Online Engineering Programs in Illinois
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Engineering provides an abundance of opportunities for professionals throughout Illinois (IL). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported 79,940 engineering and architectural jobs in the state, comprising almost one-and-a-half percent of all occupations statewide (6,011,660). The bulk of these professionals were industrial engineers (17,760), civil engineers (13,530), or mechanical engineers (10,260 workers in IL).
Not surprisingly, these in-demand fields are relatively well-paid. The average salary for all occupations in the Land of Lincoln was $67,130, while the average annual salary of all architectural and engineering professionals was $95,790 (BLS May 2023). Of course, some specializations compensate better than others. Five of the top-paying engineering subfields with at least 1,000 people employed in IL included computer hardware engineers ($127,440 annual average salary), electronics engineers ($114,310) electrical engineers ($110,070), environmental engineers ($103,890), and mechanical engineers ($103,480).
Not only is engineering a lucrative occupation in Illinois and nationwide but also job opportunities are expected to grow in the coming decade; as proof of point, the BLS (2024) projected significant growth in many fields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 across the country. The following subfields are expected to boast the highest growth percentage over that period in the US:
- Industrial engineering – 12 percent increase (38,400 new jobs)
- Mechanical engineering – 10 percent increase (28,500 new jobs)
- Chemical engineering – 8 percent increase (1,700 new jobs)
- Aerospace engineering – 6 percent increase (3,900 new jobs)
- Environmental engineering – 6 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
The growth projections within Illinois are slightly different. By illustration, Projections Central (2024) predicted that the fastest-growing subfields in the state between 2022 and 2032 would be:
- Industrial engineering – 2,020 new jobs (12.7 percent increase)
- Mechanical engineering – 1,270 new jobs (10.7 percent increase)
- Civil Engineering – 710 new jobs (5.3 percent increase)
- Aerospace engineering – 40 new jobs (5.3 percent increase)
- Environmental engineering – 50 new jobs (5.1 percent increase)
To support the various fields of engineering, there are several prominent professional organizations in Illinois. These offer several benefits for engineers such as networking, journals or newsletters, conferences, continuing education opportunities, and credentialing services. Here are a few of the well-regarded engineering societies that operate in the state:
- Illinois Society of Professional Engineers
- Illinois Society of General Engineers
- American Society of Civil Engineers – Illinois Section
- Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Iowa and Illinois Section
With relatively high salaries, a bright growth outlook, and ample professional support, becoming an engineer in IL can be an enticing prospect. While some of these workers seek preparation for their careers through traditional, on-campus degrees, there’s a growing trend toward online engineering programs, particularly in computer-related and graduate-level specializations. For engineering students who work full-time, have family commitments, or live in rural regions of the state, a distance-based degree may be a more convenient starting point in an engineering career.
This guide features several online engineering programs in Illinois, expected coursework, and accreditation information.
Featured Online Engineering Programs | ||
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University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Online MSE - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
ECPI University | Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Associate's) | Visit Site |
ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
Arizona State University | Electrical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
Arizona State University | Mechanical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
Southern New Hampshire University | Online MBA - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
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