Types of Engineering Degree Programs in MN
Engineering is a very broad area of study. In fact, there are more than two dozen fields of engineering that you'll be able to choose as your concentration in Minnesota engineering schools. Examples of these are:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
It typically takes 3-5 years to get a bachelors degree in engineering. There are several designators for an engineering degree depending on where you earn it in Minnesota. An engineering degree is often referred to as a Bachelor of Engineering Science, Bachelor of Science Engineering, Bachelor of Applied Science, or Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Once you've earned a bachelors degree, it's also possible to work towards a masters or even a Ph.D in engineering. You may also get various certifications once you've earned your engineering degree. Popular certifications include; Certified Professional Engineer (CPE), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Engineer in Training (EiT), and Professional Engineer License (P.Eng.).
Employment in Minnesota with an Engineering Degree
Similar to other math and science professionals, engineers are sought after in Minnesota. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has confirmed that employment for engineers is expected to grow, but some areas of expertise will grow more rapidly than others. In 2008, there were 1.8 million engineering jobs with civil engineering, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering leading the list of specialties with the most work opportunities.
Interested in how much an engineering degre in Minnesota will get you? The pay scale for engineers varies greatly which is not unusual given that there are a lot of different fields within engineering. Years of experience and location in Minnesota will also affect the average income of an engineer. Engineers can expect to make somewhere between $45,000 - $90,000 per year in salary alone. If you consider bonuses, benefits and profit sharing then that annual income goes up substantially.
Obtaining an engineering degree in MN opens up the doors for recent graduates. All round, more than 40 percent of engineers have 4 or less years of experience. Students who earn an engineering degree in Minnesota also enjoy a starting salary that's higher than most.
Choosing the Best Engineering Degree Programs in Minnesota
Nowadays, students have more options for getting an engineering degree than in the past. You can choose to enroll at a traditional college or university, or you can select an online engineering degree program in Minnesota. Regardless of which type of school you decide on, ensure that the organization is accredited and that the engineering degree program is also accredited in Minnesota.
Other things to remember are price, the engineering degree program schedule and if the school has resources to help you find a job and make the most of your new engineering degree. This last point is especially important in today's tighter job market.
