Minnesota offers a strong and supportive environment for engineering students, with a mix of research universities, public institutions, and private colleges across the state. Known for its thriving healthcare, manufacturing, and tech industries, Minnesota provides engineering students with access to hands-on learning, career pathways, and a collaborative professional community.
Minnesota blends a high quality of life with strong academic and career opportunities for engineering students. From biomedical devices to renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, the state supports a diverse and innovative engineering workforce.
Here’s why Minnesota is a great place to pursue an engineering degree:
Minnesota offers a range of respected engineering programs at both large public research universities and smaller private institutions. The schools listed below are just a few of the top options in the state. Be sure to check the ABET-accredited programs section at the end of this profile for a more comprehensive overview.
The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of Minnesota offers an extensive range of academic programs in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science. With 12 academic departments, the college supports a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and interdisciplinary degree options.
Undergraduate Majors:
CSE offers 20 undergraduate majors, including:
Graduate Programs:
Graduate students can pursue M.S., Ph.D., and professional master's degrees across a variety of fields. Specialized and interdisciplinary programs include:
Students also have access to certificate programs and minors in areas such as cybersecurity, technology leadership, and electrification engineering.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. As the state’s flagship university, it is known for its comprehensive academic offerings, strong research output, and commitment to public engagement.
The School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas offers a variety of ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees and industry-oriented graduate programs. Undergraduate engineering options include:
Graduate offerings include six master’s degrees and multiple certificate programs. The School also houses the long-established Graduate Programs in Software, which includes fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and information technology. Programs are designed for flexibility, with many courses offered in the evenings and structured for working professionals.
Students benefit from extensive hands-on learning opportunities supported by state-of-the-art facilities within the Frey Science & Engineering Complex. The curriculum integrates technical training with a liberal arts foundation and emphasizes communication and leadership skills.
The School also supports STEM outreach and educator training through initiatives like the STEPS Program and the Center for Engineering Education, which provide resources and engagement opportunities for K–12 students and teachers.
The University of St. Thomas is a private university located in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is the largest private university in the state and is known for offering a values-based education grounded in the liberal arts, with an emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement.
The Swenson College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth offers a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs across science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The college provides a practical, experience-based education through interactive learning, research opportunities, and industry collaboration.
Undergraduate Engineering Degrees:
These programs are ABET-accredited and emphasize hands-on experience in labs and industry settings. Students also have the option to pursue an articulation pathway with UW La Crosse, earning a dual degree in physics and engineering over five years.
The college supports additional STEM fields through majors and minors in areas such as computer science, biology, mathematics, and environmental sciences.
Graduate Programs and Research:
The college offers graduate studies in areas such as Water Resources Science and Integrated Biosciences. Research centers like the Large Lakes Observatory and Advanced Materials Center further support graduate student involvement in interdisciplinary research.
The University of Minnesota Duluth is a public university located in Duluth, Minnesota. As part of the University of Minnesota system, it provides a personalized educational environment with access to the resources of a larger research institution. The campus is known for its proximity to Lake Superior and focus on environmental and applied sciences.
The College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning engineering, natural sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Its curriculum is grounded in practical experience and industry partnerships, with particular strengths in applied learning and regional collaboration.
Undergraduate Engineering Programs include:
Students can also choose from related fields such as construction management, computer science, and technology-based majors. Many programs offer co-op and internship experiences and emphasize hands-on training supported by campus facilities and industry collaborations.
The Integrated Engineering program is delivered through two regional pathways—Iron Range Engineering and Twin Cities Engineering—allowing students to complete coursework while participating in engineering co-ops across the country.
Graduate Programs are also available, with options focused on engineering, science, and technology.
Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university located in southern Minnesota. It is one of the largest institutions in the Minnesota State system, offering applied learning opportunities in a mid-sized campus setting with access to both regional industry and a broad alumni network.
Engineering students in Minnesota have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities, including state-funded grants, university-specific scholarships, and awards tailored for STEM majors. These resources help make engineering education more accessible and support students pursuing careers in high-demand technical fields.
Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to maximize eligibility for both federal and state aid programs.
To become a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Minnesota, individuals must follow a formal process overseen by the state licensing board. In addition to licensure resources, engineering students and professionals in Minnesota can take advantage of numerous local organizations for networking and career development.
These organizations can play a vital role in supporting students and professionals as they navigate their education and engineering careers in Minnesota.
Minnesota has strong needs in biomedical, mechanical, civil, electrical, and environmental engineering due to its health tech sector, infrastructure needs, and focus on sustainability.
Yes. Many students in Minnesota choose to pursue an online engineering bachelor's degree or an online master's degree in engineering to gain flexibility, especially if they’re working or living in rural areas.
Definitely. Schools such as the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University–Mankato have strong industry ties and offer structured internship and co-op programs in partnership with local and national employers.
Minnesota engineering schools offer a full suite of support services, including advising, tutoring, mentoring programs, career services, and student chapters of professional organizations like ASCE and IEEE.
Earning a degree from an ABET-accredited program ensures your education meets rigorous national standards recognized by employers and licensing boards. Minnesota offers a wide range of these programs across its public and private institutions.
| Bethel University | St. Paul | - Electrical Engineering |
| Capella University | Minneapolis | - Information Technology |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis | - Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering Technology - Automation & Controls Engineering Technology |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Mankato | - Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Integrated Engineering - Iron Range Engineering - Integrated Engineering - Twin Cities Engineering - Automotive Engineering Technology - Electronic(s) Engineering Technology - Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Computer Engineering Technology |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Minneapolis | - Environmental Health - Industrial Hygiene Track
- Construction Management - Facility Management Track - Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Geoengineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering - Environmental Engineering |
| University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth | - Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Engineering Physics |
| University of Northwestern | St. Paul | - Engineering |
| St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud | - Computer Science
- Information Systems - Electrical Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering Technology |
| University of St. Thomas | Saint Paul | - Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Civil Engineering |
| Walden University | Minneapolis | - Information Technology |
| Winona State University | Winona | - Composite Materials Engineering
- General Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Minnesota was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses may change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the Minnesota AELSLAGID Board and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education—for academic and licensure planning.
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