In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there’s an abundance of opportunities in engineering. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2020) reported that there were 54,880 engineering and architectural professionals in Minnesota (MN), a figure which is expected to increase in coming years.
Of course, for many prospective engineers, one of the most compelling reasons to enter this field is the relatively high compensation. By illustration, the BLS (May 2020) reported that the 54,8800 architecture and engineering professionals in MN earned an average annual salary of $84,810, significantly more than the average salary for all occupations in the state ($58,720). Some subfields commanded higher salaries than others. Among the top-paying engineering specializations in MN were nuclear ($119,750 annual mean salary), aerospace($115,910), and computer hardware ($114,130).
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (2020) found that the top-paying municipalities in the state for engineers were concentrated around the Twin Cities, not surprisingly. In sum, engineering is a fast-growing and relatively lucrative occupation in Minnesota and beyond.
In addition to a strong job outlook and high salary expectations, engineers in Minnesota also enjoy the support and advocacy provided by various professional societies and organizations. Here are some of the groups which offer resources such as continuing education, networking events, and regular publications to engineers:
Minnesota Structural Engineers Association
Engineering Alliance Minnesota
Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies
Society of Women Engineers – Minnesota Section
Minnesota Surveyors and Engineers Society
American Society of Civil Engineers – Minnesota
Prior to becoming an engineer, it’s important to pursue the appropriate training and credentialing. In Minnesota, there’s not only an array of on-campus degree programs but there’s also a growing number of online engineering programs as well. These generally combine distance-based learning with some in-person component completed either with sporadic campus visits or under the guidance of qualified mentors close to a student’s home.
It’s important to note that the majority of distance-based engineering programs are concentrated at the graduate degree level or in fields closely related to computers.
This article examines some of the accredited online engineering programs in Minnesota, including discussions of three exceptional professors, featured coursework at all degree levels, and typical admissions requirements.
--<-->=hsd,smc,assc,bach,mrs---->Any--Else--T1==me,heavy--Select `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.*, `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.* FROM `wp_oep_sb_school_data`
JOIN `wp_oep_sb_program_details`
ON `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.s_id = `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.s_id
WHERE (`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'hsd' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,hsd,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'hsd,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,hsd' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'smc' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,smc,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'smc,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,smc' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'assc' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,assc,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'assc,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,assc' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'bach' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,bach,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'bach,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,bach' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees = 'mrs' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,mrs,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like 'mrs,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_current_degrees like '%,mrs') AND ( `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'me' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,me,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'me,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,me' OR`wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name = 'heavy' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,heavy,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like 'heavy,%' OR `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_concentration_name like '%,heavy' ) AND `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.s_active = 'Yes'AND `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_active = 'yes' ORDER BY CASE `wp_oep_sb_school_data`.s_id WHEN 11 THEN 1 WHEN 10 THEN 2 WHEN 85 THEN 3 WHEN 87 THEN 4 WHEN 6 THEN 5 WHEN 9 THEN 6 WHEN 36 THEN 7 WHEN 20 THEN 8 WHEN 89 THEN 9 WHEN 14 THEN 10 WHEN 92 THEN 11 WHEN 93 THEN 12 WHEN 83 THEN 13 WHEN 7 THEN 14 WHEN 8 THEN 15 WHEN 30 THEN 16 WHEN 91 THEN 17 WHEN 90 THEN 18 WHEN 84 THEN 19 WHEN 88 THEN 20 WHEN 86 THEN 21 WHEN 39 THEN 22 WHEN 63 THEN 23 WHEN 62 THEN 24 WHEN 64 THEN 25 WHEN 66 THEN 26 WHEN 65 THEN 27 WHEN 69 THEN 28 WHEN 42 THEN 29 WHEN 81 THEN 30 WHEN 78 THEN 31 WHEN 79 THEN 32 WHEN 80 THEN 33 WHEN 67 THEN 34 WHEN 43 THEN 35 WHEN 75 THEN 36 WHEN 82 THEN 37 WHEN 74 THEN 38 WHEN 44 THEN 39 WHEN 73 THEN 40 WHEN 45 THEN 41 WHEN 76 THEN 42 WHEN 46 THEN 43 WHEN 77 THEN 44 WHEN 68 THEN 45 WHEN 47 THEN 46 WHEN 72 THEN 47 WHEN 70 THEN 48 WHEN 71 THEN 49 WHEN 48 THEN 50 WHEN 49 THEN 51 WHEN 50 THEN 52 WHEN 51 THEN 53 WHEN 52 THEN 54 WHEN 53 THEN 55 WHEN 54 THEN 56 WHEN 55 THEN 57 WHEN 56 THEN 58 WHEN 57 THEN 59 WHEN 58 THEN 60 WHEN 59 THEN 61 WHEN 60 THEN 62 WHEN 61 THEN 63 WHEN 13 THEN 64 WHEN 41 THEN 65 WHEN 40 THEN 66 WHEN 2 THEN 67 WHEN 38 THEN 68 WHEN 37 THEN 69 WHEN 31 THEN 70 WHEN 32 THEN 71 WHEN 33 THEN 72 WHEN 34 THEN 73 WHEN 15 THEN 74 WHEN 26 THEN 75 WHEN 24 THEN 76 WHEN 22 THEN 77 WHEN 19 THEN 78 WHEN 3 THEN 79 WHEN 5 THEN 80 WHEN 17 THEN 81 WHEN 27 THEN 82 WHEN 12 THEN 83 WHEN 16 THEN 84 WHEN 23 THEN 85 WHEN 28 THEN 86 WHEN 25 THEN 87 WHEN 29 THEN 88 WHEN 21 THEN 89 WHEN 1 THEN 90 WHEN 18 THEN 91 WHEN 4 THEN 92 WHEN 35 THEN 93 ELSE 99
END ASC, `wp_oep_sb_program_details`.p_name
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Minnesota
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science is often the first step to obtain entry-level employment. Here are two standout online bachelor’s degrees in engineering programs based at institutions in MN.
Students at St. Cloud State University can pursue a bachelor of science (B.S.) in software engineering online. Courses in this program include those in various math and software engineering-related topics, including computer architecture, computer graphics, data mining, data analytics, game development, and mobile applications, among many others.
This program has been developed under the guidance of industry professionals to ensure that students have the most up-to-date education and are ready to enter the workforce.
At Bemidji State University in Bemidji, students have the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s of applied science (BAS) degree in applied engineering online. The program generally accepts students who currently possess a certificate, diploma, or two-year degree, and transfer students must complete 40 upper-level credits in order to graduate, as well as 30 other credits.
Courses covered in this program include project management methodology, quality assurance, economic and cost analysis, and lean principles and practice, among others.
Location: Bemidji, MN
Duration: Two years
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $3988 per semester
Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Minnesota
After finishing an undergraduate degree, some choose to begin their career, while others go on to pursue a graduate degree in order to develop a more thorough knowledge and expertise in their field. Having a graduate degree can translate into opportunities for leadership positions or higher pay. Here are two of the distance-based master’s programs from engineering schools in MN.
Aspiring electrical engineers who are interested in enrolling in an online program may wish to consider a master of science in electrical and computer engineering (MSECE) from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Courses can generally be completed at a student’s own pace, although some “synchronous” events may be required, such as exams or quizzes. Students have the option of taking on-campus classes as well, although the degree can be completed entirely online.
At the University of Minnesota, aspiring computer engineers also have the option to complete an online M.S. in computer science. In this program, students take courses on modern cryptography, animation and planning in games, wireless and sensor networks, and introduction to compilers, among other subjects.
This is a coursework-only program so there are no labs or research requirements. Many of the students in this program are currently working in the industry and have been out of school for several years, so the focus of the coursework is on building new skills.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Duration: 1.5 to two years
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $1,487 per credit
Other Online Engineering Programs in Minnesota
Current or aspiring engineers may choose to pursue additional certificates, diplomas, or degrees in order to enhance their skills. This training may be in addition to an undergraduate or master’s degree in the field, or as a stand-alone introduction to engineering for someone seeking a career change or more knowledge of the discipline.
For anyone considering additional online educational opportunities in engineering, the following programs may be of interest.
North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park provides a certificate in application programming. Most of the courses are offered online, covering subjects such as programming in C/C++, the structure of computer programming, web programming, and machine architecture and organization. Students must complete 12 credits to obtain this certificate.
Upon completion, graduates will have the skills necessary to write a program to perform a specific task such as control inventory.
At Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchinson, students can pursue a 29-credit certificate in computer-aided drafting and design. This program is offered entirely online and teaches students about AutoCAD, blueprint reading, manufacturing processes, SolidWorks, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and ASME standard practices, among other subjects. Hands-on collaborative projects with manufacturing programs on campus will give students valuable real-world experience.
The associate of science in engineering at Century College is the perfect stepping stone into a career in engineering or additional education. This program is designed to transfer easily to a bachelor’s degree program, should students choose. Hallmarks of this program include 3-D printing and digital design to invent unique solutions to everyday problems.
Since this program is a general education program students will explore several areas of engineering including chemical, mechanical, civil, and electrical. Most courses are offered online, although students can also take classes on campus if that works for their schedule.
Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Duration: Two years
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $197 per credit hour
Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider
For many aspiring engineers, the lure of a high salary and a bright job outlook into the future sweeten the prospect of joining this field. Prior to enrolling in a distance-based engineering degree or certificate program, however, students should ensure they can answer the following questions about their program:
How long does it take to complete the program? Can the program be completed on a part-time basis while simultaneously working?
What is the full tuition cost of the program? Are scholarships available?
Does the school assist with job placement after graduation? Can the school provide employment statistics regarding student outcomes?
Can practical experience courses be completed in the student’s home community? How many campus visits are required throughout the duration of the program?
Additionally, prospective students are encouraged to determine the accreditation and state authorization statuses of their programs.
Accreditation
To earn accreditation, schools or programs must undergo a voluntary evaluation of their quality. There are varied standards depending on the accrediting organization, but they generally gauge the level of education offered; the services provided to students; the management of finances; and other measures. Having a degree from an accredited institution or program may be a prerequisite to receiving financial aid, securing employment, or qualifying for various credentials (e.g., Professional Engineer or PE).
Prospective students should note that not all accreditation entities carry the same weight; aspiring engineers are encouraged to research programs that have received accreditation from an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which can be offered at a national, regional, or programmatic level. A handful of accrediting agencies for Minnesota institutions are listed below:
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
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
State Authorization Status
Prospective students are also advised to search for programs with proper “state authorization” status. While it’s not an issue when a student lives in the same state as his or her online program, sometimes an out-of-state student may not be eligible to enroll in another state’s program. This information can generally be found directly on a program’s website. For those that don’t, students are encouraged to contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.
Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs
Prospective online engineering students in Minnesota will likely find the admissions requirements to be the same as their on-campus program counterparts. At the bachelor’s degree level, all applicants typically need to submit proof of a high school diploma or a GED; a strong GPA (e.g., >2.5 or 3.0); letters of recommendation; and a personal essay, among other requirements.
Students applying for a master’s degree generally need to submit proof of a bachelor’s degree (usually in engineering, although some interdisciplinary programs may accept students from other fields); a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0); two letters of recommendation from professors or employers; and a statement of purpose.
Finally, at the certificate level, applicants will generally be asked to submit proof of a bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA, letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other qualifying individuals, a CV or resume, and a statement of purpose.
Engineering Professors to Know in Minnesota
With the growing popularity of online degree programs, there’s no lack of prestigious faculty who teach in a distance-based format. In general, online programs are staffed by exceptionally skilled and renowned professors with significant experience in research and teaching.
Here are three exceptional, dedicated professors at institutions offering online programs in engineering or computer science:
Dr. Tim Brockman – Bemidji State University
Dr. Tim Brockman is an associate professor in the Department of Technology, Art and Design at Bemidji State University, where he also coordinates the technology degree programs and teaches construction management and engineering technology.
His current courses include the impact of technology, construction technology, print reading and documentation, project bidding and estimating, construction management, facility management, and sustainability and emerging technology. He also offers consulting services in energy efficiency and remodeling of residential and commercial structures.
Dr. Abhishek Chandra – University of Minnesota
Dr. Abhishek Chandra is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
His research interests include operating systems, distributed systems, resource management, and performance in distributed systems, all with the goal of achieving higher reliability, scalability, and manageability. He also co-leads the Distributed Computing Systems Group at the university and has a wealth of publications credited to his name.
Dr. Sarnath Ramnath – St. Cloud State University
Dr. Sarnath Ramnath is a professor of computer science at St. Cloud State University, where he also serves as a chairperson for the department.
He has written a textbook titled Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, and his research focuses on designing algorithms and data structures. His other research interests include computational geometry and routing signal nets in VLSI chips.
