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To begin a career as an engineer, a person typically needs at least an undergraduate degree. Aspiring engineers can consider the following online bachelor’s degrees in engineering open to Oregon-based students.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Oregon State University
Although it is not a traditional engineering program, the online bachelor of science (B.S.) in computer science offered by Oregon State University of Corvallis may be an excellent option for those looking to pursue a career in computer hardware or software engineering. This 60-credit-hour degree is geared towards students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, and allows for a one-year, two-year, three-year, or even four-year track for completion. Tuition for this program is $478 per credit-hour, excluding additional fees.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering – California National University
California National University of Torrance, CA offers an online bachelor of science (B.S.) in engineering, which allows students to specialize in a number of areas, including mechanical, electrical, computer science, computer engineering, environmental, or quality assurance science engineering. Students in this program must complete 126 credit-hours to graduate, 30 of which will focus on their subfield of engineering. Students must also complete a capstone project—one trimester (15 week) of work requiring four hours of practicum per week. Tuition is $300 per credit-hour for United States residents, bringing the total cost of the program to $37,800, not including additional fees.
For many engineers, a master’s degree can help them further develop their knowledge and skills to remain more competitive in the workforce.
Master of Science in Engineering – Oregon Institute of Technology
The Oregon Institute of Technology of Klamath Falls offers an online master of science (M.S.) in engineering. Students are able to specialize in one of three different areas: systems engineering, optical engineering, or embedded systems engineering and interconnected devices. Prospective students should note that only the broad master of science in engineering program and the systems engineering track are offered entirely online; the other options are delivered in a blended format, requiring campus visits. During this program, students must complete 45 credit-hours, 15 of which must be on the area of focus. Tuition for this program is set at $498 per credit-hour, bringing the cost to $22,410, excluding additional fees.
Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering – Oregon State University
Oregon State University of Corvallis also offers a master of engineering (M.Eng) in industrial engineering, which can be completed entirely online. Students in this 45-credit-hour program take four required courses on operations management, project management in engineering, advanced engineering economic analysis, and introduction to management for engineers and scientists, as well as a handful of elective courses. Tuition is $583 per credit-hour, bringing the total cost of the program to $26,235.
An array of other online programs exist for aspiring engineers in Oregon, including certificates and associate degrees. For those looking for an education outside of traditional bachelor’s or master’s degrees, the following may provide excellent options:
Certificate in Software Engineering – Linfield College
Linfield College in McMinnville offers an online certificate in software engineering. This program is designed for applicants who currently work as entry-level engineers, systems analysts, programmers, or designers, yet hope to obtain additional education within object-oriented software development. Students will take 18 credit-hours of courses such as software engineering, database program development, programming and object structures, and the fundamentals of information systems technology. They’re also required to complete an applied software development project. Tuition for full-time students during the 2017-18 school year was $11,880 annually, excluding extra fees.
It’s true that the future looks promising for aspiring engineers in Oregon. That said, prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research the online engineering degree programs available to them to ensure they are able to receive the education they need to succeed. And, in doing so, potential applicants may wish to ask the following questions, among others:
In addition, anyone searching for an online engineering degree in Oregon should understand the concepts of accreditation and state authorization status, as well.
Completing an accredited program is not a prerequisite to succeed as an engineer, but it has benefits; ultimately, because accreditation is synonymous with value, those with a degree from an accredited program may find it easier to secure employment or financial aid for further education.
Not all accrediting organizations are the same. Instead, prospective applicants are advised to search 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). The following includes a list of various agencies that provide accreditation on a national, regional, and programmatic level to engineering schools across Oregon:
National accreditation
Regional accreditation
Programmatic accreditation
In addition to accreditation, prospective applicants should also research state authorization status, as well. To elaborate, students in Oregon may only study at programs that have been deemed eligible to operate within the state, known as “state authorization.” Fortunately, this information is often readily available on a school’s website (e.g., Oregon State University) and for those which don’t, aspiring students should contact admissions departments to ensure eligibility.
Overall, the admissions requirements for many online engineering programs are similar to their on-campus counterparts. Naturally, some differences will exist between institutions; however, in general, the criteria will remain almost identical, at least when broken down by level. For example, those seeking admissions to the online master of engineering in industrial engineering at Oregon State University must have:
Other common admissions requirements include letters of recommendation, candidate interviews, additional test scores, proof of specific coursework, and a personal statement.
Fortunately for prospective students, online engineering degree programs are staffed by highly talented educators and researchers. The following highlights three skilled professors who lead courses at universities offering online engineering degrees in Oregon:
Dr. Toni L. Doolen – Oregon State University
Dr. Toni L. Doolen is a professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at Oregon State University, where she also serves as the dean of the College of Education, as well as the dean of the university Honors College. Dr. Doolen’s research focuses on applying process improvement methodologies and innovation to improve the social aspects of organizational performance using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. She has been associated with the university since 2001. Notably, she has taught classes on engineering orientation, lean manufacturing systems engineering, modern electronics manufacturing, research methods in engineering, and managing in a global workplace, among many others.
Dr. Harriet B. Nembhard – Oregon State University
Dr. Harriet B. Nembhard is the Eric R. Smith professor of engineering at Oregon State University, as well as the school head, where she leads 75 faculty and staff in fulfilling its mission to educate students as profession-ready graduates and engage in collaborative, cutting-edge research. She is the co-author of the influential textbook Healthcare Systems Engineering, as well as the author or co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed journal publications. Dr. Nembhard has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Feigenbaum Medal in 2004, and she was elected to the International Academy for Quality in 2011.
Dr. David Porter – Oregon State University
Dr. David Porter is a professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at Oregon State University, where he has served since 2001. His research focuses on the modeling, analysis, and performance evaluation of information systems, particularly as they apply to the areas of intelligent transportation systems, manufacturing, supply chains, and public/private transit networks. He is also the director of the Mobile Technology Solutions Lab, which is a 1,000-square foot facility. Its “primary purpose is to help meet the increasing demand for automatic data capture and mobile technology applications in industry by providing innovative solutions, techniques, and expertise to companies desiring to maintain or increase their competitive edge.”
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...