The Fastest Online Engineering Degrees: How to Get Your Engineering Degree Fast

If you’re looking to get an engineering degree but feel like you don’t have enough time, you should consider enrolling in one of the fastest online engineering degrees. These types of accelerated programs enable you to complete your program more quickly without leaving your home.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the fastest engineering degrees, including the best accelerated online engineering degrees. We’ll discuss how long they take to complete, where you can get them, and how you can finish your online engineering degree fast.

What Is an Accelerated Engineering Degree?

An accelerated engineering degree is a program that takes less time to complete than a regular engineering degree. They cover the same topics and offer the same outcomes as regular degrees, but allow you to save time, money, and enter the job market faster.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), education pays. People with college degrees earn more money and have lower unemployment rates than those who only have a high school diploma or less.¹

Accelerated online engineering degrees enable you to graduate and enter the workforce significantly faster than traditional programs. This means that your education starts paying off earlier as you’re eligible for higher-paying engineering jobs.

How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?

Accelerated engineering degrees work by condensing courses into five to 10 weeks of classes, instead of the regular 16 weeks per semester, as in regular-length engineering degrees. The same amount of courses is covered, just a lot faster.

These programs are also more flexible than regular ones. Often, they allow students to start their classes at their own pace, rather than waiting until the next academic year. Plus, they can also go through a course and jump to the next one without having to wait.

Types of Accelerated Engineering Degrees

Many schools offer accelerated versions of different types of engineering degrees. From accelerated associate degrees to combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees, you’ll be able to find a fast engineering degree that suits your needs and meets your expectations.

Accelerated Associate Degrees

Accelerated associate degrees are a great way for students to access entry-level engineering jobs quickly. They usually take a year and a half to complete instead of two, and they can be completed even faster in different ways.

Students who can prove their knowledge on a particular topic can take specialized tests that award them the credits they need, instead of having to sit through the courses. They can also enroll in an associate to bachelor’s degree program to reduce the amount of time they’d need to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering.

Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees

Accelerated bachelor’s degrees allow students to graduate in under four years. The speed at which they complete their studies depends on the degree’s pace and the number of previously earned credit hours they can transfer.

Some undergraduate programs, for example, allow students to transfer the credits from an entire associate’s degree. Since these types of degrees are usually equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, students can get their Bachelor of Science degree in as little as two years.

Accelerated Master’s Degrees

Accelerated master’s degrees usually take one year to complete instead of two. Courses are condensed and classes take fewer weeks to complete, but graduate students still access the same level of high-quality education that they would in a regular graduate degree program.

Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

Combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are a fast-track option for dedicated students who want to complete a graduate program in record time. These degrees are also known as five-year programs or 4+1 programs, as they only take five years to complete.

After completing their four-year bachelor’s degree, students can immediately enroll in a related master’s degree and complete it in one year instead of two. The educational content remains the same for both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree, with its organization the only aspect that changes.

Who Should Get an Accelerated Engineering Degree?

Individuals seeking to save time and money and enter the job market more quickly should consider pursuing an accelerated engineering degree. Fast-paced programs require a lot of dedication, but they also allow you to pay less tuition because you’re enrolled for less time.

Working professionals seeking higher-paying careers in their field can also benefit from an accelerated engineering degree. They utilize their expertise and professional experience to earn academic credit, thereby completing their chosen programs more quickly.

Best Accelerated Degrees

How to Get an Engineering Degree Fast

Earn your degree full-time. If you have the opportunity to enroll as a full-time student and complete as many credit hours as possible per semester, you’ll be able to finish your engineering degree faster.
Take a College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) exam. If you know everything that’s being discussed in a course and don’t want to sit through it, take a CLEP exam. CLEP exams evaluate your engineering knowledge and award college credit that you can use to cut your program time.²
Enroll in summer classes. Take advantage of summer semesters if you can. By enrolling in summer classes, you’ll be able to complete them earlier than normal, bringing you one step closer to graduation.
Take classes during the winter interim session. Not all schools close down for winter break, especially online schools. If you’re enrolled in one of those schools, consider enrolling in their winter interim sessions to catch up on some credits.
Transfer credits. Previously completed degrees can help accelerate your graduation. Be sure to transfer as many credits as possible from those degrees to expedite the process.

What Is the Fastest Online Engineering Degree?

The fastest online engineering degree is the Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico.³ This program can be completed in one year instead of two, through eight-week courses. It is designed for individuals with prior knowledge and professional experience in civil engineering who are seeking career advancement.

Fastest Online Engineering Degrees: The Basics

Degree Title	School	Required Time	Tuition (approx.)
Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering	University of New Mexico	1 year	$533/credit³
Master of Engineering Management	Arkansas State University	1 year	$340/credit⁴
Master of Science in Engineering Management	Trine University	~18 months	~$10,350/year⁵
Master of Science in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Specialization	University of California-Riverside	13 months	$292/unit (2025–26)⁶
Associate of Science in Electronics Technology	Colorado Technical University	1.5 years	~$325–$375/credit⁷
Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering	American Public University	3 – 4 years	~$8,400/year⁸
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering	Regent University	3 – 4 years	~$21,650/year⁹
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering Concentration	Southern New Hampshire University	3 – 4 years	$342/credit¹⁰
Combined BS/MEng in Electrical Engineering	University of North Dakota	4 – 6 years	$398/credit undergrad + grad tuition¹¹

The Fastest Online Engineering Degrees, Explained

Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering | University of New Mexico³

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $533/credit
Required Time: 1 year

The Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico is a coursework-only, practice-oriented program that can be completed in one year. It is a great online option for civil engineering professionals who want advanced training in civil engineering practice and design.

Master of Engineering Management | Arkansas State University⁴

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $340/credit
Required Time: 1 year

Arkansas State University offers an online Master of Engineering Management degree that you can complete in one year. It is for any engineering professionals who want to work as engineering managers or pursue licensure. Students take seven-week-long courses and don’t have to prepare a thesis to graduate.

Master of Science in Engineering Management | Trine University⁵

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: ~$10,350/year
Required Time: ~18 months

This program at Trine University can be completed online, at your own pace, in as little as one year. It is for individuals with engineering skills who aspire to a future career in management. Courses cover topics that include business ethics, public speaking, decision-making, operations strategy, and marketing.

Master of Science in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Specialization | University of California-Riverside⁶

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Tuition: $292/unit (2025–26)
Required Time: 13 months

The mechanical engineering specialization from the University of California-Riverside can be completed in 13 months. Graduate students can complete it 100 percent online by choosing one of six concentration options. Engineering professionals can finish this program without taking a leave of absence from their jobs.

Associate of Science in Electronics Technology | Colorado Technical University⁷

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: ~$325–$375/credit
Required Time: 1.5 years

Colorado Technical University’s Associate of Science in Electronics Technology program prepares online students for entry-level jobs as well as for a bachelor’s degree. In fact, this degree covers the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Students can use CTU Fast Track Exams to get academic credit and complete their degrees faster, using their previous knowledge and professional experience. For this associate degree, students can get up to 13 credit hours by completing a maximum of three exams.

Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering | American Public University⁸

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: ~$8,400/year
Required Time: 3 – 4 years

This online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree from American Public University includes accelerated courses in circuit design and analysis, communication systems, control systems, energy conversion, and transport. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours, allowing them to complete the program in under four years.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Regent University⁹

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: ~$21,650/year
Required Time: 3 – 4 years

Regent University’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering prepares students to conceptualize IT solutions by learning about systems thinking, software engineering, and computer programming. This program can be completed in three to four years, as students can transfer up to 90 credit hours.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering Concentration | Southern New Hampshire University¹⁰

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Tuition: $342/credit
Required Time: 3 – 4 years

This online program from Southern New Hampshire University can be completed in less than four years if students transfer any credits from previous degrees. The software engineering concentration provides the necessary skills and hands-on experience students need to break into this field, allowing them to work as software engineers, UX developers, or even systems architecture designers.

Combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering | University of North Dakota¹¹

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $398/credit undergrad + grad tuition
Required Time: 4 – 6 years

The University of North Dakota offers an online combined electrical engineering degree. This dual degree option can be completed in four to six years, fast-tracking students’ options when it comes to breaking into the field or applying for higher-paying jobs.

Fastest Engineering Degree Completion Programs

Degree completion programs are fast academic programs for students who’ve started a four-year degree but never completed it. These programs allow them to use all of the credits they previously earned. Below, we’ll discuss a few of the fastest degree completion programs.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology | Old Dominion University. This online program from Old Dominion University can be used as a completion program for students who already possess up to 90 college credits. ODU only requires that students complete 30 credits with the university. The program prepares students for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering | Lamar University. This “2+2” program from Lamar University allows students to complete the final two years of the BS program from home. Students must complete at least six math-based lower-division courses.

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | St. Cloud State University. This program from St. Cloud State is very flexible because students can enroll full-time, take one course at a time, or even skip a term. It is designed for professionals with an education in IT, as well as those with a different educational background who want to break into the field.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management | University of South Carolina. The University of South Carolina offers a “2+2” completion program that allows students with an associate degree in engineering technology to complete their BS degree. This program takes two years to complete full-time.

Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Degree Completion Program | Clemson University. Students can use previously obtained credits from other colleges to complete this program at Clemson University. It is for people who work full-time in engineering, not students who have just graduated from high school.

Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?

Yes, employers respect online degrees. An increasing number of students choose these kinds of programs for a wide range of reasons. This encourages schools to create online programs that are just as good as in-person versions.

The popularity of online degree programs has increased over the years. In fact, in 2021, more than 9 million undergraduate students were exclusively enrolled in online programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.¹²

Probably the most important aspect of choosing an online degree program is to make sure that you’re getting one from a respectable, accredited school. Accreditation equals quality education, and no employer can resist that.

What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Engineering Degree?

According to the BLS (retrieved August 2025), engineering degrees will remain in high demand from 2023-2033:

Computer Hardware Engineer | $155,020 | 7% job growth¹³
Aerospace Engineer | $134,830 | 6% job growth¹⁴
Electrical Engineer | $111,910 | 7% job growth¹⁵
Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 | 9% job growth¹⁶
Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 6% job growth¹⁷

Best Accelerated Engineering Degree Jobs

The best accelerated engineering degree jobs include computer hardware engineers, aerospace engineers, and electrical engineers. Mechanical engineers and civil engineers are also considered top careers in this field.

Computer Hardware Engineer¹³

Average Salary: $155,020
Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2024-2034

Computer hardware engineers conceptualize and create processors, memory devices, routers, and other computer systems and components. They modify all pieces, make sure they work correctly, and prepare them for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Aerospace Engineer¹⁴

Average Salary: $134,830
Job Outlook: 6% job growth from 2024-2034

Aerospace engineers design and create tech pieces used in aviation, defense, and spacecraft including aircraft, satellites, and missiles. They’re able to research the usability of new materials and find ways to improve older equipment.

Electrical Engineer¹⁵

Average Salary: $111,910
Job Growth: 9% job growth from 2024-2034

Electrical engineers develop and install a wide range of electrical equipment for various applications. Some of these products include electric motors, communication systems, and even navigation systems.

Mechanical Engineer¹⁶

Average Salary: $102,320
Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2024-2034

Mechanical engineers work with a broader scope of tech in the engineering field. They are responsible for designing, creating, and testing machines, engines, medical devices, batteries, generators, elevators, and many other products and systems.

Civil Engineer¹⁷

Average Salary: $99,590
Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2024-2034

Civil engineers construct and maintain infrastructure systems like roads, buildings, tunnels, bridges, and many other types of constructions. They can either work in the private or public sector.

Are Online Engineering Degrees Worth It?

Yes, online engineering degrees are worth it. They enable students with busy lives to access quality education that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to obtain, all while maintaining their responsibilities. They’re also a great way for professionals to improve their skills and move up to management roles or other high-paying positions.

Students with an online engineering degree can work as civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineers. If you’re interested in a career as a software engineer but don’t think college is for you, consider trying out one of the best bootcamps for software engineering.

Fastest Online Engineering Degrees FAQ

How do you get accepted into engineering school?

Admissions to engineering schools generally require a strong academic foundation in STEM—particularly advanced math and science coursework—and often a focused area of excellence or “spike.” Competitive students showcase quantifiable STEM extracurriculars, research projects, or competitions. For undergraduates, authority also on your application includes strong standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement that conveys drive and alignment with the desired engineering discipline. Graduate applicants should prioritize maintaining a solid GPA, gather academic and/or professional recommendations, and may need GRE scores or field-related experience.

Is engineering hard?

Yes, engineering is widely regarded as challenging, with a heavy emphasis on advanced math, science, and problem-solving. Selective programs expect sustained academic rigor, including advanced coursework like AP Calculus or Physics. However, with genuine interest, well-developed study strategies, and a defined area of engineering you enjoy, students can not only manage but thrive in the field.

What top companies are hiring engineers?

Engineering roles are in high demand across major tech firms. Base salaries at companies like Apple can reach $329K–$378K for AI and software engineering roles, and even $468K for specialized positions like human interface design.¹⁸ Beyond Apple, top hiring companies such as Waymo, Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others consistently rank among the highest-paying—often offering total compensation well into the mid-six-figures when including bonuses and stock.

What are some of the most popular programming languages for engineers?

The most popular programming languages for engineers depend on the specific discipline. In software engineering, Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, and SQL remain widely used across application development, data analysis, and systems design. In traditional engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, or electrical, languages and tools like Python, MATLAB, and Simulink are commonly used for modeling, simulations, and data processing. Since each branch of engineering emphasizes different applications, the best programming language to learn is the one most closely aligned with the tools and workflows of your chosen field.

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About the Author

Raquel Santos

Content Writer at Career Karma

Raquel is a content writer with extensive experience in writing, education, and tech. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Forensic Genetics, both from Porto University. She also has a certificate in Writing in Science fro... read more about the author

Jul 29, 2022