Learn in person
during a 5-day on-campus residency
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Credits and costs
Elevate Your Advanced Engineering and Leadership Skills
Research and develop new products or processes that can benefit industrial, governmental, or military entities.
Analyze and synthesize critical information within your discipline and, where appropriate, across multiple disciplines.
Communicate and effectively disseminate research findings through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed papers.
Lead high-performing research and development teams, divisions, and corporations.
Customize Your Course List
Customize Your Course List
The engineering degree program offers an extensive selection of electives from more than 20 disciplines, allowing you to customize your learning to reflect your previous experience and/or desired career-advancement path. You will also learn through independent research in your chosen discipline.
To graduate from Penn State's 45-credit online Doctor of Engineering in Engineering program, you must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in all course work including:
- at least 9 credits of required core courses
- at least 6 credits of research and statistics methods
- at least 15 credits of technical electives
- at least 15 credits of praxis research
Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Praxis Research
The D.Eng. program is flexible enough to provide opportunities for both discipline-specific and cross-disciplinary research. A doctoral committee consisting of a minimum of three faculty members (with three members on graduate faculty at Penn State) will oversee the research. When pertinent to the student’s praxis topic area and personal circumstances, an additional member can be added as a “special outside industry member” from the associated industry, military, organization, or governmental function. This doctoral committee will require demonstration of analytical and critical thinking, consistent with the expectations for a doctoral research program.
The program culminates with a 15-credit praxis research project focused on applied research executed in a real-world industry environment. You will identify an industry problem and use applied research methods to develop and present a proposed solution.
Required Courses (select 9 credits)
If students have previously taken one of the professional core courses, they may request a substitution.
- 3credits
Traditional and contemporary leadership theory is analyzed to determine effective strategies for leading projects and innovation within an engineering context.
- 3credits
Develop competencies for leading new product/process development or participating in corporate spinouts using entrepreneurial skills within a corporation.
- 3credits
Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget.
- 3credits
Explores cultural differences and impact on business practices and team dynamics working on virtual project teams with global partner universities.
Research and Statistic Methods (select 6 credits)
- 3credits
This research methods course focuses on the development of competencies required to become a successful professional researcher in engineering fields.
- 3credits
Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one- and 2-way ANOVA, Chi-square tests, diagnostics.
- or:3credits
Analysis of research data through simple and multiple regression and correlation; polynomial models; indicator variables; step-wise, piece-wise, and logistic regression.
- Prerequisite
6 credits of statistics or STAT 500; matrix algebra
- or:3credits
Analysis of multivariate data; T-squared tests; partial correlation; discrimination; MANOVA; cluster analysis; regression; growth curves; factor analysis; principal components; canonical correlations.
- Prerequisite
STAT 501 and STAT 502; matrix algebra
- or:3credits
Identification of models for empirical data collected over time. Use of models in forecasting.
- Prerequisite
STAT 462 or STAT 501 or STAT 511
Electives (select 15 credits)
You can customize your learning to match your past experience and future goals by selecting 15 credits from a comprehensive list of technical electives. Review the following course pages to see a sampling of electives offered in each area. Not all courses listed are eligible to satisfy the Doctor of Engineering elective requirements, and students will work with their adviser to finalize their academic plan.
- Acoustics
- Additive Manufacturing and Design
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bioenergy
- Data Analytics
- Ecosystem Management and Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Financial Engineering
- Geodesign
- Geographic Information Systems
- Homeland Security – Base Program
- Homeland Security – Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense option
- Homeland Security – Counterterrorism option
- Homeland Security – Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention option
- Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis option
- Homeland Security – Public Health Preparedness option
- Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – Thermal Sciences
- Mechanical Sciences
- Nuclear Engineering
- Project Management
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
- Software Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Praxis Research (15 credits)
- 15credits
Provides Doctor of Engineering students with the opportunity to identify an applied research problem and develop a praxis research project to address the problem/question. Students will investigate the literature relevant to the selected area(s) of interest. Students will develop and implement a comprehensive praxis research project to address the problem. Students will also disseminate the results in both a scholarly presentation (final oral exam) and praxis (final praxis research document).
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Advance Your Career
Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:
- Engineering Director
- Project Development Director
- Research and Development Director
- Research and Development Engineer
- Research Engineer
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Engineers, All Other
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State doctorate?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,037 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,448 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
Residency Experiences
Residency Experiences
As a Penn State World Campus Doctor of Engineering in Engineering student, you will fulfill major program milestones during a campus residency.
Residency Requirement and Program Milestones
The online Doctor of Engineering in Engineering program requires you to spend a total of five days on campus. Major program milestones include the qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, and praxis defense. The full residency requirement can be met by attending a single five-day campus residency or multiple shorter on-campus residencies that combine to a minimum of five days.
Immediately prior to each fall semester, the D.Eng. program will hold an optional two-day orientation on the Penn State University Park campus that can count toward part of the residency requirement. Residency days can also be obtained through visits to campus for research meetings with praxis faculty, students, and researchers; attendance in lab group meetings; on-campus workshops; and organized D.Eng. program–specific professional development activities that will be offered at least once per semester for those in the program and to the broader community. Some of these days may also be spent in fulfillment of major program milestones, including your qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, and praxis defense.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall).
Looking to fit your education into a busy life?
You can complete courses at your own pace while maintaining your professional and personal responsibilities. Most students take just one online course per semester.
Looking to earn your degree as quickly as possible?
If you take two courses per semester, it's possible to complete this degree more quickly. Most graduate-level programs recommend a slower pace, and you should consult with your adviser if you would like to take three or more courses in a semester.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by June 6 to start August 25
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Fall Deadline
Apply by June 6 to start August 25Spring Deadline
Apply by October 4 to start January 12Summer Deadline
Apply by March 7, 2026, to start May 18, 2026
Steps to Apply
For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, you must hold either (1) a master of science or master of engineering degree in a suitable engineering or related technical field from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates. Students should have earned at least a 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in their master’s program.
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — All applicants are expected to have earned a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
Statement of Professional Goals — This statement should be concise and well-written. It should reflect your academic interests, research/praxis plan, and motivation, as well as how these further your career objectives. Please include the following sections in your statement:
Academic Interests (about half a page) — Discuss your academic interest in this D.Eng. program. In addition, propose a course work plan (i.e., review the program’s electives and discuss which courses would be most effective to help reach your praxis research and professional goals).
Praxis Research Interests and Rationale (about 1 page) — The praxis research should apply what you come to the program with and will learn in this program (methods/technology/theory) to research and solve a significant/complex problem from your work. The goal of this section is to describe to the admissions committee a problem you have identified and the research plan, goals, and deliverables, and how these will be supported. In other words, this section should reflect your ability to effectively communicate the maturity of your research aspirations.
This section should include:
- Problem motivation (i.e., background of the problem/how do you know this is a problem that should be addressed via the praxis?)
- Problem statement/hypothesis (i.e., one or two sentences stating what specific problem this praxis research is going to solve)
- Project purpose (i.e., describe how the praxis research will generally address the problem)
- Project plan goals (i.e., a bulleted list of what will be analyzed, designed/researched, and implemented)
- Project deliverables (i.e., what could ultimately be delivered as the solution to this problem, in addition to the required written praxis)
Career Objectives (about half a page) — This section should communicate a synergy between the education and praxis research accomplished in this program with your career/professional goals.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — References should provide academic and professional perspectives. You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment to success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
At least one reference should be from your employer indicating they support the praxis topic and specifying what resources you will have access to in support of the topic, e.g., allocated time, lab support, data. This reference letter would ideally come from the immediate or area supervisor of the applicant.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé or Vitae — Upload your résumé or vitae to the online application.
Writing Sample — Provide a published or unpublished paper, thesis, or another scholarly writing sample. This sample must be in English.
Interview — You will be asked to participate in an interview, either via internet-based video conferencing or in person.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
Visit the Engineering Design and Innovation Site to explore the D.Eng. program student handbook and other guidance about the program and learn more about the College of Engineering.
For questions about the program, contact:
Dr. Sven Bilén
[email protected]
For general questions about Penn State World Campus, contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Taught by respected Penn State faculty with strong academic credentials and real-world experience, the online D.Eng. program can position you for advancement to the highest-level leadership positions in research and engineering in both the private and public sectors.