Review the online degree program's requirements for enrollment at each school you are considering. Programs require either a high school diploma or allow a GED instead of a high school diploma. Students may also be required to send ACT or SAT scores. Check age restrictions; for example, DeVry University requires students to be at least age 17 years old or older.
Once you have chosen a school, prepare your home or office workspace to satisfy the technical requirements of the program. DeVry's program requires students to have the Microsoft Office 2007 Suite, Internet access (high speed recommended), email address, Flash Player, RealPlayer, Acrobat Reader, virus protection, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM, sound card, speakers, head set, microphone, USB 2.0 ports, webcam and 1.8 GHz or faster processor. The University of North Dakota's requirements are similar, but requires a high-speed Internet connection and a scanner.
Determine your plan for completing the program. For example, students in North Dakota's program require a minimum of four years if attending full-time. Students who are completing distance learning due to job or family requirements and attending part-time may require eight to 10 years to complete the degree. The DeVry program states it will take approximately 4.5 years to complete full-time. Plan for how you'll complete your work. Be sure that you'll be able to have uninterrupted quite time to complete assignments and weekly readings.
Take the required general education courses, which are usually completed your first year or two of the program, including college composition, humanities and graphic communication.
Complete electrical engineering course work such as linear electric circuits, statistical engineering data analysis, mechanics of materials, materials science, fluid mechanics, introduction to digital electronics, circuit analysis and general chemistry.
Seek out memberships in campus organizations, even from home, such as the college's chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, the national engineering honor society. Although you may not be able to attend on-campus meetings, you'll still benefit from the organization's website, which offers membership rosters, continuing education, seminars and event listings, plus networking opportunities.
Consult with your academic adviser over the phone, instant messenger or through email to ensure you're on track to complete all required courses and projects for graduation. Even though students are not physically on campus, each college assigns advisers and counselors to help the student progress through the programs.