Online Engineering Degree Programs in Iowa
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“Online education is affordable and is not just targeted for recent high school graduates, but can be utilized by both non-traditional students and those seeking a career change or promotion.”
Stewart Carter, MBA, Department Head of Applied Engineering, University of Northern Iowa
Engineering schools in Iowa offer a mix of large public research universities and smaller institutions with strong ties to regional industry, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Supported by a strong Midwestern workforce pipeline and growing investment in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy, the state offers fertile ground for new, early-career, and veteran engineers of all disciplines.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2024 and 2034. On average, about 186,500 openings are projected each year in these occupations.
That said, some specializations are expected to be in demand nationwide more than others. Here are a few of the fastest-growing engineering subfields nationally, listed with their expected growth:
- Industrial engineering – 11 percent increase (38,500 new jobs)
- Mechanical engineering – 9 percent increase (26,500 new jobs)
- Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (5,600 new jobs)
- Electrical and electronics engineering – 7 percent increase (19,700 new jobs)
- Agricultural engineering – 6 percent increase (100 new jobs)
- Materials engineering – 6 percent increase (1,300 new jobs)
- Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 5 percent increase (1,100 new jobs)
- Civil Engineering – 5 percent increase (18,500 new jobs)
- Environmental engineering – 4 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
- Chemical engineering – 3 percent increase (600 new jobs)
All these subfields are expected to show robust growth within Iowa. Projections Central (2025), relying on data from the BLS, anticipated the following percentage increases in positions across Iowa between 2022 and 2032:
- Chemical Engineers – 23.5 percent increase (40 new jobs)
- Industrial Engineers – 17.9 percent increase (500 new jobs)
- Mechanical Engineers – 15.4 percent increase (750 new jobs)
- Civil Engineers – 8.9 percent increase (190 new jobs)
Furthermore, engineers in Iowa earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 22,270 engineers and architectural workers in Iowa was $91,680, according to the BLS (May 2024); some earned substantially more, such as computer hardware engineers, a field that has an annual average wage of $124,450. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $58,350.
Annual mean wages for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the state include:
- Aerospace Engineers – $137,430 annual average salary
- Electrical Engineers – $126,950
- Chemical Engineers – $124,540
- Computer Hardware Engineers – $124,450
- Health and Safety Engineers – $117,510
Of course, a growing industry and competitive salary prospects are only two of the significant benefits available to engineers in Iowa. These skilled workers also enjoy support from myriad professional organizations and societies, including:
- Iowa Engineering Society
- American Society of Civil Engineers – Iowa Section
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Iowa State University Section
- Society of Women Engineers – University of Iowa Section
- Iowa Society for Healthcare Engineering
Engineers in Iowa are not required to join one of these organizations, but membership often comes with benefits such as networking opportunities, professional advocacy, and continuing education, as well.
Overall, the promise of a competitive salary, a thriving employment sector, and the abundance of professional organizations are compelling reasons for many aspiring engineers in Iowa to pursue this career, which generally requires completing a degree or certificate program. In addition to the campus-based programs, there are a number of online engineering programs in Iowa, which can offer a greater degree of flexibility for students with other commitments or who live in rural regions of the state.
Aspiring engineers in Iowa can consider the following guide, which includes information on available online degrees, exemplary professors, admissions requirements, and what to expect during the application process.
| Featured Online Engineering Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| ECPI University | Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
| ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Associate's) | Visit Site |
| ECPI University | Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's) | Visit Site |
| Norfolk State University | MSEE - Biomedical Engineering | Visit Site |
| Norfolk State University | MSEE - Microelectronics and Photonics | Visit Site |
| Regent University | Online BS - Computer Engineering | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Electrical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Industrial Engineering (MS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Mechanical Engineering (BSE) | Visit Site |
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