Not sure which engineering degree fits your goals? This guide compares ODUGlobal’s online engineering options, including BSET engineering technology degrees and engineering master’s programs, so you can choose a path aligned with the work you want to do.
Choosing an engineering program can begin with a question: Do you want to stay close to hands-on application in the field, or do you want to strengthen your technical expertise at the graduate level?
ODUGlobal offers online options for both engineering technology bachelor’s degrees and several engineering master’s programs, each developed for different career stages and goals.
Before you compare specialties, it helps to clarify what you want your day-to-day work to look like. Some students want to design, build, test, and maintain systems in construction, manufacturing, or power and automation. Others want to move into higher-level analysis, research, systems-level decision-making or leadership roles. Your answer can point you to the right degree level and program type. Start with your degree level.
Engineering Technology bachelor’s degrees (BSET)
If you have prior college credit and want a degree-completion pathway with applied learning, ODU’s online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology programs are designed to help you move forward. Civil engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, and mechanical engineering technology are offered as online BSET degrees, and each is positioned as a degree-completion option that can accept significant transfer credit.
These programs emphasize applying engineering principles in real workplace settings. For example, the online civil engineering technology program focuses on applying civil engineering principles in industries such as construction and surveying, with communication and computer literacy integrated into the learning experience.
For students who want to work with electrical systems, the online electrical engineering technology program leads to a BSET and notes eligibility to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in Virginia and many other states, a key step toward professional engineering licensure.
The online mechanical engineering technology program outlines coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, automation and controls, and solid modeling, along with a senior project.
If your goal is to apply engineering concepts efficiently and advance in a technical role, a BSET can be the right fit.
Master’s programs for advanced technical growth or leadership
If you already have a technical foundation and want to strengthen your expertise or move into more advanced roles, online master’s programs through ODUGlobal offer several paths.
Electrical and computer engineering can be a good match for engineers who want advanced study that connects theory and real-world application. The program highlights faculty involvement with research centers, including the Frank Reidy Center of Bioelectrics, the Laser and Plasma Engineering Institute, and the Virginia Institute for Photovoltaics.
Mechanical Engineering is designed for engineers who want to grow in design and manufacturing environments. The program focuses on product lifecycle management, including design through end-of-life considerations.
Engineering Management (MEM) is built for engineers who want to lead projects, teams and technology-driven initiatives. The program frames this degree as the next step for engineers moving toward leadership in project-based environments.
Match the program to the work you want to do
If you want to stay close to applied engineering and systems in the field, start with the BSET options:
• Civil Engineering Technology (BSET): Construction, development, surveying, consulting, and applied civil principles.
• Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET): Testing and maintaining electrical systems used in devices, manufacturing systems, and power grids; includes Fundamentals of Engineering exam eligibility language.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSET): Applied mechanical systems, automation and controls, solid modeling, and a senior project.
If you want to deepen technical expertise or move into leadership roles, the master’s options can match your direction:
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: Advanced study informed by faculty expertise and research center connections.
• Mechanical Engineering: PLM-focused pathway for modern design and manufacturing needs.
• Engineering Management: Leadership, project costs and financing, organizational systems, and managing operations at scale.
Additional options to consider
If your interests are more specialized, ODUGlobal also offers online graduate programs that may meet specific goals.
Systems Engineering (Master of Engineering) focuses on managing complex systems solutions through an interdisciplinary approach and is designed to build on an engineer’s technical background.
Aerospace Engineering (MS or ME) offers two degree routes: an MS that requires a thesis and defense, and an ME completed through coursework and a comprehensive exam. The program has ties with organizations such as NASA Langley and research laboratories.
Environmental Engineering (MS) highlights areas such as renewable energy, sustainable development, water resource management, and pollution prevention, and frames graduate study as valuable for engineers pursuing certain roles in industry and government agencies.
Why Study Engineering Online at ODU
The online engineering options through ODUGlobal are designed for forward progress, whether you are completing a BSET degree or advancing through graduate study. Across programs, ODUGlobal emphasizes applied learning, program flexibility for working professionals, and credentials housed within ODU’s Batten College of Engineering and Technology.
