Online Engineering Degree Programs in Wisconsin

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The engineering industry in Wisconsin (WI) is currently strong, and will likely only continue to expand throughout the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2016) reported that there were 51,350 engineering professionals and architects in the state, comprising over 1.8 percent of all workers. In many engineering specializations, opportunities are only expected to grow, both nationally and statewide. The BLS (Oct. 2016) offered a bright outlook in the following subfields which were expected to grow substantially between 2014 and 2024: biomedical engineering (23.1 percent increase in positions, 2014-24), environmental engineering (8.9 percent), marine engineering (8.9 percent), and civil engineering (8.4 percent).

In Wisconsin, the top-growing subfields were slightly different. Projections Central (July 2017) found that the following specializations would experience the greatest percentage increases in positions during that same decade: biomedical (18.7 percent growth, 2014-24), environmental (16.7 percent), chemical (15.7 percent), civil (14.1 percent), and computer programmers (13.7 percent). Notably, all of these national and statewide projections are more robust than the average growth expected across all U.S. occupations between 2014 and 2024 (6.5 percent).

In addition to securing employment in a thriving industry, engineers in Wisconsin are compensated very well. According to BLS (May 2016), the average annual salary of all engineers in Wisconsin was $69,580, well above the annual mean wage for all occupations in the state ($45,240). Additionally, some engineers are paid much more than that; chemical engineers, for example, earned an annual average salary of $94,470.

Finally, engineers in Wisconsin are also able to benefit from the myriad professional organizations in the state offering continuing education, events, networking opportunities, and other resources. Here are some of the most prominent professional engineering societies that support members in the state:

To become an engineer in WI, one typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree. While many aspiring engineers opt for a traditional, on-campus experience, a growing number of future professionals are opting for online degrees instead. Online engineering programs provide a high level of flexibility while allowing students the ability to retain their current employment or other responsibilities while working toward a degree.

This guide explores online engineering programs in Wisconsin, including the expected coursework, costs, and three exceptional professors.

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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in Wisconsin

A majority of engineers in Wisconsin have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition to the abundance of campus-based programs, there’s a growing array of distance-based options as well. Here are two online bachelor’s degree programs to consider.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing – University of Wisconsin

Aspiring engineers interested in software and computer engineering may pursue a B.S. in applied computing through the University of Wisconsin. This program is offered entirely online, and includes 21 courses (61 credit-hours), offered at a flat fee of $30,195 for both residents and non-residents of Wisconsin. Applicants must have completed approximately 60 qualifying credit-hours in order to be eligible for this program. Students take classes on programming, database management, systems analysis and design, object-oriented programming, applied communication networks, and web development, among others.

Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, aspiring computer and software engineers can earn an online B.S. in information and technology. This program includes courses on web design, systems analysis, web application development, and database information retrieval systems, among others. Students are also able to complete independent study programs through the university and even a study abroad program, depending on their circumstances. Tuition at the UW-Milwaukee changes each semester, and students should check out the school’s cost calculator to estimate tuition.

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Wisconsin

To achieve a greater degree of specialization, higher pay, or opportunities in leadership, there are also online master’s degrees in engineering available from institutions in Wisconsin.

Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering – University of Wisconsin – Madison

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, engineers can enhance their skills with an online M.Eng in civil and environmental engineering. This program consistently has been rated among the top ten in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, covering courses on hydraulics and applied fluid mechanics, energy principles, chemical principles, biological treatment processes, and physical-chemical treatment processes, and others. Students must complete 30 credit-hours to graduate. Tuition is set at $1,300 per credit-hour, making the total tuition for the program $39,000. Additional fees may apply.

Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering – University of Wisconsin – Stout

Aspiring engineers interested in the manufacturing process can consider a hybrid M.S. in manufacturing engineering through the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Students complete courses both online and in a traditional, face-to-face setting. This 30-credit-hour program includes courses on six sigma quality improvement methods, planned experimentation for quality improvement, organizational research methods, and manufacturing system design and simulation, among others. Graduate tuition for the 2016-17 school year was set at $382.10 per credit-hour or $11,463 total, although this doesn’t account for additional fees.

Other Online Engineering Programs in Wisconsin

Beyond online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, there are also distance-based graduate certificates and associate degrees, which can complement an engineering career and education.

Graduate Certificate in Engineering – University of Wisconsin – Platteville

Through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, aspiring engineers can pursue an online graduate certificate in engineering in a number of different specialties, including engineering management, geotechnical engineering, structural/geotechnical engineering, or engineering design. Students must complete 12 credit-hours in order to successfully complete their certificate. Tuition is $665 per credit-hour for a total of $7,980, excluding additional costs or fees.

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Aspiring engineers are lured by the promise of a growing job market and a competitive salary upon graduation. Prior to enrolling in an online program, however, engineering students should ensure they have the answers to the following questions before applying:

What is the total cost of the program? Ultimately, cost is often a determining factor for many students.
Is attendance required? Some programs require students to visit the campus on a periodic basis, while others are offered entirely online.
Does the school assist with job placement after graduation? Having assistance while searching for a job can be invaluable for a recent graduate.
What are the professional and educational outcomes of graduates?The success and opportunities open to past graduates of specific programs are indicators of what future students can expect.
Can the program be completed on a part-time basis? Some students may need to work while completing their degree, and may not be able to study full-time.

In addition to the above, prospective students should also make sure to search for programs that are accredited and have appropriate state authorization status.

Accreditation

Graduating from an accredited program has significant benefits. While it is not required in order to be an engineer, many employers prefer applicants who have a degree from an accredited program, and some graduate degrees may only accept students whose undergraduate school was accredited, as well. As such, future students are highly encouraged to look for programs that have received accreditation through one of the organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many other accrediting agencies exist, yet it is difficult to verify their reputability if they have not received CHEA’s approval.

Generally, accrediting organizations are separated into the level at which they offer accreditation: regionally, nationally, or programmatically. Here are some of the most reputable organizations accrediting engineering schools in WI:

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

State Authorization

Students in Wisconsin are only eligible to enroll in programs that have authorization to operate in this state. This is only an issue for distance-based students attending programs located in another state. Typically, state authorization information is available on program websites, and for those which don’t have it, students should contact program coordinators to ensure eligibility.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

Admissions requirements for most online engineering programs are similar to their on-campus versions. To provide a better idea of what to expect, here is a general overview of application materials derived from real online engineering programs across the country:

Completed application and fee (NOTE: Some graduate programs require applications both to the graduate school and the relevant department)
Official transcripts from high school or an accredited bachelor’s degree program with proof of prerequisite coursework (e.g., calculus, physics, chemistry)
3.0 or higher GPA
Three letters of recommendation
Test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE)
Resume
Personal statement or letter of intent
Candidate interview

Online Engineering Professors in Wisconsin

There is a wealth of talented engineering professors at Wisconsin universities offering online degrees. Here are three standout educators, researchers, and academics in engineering:

Dr. David Noyce, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dr. David Noyce is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he also serves as the department chair. His research interests include advanced traffic operations, transportation and construction safety, pedestrian and bicycle operations and safety, driver behavior, and driving simulation, among others. Notably, he has received many awards, including the Patricia F. Waller Award for the Best Paper in Highway Safety in 2014, as well as the Outstanding Reviewer Award in 2010 and 2012 from the American Society of Civil Engineering.

Dr. Wei Shi, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Dr. Wei Shi is an associate professor of manufacturing engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she also serves as a program director. Since February 2007, she has worked as a conference reviewer for the IEEE-EMBS International Conference on Biomedical and Health Informatics, and as a reviewer for various journals, as well. Dr. Shi has contributed to articles published in impactful journals, including in IEEE Transactions on Systems; Man and Cybernetics; Part C: Applications and Reviews; the IEEE Sensors Journal; and IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics.

Dr. Philip Parker, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Dr. Philip Parker is an instructor and program coordinator for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s engineering program. His main research interest is in the area of agricultural runoff and he’s the co-author of the sole introductory infrastructure engineering textbook: Introduction to Infrastructure (Wiley). Furthermore, Dr. Parker is one of the founding members of the Center for Infrastructure Transformation and Education (CIT-E). He is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), the American Waterworks Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).