Engineers use math and scientific principles to solve problems. They invent, test and service the products we demand in our every day lives. Software engineers may come first to mind if you are a computer tech type of person, however, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers fill needs that keep our infrastructure flowing smoothly. Would it surprise you to learn an engineering degree can be earned at an online college? More students may be signing up for online college course thanks to a new national campaign.
President Obama launched a campaign last year called, “Educate to Innovate”. The President says he will make it a national priority to help students in the US to lead the pack in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math). John Holdren, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, echoes this sentiment saying America needs a STEM workforce that can develop clean sources of energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and discover cures for cancer.
The President’s STEM plan outlines three priorities: helping all students think critically in STEM subjects, improving math and science teaching, and expanding STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups like women and minorities.
Online college can help expand education opportunities in STEM courses. Online college makes higher education available to a broader population than traditional colleges. Since lectures, assignments and exams are all available over the Internet the student can work at their own pace when they have the time.
Online colleges offer degree programs that cover the specialized fields of engineering degrees. Some online colleges also have masters and doctorate engineering programs. An engineer’s level of education can help determine salary. The average engineer makes between $37,000 and $120,000 a year depending not only on education but also the field of engineering and work experience.
If engineering sounds like a good fit for you, don’t let the expense of a computer science degree online deter you. The Department of Education will provide more than $116 billion this year to college bound students. This money is available in grants, loans and work study programs. The free application for federal student aid, FAFSA, will put you in line for the financial program that fits your needs and qualifications. Federal aid is available for both traditional and online college students.
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically geared to engineering students. There are also private scholarships offered by foundations and business organizations. For example, some business groups grant scholarships to women and minorities who choose engineering as a major The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awards scholarships to 300 engineering students each year. The students get $7,500 toward their studies.
The number of students with a major in engineering increased by eight percent between 1997 and 2007, that number may jump again over the next decade if President Obama’s initiative to inspire young people in STEM degrees takes off. With hundreds of online colleges more students have the opportunity to get a degree.