Technology has revolutionized most aspects of modern human life, including the engineering field. Innovative minds are required to design buildings and constructions that solve the community’s basic challenge. This means engineers are in high demand more than ever.
Engineers typically combine the principles of math, physics, sciences, and critical thinking to design new structures and constructions. Thankfully, the current digital world has enabled engineers to easily complete engineering tasks. Engineers can also complete their engineering degrees online. If you’ve considered a career in engineering, earning an engineering degree is the first step.
Can You Complete an Engineering Degree Online?
Unknown to most people, you can complete an engineering degree online. Despite the technical nature of engineering programs, current technologies have made it possible for engineering students to get quality education online compared to traditional college settings.
The only big difference is online engineering degree students enjoy greater flexibility. You can complete various engineering degree studies, including a masters of engineering management online. Most practical sessions for these programs are completed at home, as they don’t require hands-on supervision.
What to Expect from Online Engineering Courses
Online courses slightly differ from physical in-campus courses. Online engineering degree courses vary based on program type and level. For instance, bachelor’s degree programs take four years, while associate programs take two years to complete. Master’s and doctoral programs take between three and five years. Below are a few things to expect from online engineering courses:
1. Be ready for math and physics courses
Engineering degrees are primarily based on math and physics. As such, engineering engineers should be ready to tackle linear algebra, differential equations, and calculus courses. Physics training varies by program. Most disciplines have thermodynamics, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electrodynamics courses.
2. You will be required to take core classes and a few engineering electives
Undergraduate engineering students begin their training by learning the basics of engineering. Core courses include programming, dynamics, mechanics, and circuits. They also take general classes and can add specializations and electives as they progress. The courses on offer include:
- Artificial Intelligence and cyber-physical Systems for computer engineering students
- Structural and transportation engineering for civil engineers
- Water resources and sustainability engineering for those taking environmental engineering
3. Internships give you hands-on experience with what you’ve learned
Like medical programs, internships for engineering programs are designed to give learners hands-on experience. Students should complete more than one internship session to complete their studies. Internships also expose students to different engineering sectors in the field. This makes it easier for them to identify specific areas of interest.
Is an Online Engineering Degree Worth It?
Because of the technical and highly specialized nature of engineering, an online degree in engineering is a perfect gateway to a high-paying career. There’s also a high demand for engineers across the globe. According to BLS, the median yearly wage for engineers was $91,010 in 2016. There will also be an estimated 140,000 new engineering jobs by 2026. These figures make an online engineering degree certainly worth it.
Endnote
Advancing technology has made it easy for students to complete their courses remotely. Gone are the days students had to attend in-physical classes to get a degree. All you should do is get a reliable internet, choose your preferred engineering program, and enroll in the course.
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