Electrical Engineering Certificate Online: 3 Best Schools

Do you enjoy fixing electronics or helping a neighbor when their phone breaks? Jumpstart your career with an electrical engineering certificate online! Equip yourself with the skills you need to enter the field, all from the comfort of your home. These flexible programs generally range from 15-28 credits, offering valuable knowledge without a full degree commitment.

Electrical engineers handle the power that makes everything around us work. This exciting field may introduce you to a wide range of professional specialties. Examples include robotics, energy systems, and telecommunication.

Electrical engineering certificates are rigorous but can be completed quickly. Depending on the type of certificate, you’ll qualify for entry-level roles, or get an edge when it comes to your career. You’ll also gain invaluable electrical engineering training, from the comfort of home.

That’s right, you can earn a certificate online without having to step foot on campus.

This article will show you the ins and outs of electrical engineering certificates online, and discuss different programs. In doing so, we’ll show you how to choose the best electrical engineering certificate online.

Article Navigation: Find the Right Online Electrical Engineering Certificate for You | 3 Best Schools for Online Electrical Engineering Certificates | Electrical Engineering Certificate vs Certification | Accreditation and Licensure | Is Getting an Online Electrical Engineering Certificate Worth It? | Start Your Electrical Engineering Certificate Program Online Today! 

Find the Right Online Electrical Engineering Certificate for You

Getting the right training is the first step toward a career in electrical engineering or electronics. An online electrical engineering certificate will equip you with basic skills to enter the field. In addition to earning a certificate of completion, the majority of certificate programs are stackable. So students can use earned credits from their programs toward a related degree. Once the college credits are on your transcript, you can speak to admissions counselors to see if they can transfer to a preferred degree. To begin with, you’ll need to decide which certificate in electronic engineering is best for you.

The good news is that there are many types of programs available. While researching different programs, consider factors like cost, online capability, relevant coursework, desired skills, and student outcomes that align with your career goals.

Generally, certificate programs range from 15-28 credit hours. Graduate certificates, which offer specialized skills after your bachelor’s degree, average about 30 credit hours. While many electrical engineering certificates are available online, allowing you to study from home, many require lab work to reinforce your skills. Even though you’re in a virtual setting, you’ll participate in group projects. In short, you’ll combine theory and practice into one academic setting, learning with peers who are driven to grow. Learn more about the common certificate programs below.

Electrical Engineering

Students will benefit from this certificate if they want to become well-versed in electrical engineering fundamentals. They’ll study signal processing, software systems, and various circuits, taking either undergrad or graduate-level classes. Of course, the level of coursework you take will depend on your academic background. An intermediate understanding of mathematics and engineering background is necessary for graduate certificates. Example courses include Digital Systems Engineering, VLSI Devices, and Integrated Circuits Technology.

Electronics

These certificate programs will teach the essential skills to apply to jobs like electronics technician or quality control technician. Graduates can work in electronics or other tech industry jobs. Although curriculums vary among schools, they often delve into topics like semiconductor devices, communications systems, and AC/DC/RF networks. Sample courses include Analog Electronics, Circuit Analysis, and Electronics Devices and Circuits. Student outcomes for this certificate program include understanding how to repair, build, and test complex electronic systems.

Electronics Technology

A certificate in this field brings a wide scope of jobs options. This certificate is for students who want to master different technologies. After finishing the coursework, grads can compete for roles like equipment specialist, electronics technician, and electronic design. They also earn invaluable STEM skills that can translate to many industries like medical, communications, and aerospace. These programs develop the ability to solve complex problems, build interface keyboards, and use electronic test equipment. They involve in-depth experiments, collaboration with peers, and the use of electronic principles. The curriculum may include courses like AC/DC Circuit Analysis, Linear Circuits, and Survey of Mathematics.

3 Best Schools for Online Electrical Engineering Certificates

Here’s a list of the top three electrical engineering certificate programs available. We’ve made this selection based on value, academic quality, and student success. Each program also comes from an accredited school, is fully online, and offers plenty of chances to practice skills.

1. Thomas Edison State University

   Total Cost (In-State): $7,542
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $9,810
   Accreditation: MSCHE

   Start with a strong intro to the electronics industry at Thomas Edison State University (TESU). This accredited school offers an in-depth electronics certificate online that’s ideal for all types of learners. Students take six undergraduate-level courses to develop a strong base in electronics. The dynamic coursework teaches topics like Ohm’s Law, series circuits, digital logic, and AC circuits. Courses are divided into six or seven modules. What’s more, all 18 credits can transfer to TESU’s Electronics Engineering Technology associate degree. All in all, it’s a great first step to electrical engineer training online.

   All lectures, course material, and exams are available via the myEdison learning portal. Students participate in a team setting between peers and instructors, during virtual labs and group activities to learn new skills. You’ll gain hands-on experience with simulations like circuit problems. Expert faculty will make sure you grasp core concepts. Dedicated academic advisors are available to support your journey. They can assist in mapping out your study path. Thanks to various electives, students can build a certificate around their interests.

   TESU takes pride in job-ready professionals. Therefore, its students undergo thorough exams to make sure they understand the material. Expect to take written assessments, module exams, and final exams to build advanced understanding.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Electronics

    

2. University of Maine

   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $11,712
   Accreditation: NECHE

   Take your electrical engineering skills to the next level at the University of Maine. Their graduate certificate in electrical engineering technology consists of 15 to 16 credits of high-impact coursework. The program gives you skills to solve real-world engineering problems. Each course will teach you about required tools, renewable energy applications, and the best software techniques. With a 19-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, you will have strong connections with both peers and faculty.

   Students enjoy flexible online classes and rolling admissions, catering specifically to working professionals. You can study on your own terms and master this exciting field on a schedule that works for you. All students pay the same tuition no matter where they live. You will learn from faculty who are licensed engineering professionals (PEs), each with a unique background.

   The curriculum is hands-on, meaning you will get a lot of electrical engineering training during your studies. There are four required courses and four electives available. This certificate in electrical engineering can be a pathway to multiple master’s degrees at UMaine, including an online MS in Engineering Technology. This certificate is ABET-accredited, so it meets the highest national standards.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Electrical Engineering Technology

    

3. Bismarck State College

   Total Cost (In-State/Region): $5,907
   Total Cost (Out-of-State/Region): $8,860
   Accreditation: HLC

   Bismarck State College (BSC) can help propel you toward higher career goals with an electronics technology certificate online. Firstly, start dates are flexible for online learners. Then, students can complete all coursework requirements in two semesters and qualify for jobs like electronic technician or manufacturing technician. In short, this certificate can open doors to jobs that require college-level education without spending years on a degree. You will become well-versed in basic electronics skill areas like active devices, direct current analysis, and alternating currents. Certificate recipients become experts at voltage, problem-solving, and creating schematic drawings.

   This certificate combines quality and affordability – tuition rates are the lowest on our list. You will learn from dedicated faculty. As a matter of fact, some professors have over 40 years of student preparation experience. BSC’s mission is to set you up for career success. Therefore, the 28-credit program covers topics essential to the field. Theory and practice are fundamental components of the certificate. Students will apply knowledge from courses in six dynamic labs, each tackling different subject. Besides gaining confidence and hands-on experience, you’ll be well-equipped with the right skills to get hired after graduation.

   Find Out More:
   Electronics Technology Certificate

    

Online Electrical Engineering Certificate vs Certification

While the terms “certificate” and “certification” are sometimes used interchangeably, they mean different things. Sure, they share similarities. For example, both allow you to advance your career, pivot to exciting new electrical engineering or electronics roles, and bulk up your resume. In truth, both are powerful investments you can make in yourself.Let’s explore how they differ.

Undergrad Certificates: Building Foundational Knowledge

Accredited colleges offer electrical engineering certificates. Certificates typically sharpen your basic knowledge of electrical or electronics engineering. Hence, undergraduate-level electrical engineering certificates are great for students with little experience. These certificates generally require high school transcripts or a GED, and follow a semester-based class schedule.

In addition, certificate programs offer college credit. You can usually apply your certificate coursework toward a degree. On the plus side, those credits will remain on your transcripts for life. However, coursework and curriculums are updated constantly, so the material you learn may become antiquated over time.

These electrical engineering certificate programs online usually don’t offer certifications. Since they are often just a year-long, the coursework focuses on essential topics. Traditional degrees that take between two and four years to complete are more likely to include certifications as a graduation requirement. Some online certificates offer coursework applicable towards a master’s degree and also function as valuable stand-alone credentials in the job market.

Graduate-Level Electrical Engineering Certificates Online

Students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field and working knowledge of electrical engineering principles may enroll in graduate-level certificate programs. These targeted programs are designed for experienced professionals. They hone skills in specific areas like power systems, robotics, or control systems, offering advanced, focused learning without the full-degree commitment of a master’s program. In short, they pack intensive coursework, project-based learning, and potentially even research opportunities into a manageable format.

Often catering to working professionals through part-time options, these certificates award graduate-level credits that transfer to relevant master’s degrees. In addition, they earn you industry-specific credentials valued by employers. Be prepared for a more rigorous academic experience compared to undergraduate certificates, and make sure program offerings and accreditation align with your career goals before diving in.

Certifications: Earning Credentials

Finally, let’s look at electrical engineering certifications. Third-party organizations provide these professional credentials. They can be self-paced or have condensed coursework. Different certifications have different schedules – some may only be a few days long while others can last up to a few months. Certification proves your expert skills through exams conducted by accredited bodies.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) is an example of a certification-issuing authority. They offer Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and Certified Control Systems (CCST) certifications. Each certification for electrical engineers provides skills that align with high-tech jobs. These skills often aren’t covered in much depth in certificate programs. In short, certifications are a great addition to a certificate or degree, and can broaden your career options. Certified Technical Professional (CTP) is another of many certifications electrical engineers can earn to boost their careers.

The ISA has stricter application guidelines than some online electrical engineering certificate programs. In fact, most certifications have a longer list of entry requirements than certificates. Since certifications require previous work experience, these programs offer advanced coursework. Unlike certificate programs, the CAP program requires 1,500 hours of work experience. ISA has a rigorous code of conduct and applicants must show proof of a technical degree at minimum.

Certifications are non-credit programs. Therefore, coursework doesn’t transfer to a university degree. Professionals must also re-certify every three or so years, so they don’t lose their certification.

Accreditation and Licensure

When choosing an electrical engineering certificate program, accreditation holds a lot of  weight. It means your education meets certain standards of excellence, so employers and schools recognize its value. For electrical engineering specifically, consider programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These accreditations signal high-quality content and may shorten your path to becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) if that’s your goal.

While licensure isn’t required for entry-level electrical engineering jobs, it becomes more relevant for career advancement. Each state’s board governs licensure processes and the benefits they unlock, including supervisory roles and more diverse projects. The ultimate credential in the field is the PE license, requiring an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree, four years of experience, and passing two challenging exams. PEs enjoy unique authority such as signing engineering plans and opening firms. Remember, however, that licenses expire in due time, requiring ongoing skill development.

Since accreditation and licensure requirements vary by state, students should check with their state’s board for specific details, and prioritize continuous learning  for continued success in the field.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria vary by certificate level and school. Undergraduate certificates require a high school diploma. ACT and other test scores may be required. Graduate certificates may have GPA and GRE or GMAT requirements as well as a bachelor’s degree. Applicants should come from a technical background like math or engineering.

Is Getting an Electrical Engineering Certificate Online Worth It?

There are many perks to getting an electrical engineering certificate online. To begin with, you’ll gain advanced technical skills faster, and at a fraction of the cost of a full degree program.

Electrical engineering certificate programs will give you the knowledge to apply to many well-paying jobs. Of course, your education level can influence your marketability. An undergrad online electrical engineering certificate is certainly an excellent foundation. However, a bachelor’s or master’s degree will take you even further.

An electrical engineering certificate will give you college credit that can transfer to a more advanced degree. A certificate can still get you hired, while work experience will boost your chances of moving up. Also, specialized certifications can add depth to your resume to help you pivot to more job prospects.

Here are some job prospects with a certificate in electrical engineering:

Electrical / Electronic engineering technologists and technicians directly support the work of engineers. Typically, an associate degree is required. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that $66,390 was the median annual salary. California (17,380), Texas (7,330), and Florida (6,070) were the largest employers for these jobs.  Meanwhile The District of Columbia ($98,850), Alaska ($88,850), and Hawaii ($88,140) offered the highest salaries.

Careers Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

In 2022, electrical engineers earned a median of $103,320 per year. This field has projected a ten-year employment growth of 4%. California (27,580), Texas (14,540), and Michigan (9,800)) hire the most electrical engineers. On the other hand, California ($150,940), New Mexico ($126,280), and Massachusetts pay the highest wages.

By comparison, electronics engineers earned a median of $108,170 per year in 2022. What’s more, demand for this job is expected to increase by 7% over the next ten years. Top annual salaries for electronics engineers come from the District of Columbia ($139,240), California ($138,610), and New Jersey ($132,930).

In similar fashion to electronics engineers, computer hardware engineers can expect generous salaries and job stability. They earned a median of $132,360 annual salary in 2022. Also, demand for this job is forecasted to grow 5% over the next ten years. States that hire the most computer hardware engineers include California (26,270), Oregon (8,460), and Colorado (4,000). Although every state offers high yearly salaries for these jobs, the top three are California ($166,940), Massachusetts ($141,960), and Oregon ($141,670).

Start Your Electrical Engineering Certificate Program Online Today!

Let this guide from Get Educated be a stepping stone to a new career path. Despite the challenges, hard work and persistence will pay off with an online electrical engineering certificate. Get started today by researching our database of programs.

Electrical engineering job opportunities are increasing and available in many different industries. In addition, the median annual salary for electrical engineers is more than double the average of other occupations. Certificate programs are generally flexible, allowing you to finish coursework based on your schedule. These incentives mean it’s never been a better time to find a program. Enroll in an electrical engineering certificate online program today! Not only will you impact the lives of your community with your work, but also find a fulfilling new career.