Online Engineering Programs in Minnesota

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In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there’s an abundance of opportunities in engineering. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2016) reported that there were 54,400 engineering and architectural professionals in Minnesota (MN), a figure which is expected to increase in coming years. Projections Central (2017) predicted that some subfields of the discipline would grow faster than others between 2014 and 2024; the top three specializations in MN were biomedical, environmental, and civil, which were expected to see openings swell 22.6, 13.5, and six percent, respectively. Incidentally, these were also the fastest growing specializations nationally. The BLS (October 2016) projected that opportunities in biomedical engineering would grow 23.1 percent, followed by environmental (12.4 percent) and civil (8.4 percent) during that same decade.

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 2016) reported that the 54,400 architecture and engineering professionals in MN earned an average annual salary of $78,790, significantly more than the average salary for all occupations in the state ($51,330). Some subfields commanded higher salaries than others. Among the top-paying engineering specializations in MN were aerospace ($110,550 annual mean salary), computer hardware ($109,120), and biomedical ($101,710). Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (2016) 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:

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.

MN-Based Online Engineering Professors to Know

While online programs are a relatively new phenomenon, 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. 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.

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.

MN-Based Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

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 degree in engineering programs based at institutions in MN.

B.S. in Software Engineering – St. Cloud State University

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. Tuition for Minnesota residents is $320.30 per credit-hour for online courses. Additional fees may apply.

B.A.S. in Applied Engineering – Bemidji State University

At Bemidji State University in Bemidji, students have the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s of applied science (B.A.S.) 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 credit-hours in order to graduate, as well as 30 other semester credits. Courses covered in this program include project management methodology, quality assurance, economic and cost analysis, and lean principles and practice, among others. Students can expect to pay $257.35 per credit-hour.

MN-Based Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering

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.

M.S. in Electrical Engineering – University of Minnesota

Aspiring electrical engineers who are interested in enrolling in an online program may wish to consider a master of science (M.S.) degree in electrical engineering 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. The cost of this program is $1,353.34 per credit-hour, along with an additional $100 per distance-based credit.

M.S. in Computer Science – University of Minnesota

At the University of Minnesota, aspiring computer engineers also have the option to complete an online M.S. in computer science. This program also costs $1,353.34 per credit-hour, as well as the additional $100 for each online credit. 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.

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.

Certificate in Application Programming – North Hennepin Community College

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++, structure of computer programming, web programming, and machine architecture and organization. Students must complete 12 credit-hours to obtain this certificate, and the cost for both residents and non-residents is $163.43 per credit-hour, not including additional fees.

Certificate in Computer-aided Drafting and Design – Ridgewater College

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. Ridgewater College charges $179.14 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

Regional accreditation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Programmatic accreditation

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 (e.g., University of Minnesota). For those that don’t, students are encouraged to contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements

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.