Online Engineering Schools in Michigan

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The state of Michigan is home to a strong engineering industry that allows professionals in this field to thrive. In fact, there are currently 135,060 engineering and architectural professionals in Michigan, which account for more than three percent of the entire workforce. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2016) found that these numbers are expected to grow significantly into the future, although some specializations are poised to swell faster than others. By illustration, the BLS (October 2016) predicted that the following subfields of the discipline would experience some of the most robust growth nationwide between 2014 and 2024: civil engineering (305,000 new positions added), mechanical (292,100), industrial (243,200), electrical (180,200), and electronics (135,500).

Of course, in percentage terms, the projected top-growing specializations change. As proof of point, some of the fastest growing subfields nationally were biomedical (23.1 percent increase expected in positions, 2014-24), environmental (12.4 percent), and civil (8.4 percent). And there’s good news for aspiring engineers in Michigan: many subfields in the state are expected to grow faster than national estimates, which demonstrates relatively high job security into the future. Projections Central (2017) found that some of the fastest growing subfields within MI were biomedical (40.6 percent expected increase in positions, 2014-24), mechanical (18.1 percent), environmental (16.3 percent), industrial (13.5 percent), and civil (12 percent). Notably, all of these percentages are significantly higher than the average growth expected across all American occupations during that same decade (6.5 percent). In short, engineering is a booming discipline, especially in Michigan.

In addition to plentiful employment opportunities, engineers in Michigan also enjoy a salary well above the statewide average. To be sure, while the average annual salary for all jobs in Michigan is $47,350, the average for engineering and architectural professionals is $80,270 with some subfields earning much more; for example, MI environmental engineers earn a mean annual salary of $89,620, while aerospace engineers bring home an average of $94,810 per year.

Along with growing job prospects and high salary expectations, Michigan engineers may seek professional support from one of the many engineering societies and organizations that operate throughout the state. Such agencies, a few of which are listed below, generally offer job advocacy, educational opportunities, a calendar of events, and a number of other benefits for participating members in the state:

In general, a career in engineering can lead to many opportunities and generous compensation. Those interested in becoming an engineer in MI must generally complete at least an undergraduate degree before seeking work. While many aspiring engineers choose to complete a degree on-campus, many more are now looking to the various online engineering programs. Distance-based engineering degrees offer a high-quality, flexible education with skilled professors, allowing working professionals to continue on with their career while pursuing a degree.

This guide explores the wealth of online engineering programs in Michigan, including a few exceptional professors, expected coursework, and accreditation information.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Michigan

A majority of engineering positions and many professional certifications require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Luckily there are several distance-based bachelor’s degree programs from Michigan’s schools.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Baker College

At Baker College with locations across MI, students with an interest in software or computer engineering can pursue an online B.S. in computer science. While many of the courses are offered online, prospective students are advised to contact the school directly with any specific questions regarding attendance requirements. In this 127-credit hour program, students take courses on database fundamentals, visual BASIC, computer architecture, systems development methods, net-centric computing, and microprocessor electronics, among other subjects. For the 2017-18 school year, the tuition for most undergraduate programs is $390 per credit-hour; additional fees may apply.

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Michigan

While completing a master’s program isn’t mandatory to seek work as an engineer, this advanced degree can provide greater specialization and may lead to positions in management or higher salary prospects, as well.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Power Systems – Michigan Technological University

At Michigan Technological University in Houghton, current engineers can continue their education with a distance-based M.S. degree in electrical engineering power systems. This program is entirely online and is designed to provide full flexibility for working professionals; in fact, online students enroll in the same lectures as on-campus students, and complete nearly all of the same coursework. Graduation from this program requires the successful completion of 30 credit-hours, including classes on power electronics, circuits and instrumentation, power system protection, distribution engineering, wind power, and transient analysis methods, among others. Annual tuition for this program is calculated at $20,482 as of June 2017.

Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering – University of Michigan

At the University of Michigan based in Ann Arbor, one of the state’s most renowned institutions, students have the opportunity to complete an online M.Eng degree in systems engineering. This 30 credit-hour program includes courses on energy generation, renewable electricity, sustainable design of technology systems, and advanced energy solutions, and other courses. This program can be completed in one or two years on a full-time basis. One year of tuition is set at $12,559 for full-time students who are residents of Michigan (2017).

Other Online Engineering Programs in Michigan

In addition to online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, aspiring engineers may choose to obtain a distance-based associate degree or even a graduate certificate to supplement their education.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Design – Baker College

Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) is incredibly important for engineers, and, these aspiring professionals may consider pursuing an online A.A.S. in computer-aided design at Baker College. Many of the courses are offered entirely online, and this 77-credit hour program includes instruction in manufacturing, materials and processes, statics, engineering graphics, and a various math-related subjects. Tuition is set at $390 per credit-hour for the 2017-18 school year, although this does not include any related fees.

What to Consider in an Online Engineering Program

There are several factors that aspiring engineers should consider beyond the competitive salary and promising job opportunities in the field. Prior to enrolling in an online engineering program, prospective students should ensure that they have answers to the following questions:

Can the online program be completed entirely online? If not, how much on-campus attendance is required for the program?
Will the school assist with job placement after graduation? Does the institution have other resources in the student’s home community?
What is the total cost of the program? Does that number include fees and other related expenses, as well?
For undergraduate programs, will they prepare the student for a graduate degree? Or will additional bridging modules be required?

It is important to note that these are only a handful of the questions that prospective students should ask to prepare themselves for the application. There are two other major considerations in applying to online engineering programs in MI: accreditation and state authorization status.

Accreditation

While graduating from an accredited program is not necessary to begin a career as an engineer, it can be extremely beneficial. Most credentialing agencies and some employers require job applicants to hold a degree from an accredited program, and a number of graduate schools may only accept students with an accredited degree as well. In general, accreditation status shows a school’s commitment to meeting specific standards related to the quality of education, financial management, student services, and other important considerations.

Not all accreditation bodies hold the same esteem. Specifically, students should look for programs that have been accredited by one (or more) of the organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The following is a list of accrediting agencies nationwide that offer accreditation on a regional, national, and programmatic level:

National accreditation

Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Regional accreditation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Programmatic accreditation

State Authorization

While researching accreditation, prospective students are also advised to look for programs that retain appropriate state authorization status, as well. Students in Michigan are only eligible to attend programs that have been authorized to operate in their state. This will be an issue for prospective students attending online institutions based in their home states, but rather when a distance-based program is located out-of-state; furthermore, many programs display their state authorization information conveniently on their website (e.g., Michigan State University).

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students should be pleased to learn that many online engineering programs maintain a similar, if not identical, application process to their on-campus counterparts. Here’s a general overview of the prerequisites for many online engineering programs in Michigan:

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

Completed application and fee
Official high school or GED transcripts
Strong high school GPA (typically >2.75 with strong marks in math and science)
Proof of prerequisite courses (e.g., calculus, biology, physics, etc.)
Letters of recommendation
SAT or ACT scores
A personal essay (500-600 words)

Online Master’s Degree in Engineering Requirements

Completed application and fee (Note: Some schools require separate applications to the graduate school and the Department of Engineering)
Transcript from an undergraduate degree in engineering (or a related field)
Proof of prerequisite courses (varies by engineering subfield)
Competitive GPA (typically >3.0)
GRE scores
A statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation

Online Graduate or Professional Certificate Requirements

An engineering bachelor’s degree (or a related field)
Resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
A personal essay

Michigan Engineering Professors To Know

A number of top-rated engineering schools across the country offer online degree programs, led by talented and renowned educators. Here are three experienced professors who teach at institutions currently offering online degrees in engineering based in Michigan:

Dr. David A. Lopez – Central Michigan University

Dr. David Lopez is an associate professor of manufacturing technology management at Central Michigan University, where his teaching focuses on international engineering technology in Mexico, operations management, quality engineering, and Six Sigma quality, among other areas of interest. His numerous awards and honors include the CMU Outstanding Teaching Award in 2003; the ET Department Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award in 2001; and the Office of Minority Affairs Award for Distinguished Service in 1996. Additionally, he has co-authored various publications in the Journal of E-Business and the Journal of Supply Chain Management, among others.

Dr. Leonard J. Bohmann – Michigan Technological University

Dr. Leonard Bohmann is a professor within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Michigan Technological University, where he also serves as the associate dean for academic affairs. He is an active member of the American Society for Engineering Education, as well as five societies affiliated with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He currently teaches courses in both power systems and energy conversion, and his research interests focus on the integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid, as well as the challenges they pose in power-system operations and planning environments.

Dr. Judy Jin – University of Michigan

Dr. Judy Jin is a professor of integrative systems and design at the University of Michigan, where she also works as a professor of both manufacturing engineering and industrial operations engineering. Her teaching and interests are primarily in the areas of industrial statistics and quality engineering. Her groundbreaking research has focused on data fusion for complex system modeling, design innovation, and performance improvement decisionmaking. She is an associate editor of the International Journal of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, as well as a board member of the IEEE Transaction on Quality and Reliability Engineering.