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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Dakota State University
Dakota State University based in Madison, SD offers an online bachelor of science (B.S.) in computer science, where students can master computers from their foundation to current applications. Students with this degree can become software engineers, senior systems administrators, and software developers, among other professions. All DSU science professors have a PhD in computer science and students learn from the same professors that teach on campus, as courses are often taught at the same time. The program costs $335 per credit for online students and $460.60 for non-resident computer science courses. Courses include written communication, networking, parallel computing, software engineering, probability and statistics, and others for a total of 120 credits. Admissions requirements include one of the following: an ACT composite score of 18 or above; a cumulative GPA of 2.6; or a ranking in the upper 60 percent of one’s high school graduating class. Other requirements include those in the areas of english, mathematics, science, fine arts, and the like. For more information, call (888) DSU-9988.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an online B.S. in mechanical engineering, which requires the completion of 129 credits. This degree prepares students for careers in the defense, power, automotive, and aircraft industries. The program can be completed online through recorded lectures, but does require on-campus labs during the summer. These labs are offered in a condensed format for 5-14 days on campus. The B.S. in mechanical engineering is designed to allow students to continue working while earning an online degree. It can take six or more years to complete. The cost per credit is $383 regardless of residence plus additional fees. The degree is accredited by ABET. For more information on this and their other online engineering degrees, email [email protected] or call (800) CALL-UND.
The University of North Dakota also offers an online bachelor of science in chemical engineering, bachelor of science in civil engineering, and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering.
Master of Science in Engineering Management – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology located in Rapid City, SD offers an online master of science (M.S.) in engineering management. This degree prepares engineering managers to bring to the table both technical knowledge and skills, as well as leadership qualities. The program is offered both on campus and online at the same time. Students can participate in person on-campus, via live streaming, or later online through recordings. The degree consists of 32 credits broken down in the following categories:
3 credits from each of these four fields:
20 elective credits from some of the following categories:
The M.S. in engineering management costs $442.05 per credit for South Dakota residents and $610.80 per credit for out-of-state residents, plus a one-time $35 application fee and books. Admissions requirements include having a B.S. from a four-year institution with satisfactory performance; one year of mathematics including algebra and basic calculus; and three semester-hours of probability and statistics. For more information, contact the ENGM program coordinator at (605) 394-6066.
Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology also offers an online M.S. in construction engineering and management. The program is designed for the working engineering professional and blends knowledge and skills with management in the construction industry. The program is flexible with options for in-person classes, live streaming, or recordings, as desired. Classwork is completed and submitted online. Topics covered include construction contracts, equipment management, project management, construction operations, construction management, construction company management, and sustainability. Electives can be chosen from areas such as ethics and professionalism, engineering economics, quality management, innovation and commercialization, and others. The M.S. costs the same as above with total costs of about $14,000 for residents and about $19,600 for non-residents, plus books. Admission requirements are also the same as above. For more information, contact the construction management and engineering program coordinator at (605) 394-1694.
Please note that the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology also offers an online master of science in mining engineering and management. Additionally, Dakota State University offers an online master of science in applied computer science.
Associate Degree in Software Development – Dakota State University
Dakota State University offers an online associate degree in software development. The program can be taken on campus or online. Students learn the basics of how to design, develop, test, and deliver software or web apps. Students can then continue their education with a bachelor of science in computer science, software engineering, or other fields. The program consists of 36 credits and costs $335 per credit for online students and $460.60 for non-resident computer science courses. Courses include web application programming, database management systems, computer science, and information security fundamentals among others. Classes provide hands-on virtual experiences and are affordable and convenient. Admissions requirements include having one of the following: an ACT composite score of 18 or above, a cumulative GPA of 2.6, or a ranking in the upper 60 percent of one’s high school graduating class. For more information, call (888) DSU-9988.
Online Graduate Certificate in Environmental Engineering – University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND offers an online graduate certificate in environmental engineering. It combines three engineering fields—civil, chemical, and geological—and relates them to the environment. The program is completely online and consists of nine credits. It is delivered through recorded lectures on a semester schedule and takes one year to complete. Courses include graduate-level courses in geology, environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or geological engineering. The cost per credit, regardless of residence, is $383 plus fees. Admission requirements include having a B.S. from an ABET-accredited engineering program in geological, chemical, environmental, or civil engineering and a cumulative GPA of 2.5, or at least 3.0 for the last two years. In order to earn the certificate, a GPA of 3.0 is required. UND offers several online engineering programs. For more information email [email protected] or call (800) CALL-UND.
As aspiring engineers, the positive job outlook and high salaries in engineering are a big draw. Before enrolling in distance-based education in SD, however, students should consider the following:
Additionally, prospective students should determine the accreditation and state authorization statuses of their programs.
To earn accreditation, colleges and universities must undergo an evaluation of their quality. Each accrediting organization has their own standards, but they generally gauge the services provided to students; the management of finances; the quality of the professors; the level of education offered; and other criteria. Having a degree from an accredited institution or program may be a prerequisite to receiving financial aid or qualifying for various credentials and employment.
Since not all accrediting organizations are the same, aspiring students should seek out programs which have been accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In addition, students should understand that accreditation is available through different organizations on a national, regional, and programmatic level. The following includes a list of prominent organizations that accredit online engineering programs in South Dakota:
National accreditation
Regional accreditation
Programmatic accreditation
Students in South Dakota are only eligible to enroll in online engineering programs that have been authorized to operate SD. Also, some online engineering programs in other states may not provide admissions to non-residents, or have differing tuition for residents and nonresidents. Online students should carefully examine state policies (e.g., South Dakota State University) and be sure to contact admissions to ensure out-of-state eligibility.
Admissions requirements differ depending on the state and institution. Engineering students must contact specific programs of interest to find out the exact requirements and deadlines.
Typical admissions requirements for online engineering programs may include official SAT/ACT test scores for bachelor’s programs; GRE, GMAT or MAT scores for graduate programs; official high school (or undergraduate) transcripts with at least the minimum cumulative GPA, or a GED as defined; letters of recommendation; essays; completion of the FAFSA; completion of class prerequisites in math and science; and application fees.
Dr. Stuart Kellogg – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Dr. Stuart Kellogg is a professor in the industrial engineering department at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, located in Rapid City, SD. He holds a B.S., M.S., MBA, and PhD. He teaches courses such as stochastic models ops research, optimization techniques, and creativity and innovation, among others. He has been a faculty member at the School of Mines since 1990. Dr. Kellogg enjoys teaching courses related to current industry trends in process reengineering, management, and business. His research interests include numerical probability models and pedagogical issues in engineering education.
Dr. Andrea Brickey – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Dr. Andrea Brickey is an associate professor in the mining engineering and management department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD Mines). She received her B.S. in mining engineering from SD Mines and after graduating, worked for ten years in mining operations and consulting, before returning to school to earn a PhD in mining and earth systems engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Brickey’s research focuses on applying cross-disciplinary knowledge to the mining industry, most recently by implementing advanced operations research techniques to optimize underground mine scheduling and planning. Her varied experiences in the mining industry have given her the insight necessary to successfully teach practical engineering, as well as teamwork, effective communication, and dealing with conflict—all of which are critical for young engineers.
Dr. Stephen Krebsbach – Dakota State University
Dr. Stephen Krebsbach is a professor in the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University, where he teaches courses for the bachelor of science in computer science online degree. He holds a B.S. and M.S. from Moorhead State University, and a PhD from North Dakota State University. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of program languages, advanced databases, and operating systems. Dr. Krebsbach serves on several committees in the college and university systems, is an academic advisor, and also serves as a graduate project advisor.
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...