Online Engineering Degrees in Montana

Engineers design systems and products, manage projects, solve problems, and improve efficiency. They apply cutting-edge scientific and technological principles to create practical solutions and innovations. Businesses, government agencies, and not-for-profits all employ engineers.

According to the United States Department of Labor, engineers were expected remain in high demand between 2014 and 2024. In fact, the USDL’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016) predicted that engineering positions would swell an average of four percent overall, with some subfields growing much more quickly. Similarly, some specializations were expected to see much more robust growth than others within Montana. By illustration, Projections Central anticipated the following percentage increases in job opportunities within MT during that same timeframe: mechanical engineering (23.4 percent increase in MT-based jobs, 2014-24), environmental engineering (21.4 percent), civil engineering (20.4 percent), and electrical engineering (14.7 percent). By comparison, all U.S. occupations were slated to grow an average of only 6.5 percent during that decade.

Overall, the seven fastest growing engineering fields nationwide include:

Civil Engineering – These engineers design, operate, supervise, and maintain construction projects and systems.
Mechanical Engineering – They develop, design, build, or test thermal and mechanical devices. This includes tools, machines, or engines.
Environmental Engineering – They apply their engineering skills to solve environmental problems. Environmental engineering projects may aim to remedy public health, waste disposal, water treatment, recycling, or air pollution.
Biomedical Engineering – These engineers combine engineering principles with medicine and biological sciences. They develop medical equipment, devices, software, and even computer systems for the healthcare industry.
Petroleum Engineering – They design and develop ways to extract oil and gas from underground deposits or from older wells.
Computer hardware engineering – They apply engineering skills to research, design, develop and test computer hardware systems.
Industrial Engineering – These engineers focus on designing systems that improve production efficiency.

According to the BLS (May 2016), the 6,760 MT-based architecture and engineering professionals earned an average annual salary of $68,550. This was much higher than the mean annual wages for all workers in Montana ($41,440). In more detail, the top-paying engineering specializations within Montana included:

Aerospace Engineers: $95,630 annual average
Electronics Engineers: $87,830
Industrial Engineers: $87,340
Environmental Engineers: $79,660
Mechanical Engineers: $78,600

So how does a person join this high-growth and well-compensated career field? Not surprisingly, a majority of engineers have at least a four-year undergraduate degree prior to seeking work. And in addition to the campus-based programs, there’s a growing array of flexible, relatively convenient online engineering programs in Montana and beyond. These may be ideal to accommodate working professionals or residents of more rural regions.

This guide explores how to become an engineer, including the online engineering programs in Montana, admissions information, and profiles of three exceptional professors.

Featured Online Engineering Programs
Ohio University	Online MEM - Engineering Management	Visit Site
Ohio University	Online MS - Electrical Engineering (MSEE)	Visit Site
Ohio University	Online MSCE - Civil Engineering	Visit Site
ECPI University	Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Mechanical Engineering Technology (Bachelor's)	Visit Site
ECPI University	Mechatronics (Associate'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
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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

Most entry-level jobs in engineering require a bachelor’s degree. An online program may make it easier to earn a degree while working and honoring other obligations. While there are currently no online bachelor’s degrees in engineering from MT-based institutions, there’s one distance-based program designed to level up an engineering technologist or technician’s skills, as well as an online engineering program in a neighboring state.

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Trades Management – Montana State University Northern Extended University

This MSU Northern Extended University program in trades management degree prepares students to manage skilled trade businesses. It pairs applied engineering knowledge with accounting, business, and management training. The ideal candidate has an A.A.S. degree in a trade such as plumbing, energy technology, welding technology, sustainable energy technology, or electrical and construction trades.

Location of Campus: Havre, MT
Price: Montana residents pay $331.85 per credit and non-residents pay $844.76

Due to Montana’s small size, online engineering bachelor’s degree programs are limited. However, neighboring states also have online degree programs which admit Montana’s students.

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering – Brigham Young University

This Brigham Young University program prepares students for software engineering careers. Coursework includes software development, software design, data structures, human-computer interaction, computer security, and systems security. The online program promotes interaction and community among each year’s cohort of students.

Location of Campus: Rexburg, ID
Price: $163 per credit; 11 credit-hours (or more) pay a flat rate of $1,960 per semester if they are affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or $3,920 if they are not

Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering in Montana

As mentioned, expert engineers with master’s degrees may have additional opportunities in design and management. Master’s degree graduates also typically command a higher salary and greater responsibility. Here are two online programs from Montana universities:

Professional Master of Science and Engineering Management, Construction Engineering Management Track – Montana State University

The Montana State University interdisciplinary master’s program is a business-focussed MBA-style program, bridging business management and engineering and technology. Foundation courses seek to expand a civil or construction engineer’s technical knowledge. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of professional experience.

Location of Campus: Bozeman, MT
Price: $2,700 per Semester for graduate students

M.S. Project Engineering and Management – Montana Tech

Montana Tech and several companies collaborated in developing this online master’s degree program. It focuses on providing students with the necessary tools to excel as project managers. Courses include project and engineering management, legal issues related to PE&M, management, economics, and accounting, systems safety and management, and more. The combination of management and technical skills can make candidates highly desireable to large and small companies.

Location of Campus: Butte, MT
Price: $3,300 per semester for residents

Online Engineering Programs from Neighboring States

In addition to Montana, neighboring states also offer online certificate programs ot enhance one’s engineering competencies:

Certificate in Power System Protection and Relaying – University of Idaho

The University of Idaho offers an online certificate focused on power systems and protection and relaying through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This 12-credit-hour program includes two required courses in power systems analysis and power system protection and relaying. Students also take two electives in subjects like communication systems, digital filtering, or symmetrical components.

Location of Campus: Moscow, ID
Price: $755 per credit-hour, meaning the whole program costs $9,060, not including additional fees

Online Engineering Programs – What to Consider

Since engineers are in-demand and well-compensated in Montana, students will want to shop around for the best program for their needs. Here are some things to consider when choosing an online engineering degree or certificate program:

Coursework and electives
Professors’ experience
Tuition and fees
How long does the program typically take? How many credit hours?
What kind of job placement assistance does the college provide to graduates?
How flexible is the program? Can students study part-time?
Does the program require residency or campus visits?
Can students complete practical experience credits in their home communities?
Is the program accredited?
What kind of financial aid is available?
Does the program require a program, internship, or another hands-on project?
What is the rate of employment for alumni?
Does the college have any alumni networking opportunities?
Which textbooks are required?
Is the faculty active as researchers, publishers, authors, and innovators?
What kind of business experience do the professors have?

Accreditation

As mentioned, be sure to choose an accredited program as this indicates that the college and the courses meet quality standards. Seek programs accredited and approved by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

For bachelor’s programs in engineering, both online and on-campus, look for accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). It is known as the gold standard for accreditation. ABET comprises 35 member societies (e.g., American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE], American Institute of Electrical Engineers [now IEEE], American Society of Mechanical Engineers [ASME], etc). They include more than 2,200 experts from government, industry, and education.

The other accreditation entity of note in Montana is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for online engineering programs vary by the program, degree level, and the college. Some common admissions requirements include:

High school diploma or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, or mathematics
Official transcripts
Competitive GPA (e.g., at least 3.0)
SAT, ACT, or GRE test scores
Letters of recommendation
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Personal or professional statement essay
College’s application fee
TOEFL test scores for ESL candidates
Professional experience within a related field or skilled trade (especially for graduate-level programs)

Online Engineering Professors in Montana

The following professors teach at universities with online engineering programs.

Dr. Kumar Ganesan – Montana Tech

Dr. Ganesan is a professor and department head in environmental engineering. He came to Montana Tech in 1983 with a wealth of experience in environmental engineering including consulting and working for government agencies. Much of his work focuses on improving air quality, water quality, and other innovative solutions. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Madras, India and his doctorate from Washington State University in 1981. Notably, he’s a board-certified environmental engineer through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEE&S).

Dr. Penny Knoll – Montana State University

Dr. Knoll is an associate professor and the contact person for Montana State University’s outstanding construction engineering management program. In addition to her academic career, she has an extensive construction project management and project engineering background. She has won numerous awards and is a six-time “Professor of the Year” in the College of Engineering. She has been active in regional and national professional organizations including the Montana Building Industry Association (the state chapter of NAHB); the National Association of Homebuilders 2000-2006, where she served as the the Faculty Chapter Advisor; the Associated Schools of Construction; and the Montana Building Industry Association. Notably, she’s a certified professional constructor (CPC) through the American Institute of Constructors and a member of the National Association of Women in Construction.

Dr. Brock J. LaMeres – Montana State University

Dr. LaMeres is an award-winning associate professor in electrical and computer engineering. He is known for his innovative education and research. In 2015, he developed an MSU online course that introduces robotics to students around the country to improve STEM education. His prior awards and honors include “Outstanding Instructor in Electrical and Computer Engineering;” the MSU James & Mary Ross Provost’s Award for Excellence; the MSU Alumni Association & Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce Award for Excellence; and MSU’s Teaching Innovation Award.

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...