Online Engineering Schools in Colorado

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Colorado

Prior to seeking employment as an engineer or professional certification, it’s important to secure the appropriate training. A majority of engineers hold at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition to the prominent campus-based programs, here are three online engineering programs based in CO to consider.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Colorado Technical University

At Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs, aspiring engineers can complete a distance-based bachelor of science (BS) in computer science with concentration options in software engineering; cybersecurity engineering, or data science. Students in this program will have the opportunity to study computer network systems, software engineering skills, and computer programming languages. Graduates will explore a wide range of practical and theoretical knowledge, processes, skills, and methods to effectively develop and design computer software according to domain-specific requirements.

This program requires 183 credits in courses such as problem-solving in computer science; fundamentals of computer organization and architecture; fundamentals of data structures; principles of operating systems; software engineering; introduction to computer security; fundamentals of software requirements; fundamentals of software design; software assurance; and ethical hacking.

  • Location: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Regis University

Regis University in Denver also provides an online BS in computer science, which the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET has accredited. The program will help students develop a wide set of knowledge and skills, including data structures, programming, database applications, systems security, algorithms, and more. Graduates will have a firm grasp of the foundations of computer science and will develop an intuitive understanding of the challenges on the horizon.

The program requires between 118 and 121 credits in subjects such as computer organization and architecture; software engineering; introduction to artificial intelligence; distributed systems; ethical leadership in computer science; computer systems security; database management; and introduction to quantum computing.

  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); ABET
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global offers an accelerated online BS in computer science where students will be able to master programming languages such as C++ and Java while diving into advanced topics such as data structures, operating systems, neural networks, and machine learning. Students will specialize in robotics, AI, cloud computing, or cybersecurity to manage teams and lead innovative projects in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as computer science fundamentals; operating systems and architecture; data structures and algorithms; software engineering; principles of cyber security; graphics and visualization; and platform-based development.

  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Colorado

There is an even richer array of online engineering programs at the master’s degree level. For professionals seeking opportunities in leadership, more in-depth research experience, or the prospect of a higher salary, achieving a graduate degree in engineering is advisable.

Master of Science in Computer Engineering – Colorado State University

At Colorado State University in Fort Collins, aspiring engineers can pursue an online master of science (MS) degree in computer engineering. Helping students keep up with the pace of innovation in the fields of systems engineering, computer engineering, and more, this online program is focused on the fundamentals of innovation, from big data to artificial intelligence to robotics. Moreover, the program emphasizes computer system exploration and design, network programming, internet protocols, and architecture of mobile and warehouse-scale computers.

This 30-credit program includes courses on computer networks; telecommunications; digital controls and digital filters; computer organization and architecture; network-centric systems; dynamics of complex engineering systems; internet engineering; and robust control systems, among other subjects.

  • Location: Fort Collins, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Civil Engineering – University of Colorado at Denver

The University of Colorado at Denver provides an online master of science (MS) degree in civil engineering, preparing engineers with the required set of skills to become managers, leaders, and experts within this ever-evolving industry. Students will also have two specialization options to choose from. These include construction engineering and management, and geomatics and geographic information systems.

Core courses in the construction engineering and management specialization focus on cost estimating, materials and methods, and construction planning and controls. Electives include project management, sustainable construction, BIM, and others. Additional engineering courses are available in structures, transportation, sustainability, soils, and more.

The geomatics and GIS curriculum covers a range of geospatial principles where students will learn from industry professionals in areas of geodesy, surveying, mapping science and cartography, photogrammetry, GNSS and GPS, high-definition surveying, remote sensing, and relational GIS databases.

  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering – University of Colorado Boulder

Offered through the University of Colorado Boulder and hosted online through Coursera’s learning platform, this online master of science program in electrical engineering teaches applied skills, the latest technological developments, and foundational knowledge in power electronics, embedded systems, photonics, and more.

The program’s curriculum is divided into different specializations so students can tailor their education to fit their individual learning needs. Each specialization is organized within a focus area, and currently, the program offers four active focus areas. These include power electronics; photonics & optics; systems & controls; and computer engineering/embedded systems. The program required 30 credits.

  • Location: Boulder, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Science in Computer Science with a Software Engineering concentration – Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University offers an online master of science program in computer science with a concentration in software engineering where students will be able to explore networking, operating systems, the software system engineering process, and system architecture. Notably, this computer science program also offers a cybersecurity engineering concentration.

Made up of 48 credits, the program includes courses such as design and analysis of algorithms; modern operating systems; computer networking; computer systems security foundations; systems engineering methods; software requirements engineering; computer systems architecture; software design; and software systems engineering process.

  • Location: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in Colorado

While the bulk of online engineering programs are available at the master’s and bachelor’s degree levels, there are other program pathways available. Here are three standout graduate certificates that can be earned at a distance from institutions in Colorado.

Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering – Regis University

At Regis University in Denver, current or aspiring engineers may pursue an online graduate certificate in software engineering. Students in this program will learn about the underlying principles and foundations of software development and will gain new skills in software design, architecture, testing, security, and implementation.

This 12-credit certificate program includes one required course (object-oriented software engineering), as well as three other electives chosen from several software engineering topics. Electives include software requirements and processes; software architecture and design; web software development; web frameworks; software quality and test; software assurance; object-oriented software construction; and component-based software development, among others.

  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Six to 12 months

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Through the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, students can earn an online graduate certificate in systems engineering.

This 12-credit program requires four courses: the introduction to the systems perspective; engineering project management; systems engineering processes; and systems architecture. This program must be completed in less than two years, and students have the option to continue on to pursue a master’s degree.

  • Location: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

Graduate Certificate in Computer Systems Engineering – Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers an online graduate certificate in computer systems engineering that is designed for professionals and students seeking skills and knowledge in state-of-the-art parallel software programming, parallel hardware architectures, networking technologies, and algorithms. Students in this program will be able to focus their studies on three areas integral to computer systems engineering. These include networking, embedded systems, and computer architecture.

Made up of 10 to 12 credits, the program includes courses such as embedded systems and machine learning; computer architecture; manycore system design using machine learning; hardware/software design of embedded systems; internet engineering; advanced topics in embedded systems; computer security; and parallel processing.

  • Location: Fort Collins, CO
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One year

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Prior to applying to an online engineering program in Colorado, aspiring students should ensure they have the answers to the following questions:

  • How much does the program cost? Prospective students should calculate all tuition costs, including additional fees.
  • How long will the program take? And can it be taken on a part-time basis? Those students with full-time jobs or other responsibilities may wish to complete their program part-time.
  • How many campus visits are required? Some programs are hybrid or blended (i.e., they require several campus visits in addition to online coursework).
  • Does the school assist students in finding work after graduation? Job placement services can be valuable to graduates, especially for competitive openings at in-demand companies.
  • Does the school track data on student outcomes? For the best idea of the opportunities open to program graduates, check out what past graduates have achieved.

Furthermore, all aspiring students are advised to search for programs that are accredited and have appropriate “state authorization” status, as well.

Accreditation

While it is not necessary to obtain a degree from an accredited program, it is certainly recommended to qualify for many jobs, professional certifications, and other privileges. Some employers only accept applicants with degrees from accredited programs, while financial aid providers may only approve applications from students studying at accredited programs. Not all accrediting organizations are created equal. Students should search for programs that have received accreditation through one of the entities approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Here are the main CHEA-recognized entities that provide accreditation to engineering schools in CO:

National accreditation

  • Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
  • Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
  • Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Regional accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Programmatic accreditation

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

State Authorization

“State authorization” is the ability of a school based in one state to enroll an online student based in another state. To elaborate, prospective students in Colorado are only allowed to study at schools that are eligible to operate in the state. Luckily, a majority of institutions have this information readily available on their websites (e.g., University of Colorado); for those that don’t, students are encouraged to reach out to program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

For aspiring engineers in Colorado, online programs typically retain similar admissions criteria to their on-campus counterparts. Typical requirements include:

  • Completed application and fee
  • Official transcripts from high school (for bachelor’s-level programs) or a bachelor of science degree (for master’s-level programs) from an accredited institution
  • Proof of course prerequisites (e.g., calculus, physics, chemistry)
  • Competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0 for bachelor’s degree programs, >3.2 for master’s degree programs)
  • Statement of purpose or letter of intent

Some ask master’s degree program applicants to have graduated from an ABET-accredited program and to submit GRE scores. Other schools ask for additional materials such as candidate interviews, letters of recommendation, a resume, or proof of significant research experience.