Page Content
Online Masters in Electrical Engineering
The field of electrical engineering draws a wide variety of technical-minded students interested in anything related to electricity and its practical applications. There are numerous areas of study that fall under the electrical engineering umbrella–renewable energy, biomedical, robotics, and autonomous or aerial vehicles–but the same can be said for all electrical engineering master’s degrees: they can be the next step to help you achieve the furthest extent of your career goals. This page will walk you through some of the best and most affordable online master’s in electrical engineering, helping you streamline your search process to find the best school that fits your academic aspirations.
Featured Online Programs
Most Affordable Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs Online
One of the most common questions students ask themselves when considering the graduate school is: how am I going to pay for this. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of highly affordable online master’s programs in Electrical Engineering. Here’s a list of the 15 most affordable programs we could find.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 | $5,328 | 46% |
| #2 Texas A & M University JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843-1248 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #3 University Of Wisconsin, Platteville 1 University Plaza, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818-3099 | $7,640 | 56% |
| #4 University of Arkansas Administration Bldg 425, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 | $7,752 | 66% |
| #5 University Of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 2282, Moscow, Idaho 83844 | 7$,754 | 56% |
| #6 University Of Houston 212 E. Cullen Building, Houston, Texas 77204-2018 | $8,370 | 61% |
| #7 University Of Texas, Arlington 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, Texas 76013 | $8,474 | 51% |
| #8 Mississippi State University Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 | $8,800 | 61% |
| #9 North Carolina State University 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7001 | $9,095 | 82% |
| #10 Iowa State University 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-2103 | $9,758 | 74% |
| #11 Auburn University Auburn, Alabama 36849 | $9,828 | 79% |
| #12 Old Dominion University 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23529 | $10,207 | 53% |
| #13 Kansas State University 919 Mid-Campus Drive, Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 | $10,212 | 65% |
| #14 Missouri University Of Science & Technology 300 W.13th Street, Rolla, Missouri 65409 | $10,452 | 66% |
| #15 University Of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-8193 | $10,534 | 61% |
| #16 University Of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
| #17 Capitol Technology University 11301 Springfield Rd, Laurel, Maryland 20708 | $11,124 | 52% |
| #18 Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, New York 13850-6000 | $11,310 | 82% |
| #19 University Of California, Riverside 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521 | $11,442 | 76% |
| #20 University Of California, Los Angeles 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095-1405 | $11,442 | 92% |
| #21 Arizona State University University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287 | $11,720 | 63% |
| #22 University Of Colorado, Boulder Regent Drive at Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80309 | $11,826 | 69% |
| #23 University Of Michigan, Dearborn 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1491 | $12,770 | 56% |
| #24 Georgia Institute Of Technology 225 North Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0530 | $14,064 | 90% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Top Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs Online
Outside of cost, a lot of factors play into which school may be the right choice. This list of the top 15 online master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering also takes into account student success rates, the number of students per class, and the overall length of the program.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Florida 341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
| #2 North Carolina State University, Raleigh 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 | $9,095 | 82% |
| #3 University of Virginia 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095-1405 | $16,578 | 95% |
| #4 Stanford University Stanford, California 94305 | $52,479 | 94% |
| #5 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
| #6 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $55,350 | 97% |
| #7 Worcester Polytechnic Institute 100 Institute Road, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609 | $28,188 | 89% |
| #8 University of Wisconsin, Madison 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 | $10,728 | 88% |
| #9 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
| #10 University of Minnesota,Twin Cities 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 | $17,580 | 83% |
| #11 Georgia Institute of Technology 225 North Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 | $14,064 | 90% |
| #12 Arizona State University,Tempe University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287 | $11,720 | 88% |
| #13 Auburn University Auburn, Alabama 36849 | $9,828 | 79% |
| #14 Clemson University 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 | $10,600 | 84% |
| #15 University of Cincinnati 2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 | $12,790 | 71% |
| #16 Clarkson University 8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, New York 13699 | $33,312 | 78% |
| #17 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | $35,181 | 69% |
| #18 New York University 70 Washington Sq South, New York, New York 10012 | $33,408 | 85% |
| #19 Illinois Institute of Technology 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616 | $29,487 | 70% |
| #20 Mississippi State University Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 | $8,800 | 61% |
| #21 University of Michigan, Dearborn 300 W.13th Street, Rolla, Missouri 65409 | $10,452 | 66% |
| #22 Missouri University of Science and Technology 300 W.13th Street, Rolla, Missouri 65409 | $10,452 | 66% |
| #23 Kansas State University 919 Mid-Campus Drive, Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 | $10,212 | 65% |
| #24 University of Texas, Arlington 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, Texas 76013 | $8,474 | 51% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding an Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Program
Looking into an online master’s degree in Electrical Engineering opens up a wide range of potential specializations and career possibilities. Most graduate programs in Electrical Engineering are designed for students with an undergraduate background in a similar field and are designed to help these students hone their undergraduate skills to take on more leadership-oriented roles.
Common Specializations for an Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering
Students interested in a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering often have a specific focus or area of work they’re planning on pursuing. When considering a program like this, you will want to research the differences between these emphases to find the one that best aligns with your personal and career goals. Below are a few common emphases for online master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering.
| Area of Focus | Description |
|---|---|
| Control Engineering | The role of a control engineer is to ensure that electrical systems will perform in an efficient and predictable manner. Control engineers can find themselves employed in a wide range of fields, including the utility/energy industry, health care electronics, or even in aerospace technology. |
| Power Systems | Power engineering teaches students to understand the generation and application/delivery of electrical power. Programs like these primarily prepare students for a career in the power industry, ensuring large networks of electrical power are reaching their destinations properly. |
| Electromagnetics | Students who pursue a degree focus in electromagnetics will largely be focusing on the design and application of electromagnets. Practical application of the products students will have a hand in designing will include powerplants, healthcare imaging equipment, and other scientific instruments. |
Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Admission Requirements
Applying to a graduate program can be a process that requires you to meet a few baseline requirements first. Below are a few common application requirements for online master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering
- Pre-Admission Testing: Some graduate-level programs require students to complete one or more tests before they can be admitted to the program. The most common test that Electrical Engineering students may come across is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Letters of Recommendation: When applying, you may be asked to provide letters of recommendation from one or more individuals who can speak to your readiness to pursue a graduate program in this field. Most often, students will be asked to provide letters coming from former professors or employers in a related field of work.
- Corresponding Bachelor’s Degree: Although this is not always the case, many students will find that the program they are interested in is requiring them to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Students who do not meet this requirement can usually speak with a pre-graduate-study advisor to discuss whether there is an alternative route to being able to apply.
Curriculum for an Online Master of Electrical Engineering Program
- Random Signal Analysis: A course in this subject area will outline how to account for random signals and other phenomena in electrical readings. Topics will often include how to predict random signals, how to understand random processes, and how to calculate the maximum likelihood of random signal interference.
- Electrical Circuit Theory: Students in these courses will expand the fundamental understanding of electronic circuits they likely developed in their undergraduate careers. Topics covered will include AC analysis, frequency domain analysis, and network theorems.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Courses in renewable energy seek to provide students with a close understanding of electrical energy as a renewable resource, often utilized for transportation and domestic purposes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering: Admission requirements at Online Master of Civil Engineering programs typically require completion of a baccalaureate in any major with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some require a baccalaureate specifically in a civil engineering ABET-accredited institution.
- GRE scores: Depending on the program and institution, students are required to take the GRE. Some programs waive the requirement, using other variables to evaluate applicants such as professional experience.
- Prerequisites: Students who have not completed an undergraduate engineering degree may have to complete the prerequisites of specialty leveling courses after being admitted to the program. They may include Analytic Geometry and Calculus, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Multidimensional Calculus, and Statistics.
- Recommendation letters: Online MS civil engineering programs may require from one to two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors. They should include research aptitude, job performance, professional ethics, and collegiality.
- English language proficiency: University applicants whose native language is not English have to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum TOEFL scores vary by institution or engineering department. Average scores range from 90-100.
Curriculum for an Online Master of Electrical Engineering Program
- Random Signal Analysis: A course in this subject area will outline how to account for random signals and other phenomena in electrical readings. Topics will often include how to predict random signals, how to understand random processes, and how to calculate the maximum likelihood of random signal interference.
- Electrical Circuit Theory: Students in these courses will expand the fundamental understanding of electronic circuits they likely developed in their undergraduate careers. Topics covered will include AC analysis, frequency domain analysis, and network theorems.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Courses in renewable energy seek to provide students with a close understanding of electrical energy as a renewable resource, often utilized for transportation and domestic purposes.
- Power Electronics: Power Electronics is a course in which students learn about solid-state electronics to control and convert electric power. Students go through an extensive learning experience in various conversions such as AC to DC, DC to AC, etc. After this course, students will be ready for the application of power electronics in batteries, motor drives, inverters, etc.
- Control and Communications: In this course, students learn about digital communications, including wireless networks. This course will prepare students to work in the areas of high-speed data communications, wireless channels, etc.
Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering: No GRE Requirement
Many online master’s degree programs in electrical engineering do not require applicant’s scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Explore the following schools to learn more about online master’s degrees in electrical engineering that don’t require the GRE:
The Fastest Electrical Engineering Degrees
How to Pay for a Master’s in Electrical Engineering Degree
Techniques for Financing a Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering
| Work Study | Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants | Student Discounts and Other Ways to Save |
|---|---|---|
| Work study programs are usually offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and provide students with part-time employment while they are enrolled in their program. Opportunities are also available off-campus, so online students can participate | Various scholarships and awards are available based on academic merit and success or financial need and don’t need to be repaid. Graduate students interested in this type of financial support can check with their school to see if there are any state- or college-sponsored aid available. | While this method doesn’t necessarily mean money straight into a student’s account, there are many ways to cut the cost of college. Students can take advantage of discount programs, specifically for students, on things like technology, food, housing, and more. It’s also important to consider only buying or renting used textbooks, which can save hundreds of dollars. |
Scholarships for students in Electrical Engineering
- Brown and Caldwell Scholarships for Women: Brown and Caldwell value equality in the workplace and support organizations like the Society of Women Engineers. They administer a scholarship for female students that are pursuing a degree in environmental professions such as Electrical engineering and other subjects. Eligibility for this scholarship includes- Students pursuing a graduate program at an accredited university, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and women that demonstrate leadership within the community. Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Varies
- PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship: PixelPlex provides custom software development services and solutions to businesses. They also encourage students to get into STEM education and administer a Bi-Annual scholarship program. The scholarship was established to support and inspire students to pursue further education in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, which includes electrical engineering. Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Varies
- Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST): AIST is a non-profit organization with more than 18,500 members to advance the technical development, production, processing, and application of Iron and Steel. AIST also administers various scholarships to help encourage students to pursue careers within the iron and steel-related industries that include electrical engineering. There are many scholarship and intern opportunities for students pursuing these degrees. You can visit this site for more details. Award Amount: Varies based on the scholarship Deadline: Varies based on the scholarship
- The Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional organizations dedicate to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. IEEE has been administering the Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship since 1939 in the memory of Charles LeGeyt, who was an electrical engineer. The scholarship is awarded to students that are pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering at a recognized school. Award Amount: $24,000 Deadline: May 4
Resources for Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Students
- American Association of Engineering Societies: The AAES allows engineers from various industries and areas of focus to network with one another and cultivate an environment of industry learning and development.
- Engineering.com: This online resource offers webinars on engineering best-practices, white papers, eBooks, a job board, and industry news. There are also trade-specific tools and resources, so there are quality, industry-specific information for all engineering professionals.
- National Society of Professional Engineers: NSPE provides a comprehensive range of resources for engineering students, including free courses, career advice, job boards, and licensing procedures. The NSPE also hosts industry-specific conferences and puts on National Engineering Week.
- Society of Women Engineers: SWE’s goal is to give women in engineering a place to meet like-minded professionals in their field and give them a platform so they have a voice in the industry. SWE hosts numerous networking events to promote professional networking and advancement amongst women engineers.
