Electrical engineering is a high-demand field with plenty of opportunities for skilled workers to find gainful employment. For students and professionals interested in pursuing a career in this industry, taking an online electrical engineering course is a great way to develop the foundational skills and knowledge you need to get started. To help you find the best courses available, we researched and reviewed the 10 best electrical engineering online courses. Show
Our Ranking CriteriaOur list is based on a selection of basic and advanced criteria that are conducive to student success. We reviewed around 30 online courses based on these factors and narrowed our list down to the top 10 to help you find the electrical engineering courses that are most likely to set you on the right path in your career. Basic Ranking CriteriaTo set students up for success, it’s important that online courses offer the flexibility, learning environment, and resources students need to complete the course while balancing their other obligations. Course length, requirements, schedule flexibility, and certifications all impact the likelihood of positive student outcomes. Time to complete. Shorter course lengths allow students to quickly develop the skills they need to take the next steps toward their new careers. With few exceptions, the courses on our list can be completed within a few days or weeks. Prerequisites required. Course requirements make it difficult for beginners to get their foot in the door and start their new career paths. To ensure the options on our list can accommodate as many people as possible, we looked for courses that do not require any prerequisites or those that have requirements that are relatively easy to meet. Flexible schedule. Many online course participants are working professionals or university students, making it important for courses to offer schedule flexibility. The courses on this list can be taken on a self-paced basis and offer flexible deadlines for coursework. Certificate of completion. While not a requirement, we placed extra value on courses that offer certificates of completion as they can be a great way to boost your resume and impress potential employers. Advanced Ranking CriteriaWe also reviewed courses based on several advanced criteria specific to electrical engineering. These factors help ensure that students learn in-demand industry skills and technologies and develop the soft skills they need to find long-term employment.
Coursera Introduction to Electronics by Georgia TechIntelligent Award: Top Pick Introduction to Electronics by Georgia Tech is our top overall pick due to its beginner-friendly structure and comprehensive curriculum, which covers important topics like diodes, transistors, and op-amps. By the end of the course, students will have a great understanding of basic electronics and circuit design. Students will learn through pre-recorded lectures and quizzes totaling approximately 46 hours. The course can be audited for free, but to receive a certificate and access graded assignments, students will need to unlock the full course for $49. Students can take thecourse on a self-paced basis and take advantage of its flexible deadlines to complete the work on their own time.
Who should take this course? Georgia Tech’s Introduction to Electronics is a great option for beginners in electrical engineering and engineering students who need a refresher on electronics and circuit theory.
Learn more Coursera MOS Transistors by Columbia UniversityIntelligent Award: Best for Microelectronics Engineers MOS Transistors by Columbia University provides a focused curriculum dedicated to helping engineers learn how MOS transistors work and how to model them. This information is essential for device modelers, circuit designers, and microelectronics engineers, making it ideal for engineering students and professional engineers who need to establish these fundamentals to advance their careers. While the course does not have any prerequisites, it is not suitable for beginners as it contains difficult assignments for which students will likely need a background in electrical engineering. The course is available for free, including all lectures and assignments, but it does not offer a certificate of completion.
Who should take this course? Due to the focused subject matter, this course is best for microelectronics engineers and engineering students who need foundational knowledge of MOS transistors.
Learn more edX Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics by MITIntelligent Award: Most Advanced Course This course by MIT is part of a series based on the university’s on-campus Electricity and Magnetism course. Unlike many of the other courses on this list which serve as introductions to various electrical engineering subjects, this is an advanced course for students with a background in classical mechanics and multivariable calculus. Students will learn how electric fields form, how to measure them, what dipoles are, and how conductors, capacitors, and insulators work. The course is taught by expert instructors from MIT and offers a certificate of completion from the university for an additional $49. This course is relatively long at 10 weeks with an 11 to 13-hour per week commitment.
Who should take this course? This course is best suited for advanced engineering and physics students who want to establish foundational knowledge of electrostatics.
Learn more Udemy Electrical Engineering Simulations with EtapIntelligent Award: Best for Learning ETAP ETAP is an in-demand software electrical engineers need to learn to design and simulate power circuitsThis course by Udemy provides an excellent introduction to this software for individuals interested in a career as an electrical engineer. Students will learn how to use ETAP to build power systems, run and analyze AC power circuits, and create single-line diagrams. Course participants have the opportunity to earn a Coursovie Training Certificate as well as the certificate of completion offered by Udemy. Students are granted lifetime access to the course’s 3.5 hours of on-demand video and downloadable resources. ETAP access is not provided, so students will have to obtain the software on their own.
Who should take this course? This course is designed for working electrical engineers, engineering students, and researchers who need to learn how to use ETAP to design and simulate power systems.
Learn more Udemy Electronics Engineering Technology FundamentalsIntelligent Award: Best for Hobbyists Electronics Engineering Technology Fundamentals is a great option for hobbyists interested in gaining a basic understanding of how to safely design, operate, and work with electronics. The course requires a basic understanding of algebra and trigonometry to complete. Participants will learn basic concepts including direct currents, alternating currents, electronic circuits, and safety through a combination of lectures, lecture notes, and quizzes. As the course does not delve into advanced topics, it’s not an ideal choice for engineering students or professionals. The course also includes circuit design and computer simulation demos to provide students with the fundamentals they need to begin designing and building basic circuit systems.
Who should take this course? This course is designed for hobbyists and new engineering students who want to learn the basics of building and working with electronics.
Learn more Udemy Fundamentals of Electrical ControlsIntelligent Award: Best for Controls Electricians This Udemy course helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to start a career as a controls electrician. Students will learn the fundamental parts and functions of industrial control boards, how to repair and maintain control systems, how to install motor controls, and how electrical control components work. The course contains four hours of on-demand video and 13 downloadable resources that students can use to further their education. While there are no required prerequisites, it is recommended that students have some prior knowledge of electrical circuits to better understand course materials.
Who should take this course? This course is best for aspiring electricians and practicing electricians who need a refresher on motor control basics.
Learn more Alison Electrical Engineering – Electrical Transformer ComponentsIntelligent Award: Best for Interactive Learning Alison is a free online learning platform that has 20 million learners, 3.5 million graduates, and 3,000 courses. This particular course is a great option for those who want to take a break from mundane lectures and video lessons in favor of interactive learning through the utilization of 2D and 3D models and animations. The course uses these interactive models to help students learn exactly how each part of an electrical transformer works. Students will learn important concepts, including how Buchholz relays, silica gel breathers, and tap changers work. Upon completion, students can purchase a digital or physical certificate for $26 or $33, respectively, to verify their newfound skills.
Who should take this course? This course is ideal for any aspiring or working electrical engineer that prefers to learn through interactive lessons.
Learn more Alison Introduction to Basic Electrical Drawings and Test EquipmentIntelligent Award: Best for Learning Electrical Drawings Knowing how to interpret electrical drawings is a key skill that many of the courses on this list gloss over. This course by Alison aims to help students and electrical engineers learn this important skill and covers other important topics like scale drawings, power plans, electrical details, and diagrams. The course is accredited by Continuing Professional Development (CPD) UK, and after finishing the course, students can purchase a certification from Alison to verify their competency on the subject. By the end of the course, students will be able to read wiring and cable connections for proper electrical installation and maintenance.
Who should take this course? This course is ideal for students and practicing electrical engineers who want to improve their ability to accurately read and interpret electrical drawings.
Learn more Alison Introduction to Basic Electrical Drawings and Test EquipmentIntelligent Award: Best for Beginner Electricians Introduction to the Electrical Trade is the ideal course for aspiring electricians with no background in the trade. The course is designed to prepare students for work as an electrician in residential and industrial settings. Students will learn about potential career opportunities, safety procedures, electrical circuits, electrical theory, and everything else they need to jumpstart their new careers. You will also gain the necessary soft skills, like critical thinking and troubleshooting, that you need to be successful in this career path. After finishing the course and passing the final assessment, you have the option of purchasing a certificate of completion.
Who should take this course? Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a residential or industrial electrician will benefit from the subjects covered in this course.
Learn more Skillshare Electric Circuits – Basics of Electrical EngineeringIntelligent Award: Introduction to Electric Circuits Electric circuits serve as the building blocks for all electronic systems, and this course by Skillshare serves as an excellent introduction to this topic for anyone interested in pursuing a career as an electrical engineer. The course introduces students to essential topics like Ohm’s Law, circuit analysis, power calculations, and voltage laws. The curriculum also includes hands-on class projects that give participants the opportunity to apply their knowledge and collaborate with other students. You will also have access to all other courses on Skillshare, making it easy to continue your education after completing the course.
Who should take this course? This course is a great choice for anyone new to electrical engineering as it introduces students to a variety of essential, foundational topics.
Learn more Online Course Comparison ChartTips for Succeeding in an Online Electrical Engineering Course1. Consider the costHow much do online electrical engineering classes cost?Electrical engineering courses are generally very affordable, with many of the options on our list being free or under $100. However, it’s important to consider that many of the free options require students to pay extra to obtain a certificate of completion. Some platforms, like Coursera, offer financing options to those that aren’t able to afford the upfront cost of the courses. Will my employer pay for me to take the course?Many employers offer reimbursement to employees who pursue education or training that enhances their job-related skills. Talk to your boss or HR department to determine whether or not financial assistance is available. 2. Get your tech squared awayDepending on the course, you may be required to download and use software that may not be able to run on all computers. Be sure to check with your course provider to find out what software you will need to complete the course. In most cases, a Windows or Mac computer with at least 8GB of RAM will be suitable. Also, make sure you have access to a fast, secure, and reliable internet connection. 3. Use the right study resourcesUsing online study resources to supplement your coursework is a great way to improve your understanding of the subject and prepare yourself for your future in the field. There are several electrical engineering study resources available online, including MIT’s OpenCourseWare, Wisconsin Technical College’s electronics digital library, and Khan Academy’s electrical engineering resources. Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Engineering CoursesWhat jobs can you get after completing an electrical engineering course?An online electrical engineering course won’t fully prepare you for a career in the field as most jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree, however, they do provide the foundational knowledge you need to jumpstart your education. With that in mind, common job titles in this field include electrical engineer, electronics technician, controls engineer, and electrical design engineer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary for electrical engineers as $103,390 per year. Are there free online electrical engineering courses?Yes, there are several free online electrical engineering courses available online. Some of the free courses in our list include Introduction to Electronics by Georgia Tech, Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics by MIT, and Introduction to the Electrical Trade by Alison. How long is the average online electrical engineering course?Electrical engineering course lengths vary significantly depending on the provider and subject matter. The majority of the courses on our list can be completed in about four hours, while some may take several weeks to complete when taken on a part-time, self-paced basis. Is it possible to get an electrical engineering degree online?Yes, many reputable online universities offer electrical engineering programs. This includes Florida International University, Clemson University, Arizona State University, and the University of North Dakota. Which certificate course is best for electrical engineering?Best certifications for electrical engineers. Professional Engineer (PE) ... . Project Management Professional (PgMP) ... . Certified Systems Engineer Professional (CSEP) ... . Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) certification. ... . Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) certification. ... . Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Which online course is best for electrical engineer?10 Best Electrical Engineering Online Courses. Coursera. Introduction to Electronics by Georgia Tech.. Coursera. MOS Transistors by Columbia University.. edX. Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics by MIT.. Udemy. Electrical Engineering Simulations with Etap.. Udemy. ... . Udemy. ... . Alison. ... . Alison.. What online courses are available for free?Construction Management. Construction Management (Short Co... ... . Communication Skills (Short Course) 47,822 Graduates. ... . Event Management (Short Course) 71,852 Graduates. ... . Fashion Design (Short Course) 78,654 Graduates. ... . Hotel Management (Short Course) ... . Management. ... . Recruitment Skills (Short Course) ... . Six Sigma (Short Course). What is the best way to learn electrical engineering?How to Learn Electrical Engineering: Step-by-Step. Hone your math and science skills. Training for a role in electrical engineering begins with studying mathematics and science in high school. ... . Choose a college program. ... . Supplement your learning. ... . Get work experience. ... . Gain certification.. |