With a job market that is projected to grow at a rate of 7%, there are plenty of career prospects for engineering PhD graduates. And with an average salary of over $100,000 per year, it is clear that the financial rewards for completing a PhD in engineering can be significant.
The other good news is that online education is at an alltime high, and growing rapidly as universities. This presents a golden opportunity for every qualified individual to take up a PhD in engineering and pursue the career of their dreams. In other words the best program is no longer restricted by boundaries, it’s now in your hands.
This compilation of the top 10 online PhD programs in Engineering is just about the prime place to start and find a matching program.
Admission Requirements for Online PhD Programs in Engineering
Most online engineering doctoral programs in engineering will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering (or a related field), as well as a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In terms of coursework, you can expect to study subjects like advanced mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Completion times can vary depending on the program, though most online PhD programs in engineering will generally take between four and six years to complete.
Popular PhD Specializations in Engineering
Engineering is wide, and this gives you the freedom to select a particular discipline of engineering that you want to specialize in at PhD level.
These are some of the most popular PhD engineering specializations you can undertake online;
Online PhD in mechanical engineering
Major subjects covered in online PhD in mechanical engineering degree programs include advanced mathematics, thermodynamics, manufacturing processes, materials science and biomedical engineering. Students in online PhD programs also complete research projects and a dissertation.
Online PhD graduates in mechanical engineering may find careers in designing and developing engines, machines, heating and cooling systems or other types of mechanical equipment. They may also work in the automotive industry, aerospace industry or defense industry.
Online PhD programs in electrical engineering
The online electrical engineering phd is a lucrative program that promises a well paying career. The online PhD electrical engineering covers many subjects, such as digital signal processing, electromagnetics, and control theory.
The online PhD in electrical engineering also offers many career prospects for graduates, such as becoming a professor or working in the industry. The program, like most engineering PhDs, also takes on average 4 years to complete.
Online phd in industrial engineering
An online PhD in industrial engineering is a popular choice for many students seeking to enter this field. Online phd programs in industrial engineering programs cover a wide range of subjects, including mechanical and electrical engineering, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
Graduates of online PhD in industrial engineering programs typically find jobs in research and development, engineering management, or consulting. The annual salary for an industrial engineer can go as high as $150,000, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
PhD in construction engineering online
A PhD in construction engineering online is a highly sought PhD program that can open up many doors for those who choose to pursue it. The average annual salary for a construction PhD engineering online graduate is quite high, making it a very attractive option for many.
The major subjects covered in a phd in construction engineering online include project management, construction materials, building systems, and more. The career prospects for graduates of these programs are quite good, as there is high demand for highly qualified construction engineers. On average,the programs in this field take about four years to complete.
Top Online PhD Programs in Engineering
If you are looking for a challenge, and want to reap the rewards that come with completing an online phd engineering programs, then here are best online PhD in engineering that will not let you down;
#1. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers an online PhD program in Systems Engineering. The program was founded in 2020 and is based at the CSU Fort Collins campus. To be considered for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. If you don’t have a masters degree then you must be willing to take a 72-credit program instead of the 42-credit one. In addition, applicants must submit transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The acceptance rate for the program is about 50%.
This online PhD program at Colorado State University offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of four areas: electrical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering. Students take coursework in their chosen area of specialization, as well as courses on research methods and ethics. They also complete a dissertation on original research. The program can be completed in four to six years.
Key coursework areas include Information technology & project management systems engineering processes, Engineering risk analysis, Systems engineering architecture, and Dynamics of complex engineering systems. Find out more about other online PhD programs in Colorado.
#2. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University’s online doctorate in engineering program is designed for working professionals who want to pursue advanced research and leadership positions in the field of engineering. The program offers four areas of specialization: civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science and engineering.
Admission to the program is highly competitive, and students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to be considered for admission. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Mississippi State University’s online PhD in engineering is administered from Starkville, Mississippi. The campus is home to more than 18,000 students from all US states and more than 100 countries. The university has an acceptance rate of about 66% and a graduation rate of about 72%.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering program covers key areas that include Foundations in Engineering Education, Pedagogy & Assessment in Engineering Education, Function and Methods of Research in Education, and Educational Research Design. Check other online PhD programs in Mississippi.
#3. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers several online engineering PhD programs, allowing students to earn their degree from anywhere in the world. The programs include mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, and several others.
If you are keen to get a mechanical engineering PhD online in this college, then please note that the Mechanical Engineering program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in research or academia in the respective fields. The Nuclear Engineering program, for example, is ideal for students interested in working in the nuclear industry. The Computer Engineering program is perfect for students who want to work in the computer industry or pursue a career in research. The Civil Engineering program is ideal for students interested in working in the construction industry or government.
Each of these programs has different requirements and benefits, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your interests and goals. With these online programs, you have the flexibility to study at your own pace and complete your degree in good time. Any of these engineering PhDs from the University of South Carolina will certainly prepare you for a successful career in engineering. Check other online PhD programs in South Carolina.
#4. Michigan Technological University
The PhD program in mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University is a research-based program that prepares students for careers in academia or industry. The program offers specialization options in areas such as aerospace engineering, materials science and engineering.
Admission to the program is highly competitive, and applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and students can complete the program in four to six years.
The campus location of Michigan Technological University is in Houghton, Michigan. The university was founded in 1885 and has an acceptance rate of 67%. The graduation rate for the PhD program in engineering at Michigan Technological University is 72%. Key areas of study include Design and Dynamic Systems, Autonomous Systems, Intelligent Systems, and Molecular Dynamics Modeling
#5. University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota’s online Electrical Engineering Ph.D. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The University is also a member of the Space Grant Consortium and the National Space Club.
The University of North Dakota’s online Electrical Engineering Ph.D. program requires a total of 64 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. The Ph.D. covers a wide variety of topics related to the design, analysis, modeling, and control of electrical and electronic systems.
The PhD online engineering program is specifically tailored for working professionals who want to pursue their studies while continuing to work full-time. You can complete the course in four years, including two years of coursework and two years of dissertation research. Check other online PhD programs in North Dakota.
#6. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics that is designed for engineering professionals with five or more years of experience. The program provides students with advanced knowledge in aerospace engineering and mechanics, preparing them for careers in research and academia.
The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including aircraft design, propulsion, and dynamics. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as aerodynamics or structural mechanics. With its strong academic reputation and commitment to research, the University of Alabama is an excellent choice for those seeking a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics.
The doctor of engineering online program is available to US students as well as international students with the appropriate visas living in the US.
#7. George Washington University
This esteemed institution, George Washington University, offers a Ph.D. in systems engineering and doctor of engineering management online, providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this competitive field. The program is designed for working professionals, and courses are taught by industry experts.
Students get the best opportunity to learn about topics such as project management, cost analysis, and risk management. Upon graduation, they will be prepared to take on leadership roles in engineering organizations. For those looking to obtain their doctor of engineering management online, George Washington University is an excellent choice.
#8. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University’s online Doctor of engineering program offers specialization options in seven different fields of engineering. These include: biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering.
The institution was founded in 1876 with the main campus located in Baltimore, Maryland. The online PhD program in engineering at Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 21% while the graduation rate is about 72%. Johns Hopkins University’s online PhD in engineering program is also accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers an online PhD program in Systems Engineering that is designed for working off-campus professionals. The program can be completed on a part-time basis, and all of the coursework is available online. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Students in the program must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Systems Engineering PhD program is one of only a handful of programs in the country that offers this degree online.
Graduates of this PhD program have gone on to succeed in careers across government, industry, and academia. The program prepares students to solve complex problems using systems thinking and engineering techniques.
#10. Clarkson University
Clarkson University offers an online PhD in electrical and computer engineering . Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and GRE scores. The program can be completed in 4-5 years and includes courses such as advanced engineering mechanics and design, manufacturing processes, and thermal sciences.
Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, New York and was founded in 1896. It is a private research university with an endowment of $116 million. Clarkson University’s alumni include astronauts, inventors, and CEOs of major corporations. The University’s online PhD programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Clarkson University is ranked highly among National Universities by numerous U.S. News outlets & World Reports.
Final Word
There’s no question that online PhD programs are becoming increasingly popular. More and more students are realizing that they can earn a top-quality PhD from anywhere in the world, and at a fraction of the cost of an on-campus program. This trend is only going to continue in the future, as more and more universities embrace this trend. So if you’re looking for the best online PhD program in engineering, you will be happy to know that you will not be restricted by physical boundaries. This list gives the perfect place to start and choose a program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to excel at the highest level of your engineering career.
PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM