Can You Get a PhD in Engineering Online?

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Doctorate programs aren’t easy, but they may be made more convenient by completing them online. We all know you can earn a doctorate degree at a brick-and-mortar college, but can you get a PhD online too? Online PhD courses aren’t as common, but they’re popping up more often.

PhD in Engineering Online

According to Forbes, approximately 7.6% of all doctorate degrees are earned online. This means it may be possible for you to get yours online too!

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Here, we’ll discuss getting a PhD in engineering and whether this is a degree you can earn online. We’ll also introduce you to a tool you can use to find engineering programs to apply for.

Online PhD Programs for Engineering

Online PhD Programs for Engineering

An online PhD program in engineering can offer a unique blend of convenience, flexibility, and expertise to help you advance your career in engineering. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, including mechanical and electrical engineering, manufacturing processes, quality control, project management, and more.

This broad curriculum is designed to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of engineering. These programs can help open the doors to advanced careers in research and development, engineering management, academia, or consulting.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineering fields are expected to see significant growth, with some areas growing faster than average. This trend suggests a promising job market for those with advanced degrees in engineering. The format of online PhD programs in engineering is notably flexible, catering to both full-time and part-time students. Most programs can be completed in 4 to 6 years.

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The option to study online adds significant convenience, especially if you’re balancing work or personal commitments. You may access coursework and lectures at times that suit your schedule, and in some cases, you can complete the entire program online. Some programs may require on-campus attendance for certain components, like dissertation defenses.

One of the appealing aspects of these programs is their cost-effectiveness. Studying online may help you save on a variety of expenses typically associated with on-campus programs, such as commuting, housing, and dining. Ultimately, an online PhD in engineering can equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed for a variety of high-level roles in the engineering sector.

Whether your interest is in leading research projects, managing engineering teams, or shaping the future of engineering education, this degree may be a pivotal step in your journey.

Why Get a PhD in Engineering?

woman taking her PhD in Engineering online

Not everyone needs a PhD in engineering, but it might be helpful for you to have one. One advantage of earning a doctorate degree is that it allows you to do research in your chosen field.

If you want to work for a university or research firm, a PhD in engineering may be a good academic path for you. A PhD of any kind is also helpful if you’re looking for a job in senior management. While it won’t guarantee you the job, it can look impressive on your resume.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Engineering?

Research Engineer meeting with her team

If you’re earning your PhD after an online MBA degree, or other unrelated master’s degree program, you might not be familiar with all the doors a doctorate in engineering can open. These are just a few of the career paths you can explore with this degree:

  • College professor
  • Research engineer
  • Director of engineering
  • Senior engineering manager

These are just a few of the roles you may pursue with a PhD in engineering. You may also still be qualified for any jobs that require lower-level degrees, like a master’s or bachelor’s.

Why Get a PhD Online?

Engineer getting his PhD online

One benefit of earning a PhD online is the potential ability to save money. Online credits may be less than in-person credits, and you can avoid activity fees, campus housing costs, and fees for on-campus resources.

Online degree programs can also save you time, depending on the program. While you may spend 5 to 7 years getting your PhD at a brick-and-mortar university, you might be able to earn it online in as little as 3 years!

Curious about what other universities offer the programs you’re looking for? Let My College Guide introduce you to colleges that have your preferred program, both online and in person. You can use our “My Degree Finder” today to find schools to apply to!

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Isaac Scott
WRITTEN BY Isaac Scott

Isaac has a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His primary focus is accredited schools offering degrees online or in a hybrid format.