An online PhD in Engineering is a prestigious option for prospective students who have an academic background in engineering or math.
Online engineering doctoral programs, such as an online PhD in Electrical Engineering or an online PhD in Engineering Management, provide the opportunity for you to engage in original research and contribute your findings to the academic community.
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In addition to research opportunities, you can also develop advanced technical and practical skills in the engineering concentration you select. Doctoral graduates often qualify for leadership roles as well as technical and research positions.
Online PhD in Engineering Programs
At its core, engineering is a field focused on solving complex problems by applying specialized knowledge and information. Engineering is a broad field that encompasses several sub-fields, including computer, chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
A doctoral program in engineering centers around engaging in original research in response to specific questions. The research you conduct may attempt to solve problems in a variety of industries, such as healthcare and technology.
The courses offered in an engineering doctorate program will vary depending on the specific engineering field you choose to focus on. Due to the advanced nature of a Ph.D. in Engineering online program, some schools may also offer a flexible curriculum, providing the opportunity to construct your own list of courses.
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As long as you meet the basic requirements for the degree, some programs let you select the classes that meet your personal needs and interests.
Depending on your specialty, typical coursework in a doctoral engineering program might include:
- Ethics in scientific research
- Engineering analysis
- Computer-aided mechanical design
- Dissertation research
If your online engineering program has a dissertation requirement, you’ll spend a significant amount of time researching your topic. You may also be required to present or defend your dissertation after completion.
The career you choose to pursue after earning your PhD in Engineering will depend heavily on the type of engineering you study. Each area of engineering requires a different set of skills and training. It is strategic to ensure that your selected educational program offers the necessary courses for you to enter into your field of choice after graduation.
Some of the potential roles for engineers with their doctorate include:
- Senior engineer
- Chief engineer
- Engineering manager
- Researcher
- Postsecondary teacher
Holding a PhD can also increase your earning potential. The engineering subfield you can qualify for will depend on your prior experience as well as your degree focus. Earning a PhD is also necessary for many roles within academia. Some graduates go on to continue the research they began for their dissertation or to teach college-level courses in their area of expertise.
Engineering Careers & Salaries
If you earn a doctorate degree in engineering, you could consider professional opportunities in both technical and academic positions. Some graduates utilize their research skills to pursue postsecondary teaching or government research roles.
By selecting which area of engineering—such as chemical, civil, electrical, or mechanical—you would like to specialize in, you can tailor your degree to fit your career aspirations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some common career paths in the field of engineering.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $128,170 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,270 |
| Chemical Engineers | $105,550 |
| Postsecondary Engineering Teachers | $104,940 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,780 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $97,410 |
| Environmental Engineers | $96,820 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $95,300 |
The right career path for you will depend on your personal skills, interests, and areas of expertise. Although a doctorate can open up many professional, leadership, and research opportunities, it by no means guarantees a specific salary or position.
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Factors such as your location, your chosen industry, and your experience can impact the roles and salary available to you.
PhD in Engineering Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum for an engineering doctorate program will depend heavily on the type of engineering you choose to focus on. Below are some typical courses you may find in different areas of engineering study:
- Ethics in Scientific Research: This course explores common ethical dilemmas encountered in scientific research, so you may study integrity, conflict of interest, and non-maleficence.
- Engineering Analysis: This course tackles engineering problems using an analytical approach, covering topics like simple analytical solutions, organizing data, and predicting the behavior of mechanical systems.
- Computer-Aided Mechanical Design: Using AutoCAD software, you will learn to design mechanical systems.
- Dissertation Research: The dissertation component of a program is your opportunity to engage in research related to your chosen topic. You will also collect and analyze data, often working with a mentor.
- Public Speaking: This class reviews the basics of public speaking in the context of presenting research findings, covering areas like body language, persuasion techniques, and delivery.
- Experimental Design and Measurement: You’ll study the quantitative skills needed to conduct effective research and interpret data.
- Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: In this course, you’ll study the first and second laws of thermodynamics, covering subjects such as power cycles, pure fluids, and solids.
- Vehicle Dynamics and Design: This type of course may be found in a mechanical engineering track, and it covers how to apply mathematical theories and models to real-world automotive vehicle systems.
- Fluid Mechanics: Intended for mechanical engineers, this course covers the properties of fluids, differential analysis, and hydrostatics.
- Heat and Mass Transfer: This course deals with engineering heat transfer and is especially applicable for mechanical engineering, covering concepts such as convection, internal and external flows, and heat exchanger design.
In addition to your core coursework, a significant amount of time will likely be dedicated to conducting research into your selected topic.
Admissions Requirements
Many doctoral programs require you to submit similar items to be considered for admission.
Required materials may include:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only when required)
- Official transcripts
- Statement of objectives
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
It is common for doctoral programs in engineering to require applicants to have an undergraduate or master’s degree in a related field, such as engineering, math, or science. They may also look for a minimum grade point average to further evaluate whether you’re equipped to handle the heavy workload required of doctoral candidates.
Online Engineering PhD Programs Accreditation
It’s strategic to verify that the online doctorate engineering program you select is connected to a regionally accredited institution.
Accreditation is a process of review that measures the educational programs and facilities offered by a school against a set of predetermined benchmarks for quality. Attending an accredited college or university is one way to protect your own education, ensuring that you receive high-quality instruction and a diploma that will be considered legitimate across a range of industries.
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Your school’s accreditation status also impacts your ability to transfer credits if you should choose to attend a different school or program partway through your studies.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
In an effort to make higher education more affordable, many different entities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
It is strategic to begin planning your finances as early as possible. One way to do this is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form that compiles personal data to determine your eligibility for need-based aid from the federal government.
Federal aid often comes in the form of grants, student loans, or work study programs. Your state may offer aid options as well. If you are currently employed, you can also check your benefits package to see if there is a scholarship or tuition reimbursement option available. If so, your employer may be able to cover some of the expenses related to your studies.
What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Engineering?
Your career path after earning a doctorate in engineering will often hinge on the discipline you study. Each type of engineering offers its own set of skills and professional opportunities.
If you studied chemical engineering, for example, you might pursue a position as a chemical or petroleum engineer. Graduates with their degree in mechanical engineering may choose to work as mechanical or industrial engineers. A doctorate can also separate you from the crowd as someone with strong leadership and research skills—qualities which could make you eligible for teaching, research, or management positions.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Engineering Online?
Depending on the number of credit hours required, a PhD typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time study. This timeline may be altered by how long it takes a student to finish their dissertation, a task which often extends the graduation date.
If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Attending school part-time, transferring programs, or taking a break are all decisions that have the potential to lengthen the time it takes to complete your doctoral degree.
What’s the Difference Between an Online Doctor of Engineering vs. PhD in Engineering?
A PhD in Engineering differs from a Doctor of Engineering in its focus.
| Doctor of Engineering | PhD in Engineering |
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If you are hoping to pursue senior or leadership roles in the field of engineering, you might consider earning a Doctor of Engineering online. On the other hand, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering is often more suited to those who want to build a career in research or education.
Is a PhD Worth It in Engineering?
Yes, a PhD in Engineering is worth it for many students. A doctorate in engineering can be tailored to fit your individual interests and career aspirations.
Earning this terminal degree is often a step in the direction of a career in academia or research. Since you can also develop the advanced technical skills required of your engineering concentration, you could be eligible for professional roles in your chosen field as well.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architecture and engineering positions or projected to see 6% job growth over the next ten years. A number of engineering fields are also expected to experience faster than average job growth.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate in 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.
World-class instruction and research opportunities are at the core of Auburn University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering program. It aims to help students gain the experience and skills needed to work in a variety of engineering sectors. Graduates often work in computer engineering, control systems, robotics, digital signal processing, wireless engineering, electromagnetics modeling, and microelectronics.
Auburn University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management program at Capitol Technology University is a cutting-edge program that emphasizes engineering research, leadership, and publishing. This program is housed fully online and is designed for professional students ready to take the next step in their careers despite their busy schedules.
Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Universities and Schools.
Colorado State University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering – Systems Engineering program is intended for practicing engineers. It is designed to help them advance their careers and gain additional research and leadership experience. In addition to research opportunities, this 72 credit degree program covers key concepts in engineering, such as IT project management, risk analysis, leadership, and innovation.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Doctorate in Engineering Science at Columbia University is offered partially online, and students can choose to complete their degrees with part-time or full-time schedules. Students with master’s degrees in the field must complete 42 credits, while students without master’s degrees must complete 72 credits, including both instruction and research credits.
Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Florida Atlantic University offers a flexible Doctorate in Electrical Engineering program. It is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in higher education, research, or senior positions in high-tech engineering companies. The program takes place 100% online and is designed to teach students skills that have immediate practical application.
FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
George Washington University offers a Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management that is designed for students interested in pursuing leadership roles within the field of engineering. The program is offered in a synchronous, once-weekly online format and culminates in a case study or research project rather than a traditional thesis.
The George Washington University Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Indiana State University offers a PhD in Technology Management. It aims to develop students’ applicable knowledge and skills in engineering-related innovation, technological education, research, management, and ethics. While most of the program can be completed online, all students are required to attend intensive residencies that allow for deep engagement with both faculty and peers.
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
John Hopkins University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering. With no standardized curriculum, this online program encourages students to craft their own education and technical program according to their passions and goals. The program can typically be completed in 4 to 5 years of full-time study, though students can select a part-time schedule as needed.
The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Michigan Technological University offers a Doctor of Mechanical Engineering with several concentrations. Options are Renewable Energy, Combustion, Multiscale Materials, Molecular Dynamics Modeling, and Dynamic, Autonomous, Intelligent, or Hybrid Electric Vehicle Systems.
The program is based entirely online and aims to provide cutting-edge and rigorous instruction from faculty members who are active professionals in the field.
Michigan Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mississippi State University offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering. New students are admitted three times a year in fall, spring, and summer semesters. This 48 credit degree covers core concepts like advanced electromagnetics, energy systems, electronic circuits, signals and systems, discrete structures, data structures, and more.
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Old Dominion University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering. It is designed for students interested in professions such as university professorship, IT management, program management, or senior technical leadership.
The program consists of 48 credits’ worth of courses that are attended synchronously online. It aims to offer flexibility while ensuring deep educational engagement and professional networking.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering. It is an interdisciplinary program for students seeking leadership roles in business, industry, and public engineering sectors rather than research or academia. The program is offered in a fully online format and is designed for current working professionals in the field.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Texas Tech University, the online PhD in Systems and Engineering Management program provides opportunities to engage in advanced engineering theory, practice, and research. To be considered for admission, the program requires applicants to hold a previous master’s degree in engineering. Students with qualifying credits may transfer in up to 30 of the 60 credits required to graduate.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Alabama can be completed fully online. It utilizes recorded lectures and online-proctored exams. This 72 credit program also permits students who have completed a qualifying master’s degree in an engineering discipline to transfer up to 24 credits of instruction toward their PhD.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Dakota offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. The goal of the program is to provide students with applicable knowledge, advanced research skills, and hands-on engineering experience. Most students can complete this 90 credit degree in 4 to 5 years. Classes are available both on-campus and online.
UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of South Carolina offers Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Civil, Computer, Mechanical, and Nuclear Engineering. This variety can help students cater their degrees to their experiences, interests, and goals. All engineering doctorate degrees are offered online as well to help ensure accessibility for even the busiest of students.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Tennessee—Knoxville offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering. The program is intended for students with undergraduate degrees, academic backgrounds, and professional experience in the engineering field. Students who select the Engineering Management concentration must complete a minimum of 72 credits, which includes credit hours in instruction, research, and doctoral theses.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western New England University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management. Students can complete the program with part-time or full-time schedules and have the option to attend in an entirely online format. The curriculum includes studies in key concepts of the field, such as engineering supply chains, operations research, project management, and strategic decision making.
Western New England University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering. The curriculum covers fundamental engineering concepts and offers opportunities to engage in hands-on practice and research.
The program encourages students to make connections with their cohorts, instructors, and advisors. This degree can be completed fully online and accepts students year-round. The program has two start-dates each academic year.
WPI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering at Wright State University offers a variety of concentrations. Students can choose Biomedical Engineering, Industrial and Human Factors Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 90 credits, which includes research opportunities in their specialty offered both on campus and with industry-leading organizations.
Wright State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Engineering Doctorate Online
Much like an on-campus or an online masters in engineering, earning a doctoral degree in engineering could help you advance your technical or academic career in the field of your choosing. Because there are many different types of engineering, you can select a focus area that interests you and aligns with your career goals.
Many engineers engage in work that has a positive impact on communities, and a doctorate could enable you to contribute to further research and innovation in the field. A terminal degree could also help you qualify for senior or leadership engineering positions.
Exploring accredited universities and comparing available doctoral programs in engineering could help you determine the degree path that’s right for you.
