Online Engineering Programs in Minnesota

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there’s an abundance of opportunities in engineering. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that there were 58,320 engineering and architectural professionals in Minnesota (MN), a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.

Of course, some engineering positions are in greater supply (and greater demand) in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that these were the most popular engineering fields in Minnesota:

Industrial engineering – 18,760 working in MN
Mechanical engineering – 5,660
Electrical engineering – 3,960
Civil engineering – 3,500

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) further reported that job opportunities for architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow faster than the 4 percent average for all occupations nationwide between 2023 and 2033. About 195,000 openings are projected each year, on average, 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 – 12 percent increase (40,900 new jobs)
Mechanical engineering – 11 percent increase (32,100 new jobs)
Chemical engineering – 10 percent increase (2,100 new jobs)
Electrical and electronics engineering – 9 percent increase (26,200 new jobs)
Agricultural engineering – 8 percent increase (100 new jobs)
Computer hardware engineering – 7 percent increase (6,100 new jobs)
Environmental engineering – 7 percent increase (2,900 new jobs)
Materials engineering – 7 percent increase (1,800 new jobs)
Bioengineers and Biomedical engineering – 7 percent increase (1,500 new jobs)
Civil Engineering – 6 percent increase (22,100 new jobs)

The expected percentages were higher in Minnesota (MN). According to Projections Central (2025), the top-growing subfields of engineering between 2022 and 2032 included:

Industrial Engineers – 16.6 percent increase (3,030 new jobs)
Mining and Geological Engineers – 14.3 percent increase (10 new jobs)
Mechanical Engineers – 13.8 percent increase (770 new jobs)
Petroleum Engineers – 12.5 percent increase (10 new jobs)
Biomedical Engineers – 11.3 percent increase (120 new jobs)
Chemical Engineers – 11.1 percent increase (10 new jobs)

Furthermore, engineers earn relatively competitive salaries; the average salary for the 58,320 engineers and architectural workers in MN was $94,500, according to the BLS (May 2023); some earned substantially more such as petroleum engineers, a field that has an annual average (mean) wage of $165,640. By comparison, the average annual salary for all positions in the state was $66,700.

Annual mean wages for some of the most popular fields of engineering in the state include:

Petroleum Engineers – $165,640 annual average salary
Aerospace Engineers – $135,700
Computer Hardware Engineers – $125,640
Electronics Engineers – $115,740
Health and Safety Engineers – $113,810
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers – $112,500

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 that offer resources such as continuing education, networking events, and regular publications to engineers:

Minnesota Structural Engineers Association
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 featured coursework at all degree levels, and typical admissions requirements.

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
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	Online MSE - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Electrical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Mechanical Engineering (BSE)	Visit Site
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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Minnesota

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science is often the first step to obtaining entry-level employment. Here are two standout online bachelor’s degrees in engineering programs based at institutions in MN.

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 applications and algorithms; data mining for software engineering; game development; mobile applications development; and computer animation and visualization, 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.

Location: St. Cloud, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Bemidji State University

At Bemidji State University in Bemidji, students have the opportunity to pursue a bachelor 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 38 upper-level credits in order to graduate, as well as 40 other credits.

Courses covered in this program include project management methodology; quality assurance; economic and cost analysis; lean principles and practice; principles of professional development; materials science and metallurgy; engineering design; operations planning and control; safety and risk management; total quality management; and simulation of industrial processes, among others.

Location: Bemidji, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

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 to develop a more thorough knowledge and expertise in their field. A graduate degree can translate into leadership positions or higher pay opportunities. Here are two of the distance-based master’s programs from engineering schools in MN.

University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

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. 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.

Students in this 30-credit program complete 18 credits of approved electrical engineering courses, six credits of non-electrical engineering coursework, and six additional credits of electrical engineering or non-electrical engineering coursework.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 1.5 to two years

University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

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; introduction to compilers; analysis of numerical algorithms; and computational aspects of matrix theory, 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
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 1.5 to two years

Other Online Engineering Programs in Minnesota

Current or aspiring engineers may choose to pursue additional certificates, diplomas, or degrees 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.

The following programs may be of interest to anyone considering additional online educational opportunities in engineering.

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++; web programming; introduction to programming in Java; programming in C#; object-oriented programming; data structures and algorithms; and computer architecture. 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.

Location: Brooklyn Park, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Less than a year

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. Hands-on collaborative projects with manufacturing programs on campus will give students valuable real-world experience.

The curriculum includes courses such as drafting basics; interpreting engineering drawings; technical sketching; intersections/development; dimensioning principles; geometric dimensioning and tolerancing; technical references; parametric design; advanced parametric; and CAD.

Location: Willmar, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: One year

Century College

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.

This associate degree is designed for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university or college to complete a bachelor’s degree in one of the following engineering fields: biomedical, aerospace, chemical, bioproducts & biosystems, computer, civil, geological, electrical, mechanical, general, and material engineering.

Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two years

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 those of 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.

Jocelyn Blore

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepr...