Schools with the Best Online Engineering Degrees: List of Top Schools

Students can complete an online degree program in engineering at their own pace from some of the nation's top universities. Those looking to advance their careers as engineers can earn a master's degree through distance learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign & University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Best Online Engineering Schools

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a 4-year, public university with 17 colleges. In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it placed 39th in the National Universities category, & the school's undergraduate engineering programs ranked fifth in the nation in 2009 (www.usnews.com). U of I Online offers a Master of Engineering & Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Nine engineering certificates are also available for non-degree seeking students.

2. University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin - Madison is a 4-year public institution which tied for 39th place in the National Universities category of U.S. News & World Report's 2010 list of best colleges. In 2009, the College of Engineering at UW - Madison ranked number 15 in the nation out of all graduate engineering schools. The school offers nine master's degree programs online, including a Master of Science in Engineering & eight more narrowly focused degree programs. Students may attend full-time or part-time & are given a maximum of seven years to complete the online program.

Universities with Online Robotics Engineering Programs: How to Choose

Robotics engineering programs train students to design autonomous vehicles using modeling & simulation processes. Online education programs for robotics engineering are rare; however, hybrid programs can be found at the master's level.

How to Choose an Online School for Robotics Engineering

Program Availability & Type

Bachelor's degrees in subjects such as engineering, computer technology & electronics may all have robotics components. Online degrees in robotics are very rare at the bachelor's level due to the hands-on requirements of the field, however, hybrid master's programs can be found containing online components. Students pursuing a degree in robotics may examine related programs that have robotics components or focuses to see if they provide sufficient training. If a degree specifically in robotics engineering is needed, students may wish to get a bachelor's degree in a related area then pursue a master's degree in robotics.

Career Preference & Specialization

Robotics is not so much its own discipline as a union of several different disciplines, it can be approached from many different directions. Engineering, electronics & computer science are all viable pathways that can lead to robotics. A student's choice of careers will have a great deal to do with what kind of robotics program he or she chooses. For example students interested in robotics intelligence can complete a master's degree program in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence, while individuals interested in autonomous vehicles can complete a Master of Engineering in Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles.

Online Robotics Engineering Programs

Online Master's Degree in Robotics

The classes in a master's degree in robotics may vary from one discipline to another. Common robotics courses include modeling & simulation, control system design, process safety management, computer systems architecture & analysis of algorithms.

Robotics degree programs, particularly at the master's degree level, are often intended for working adults, which means that classes are often asynchronous & do not require students to log in at any particular time. Assignment s & tests have specified due dates; however, students may complete their work & view lectures on their own schedule. Students communicate with their peers via forums or message boards & participation requirements may apply to their grades. Assignments may be submitted via e-mail or through online grading software.

Online Vehicle Design Schools: How to Choose

The artists who specialize in commercial or industrial design are the ones who create the look of an automobile. These professionals generally have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in industrial design, architecture or engineering. However, the opportunities available online in vehicle design are generally limited to industrial design & engineering.

How to Select an Online Vehicle Design School

Accreditation

The National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) is one of the largest bodies accrediting design schools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 40 NASAD locations offer industrial design (www.bls.gov). When possible, students will want to choose a design school accredited by NASAD in order to maximize the effectiveness of their degree. Additionally, engineering majors should look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology.

Appropriate Training for Vehicle Design

Some students may choose to transition from engineering programs into the field of design. Many different online engineering programs exist for engineers, but vehicle design students should be careful to ensure that these programs include computer-aided design (CAD), drafting technologies & other mechanical drawing topics. Students in an online engineering program will want to discuss design possibilities with their advisor.

Career Prospects

Commercial & industrial design is a competitive field, with vehicle design being a small part. According to BLS data, the automotive industry is expected to see an almost 17% drop in employment from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). This will make entry into the world of vehicle design difficult. Vehicle designers can make themselves more desirable to employers by having a strong background in engineering as well as computer-aided design. BLS also states that many industrial designers are making themselves stand out by completing master's degree programs in business administration.

List of Online Industrial Design Programs

Online Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design

Though exceptionally rare, there are some online bachelor's degree programs in industrial design available. These programs help students develop technical proficiency in the execution of 2-dimensional & 3-dimensional product designs, including automobile components. Students will also learn how to present their designs in a professional manner. Online learners will need access to a computer, as well as design software.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

There are many different fields of engineering available as online degree programs. Students wishing to become vehicle designers should choose mechanical engineering or another specialty that emphasizes CAD design principles. Some schools offer specialized programs in automotive engineering or vehicle design, but these programs are exceedingly rare. A bachelor's degree in engineering consists of online lectures, discussions & assignments. Some lab courses may require on-campus participation.