Online Engineering Schools in New Jersey

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.

Some engineering positions are in greater supply (and greater demand) in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that these were the most popular engineering fields in NJ:

Civil engineering – 7,830 working in NJ
Industrial engineering – 6,910
Mechanical engineering – 4,830
Electrical engineering – 3,990

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033—about 195,000 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations.

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

Industrial engineering – 12 percent increase (40,900 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 11 percent increase (32,100 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 10 percent increase (2,100 new jobs)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 9 percent increase (26,200 new jobs)
Agricultural engineering – 8 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (6,100 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 7 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 7 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 7 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 6 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

The expected percentages were even higher in New Jersey (NJ). According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Industrial Engineers – 13 percent increase (940 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 10.1 percent (520 new jobs)
Petroleum Engineers – 10 percent increase (110 new jobs)
Locomotive Engineers – 8.9 percent increase (40 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 8.6 percent increase (70 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 50,500 engineers and architectural workers in NJ was $104,040, according to the BLS (May 2023); some earned substantially more such as petroleum engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $206,490. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $73,980.

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

Petroleum Engineers – $206,490 annual average salary
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer – $139,750
Aerospace Engineers – $138,060
Computer Hardware Engineers – $126,680
Chemical Engineers – $121,450

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:

New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers
New Jersey Professional Engineers in Construction
American Society of Safety Engineers – New Jersey Chapter
American Society of Civil Engineers – New Jersey Section
New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers

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 expected coursework, admission requirements, and other considerations.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
Ohio University	Online MEM - Engineering Management	Visit Site
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ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Mechatronics (Associate's)	Visit Site
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	Online MSE - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Electrical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Mechanical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
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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

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

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

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Strayer University

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

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)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

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

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—bioinformatics; software engineering; computer networking & security; database & data mining; 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 machine learning, among others, totaling 30 credits.

Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

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

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, 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

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

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; transients in power systems; power electronics; and protection of power systems.

Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

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, and for those that 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

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...