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Online Bachelor Degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Main Post:
Hi everyone,
I recently accepted an admissions offer to an online, ABET-accredited degree in computer engineering. While researching schools, I noticed that most people either (1) do not know much about online programs or (2) do not see any value in them. It was therefore very difficult to find any information on such programs.
Although I would definitely recommend in-person degrees for a first-time traditional-age college student, there are many reasons why online would be preferable. For example, I am pursuing a second bachelors and am significantly limited in the financial aid I am eligible for. Additionally, as a returning student who already has built a career with a nice salary, it would not be feasible to quit my job when I have to pay for my education out-of-pocket. Other students might have similar or different reasons for pursuing an engineering degree online.
So with that out of the way, I wanted to share a list of ABET-accredited programs offering Bachelor's Degrees in electrical and computer engineering in case it will help a student in a similar situation as myself. Note that I verified each online/hybrid program on the list is fully accredited by ABET at the time of posting.
List of fully-online or hybrid Bachelor Degrees in Electrical or Computer Engineering:
- Old Dominion University - Computer Engineering
- University of Arizona - Electrical and Computer Engineering
- University of North Dakota - Electrical Engineering
- Stony Brook University - Electrical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Electrical Engineering
- Florida International University - Computer Engineering
- Mississippi State University - Electrical Engineering
- Clemson University - Electrical Engineering
- Lamar University - Electrical Engineering
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University - Engineering
- Indiana Tech - Electrical or Computer Engineering
I ultimately decided on Old Dominion University due to the cost (it was more affordable than the other options), the concentration areas, and because of the research opportunities (in my first semester as a transfer I applied and was accepted into a research fellowship). I think there were some programs I missed, but these are the ones that stood out to me.
The only thing I will say to watch out for are for-profit schools that offer online degrees. Even if they are ABET-accredited, I would highly recommend against them. Also, universities that also have in-person programs are probably preferable as it will not be immediately obvious that your degree was online and there is a chance to spend time in-person if it makes sense for your situation.
If anyone here has done an online degree and would like to offer guidance or advice, I would very much love to hear what you have to say. And if anyone has any questions for me as an online student, please let me know!
Top Comment: I was in a very similar situation and got a BSEE from ASU a few years ago. At the time, it was the only fully online ABET accredited BSEE. There were others that were mostly online, but would require you to visit occasionally for weeks at a time. Since graduating, no one has cared at all that my degree was online. I've worked at big tech companies that you've heard of. Last year, I was turning down job offers for amazing positions. I had to spend time to get a lot of practical skills myself, but I think that's pretty common even for people with in- person degrees.
Anyone earned a P.P.E degree?
Main Post:
I'm taking an intro course focused on knowledge and reality (lots of Descartes) and I'm enjoying the hell out of it. I also have had lots of interest in politics and political economic policy. If you've graduated with or know someone whose graduated with a Philosophy, Political science, and Economics degree I'd love to hear how it went and what you ended up doing with it. If you're interested I'm attending Western Washington University. I have a small but very awesome Philosophy department here. My intro course is being taught by the chair too which is awesome.
Top Comment:
Hey that's funny. I just graduated with a P.P.E degree from Western. I loved it tremendously. All three departments are great. I loved being able to diversify my studies every quarter; it really reduced the monotony that is all too common in most majors. Then again I also never got to study too in depth of a particular subject. Overall it was definitely worth it though.
I am currently studying for the LSAT, and plan to apply for a law school after that. P.P.E, though specifically philosophy classes, develops critical thinking skills that are pretty much prerequisite to being admitted to a law school.
If you have any questions feel free to ask!