior to enrollment in the online program. Engineering students learn online through posted course materials, lecture videos, group projects, discussion boards and course assignments. If required, on-campus labs range from 3-14 days in length and are usually conducted during the summer session.
Common Online Courses for a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Online electrical engineering courses are usually taught by educated and experienced professionals within the field who are available to answer questions and discuss course content via e-mail, phone or online video conferencing. Common courses cover power supplies, electronic devices, electrical systems and circuits.Digital Electronics Course
This online course introduces students to the basics of digital circuit design. Topics include logic gates, Boolean algebra, mathematical operations and counters.Semiconductor Devices Course
Students are provided with an overview of the physical principles of semiconductor devices and their operation. Principles covered include bipolar junction transistors, field-effect transistors, metal-semiconductor contacts and junction diodes.Signals and Systems Course
Lessons introduce continuous-time and discrete-time linear systems and signals. Distance learning students study time-domain descriptions, including convolution and both difference and differential equations. Frequency-domain descriptions, such as transfer function, frequency response and Laplace transforms, are also discussed.Career and Certification Information
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering may find careers focusing on power systems engineering or electrical equipment manufacturing. They're prepared to assume active roles in the design, development, testing and manufacturing of electrical equipment for electric motors, automobiles, aircraft, navigation systems, wireless communications and power generation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth for electrical engineers is only projected to grow by two percent between 2008 and 2018 due to increased international competition of engineering services and innovation performed all over the world (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that as of May 2009, electrical engineers earned a median annual salary of $83,110.Engineers planning to provide services directly to the public are required to be licensed as professional engineers (PEs). Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but usually require at least an undergraduate degree from a program accredited by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), a passing score on a state licensing exam and four years of relevant work experience.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering
A master's degree program in chemical engineering is designed to advance the knowledge of engineering professionals who hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering field. Online master's candidates study advanced concepts and principles in mathematical modeling, transport phenomena, kinetics and chemical reaction engineering. Graduates are prepared for advanced graduate work through a doctoral program or upper-level career paths within the field.Program Information
Online master's degree programs in chemical engineering typically require approximately 30-36 credit hours and two years of full-time study. Presented through recorded and streaming video lectures, the online coursework required for this type of program mimics that of similar on-campus programs.Technical requirements include high-speed Internet access, word processing applications and Microsoft Excel. Most distance learning programs offer all the required coursework entirely online, with the exception of some programs that require students to visit campus for a final oral examination conducted by a graduate committee.
Common Online Courses for a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering
Online master's-level courses provide in-depth instruction in advanced concepts for key chemical engineering functions and build upon undergraduate coursework. Through electives that may include environmental science, energy engineering, electronic materials, biotechnology or polymers, students are able to customize their learning and further their knowledge of engineering specialty areas.Chemical Engineering Modeling Course
Students examine mathematical approaches to solving problems within the field of chemical engineering. Topics covered include differential and integral equations, linear systems analysis, stability and mathematical modeling.Chemical Reaction Engineering Course
Lessons include advanced reaction mechanisms and reaction rate theories. Enrollees study the design and analysis of complex reaction systems, including packed bed, fluidized bed and stirred tank chemical reactors.Thermodynamics Course
This online course covers advanced chemical engineering principles in thermodynamics. Course content covers physical and chemical equilibria, phase behavior and correlations of material properties.Career Information
Although a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering is often all that is required for entry-level positions within the field, graduates from a master's degree program are qualified to pursue advanced careers that focus on research and development. Chemical engineers are needed in manufacturing, project engineering and product development.The BLS projected that despite a decline of two percent of employment opportunities for chemical engineers between 2008 and 2018, some job growth may present itself for chemical engineers within service-providing industries, specifically in the research and development of nanotechnology, biotechnology and energy. The BLS also reported the median average salary for chemical engineers was $84,680, as of May 2009.
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