2024 Best Online Masters in Electronics Engineering Programs

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To take your engineering career to new heights, you may want to pursue the advanced education offered in a masters in electronics program.

Best Online Masters in Electronics Engineering Programs

Through graduate studies, you can develop new skills, gain a better understanding of engineering theories, and be more prepared for workplace leadership roles. Electronic devices are essential for a variety of industries, including medical equipment, automotive manufacturing, and computer technology.

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An advanced degree in electronics engineering has a wide variety of real-world applications, and you could choose a specialization that aligns with your career goals.

Online Masters in Electronics Programs

Online Masters in Electronics Programs

Even if you’ve already launched your career in electronics engineering, you may be looking to pursue a new level of advancement.

Earning a Master of Science in Electronics Engineering could help you qualify for new opportunities and responsibilities. You can delve into more advanced engineering topics, explore cutting-edge developments, and prepare for leadership roles in this field.

Alternatively, getting a master’s degree could help you make a career transition into electronics engineering. It may be easier to handle a graduate-level program, such as an online electronics engineering degree masters program, for example, if you have a background in another engineering field.

In a master’s program for electronics engineering, you may study:

  • Circuit design
  • Computer systems
  • Data structures
  • Engineering optimization
  • Fiber optics
  • Microelectronics
  • Power systems
  • Semiconductors
  • Wireless systems

Some masters programs in electronics engineering require students to complete a major thesis paper before graduation. Others have students do a final capstone project instead. While you may find an electronics-specific master’s program that appeals to you, another option is to pursue a master degree in electrical engineering.

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The two fields are closely related, and electronics is typically considered a subset of electrical engineering. You might also be able to choose a concentration track or electives that would gear your studies toward electronics engineering. In fact, there could be many specialization opportunities within your program.

Electronics are used in many different industries, so you could take classes to prepare for a specific line of work. For example, biomedical devices, semiconductors, automobiles, and control systems all involve electronics. After completing a master’s degree, some graduates move on to further studies in a professional doctorate or PhD program.

Many others, though, use their masters to advance their professional roles. Electronics roles may be available in a variety of engineering disciplines, such as electrical, computer, nuclear, or biomedical engineering. A graduate degree can also help you qualify for senior or leadership positions. With experience, some professionals go on to become managers or senior engineers.

Electronics Engineering Careers & Salaries

Masters in Electronics Engineering Careers & Salaries

A master in electronics often leads to a career in engineering. People frequently start in this field as technologists or technicians. In that role, rather than leading projects themselves, they might assist engineers. It can be a strategic way to gain hands-on experience while working toward a degree.

Of course, with a master’s degree in the field, you’re likely to move beyond that level sooner. Becoming an electrical engineer or an electronics engineer could be the logical next step. Electrical engineers may work with telecommunications networks or power systems. For electronics engineers, the focus is typically on electronic devices.

Within these fields, there are many specialties you could pursue. Some jobs deal with semiconductors. Other engineers might focus their efforts on photonics or wireless technologies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the architecture and engineering field pay a median annual salary of $79,840.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Architectural and Engineering Managers $152,350
Computer Hardware Engineers $128,170
Aerospace Engineers $122,270
Computer Network Architects $120,520
Electronics Engineers (Except Computer) $104,820
Sales Engineers $103,710
Electrical Engineers $100,420
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $97,410
Industrial Engineers $95,300
Network and Computer Systems Administrators $80,600

Within these broad job categories, there may be many opportunities for specialization. A masters degree can help prepare you to work in a niche field or work on cutting-edge electronics developments. Electronics engineering has a lot in common with computer engineering. Your graduate studies could be useful in a job as a computer hardware engineer, a network architect, or a network administrator.

Since electronic systems are integral to many of today’s devices and systems, your knowledge may overlap with other fields. You may find yourself working for a company that designs vehicles, airplanes, nuclear power systems, or spacecraft.

Being an electronics engineer doesn’t always require a master’s degree. Getting a graduate degree, then, could help you qualify for more advanced roles. For example, some professionals become senior electronics engineers, work as project engineers on complex construction projects, or become supervising engineering managers.

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Another job possibility with this master’s degree is to work as a sales engineer. That line of work involves demonstrating and selling complicated technical equipment.

Electronics Engineering Master’s Curriculum & Courses

Masters in Electronics Engineering Curriculum

Many masters in electronic engineering programs require around 30 credit hours, but some require 45 credits or more. The curriculum may include core courses or electives like the ones listed here:

  • Analog Circuits: Not only will a circuits class expand your knowledge of converters, signals, and amplifiers, but it will also give you opportunities for CAD practice.
  • Advanced Devices: You’ll go beyond your undergraduate studies as you become more familiar with advanced transistors and other complex electronic devices.
  • Biomedical Engineering: You could consider a class in bioelectronics if you’re interested in applying your electronics knowledge in the medical field—such as improving ultrasounds and other imaging technology.
  • Digital Signal Processing: In this class, you can explore how technologies for processing visual or audio information can be used in various applications, such as facial recognition technology.
  • Mathematics for Engineering: You may take an advanced math course that’s specifically geared toward the engineering field.
  • Microelectromechanical Systems: Also known as MEMS, this field deals with the development of microscopic systems with moving parts.
  • Microwave Technology: For a career in telecommunications, you’ll likely study microwave circuits, which are an essential component of wireless technologies.
  • Photonics: The field of photonics is focused on light, so your studies in this class may cover lasers and optics.
  • Semiconductors: As you study semiconductors, you can learn about how they are manufactured, how they can best be used, and what’s on the horizon in this field.
  • Thin Films: A class on thin films might cover deposition, plasma etching, vacuum techniques, and chip manufacturing.

In addition to enrolling in classes like these, you may undertake a capstone project, write a thesis, or complete an internship.

MS in Electronics Engineering Admissions Requirements

Masters in Electronics Engineering Requirements

In addition to a graduate school application, you may be required to submit the following materials to be considered for a master’s degree program in electronics engineering:

  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all colleges)
  • Official transcripts from all college work
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0, on average
  • Recommendation letters

It’s common for engineering graduate programs to require an undergraduate degree in a related field. Some programs, though, allow students from other disciplines to learn the fundamentals through a series of prerequisite courses.

Accreditation

Masters in Electronics Engineering Accreditation

Becoming a trusted senior electronics engineer requires a reputable engineering education. If you plan to apply for professional engineer status, a respected degree is even more important.

In other words, it’s necessary to study at a college that holds regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is a distinction granted to colleges that meet the standards of independent, regional accrediting organizations. Your school’s accreditation status can also factor into your ability to transfer credits or qualify for a PhD program.

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Additionally, you may want to search for a program that has industry accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Electronic Engineering Licensure and Certifications

Electronic Engineering Licensure and Certifications

While you may not need state licensure to start working as an electronics engineer, most professionals obtain it to advance their careers. Licensed engineers are granted greater responsibility, such as being able to supervise projects.

The regulations vary from state to state, but they usually require earning your Professional Engineer (PE) credential. To qualify, you’re typically required to have an engineering education from an ABET accredited program as well as work experience. There are also two exams to pass: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE).

You may want to enhance your resume with industry certifications too. The ones you choose will likely depend on your specialty area. For example, engineers who lead projects could pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential from the Project Management Institute. Those in the energy sector could consider pursuing Certified Energy Manager (CEM) status from the Association of Energy Engineers.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Masters in Electronics Engineering Financial Aid

If you qualify, you can apply for financial aid to help ease the burden of tuition payments. Just like undergraduate students, graduate students can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal grants aren’t common for graduate students, but you may qualify for loan programs. Your state might offer grants or loans as well.

Scholarship and fellowship programs are also available to some students in master’s degree programs. Your college may have these funds for students with financial hardships or outstanding academics. You could also apply for funding from outside organizations, such as industry associations or community groups.

Do you already hold an engineering job? If so, your workplace might help pay for advanced studies since a master’s degree could help increase your value to the company.

Is Electronic Engineering a Good Career?

Is Electronic Engineering a Good Career

Yes, electronic engineering is a good career for many professionals. It could even lead to work in the automotive, home electronics, or biomedical industries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electronics engineers commonly earn between $73,630 and $166,890 annually. A graduate degree may help you increase your earning potential. It may also help you qualify for research and development positions, where the median income for electronics engineers is $127,110.

Professionals with experience and a graduate degree could also be top candidates for leadership roles. Engineering managers commonly earn six-figure incomes. Most make between $99,350 and $208,000 each year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What Can You Do with an Electronics Masters Degree?

Electronics Masters Degree Opportunities

With an electronics engineering masters degree, you may continue your work as an electrical or electronics engineer. Alternatively, it could help you transition into the electronics field.

Your advanced studies could also help prepare you for a more specialized role in a field like nuclear technology or biomedical imaging. With this degree, you might also qualify you for a potential promotion to a senior position with supervisory responsibilities.

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Sales engineering could be another line of work to consider. Sales engineers specialize in selling technical products, such as devices with complex electronic systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales engineers often work for wholesalers or manufacturers. Jobs are available in the telecommunications and computer systems design industries too.

Is Electronic Engineering Hard?

Electronics engineering students typically need to have a solid engineering foundation before entering this program. Graduate-level professors build on previous lessons rather than covering engineering basics. Advanced mathematics classes are common in these programs. You’ll study math that’s relevant to engineering and may take a class on mathematical modeling too.

In addition, you could have classes in circuits, semiconductors, thin films, sensors, signal processing, waves, electromagnetic fields, and nanotechnology. Some of the classes may cover the latest developments in electronics. Some universities also require you to write a thesis before graduation.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Electronics Engineering Online?

Master's Degree in Electronics Engineering Online

Many people think of a master’s degree as a 2 year program. That’s often the case, but online coursework can sometimes change the equation. Online programs often use an expedited course format, so each class may last only 7 or 8 weeks.

As soon as one course term ends, the next one begins. This approach to studies can sometimes lessen the length of a program. If a program consists of 36 credit hours, it can often be completed in 1 year with full-time schooling, including during summer term. Part-time enrollment will often extend your time to completion.

What’s the Difference Between a Masters in Electrical Engineering vs. Electronics Engineering?

Many schools have electrical engineering master’s degree programs, but fewer offer electronics engineering. What’s the difference?

Electrical Engineering Electronics Engineering
  • Deals with electrical power and electrical systems
  • Broader view: sees electrical systems as a whole
  • Potential job opportunities in power plants, construction projects, and automotive manufacturing facilities
  • Focuses on electronic components and devices
  • Narrower view: pays close attention to individual electronic components
  • Potential job opportunities in telecommunications or semiconductor manufacturing companies

Electrical engineering programs often include electronics courses.

What’s the Difference Between a Master of Electronic Engineering vs. Computer Engineering?

The development of modern devices relies on both the electronic engineering and computer engineering fields. Here are some of the differences between the two.

Computer Engineering Electronics Engineering
  • Pays attention to computer systems as a whole
  • Covers course topics like advanced computer architecture and embedded systems
  • May work in computer hardware design, software development, or computer programming
  • Focuses on the small components, like semiconductors, that make up computers
  • Covers course topics like microelectronics and signal processing
  • May work in component manufacturing or product engineering

Computer and electronics engineers may share some overlapping responsibilities.

Is an Online Electronics Master Degree Worth It?

Masters in Electronics Engineering Careers

Yes, an online electronics master degree is worth it for many students. Electronic components play a key role in many of today’s devices, so this specialty is in demand among employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for electrical and electronics engineers should grow at a 7% rate over the next ten years.

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Electronics engineering is a field with a wide variety of applications. With this degree, for instance, you might work in research or manufacturing. Potential employers could include biomedical, automotive, spacecraft, and computing companies.

Universities Offering Online Masters in Electronics Engineering Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Clarkson University

Clarkson University

Clarkson University’s MS in Electrical Engineering program is available both online and on campus. On-campus classes are available in the evenings. Students can typically earn the degree in 1 to 3 years. To graduate, they must complete 30 credit hours. The program offers concentrations in Power, Communications and Signal Processing, and Data Communications and Networks.

Clarkson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a Master of Engineering with a specialization in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Both degree programs are available online and highly customizable through a wide range of elective options. CSU’s online courses are asynchronous to provide maximum flexibility.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia University

Columbia University

Columbia University’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program is available fully online. Students can choose from several concentrations, including Systems Biology, Multimedia Networking, Microelectronic Devices, and Integrated Circuits and Systems.

Other options are Lightwave (Photonics) Engineering, Wireless and Mobile Communications, and Telecommunications Engineering. Applicants are required to provide GRE scores.

Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Applicants can apply to begin in either the fall or the spring. Georgia Tech’s online courses teach all the same material as their on-campus equivalents. Online students who also work full-time typically take two courses at a time.

Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is available online, on campus, and in a hybrid format. Students can choose to pursue an optional concentration in either Photonics or Communications and Networking. Course options include Intermediate Electromagnetics, Microprocessors for Robotics Systems, Electronic Materials, and more.

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The program requires the completion of 30 credits and is available online and on campus. Students can choose thesis, report, or coursework-only options. There are no required courses, so students can completely customize their coursework to suit their goals.

Michigan Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The program offers thesis and non-thesis options. There is also an option to add a 9 credit minor outside the department. Applications are accepted three times each year, and GRE scores are not needed to apply.

Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University offers a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Specializations are available in Digital Signal Processing, Electric Energy Systems, Photonics, Microelectronics VLSI, Computer Engineering, and Communications. This 30 credit program does not require a thesis or an oral examination. Full-time students can usually finish in 2 years.

NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University offers a Master of Science in Electronics Engineering that can be earned online. The program offers two tracks to choose from: the Microelectronics and Photonics track and the Biomedical Engineering track. Courses are 7 weeks long, and start dates are available throughout the year. Students can potentially finish their degrees in just 10 months of full-time study.

Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program includes 31 credit hours of coursework and no thesis. Students who work full-time typically take only one or two courses each semester. Applicants are asked to provide GRE scores and three letters of recommendation.

North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Ohio University

Ohio University

The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ohio University can be earned 100% online. The degree can potentially be finished in just 2 years. Students in the program have several concentrations to choose from. Options are Micro-Nano Devices and Systems, Electronic Navigation Systems, Computer Engineering, Communications and Digital Signal Processing, and Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers both a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The main difference is that the MS includes a thesis, while the ME does not. Both programs are available in flexible online formats, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University

San Diego State University offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering that is intended for working professionals. Students pursuing this degree can complete all their coursework online and potentially finish in 2 years. They can pursue a specialization in Communications and Networks or Energy Systems and Power.

San Diego State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Stanford University

Stanford University

Stanford University’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program can be completed primarily online. Most students are part-time and take 3 to 5 years to finish. Course options include Electrical Engineering in Biology and Medicine, Battery Systems for Transportation and Grid Services, Wireless Information Theory, and more.

Stanford is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

University of Arizona

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students may enroll either part-time or full-time, and full-time students can potentially finish in just 1.5 years. Courses are 100% online and include Advanced Linear Systems Theory, Digital Signal Processing, Digital Control Systems, and more.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering that can be earned 100% online. Terms are just 8 weeks long, and students usually take 2 years to finish. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options. Coursework includes Digital Design, System and Signal Analysis, Probability and Stochastic Processes, and more.

The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering that can be earned 100% online. Students in the program have opportunities to take non-technology business courses in addition to engineering courses. No thesis is required. Most students in this program continue to work while earning their degrees. Students can start in fall, spring, or summer semesters.

UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Florida

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an online program for a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This is a 30 credit program that consists of ten courses. Most students take 1 to 3 courses each semester. The degree is also available in a hybrid format if students would like to take some courses on campus.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign

University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois—Urbana Champaign offers a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering that can be earned on campus and online. This non-thesis program requires the completion of 32 credit hours. Students in the program may take 4 credit hours of professional development courses in business.

The University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Southern California

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering that can be earned on campus and online. Online and on-campus courses are taught by the same faculty. Students may enroll either part-time or full-time and can typically finish in 1.5 to 3 years. GRE scores are not needed to apply.

USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Getting Your Masters in Electronics Online

Masters in Electronics Engineering Degree Online

Electronics engineering is a lucrative field with many opportunities for advanced study. Whether you want to learn more about signal processing, photonics, or thin films, you can do so in a master’s degree program.

Graduate studies often qualify you for increased workplace responsibility and can keep you updated on the latest engineering developments. Getting a graduate degree can be quite the undertaking, but studying in an online engineering program allows you to pursue a master’s from the comfort of home.

You can start exploring accredited universities today to find the online electronics masters degree program that best aligns with your professional interests and goals.

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Jordan Meeks
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Jordan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and earned her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and her Bachelor's in Business Administration. Jordan's research focuses on adults returning to college and online degree programs.