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As mentioned above, engineering professionals in Missouri typically need at least a bachelor’s degree prior to seeking employment. Here are two standout online engineering programs at the bachelor’s degree level from institutions in the state.
Bachelor of Science in Software Development – Western Governors University
At Western Governors University, which has locations all throughout the nation, including a campus in Missouri, aspiring software engineers can pursue an online bachelor of science (B.S.) in software development. This program includes instruction in information technology fundamentals, operating systems, data management, technical writing, software applications, and network and security. Notably, it helps students study for a variety of certifications that can increase their earning potential upon graduation. Tuition for this program is set at $2,890 per six-month term, and a four-year bachelor’s degree costs $23,120.
Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science – Park University
At Park University of Parkville, students can earn an online B.S. in information and computer science with a focus on software engineering or computer science. This program includes courses on programming fundamentals, discrete mathematics, computer networking, and various other core and elective courses. Students are generally required to complete 120 credit-hours in order to graduate, and tuition for this program is set at $399 per credit-hour, excluding additional fees.
At the master’s degree level, engineers can further hone their expertise and may qualify for leadership opportunities or higher pay. Here are two online master’s degrees in engineering from renowned schools in Missouri.
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering – Missouri University of Science and Technology
At the Missouri University of Science and Technology of Rolla, aspiring engineers can pursue an online master of science (M.S.) degree in aerospace engineering. Students in this program must complete 30 credit-hours of study with an optional thesis. There are various specializations available, including composite materials and structures, control systems, energy conversion and transport, engineering mechanics, and manufacturing automation. The tuition is set at $1,200 per credit-hour for distance programs, bringing the cost of this program to $36,000.
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Missouri University of Science and Technology
The Missouri University of Science and Technology also provides an online M.S. in mechanical engineering, as well. This 30-credit-hour program includes courses on the stability of engineering, fracture mechanics, design for manufacturing, compliant mechanism design, applied computational methods, viscous fluid flow, and finite element analysis, among others. In this program, students also have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track, depending on their interests, and may also choose to continue on to study for a PhD. Interested students are encouraged to contact the school directly for more information. Tuition for this program is also set at a total of $36,000.
While online bachelor’s and master’s degrees are popular program pathways, there are other distance-based programs as well, including graduate certificates or associate degrees. Here are two alternative online engineering programs based in Missouri.
Graduate Certificate in Energy Efficiency – University of Missouri
Through the University of Missouri of Columbia, students can pursue an online graduate certificate in energy efficiency. This program is 100 percent online, meaning students are never required to travel to the campus for their studies. It includes 12 credit-hours of study over 16 weeks. Coursework within this program focuses on industrial energy analysis, energy efficient building design, electrochemical reaction engineering science, electrochemical devices, lighting technology, and drinking water and water waste systems, among others. The estimated program cost is $8,992.92, although aspiring students are encouraged to reach out to the program directors for more information.
Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems – Columbia College
At Columbia College of Columbia, MO, aspiring software or computer engineers can earn an online associate of arts (A.A.) in computer information systems. This program includes courses on Python programming, agile software development, visual basic, Java programming, systems analysis and design, and web programming, among others. Furthermore, students also can choose to extend their studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree in the same field at this school. Students must complete 60 credit-hours in order to graduate, and the cost of attendance is $3,420 per semester.
For many aspiring engineers, the promise of a competitive salary and relative job security are reason enough to pursue a career. However, before signing up for any program in Missouri, prospective students are advised to perform thorough research and seek out answers to the following questions:
Additionally, prospective students must determine whether or not their selected programs are accredited and have appropriate “state authorization” status.
Accreditation is a proxy for quality. Independent organizations evaluate programs and institutions to ensure that students are getting a strong education for their money. Graduating from an accredited program isn’t mandatory for all employment opportunities, but it’s often required to qualify for financial aid and ultimately to pursue professional credentialing. The U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes several programmatic and institutional accreditation agencies to approve programs in MO, including the following:
National accreditation
Regional accreditation
Programmatic accreditation
Missouri students are only able to study in distance-based programs that are authorized to operate in this state. The same goes for students living outside of MO who are interested in distance-based programs elsewhere. A majority of schools have this information readily available on their websites (e.g., University of Missouri), and for those which don’t, students should reach out to program coordinators to determine eligibility.
Before applying to an online engineering program, prospective students should ensure that they meet the program prerequisites. These vary by degree level and institution, but they’re typically similar to their on-campus program counterparts. For example, the online master of science program in aerospace engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology requires that applicants submit:
Other common application materials include:
Overall, the men and women leading courses in online engineering programs in Missouri are highly talented educators and researchers who are renowned in their field. Here are three exceptional professors who teach engineering or computer science at Missouri schools offering online engineering degrees.
Dr. K. Chandrashekhara – Missouri University of Science and Technology
Dr. K. Chandrashekhara is a curators’ professor within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. His areas of research include composite materials, smart structures, nanocomposites, biocomposites, and structural dynamics, among others. He is the co-author of the textbook Analysis and Performance of Fiber Composites, and he has received a number of awards, including the Missouri University of Science and Technology Faculty Excellence Award and the School of Extended Learning Outstanding Commendation Award. Also, he has significant authorship credits to his name, including publications in the Journal of Aeronautical Society; the Shock and Vibration Digest; and the ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technology, among many others.
Dr. Chung-Lung Chen – University of Missouri
Dr. Chung-Lung Chen is a professor within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri, where he also serves as the director of the Thermal, Fluid & Energy Laboratory. His technical foci include thermal management, flow control and microfluidics, power generation and renewable energy, and multidisciplinary modeling and integration. He is an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and has authored or co-authored more than 120 technical papers; ten U.S. patents; and one book chapter. Notably, he was the 2011 recipient of the National Cheng Kung University’s DAA Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Dr. Douglas Bristow – Missouri University of Science and Technology
Dr. Douglas Bristow is an associate professor at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he also serves as the director of the Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies. His research interests include dynamic modeling and control of micro- and nano-positioning systems; atomic force microscopes and additive manufacturing systems; volumetric error compensation for machine tools and robotics; and precision motor control, among others. His work has been published in numerous prestigious academic journals, including the Review of Scientific Instruments and the ASME Journal for Manufacturing Science and Engineering. Additionally, he has received a host of honors for his work, including an ASME Graduate Teaching Fellowship from 2005 to 2007.
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...