When you consider how expensive and time-intensive graduate degrees can be, online programs are a great way to continue working while you study at times that are more convenient to your schedule.
Especially for engineers, whose jobs sometimes require long hours and trips to manufacturing plants or construction sites, "distance learning" can keep you competitive in your field.
U.S. News & World Report recently published its 2016 list of the best online graduate engineering programs by looking at student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, peer reputation, and admissions selectivity.
Scroll down to see the top-20 online engineering programs for grad students.
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20. University of South Florida
Score: 66
Cost per credit: $913 (out-of-state), $467 (in-state)
The University of South Florida teaches graduate students the ins and outs of the engineering industry, including analytics, process optimization, and entrepreneurship. Students can find courses recorded and archived on the school's website at their leisure.
19. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Lee)
Score: 67
Cost per credit: $824 (out-of-state), $203 (in-state)
UNC Charlotte offers a fast-track option for students to complete online graduate degrees in engineering in one year, with concentrations in energy systems, lean Six Sigma, systems analytics, and logistics and supply-chain management. The school also offers a PhD in infrastructure and environmental systems.
16. TIE: University of Maryland (Clark)
Score: 69
Cost per credit: $1,066
Grad students studying engineering at UMD's Clark School of Engineering have over 100 online classes to choose from, including niche courses like cybersecurity, project management, fire protection engineering, and bioengineering.
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