Online Engineering Schools in Missouri

Two of the most important considerations when seeking a new career are a competitive salary and bright prospects for growth into the future. In Missouri, the engineering field boasts both of these benefits. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2016) reported that while the average salary for all positions in the Show-Me State was $44,620, the mean wage for all engineers and architectural professionals was nearly double that at $77,300. And some engineering professionals earned even more; for example, the average annual salary for MO-based electronics engineers was $100,810, while computer hardware engineers earned a mean annual salary of $99,740.

These wage estimates are especially promising considering that Missouri is one of the most affordable states in the country. By illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (Aug. 2017) found that MO was the seventh most affordable state in the U.S and enjoyed particular savings in housing and transportation relative to the rest of the country.

Furthermore, while the engineering industry in Missouri is already strong, it is only expected to grow into the future. The BLS (October 2016) predicted that the following subfields of engineering would have the greatest absolute increase in numbers of positions added nationwide between 2014 and 2024:

Civil engineering – 305,000 new positions nationally, 2014-24
Mechanical engineering – 292,100
Industrial engineering – 243,200
Electrical engineering – 180,200
Electronics engineering – 135,500

Projections Central (2017) provided state-based figures during that same decade:

Civil engineering – 280 new positions in Missouri, 2014-24
Mechanical engineering – 310
Industrial engineering – 170
Electrical engineering – 160

In addition to the promising wage and job growth prospects, there is a wide array of organizations and societies in Missouri that support engineering professionals. They offer benefits such as networking events, educational seminars, discounts on job-related expenses (e.g., contractor insurance), advocacy, and other resources. Here are some of the most prominent engineering groups in the state:

So how does a person in Missouri become an engineer? Not surprisingly, a majority of these advanced professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree prior to seeking employment, and those interested in leadership opportunities or higher pay take their education even further. Historically, engineering programs were offered exclusively on-campus, but with the growing sophistication of technology, there’s now a wealth of distance-based engineering programs at every level as well. These typically combine online coursework with in-person intensive trainings completed through limited campus visitation or through affiliate sites close to students’ homes. Online engineering programs may be ideal for working professionals; residents of rural regions far from campuses; and those with family or other extensive commitments.

This guide explores online engineering degrees in Missouri, including discussions of typical coursework, tuition fees, and three outstanding professors in the field.

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
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
University of Southern Indiana	Online MBA - Engineering Management	Visit Site
sponsored × When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering in MO

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.

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in MO

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.

Other Online Engineering Programs in MO

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.

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

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:

Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
What is the total cost of the program?
Can students work during their studies?
How many campus visits are required?
Can practical experience credits be performed in the student’s home community?
Does the program offer job placement assistance after graduation?
What have been the student outcomes of past graduates?

Additionally, prospective students must determine whether or not their selected programs are accredited and have appropriate “state authorization” status.

Accreditation

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

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)

State Authorization

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.

Admissions Requirements for Online Engineering Programs

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:

Completed application and fee
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a related engineering or science field;
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
A GRE verbal and quantitative score of 302 or higher
A GRE analytical writing score of 3.5 or higher;

Other common application materials include:

Proof of specific course prerequisites
Statement of purpose (500-600 words)
Letters of recommendation (particularly for master’s programs)
Resume
TOEFL test scores (or the equivalent) for non-native speakers of English

Online Engineering Professors in Missouri

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.

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...