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.