Engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields today, and an increasing number of students are turning to online programs to earn their degrees without leaving their jobs or homes. Online engineering programs cover all the core skills engineers need, from design and problem-solving to hands-on projects. Still, they also give students the flexibility to study at their own pace. Some schools even offer accelerated tracks, letting students finish sooner than the traditional timeline and enter the workforce faster.
We looked at a range of respected schools, comparing program speed, quality, and outcomes. From that research, we’ve put together a list of 8 of the fastest online engineering degree programs. Each one gives students a chance to move quickly through coursework while still getting the training and knowledge they need to succeed.
Below, you’ll find the programs and details to help you choose the one that fits your schedule, goals, and learning style.
Fastest Online Engineering Degree Programs
1. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus gives you real variety and strong name recognition without having to sit in a campus lecture hall. Their online engineering offerings include practice-focused master’s tracks and technical MS degrees you can take while you work.
The courses are taught by Penn State engineering faculty, and the curriculum mirrors what on-campus students study, so employers take the credential seriously. The program is flexible: part-time pacing, clearly defined 30 to 32-credit paths in many specialties, and multiple start terms so you can fit school around a job.
If you want a respected, career-oriented master’s that you can finish faster by taking heavier terms, Penn State World Campus is built for that.
2. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
ASU Online runs a big, well-designed engineering operation. You can find fully online bachelor’s degrees in fields like electrical and mechanical engineering and several online master’s degrees as well.
ASU’s online engineering classes use the same Ira Fulton Schools curriculum and faculty as their campus programs, which means coursework is rigorous and career-relevant. Many programs allow structured pathways or accelerated options that let motivated students take an extra load and finish sooner than a traditional schedule.
If you want a large program with lots of course choices, hands-on project work, and frequent start dates so you can move quickly, ASU is a reliable pick.
3. Oregon State University Ecampus
Oregon State’s Ecampus is one of the few public universities offering a fully online mechanical-engineering bachelor’s tied to a campus College of Engineering. Their course calendar runs four quarters a year with 11-week classes, which lets you keep steady momentum and potentially graduate faster than with a two-semester rhythm.
OSU highlights project work, computational engineering, and applied labs delivered as remote/virtual experiences plus short on-campus residencies when required. For students who want a public-school price point, solid ABET-aligned curriculum, and an online schedule that supports continuous progress, OSU’s Ecampus engineering options are worth a close look.
4. Michigan Technological University
Michigan Tech focuses on engineering fields where hands-on tech and emerging areas matter. Their accelerated MS routes let current undergrads roll into graduate study and complete a master’s in less time by applying approved senior credits to the graduate program.
Michigan Tech also runs online MS options geared to working engineers, with coursework that covers robotics, EV systems, renewable energy, NVH, and other applied topics. The framing is practical: shorter completion windows for motivated students, clear course maps, and options to focus on industry needs.
5. University of North Dakota
UND offers a combined BS/MS (4+1) pathway in mechanical engineering that’s designed to shave time and cost off the traditional sequence. You can take graduate-level courses during your senior year that count toward both degrees. That lets you finish both the bachelor’s and the MS in about five years instead of the usual six-plus.
UND also publishes clear tuition and timeline information for online students and supports remote delivery so non-traditional learners can stay on track. For students able to handle senior-level grad work early and who want a practical engineering master’s without adding an extra full year, UND’s accelerated option is one of the more straightforward routes.
6. ECPI University Online
ECPI’s online programs are built on speed and workforce readiness. Their Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (and other engineering-tech degrees) is offered year-round and follows a quarter/trimester pace that can let students finish the degree faster than a standard four-year calendar.
ECPI advertises completion in as little as 2.5 years for motivated students. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on skills, industry tools, and direct job preparation. That makes ECPI a practical choice if you want a condensed, technical program that targets entry-level engineering tech roles quickly.
Keep in mind the focus is engineering technology and applied skills rather than a traditional ABET-accredited engineering BS in some cases, so match the program to your career goals.
7. Old Dominion University (ODUOnline)
Old Dominion’s online engineering portfolio includes engineering management, systems engineering, environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering graduate tracks. ODU positions these as practitioner programs for working engineers who need leadership and systems skills.
Their online Master of Engineering Management and related MS degrees are designed for part-time learners and include applied projects rather than heavy thesis loads, which shortens the time to degree when you plan terms well. If your goal is an applied master’s that upgrades your technical leadership skills on a schedule you control, ODU’s online suite is a solid, practical option.
8. Purdue University
Purdue’s online engineering programs come from a top-ranked engineering school and include online master’s degrees in software engineering, systems engineering, and other fields. The Elmore Family School and Purdue Online provide flexible, professionally oriented tracks meant for working professionals.
Many Purdue online tracks let you move faster by taking consecutive terms and by choosing coursework-only formats rather than research theses. The degree carries strong brand recognition, and the online delivery is designed to be rigorous while still allowing students to accelerate their studies through heavier term loads or year-round enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long can I finish an accelerated online engineering degree?
Most fast-track online programs let motivated students complete a bachelor’s degree in about 2.5–3 years instead of the traditional 4 years. Some master’s programs can be finished in 12–18 months. The exact pace depends on prior credits, course load, and program structure.
2. Are online engineering degrees respected by employers?
Yes, as long as the program is accredited (ABET or regional accreditation), employers treat online engineering degrees the same as on-campus degrees. Graduates gain the same technical knowledge and problem-solving skills required in the workforce.
3. Do I need to be on campus for labs or hands-on experience?
It depends on the program. Many accelerated online programs use virtual labs, simulations, or local lab partnerships so you can complete practical work remotely. Some may require limited on-site labs, but this is usually minimal.
4. Can I work full-time while pursuing an accelerated online engineering degree?
Yes, but it can be challenging. Accelerated programs move faster than traditional schedules, so careful time management is essential. Many programs offer asynchronous classes so you can study evenings or weekends.
5. How do I choose the right fast online engineering program for me?
Look at accreditation, program length, available majors, cost, faculty experience, and support services. Check if the program allows transfer credits or offers internships. Choosing a school that fits your career goals and learning style is crucial for success.