How Fast Can You Get an Electrical Engineering Degree Online in 2026?

The time needed to complete an online Electrical Engineering degree varies based on the degree level and whether you study full-time or part-time. Bachelor's and master's degrees have different timelines, and pursuing advanced certifications may extend your educational journey.

Generally, a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering online takes about three to four years for full-time students, similar to traditional programs. Accelerated paths exist but finishing in under three years is rare. Part-time study often lengthens the process to five years or more.

For master's degrees, many programs offer completion in 12 to 18 months with intensive full-time study, while a standard full-time pace usually lasts 18 to 24 months. Part-time master's students might need two to three years. For instance, some universities structure their online M.S. programs for two-year completion.

Accelerated online Electrical Engineering degree programs offer motivated students the opportunity to finish their education faster than traditional timelines, often through year-round courses and condensed semesters. These programs appeal to those seeking to enter the workforce or advance quickly in their careers. While not all options are explicitly accelerated, options continue to grow, especially in bachelor's and combined bachelor's-master's formats.

Students interested in the fastest online electrical engineering programs should consider the following examples, which balance curriculum rigor and flexible delivery.

• University of North Dakota: This accelerated BS/MS combined program can be completed in as little as four to six years by applying some courses to both degrees. Fully online or on-campus, the ABET-accredited curriculum includes renewable energy, wireless communications, AI applications, and hands-on labs.
• Arizona State University: ASU's fully online Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering is designed for full-time students to finish in about four years. The curriculum emphasizes electric power systems, electronics, and a capstone design lab, meeting Arizona licensure standards while not marking the diploma as an online degree.
• Old Dominion University: Offering a flexible and fully accredited Electrical Engineering bachelor's degree, ODU allows tailored coursework and supports online learners with advising and career services. Although not strictly accelerated, many students complete the degree in four years.

For those evaluating major options, this field remains a strong choice for growth and innovation, as detailed in what are the best college majors for the future.

Accelerated and traditional online Electrical Engineering programs differ mainly in pacing and flexibility, yet both meet high accreditation standards. Students can choose based on their career goals, available study time, and preferred learning style. Below are the key differences that highlight how these formats cater to diverse needs.

• Program duration: Accelerated electrical engineering degree online programs, like those at ECPI University, can be completed in as little as 2.5 years due to condensed courses and year-round enrollment, whereas traditional online electrical engineering program duration typically spans four to five years.
• Course intensity: Accelerated programs require rigorous time management with back-to-back classes and intensive workloads, suitable for students who can commit large blocks of focused study time.
• Flexibility: Traditional programs generally follow a standard academic calendar with options to adjust course loads, allowing students to take fewer classes per term, which benefits working professionals or those with family responsibilities.
• Curriculum and accreditation: Both formats include foundational courses in mathematics, circuit theory, electronics, and power systems, alongside labs delivered via kits or virtual simulations, and commonly feature internships or capstone projects. ABET accreditation ensures graduates meet industry standards regardless of program speed.

To learn about related educational opportunities, consider reviewing the easiest masters programs to get into as an additional resource.

Competency-based Electrical Engineering programs offer a flexible alternative to traditional education, enabling students to progress by proving mastery rather than spending fixed hours in class. This approach can shorten time to degree completion by allowing learners to bypass material they already understand.

Students enrolled in these programs benefit from accelerated paths, especially if they have prior experience with electronics, circuit design, or electrical systems. They will face challenging assessments designed to verify real-world skills, not just theoretical knowledge, and must complete hands-on labs and capstone projects required by accreditation standards, which often limit how fast these components can be finished.

The pace at which students complete these programs depends heavily on how well the curriculum balances self-directed learning with practical experience, as well as the individual's discipline and motivation to advance independently.

Working full-time while pursuing an accelerated online Electrical Engineering degree is achievable but demands careful scheduling and realistic expectations. Many online programs offer flexibility by allowing one or two courses per term, which often stretches the graduation timeline to several years.

Fast-track options exist, such as at Arizona State University, where full-time study can lead to graduation in four years, though this pace may be hard to maintain alongside a full-time job. Balancing work with Electrical Engineering studies requires attention to the program's rigor, which involves advanced math, hands-on labs (sometimes via kits or simulations), and complex problem-solving tasks.

The cognitive workload is high, with students needing to grasp abstract theories and gain practical skills critical in this field. Time management, employer support, and verifying any on-campus requirements are essential for success. Rushing can reduce learning depth, so many find a moderate pace more sustainable, supporting better educational and professional outcomes.

Prior learning assessments (PLAs) can help students reduce the time needed to complete an online Electrical Engineering degree. These assessments credit knowledge and skills gained outside traditional classrooms, accelerating academic progress. Schools typically evaluate PLAs through exams like CLEP or DANTES, portfolio reviews, and competency-based tests.

Most institutions allow students to apply up to 30 credits earned via PLAs toward their degree, though policies vary. Eligibility often depends on factors such as a minimum GPA or relevant work experience. Additionally, some schools set limits on how many PLA credits count for technical courses, ensuring students meet discipline-specific requirements.

Prior college credits can significantly accelerate online electrical engineering degree completion. Many accredited programs allow transfer of up to 60-64 semester hours from previous coursework, shortening the time to graduate. Understanding how to navigate credit eligibility and transfer policies is key for prospective students.

• Check maximum transfer credits: Identify the total allowable transfer credits at the institution, commonly capped around 60-64 semester hours, as seen at universities like Texas A&M and the University of Virginia.
• Meet grade requirements: Verify the minimum grades needed-usually a C or higher for undergraduate courses and a B or higher for graduate credits-to qualify for transfer.
• Evaluate course equivalency: Transfer credits must closely match the Electrical Engineering curriculum requirements, often requiring transcript and syllabus review to confirm alignment.
• Understand GPA prerequisites: Some schools, like Texas A&M, require a minimum GPA (e.g., 3.5) for transfer applicants, impacting eligibility.
• Explore admission guarantees: Certain universities, including George Mason, may offer guaranteed admission and direct major entry if articulated requirements are met.

For those curious about career outcomes, reviewing what masters degree pays the most can guide educational decisions.

Professional or military experience can occasionally be converted into college credits, helping students complete online Electrical Engineering degrees more quickly. This opportunity varies by institution and depends on the nature of the prior experience and its relevance to academic requirements.

Many universities evaluate military training credentials through the American Council on Education (ACE) to determine if technical or military coursework meets college-level standards. Additionally, some schools accept standardized credit-by-examination programs such as CLEP or DSST for general education or elective clauses.

However, there are usually restrictions on the amount of credit granted this way, often limited to elective or foundational courses rather than essential Electrical Engineering classes. ABET-accredited programs typically require students to finish critical engineering coursework within the university to maintain educational quality and ensure eligibility for professional licensing.

Choosing the right accelerated online Electrical Engineering program is essential to ensure you meet your educational and career goals efficiently. Careful selection helps you avoid wasted time and maximizes the value of your degree. Understanding the specific accelerated electrical engineering degree requirements can guide you to the best program fit.

• Accreditation: Prioritize programs with ABET accreditation, the industry gold standard, as it impacts licensure and employment opportunities and is a key part of online electrical engineering program accreditation criteria.
• Reputation: Seek schools with strong engineering departments, solid graduate employment rates, and positive student feedback to ensure a reputable credential.
• Faculty qualifications: Experienced engineers and researchers teaching your courses guarantee instruction based on current, industry-relevant skills.
• Flexible delivery format: Decide if asynchronous (self-paced) or synchronous (live) classes better suit your schedule and speed of completion.
• Credit transfer policies: Some programs accept up to 117 transfer credits, including military or professional experience, significantly reducing time to degree. Confirm transfer policies before enrolling.
• Student support: Robust academic advising, career counseling, and technical help are vital in online settings to keep you on track and support faster graduation.
• Hands-on curriculum: Look for programs offering labs, capstone projects, or options to double-count credits toward bachelor's and master's degrees for practical experience and accelerated progression.

For students concerned about cost, it's worth exploring the most affordable online universities that accept financial aid to fund your accelerated degree path.

Many prospective students wonder if an accelerated online electrical engineering degree credibility holds strong with employers. Generally, these degrees are respected when they come from regionally and ABET-accredited institutions, which ensure that programs meet rigorous quality standards required for professional engineering practice.

Employer respect for online electrical engineering degrees hinges largely on the program's accreditation and curriculum rigor rather than the mode of delivery. Programs accredited by ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission assure employers that graduates have essential technical competencies in circuit design, signal processing, and power systems. This focus means employers value core skills over whether the degree was earned on campus or online.

Additionally, practical hands-on experience through capstone projects, labs, and internships in many accelerated programs boosts employer confidence in graduates. As acceptance of online education grows, engineering schools increasingly offer quality online options, causing employers to assess candidates by skill and experience.

For those seeking careers with less social interaction, exploring the best high paying jobs for introverts can be a smart parallel goal alongside earning an online degree.

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