Online Engineering Schools in New Jersey

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New Jersey (NJ) is an optimal state for an education in engineering for several reasons. For one, New Jersey residents live near Princeton University and Rutgers University, two schools home to some of the most highly-regarded engineering departments in the nation. Even engineers who do not obtain their degrees from these universities can still benefit from the proximity through continuing education, job boards, and networking opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow four percent nationwide between 2021 and 2031—an addition of 91,300 new positions in that period—which is just a bit lower than the average job growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time (5 percent).

That said, some specializations are expected to be more in demand around the country than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields listed with their expected growth:

Chemical engineering – 14 percent increase (3,700 new jobs)
Industrial engineering – 10 percent increase (30,600 new jobs)
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering – 10 percent increase (1,700 new jobs)
Petroleum engineering – 8 percent increase (1,900 new jobs)
Civil engineering – 7 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

The expected percentages were even higher in New Jersey (NJ). According to Projections Central (2023), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2020 and 2030 included:

Aerospace Engineers – 32.4 percent increase (660 new jobs)
Industrial Engineers – 13.7 percent increase (710 new jobs)
Civil Engineers – 13.4 percent increase (960 new jobs)
Petroleum Engineers – 12.5 percent increase (20 new jobs)
Marine Engineers – 12.5 percent increase (10 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 53,010 engineers and architectural workers in NJ was $100,890, according to the BLS (May 2022); some earned substantially more such as petroleum engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $208,980. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $70,890.

Annual mean wages for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the state include:

Petroleum Engineers – $208,980 annual average salary
Electronics Engineers – $132,930
Aerospace Engineers – $129,530
Computer Hardware Engineers – $128,870
Chemical Engineers – $125,450

The prospects of a high salary and excellent job growth are not the only reasons to become an engineer in New Jersey. Also, New Jersey engineers can pursue membership with various professional organizations. These societies offer resources such as continuing education, a calendar of events throughout the year, political advocacy, and networking opportunities. These vibrant associations include:

While prospective engineers in NJ traditionally attend on-campus bachelor’s or master’s degree programs to prepare for their careers, there’s a swelling number of online engineering programs in the state. These typically combine rigorous distance-based coursework with in-person training either at facilities close to a student’s home or through limited campus visits.

This guide explores the abundance of online engineering programs in NJ, including discussions of standout professors, expected coursework, and other considerations.

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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in New Jersey

Most employers in engineering prefer applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition to the abundance of on-campus programs in the state, there are four online bachelor’s programs in engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology – Thomas Edison State University

Aspiring engineers interested in nuclear power generation and related ideas can consider an online BS in nuclear energy engineering technology through Thomas Edison State University. Emphasizing the practical application of engineering principles as they impact nuclear power generation, this 120-credit program is designed to provide graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills for performing competently in quality assurance, reactor operations, instrumentation and control technology, and other related areas.

This Trenton-based program requires 120 credits in areas such as nuclear physics for technology; thermodynamics; heat transfer; fluid mechanics; nuclear materials; primary reactor systems; nuclear instrumentation and control; and other core courses, along with several electives, as well. This program is ABET-accredited.

Location: Trenton, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Estimated Tuition: New Jersey residents ($411 per credit); out-of-state ($535 per credit)

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology – Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University offers a distance-based BS degree in electronics systems engineering technology. This bachelor’s degree is designed for technologists in various electronics industry phases, including avionics, computer hardware, communications, and instrumentation and control.

This 120-credit program includes classes on DC circuits; AC circuits; solid-state devices and circuits; linear and integrated circuits; digital electronics; microprocessors; electronic communication systems; electronic instrumentation and control; programmable logic controllers; and industrial electronics, among other core classes and electives.

This is also an ABET-accredited program.

Location: Trenton, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Estimated Tuition: New Jersey residents ($411 per credit); out-of-state ($535 per credit)

Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management – Rowan University

Rowan University’s Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering offers an online bachelor of arts degree in construction management preparing students in supervising, managing, and inspecting buildings, construction sites, and associated facilities. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned for successful careers in a variety of high-stakes roles, such as facilities engineers, general contractors, cost estimators, construction supervisors, or building inspectors.

This 120-credit program includes courses in the fundamentals of the construction industry; project building systems; project administration; construction project planning & scheduling; advanced leadership & communication; industrial relations in the construction industry; building construction systems & codes; and construction safety and loss prevention.

Location: Glassboro, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Estimated Tuition: $425 per credit

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Strayer University

Strayer University offers an online bachelor of science in information technology that is available in an online-only format to New Jersey students. Providing students with the knowledge, skills, and proficiency for supporting, troubleshooting, and designing key elements of the information technology infrastructure, this program prepares students in supporting the tactical technical operations of today’s global companies. Students within this curriculum will have the option of choosing a concentration in data analytics, cybersecurity, IT project management, data management, software development, or networking.

This program includes courses such as project management; introduction to information technology; computer programming design; computer architecture; web design and development; perimeter defense techniques; decision support and business intelligence; managing project risk; internetworking basics; and human-computer interaction.

Location: Piscataway, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in New Jersey

Master’s degrees allow students to specialize their expertise further. These advanced degrees may include a thesis or a hands-on final project and ultimately can help an engineer secure a higher-paying position or leadership opportunities.

Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Rutgers University

At Rutgers University of New Brunswick, engineers can earn a distance-based MEng degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. This program is 100 percent online and allows students to study on a full- or part-time basis. This program boasts flexible starting dates, as Rutgers provides fall and spring enrollment, depending on a student’s needs. Exploring engineering and scientific concepts that can prepare students to lead innovation in fields such as robotics, additive manufacturing, informatics, and space travel, this online program offers fundamental knowledge in technical fields and opportunities for customization. Students in this program will also have the option of pursuing an advanced manufacturing specialization.

Made up of 30 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as methods of applied mathematics; fluids; mechanics of materials; mechanics of advanced manufacturing; conduction; optimal design; additive manufacturing; and drone fundamentals.

Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, application engineers, process engineers, design engineers, researchers, engineering managers, and systems engineers.

Location: Piscataway, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: NJ resident ($812 per credit); non-NJ resident ($1,382 per credit)

Master of Science in Computer Science – New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology of Newark provides an online MS in computer science. Students may choose between five specialty tracks—databases and data mining; bioinformatics; software engineering; computer networking & security; and image processing & pattern recognition.

Classes include data structures and algorithms; operating system design; data management system design; internet and higher-layer protocols; design techniques for algorithms; computer architecture; and principles of operating systems, among others, totaling 30 credits.

Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $1,112 per credit

Master of Science in Computer Science – Stevens Institute of Technology

The master of science program in computer science by Stevens Institute of Technology offers students a curriculum aligned with high-demand areas such as web programming, software development, cloud computing, mobile systems and applications, enterprise software design, and human-computer interaction. Students in this program will engage in coursework that fosters technical proficiency in the leading industry tools, including Java, Python, and C++; algorithm design and testing; agile development methods; and enterprise software design and engineering.

This fully online 30-credit program includes coursework in data structures; introduction to Java programming; algorithms; systems programming; database management systems; web programming; introduction to operating systems; applied machine learning; and mobile systems and applications.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must submit two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, a current resume, and TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international students.

Location: Hoboken, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $1,864 per credit

Master of Engineering Management – Rowan University

Rowan University offers an online master of engineering management (MEM) program providing professional engineers with the leadership knowledge and skills needed for advancing to management-level positions. Through this program, graduates will explore administrative procedures such as strategic decision-making, supervising, and organizational behavior and teamwork. Combining business and engineering courses, the program provides an ideal balance of managerial skills and advanced technical concepts. Students will also be able to focus on one of two tracks: project management and construction management.

Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as engineering economics; strategic risk management; quality in engineering management; engineering decisions; engineering law and ethics; facilities management; systems in engineering management; managing engineering teams; management skills for engineers; and project management for engineers.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, official transcripts from all colleges attended, a current professional resume, a statement of professional objectives, and two letters of recommendation.

Graduates will be able to take up roles such as cost systems analysts, engineering project managers, construction management engineers, industrial management engineers, and senior lead analysts.

Location: Glassboro, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $875 per credit

Other Online Engineering Programs in New Jersey

Finally, there are also online associate degrees and graduate certificates in engineering based in New Jersey.

Associate in Science in Electronics Engineering Technology – Thomas Edison State University

At Thomas Edison State University, aspiring engineers can complete an online A.S. in electronics engineering. This program is designed for professionals in various electronics industry phases, such as avionics, computer hardware, and communications, among others.

Students must complete 60 credits in subjects including, DC circuits; AC circuits; digital electronics; microprocessors; solid state devices and circuits; forensic science; and exploring American cinema, among others.

Location: Trenton, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: New Jersey residents ($411 per credit); out-of-state ($535 per credit)

Graduate Certificate in Power Systems Engineering – New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology provides engineers with an online graduate certificate in power systems engineering. This program is offered entirely online, and can actually be used as a springboard for students to eventually pursue a master of science in power and energy systems, should they choose. Preparing engineers to work in the power and energy industry, this program provides students with the skills and knowledge required to be involved with technological advancements and future developments in power generation, controls, and management.

This 12-credit program requires four courses, including power system steady-state analysis; photovoltaic semiconductors and renewable energy; power electronics; and protection of power systems.

Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Estimated Tuition: $1,112 per credit

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

The lure of high compensation and solid job prospects after graduation are reasons enough for many aspiring engineers in New Jersey to begin a career in this field. Before signing up for an online engineering or computer science degree program, however, prospective students are encouraged to perform due diligence to find the answers to several questions. For example:

Can the program be completed on either a full- or part-time basis?
What is the total cost of the program?
If any attendance is required, how many times are students required to visit the campus throughout the duration of their studies?
Once students complete the program, will the school provide any assistance in finding employment? And what student services exist for online students?
What have past program graduates done with their degrees?

Additionally, applicants should search for programs that are accredited and have proper state authorization status, as well.

Accreditation

Although completing an accredited degree program is not necessary for employment in engineering, it is highly advised as it can have many benefits. It can help qualify an engineer for graduate school and credentialing and open up a broader range of job opportunities.

However, it’s important to note that not all accrediting agencies are reputable; applicants should look for programs and institutions that have received accreditation through one of the organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations operate at the national, regional, and programmatic levels, as outlined below:

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

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Programmatic accreditation

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

State Authorization

Prospective students should also note that they must search for online programs that have received authorization to enroll people from their state of residence; in other words, New Jersey students are only eligible to study in programs that are authorized to operate in the state. Most programs display this on their website (e.g., Rutgers University), and for those which don’t, out-of-state students should contact the program’s administration to determine eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

Aspiring engineers pursuing an online degree in New Jersey generally face similar admissions requirements to on-campus programs. Here is a general list of prerequisites that students should be prepared to meet in order to gain admission to an online engineering or computer science program in NJ:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Application Requirements

Completed application and fee
Official high school transcripts or GED with proof of coursework in physics, chemistry, calculus, algebra, and other prerequisites
Competitive GPA, typically >2.75
Two or more letters of recommendation
ACT or SAT scores
A personal essay (500-600 words)

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Application Requirements

Completed application(s) and fee (Please note that many online engineering programs require separate applications to the graduate school and the department of interest)
A bachelor’s degree in engineering or another science-related field with proof of course prerequisites
Competitive GPA, typically >3.0
Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE)
A letter of motivation or personal essay

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Application Requirements

Completed application and fee
At least a bachelor’s degree in engineering
Resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
A personal essay

Online Engineering Professors in New Jersey

Some many accomplished educators and researchers teach engineering courses at online schools in New Jersey. Here are three exceptional professors from leading institutions in NJ with distance-based engineering programs.

Dr. Weihong Guo – Rutgers University

Dr. Weihong Guo is an associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rutgers University. Her teaching interests are in the areas of quality engineering, manufacturing systems, and data analytics. Currently, her research focuses on data fusion methods in the interface between applied statistics and system control/optimization. Other research interests include statistical quality control and process monitoring, quality-oriented design, modeling of complex manufacturing systems, and data mining for manufacturing and healthcare systems modeling and improvement.

Dr. Guo is a member of professional organizations such as ASME, INFORMS, and IIE. She completed her PhD and MS from the University of Michigan, and her BS degree from Tsinghua University.

Shudong Hao – Stevens Institute of Technology

Shudong Hao is the teaching assistant professor and associate chair for graduate studies in the Department of Computer Science at the Stevens Institute of Technology. He teaches courses on systems programming and computer architecture and organization. His research involves developing natural language processing algorithms for processing, organizing, and preserving large data sets in minority languages.

Professor Hao completed his PhD in computer science from the University of Colorado Boulder and his BE in computer science from Beijing Forestry University.

Dr. Durgamadhab Misra – New Jersey Institute of Technology

Dr. Durgamadhab Misra is a professor and chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He teaches or has taught courses such as the fundamentals of engineering design; introduction to professional engineering; analog integrated circuit design; and VLSI design. His current research focuses on the areas of nanoelectronic/optoelectronic devices and circuits, particularly in the area of nanometer CMOS gate stacks and device reliability. He has edited and co-edited more than 50 books and conference proceedings in his field of research. He has also published over 250 technical articles in peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings.

Dr. Misra completed his PhD and MA from the University of Waterloo, his MTech from the Indian Institute of Technology, and his MS and BS from Utkal University.

Jocelyn Blore

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepr...