Engineering is one of the best-paid, most respected professions in the world. Many schools in the US offer a variety of engineering programs to prepare students for careers in this quickly changing field. This article is for those who are looking for the best engineering schools in Wisconsin.
Engineering schools in Wisconsin that made our list offer popular programs, affordable tuition, and expert faculty. We factored in important Wisconsin engineering school rankings. The article also includes the best jobs for engineers in the state. Read on to get all the information you need to get your engineering degree and kickstart your career in Wisconsin.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Wisconsin
To choose a good engineering school in Wisconsin, there are certain factors you need to consider. They include but are not limited to the school’s accreditation, employment opportunities, degree levels offered, graduation rate, and faculty credentials.
Accreditation
If a school is not accredited, your chances of getting a good job with a degree from that school drop. Some students make the mistake of only considering affordability, and ignoring accreditation status. Accreditation is an assurance that the school meets the recognized education standard to grant degrees. With a nod from a reputable accrediting body, you can be confident that the school’s programs meet these standards.
Employment Opportunities
Landing a great job is a top reason why many of us go to college in the first place. Look for a school that increases your chances of doing so through the career services it offers. Some schools partner with companies to provide internship opportunities or offer job-prep services like tips for interviewing and creating a winning resume to help their students post-graduation.
Degree Levels Offered
Many top engineering schools offer various degree levels, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Make sure that the school offers the particular degree level you’re looking for. Options beyond that are an added bonus. This means that the school has a robust engineering department, and if you decide later to pursue a more advanced degree, it will be easier for you to do so.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate is the percentage of students who graduate from school. It’s an important number because it represents the school’s overall success because the goal is not just to educate but to grant degrees and certificates signifying that education. The graduation rate is a reflection of the school’s programs, faculty, and student support.
Faculty Credentials
Having the right faculty is key to a school’s success and good reputation. You want a school with faculty members, particularly instructors, who are experts in your chosen field of study. That way, you not only get to learn from the very best but also get to start building your network of reputable references.
Wisconsin Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Wisconsin?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin- Madison | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | PhD in Chemical Engineering | 42 (National Universities) |
| Marquette University | Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering | PhD in Civil Engineering | 83 (National Universities) |
| University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | PhD in Computer Science | 299-391 (National Universities) |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering | Master of Science in Architectural Engineering | 8 (Regional Universities Midwest) |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of Science in Software Engineering | 37 (Regional Universities Midwest) |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | N/A | 41 (Regional Universities Midwest) |
| University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | N/A | 64 (Regional Universities Midwest) |
| University of Wisconsin- Platteville | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 82 (Regional Universities Midwest) |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Master of Science in Engineering | 95 (Regional Universities Midwest) |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering | Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering | N/A |
Wisconsin Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Wisconsin
To rank the best engineering schools in Wisconsin, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Wisconsin Explained
When looking for the best engineering schools in Wisconsin, factors such as accreditation, acceptance rate, graduation rate, programs offered, and rankings come into play. Featuring these criteria and more, here are the best engineering schools in Wisconsin.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Wisconsin
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Wisconsin provide programs leading to the award of associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. An associate degree from these schools typically focuses on practical skills and prepares you for more advanced studies in a four-year university. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree-awarding university in Wisconsin offers a combination of coursework and practical training.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Wisconsin
- Gateway Technical College | Electrical Engineering Technology. This 69-credit associate degree program prepares students to become electrical engineering technicians, electrical testers, and engineering technicians. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and practical learning.
- Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | Software Application Development. This associate degree program spans 18 months and specifically prepares students for two industry-standard certification exams.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Electrical Engineering Technology. This is a two-year program leading to the award of an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. The program focuses on hands-on work.
- Northcentral Technical College | Electromechanical Technology. This Associate Degree in Electromechanical Technology equips students with skills to practice as mechanical engineering technicians and electrical engineering technicians. Students can access financial aid for the two-year program.
- Lakeshore Technical College | Environmental Engineering Technology. This associate degree program takes two years to complete and requires 70 credits. Eligible students can make use of available financial aid to fund their studies.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Taught by expert faculty, this four-year undergraduate degree is one of the most reputable engineering programs in Wisconsin.
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. This 98-credit program requires undergraduate core courses and electives to teach students theoretical knowledge and give them practical experience.
- Carroll College | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This civil engineering bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and offers a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Marquette University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. This undergraduate program requires 130 credits and has six different focus areas. Graduates of the program can find jobs in the field or progress to an advanced degree program.
- Viterbo University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering. This four-year undergraduate program is designed to educate and train students to become engineers who can provide practical solutions in the workplace.
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Wisconsin
The best graduate engineering schools in Wisconsin offer master’s and doctoral degree programs designed to provide advanced-level theoretical and practical skills in the field of engineering. Let’s take a look at the best schools for master’s degrees and PhDs in engineering in Wisconsin.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison | Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. This graduate-level program can be completed in two years, with a large chunk of the coursework dedicated to research.
- Marquette University | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. This two-year program allows students to deepen their fundamental knowledge in civil engineering. Students can study full-time or part-time, and there is a thesis and a non-thesis option.
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Master of Science in Engineering. This graduate program was designed with two goals in mind for students: to help them secure professional advancement in the field or continue on to a PhD program.
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering is a two-year program that blends engineering courses, electives, and a focus area for a robust education.
- University of Wisconsin-Stout | Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. This graduate program requiring 30 credits was made for busy professionals. Classes are offered on weekends and in the evenings, with an online option, as well.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison | PhD in Chemical Engineering. This 51-credit program requires 26 credits of graduate-level coursework. Students also must create and defend a thesis. It is an on-campus program.
- Marquette University | PhD in Civil Engineering. This doctoral program requires 12 credit hours of dissertation and 45 credit hours of graduate coursework. It has specializations in construction engineering, environmental and water resources engineering, structural engineering and structural mechanics, and transportation engineering and materials.
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | PhD in Computer Science. This PhD program requires 66 credits that involve thesis research, a residency requirement, and a dissertation, which students have to defend to be awarded the degree.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Wisconsin
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in Wisconsin are different for undergraduate and graduate students. For undergraduate admissions, common requirements are high school transcripts, an online application, and an application fee. Graduate admission requirements include a degree from a four-year institution, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a completed application.
Engineering Schools in Wisconsin: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Official transcripts
- ACT/SAT scores
Engineering Schools in Wisconsin: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts from undergraduate school
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Wisconsin?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in Wisconsin. Most engineering schools in Wisconsin have high acceptance rates, which means that their admission requirements are easy to meet. Some offer an open-admission policy. However, such schools might lack the reputation you will need to land high-paying roles in your career.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Wisconsin for Engineering
- Gateway Technical College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This technical college has open admissions, which means that the admission process is nonselective. The college offers more than 70 associate degree and technical programs.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This school has an open-admission policy and offers two-year programs that focus on building skills through hands-on experience.
- Northwood Technical College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. NTC’s open-admission policy makes getting into this school very easy. The school’s education programs prepare students for entry-level jobs in technical fields or for further education at a four-year university.
- University of Wisconsin-Stout | Acceptance Rate: 90%. Part of the University of Wisconsin System, this school offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online options.
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Acceptance Rate: 87%. This university is not only easy to get into, but also one of the most affordable universities in the state. It offers bachelor’s and master’s programs.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Wisconsin
The best online schools for engineering in Wisconsin are Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Stout, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. These universities offer top-quality programs that students can take online on a self-paced schedule.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Marquette University | 81% | Master of Science in Computer and Information Science |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | 70% | Master of Science in Cyber Security |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | 59% | Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technologies |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | 56% | Master of Science in Cyber Security |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | 55% | Master of Science in Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Wisconsin
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Wisconsin are Gateway Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Northcentral Technical College, -University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Wisconsin With Financial Aid
You can attend the top engineering schools in Wisconsin through financial aid. Some forms of aid require repayment, while others do not. Scholarships and grants are two forms of aid that students usually do not have to pay back. Here are some engineering scholarships available for Wisconsin students.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Wisconsin Students
- Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship | Amount: $2,000-$3,000. Students must be high school seniors entering an ABET-accredited four-year engineering program to be eligible for this award. A minimum ACT score of 26 is also required.
- Milwaukee School of Engineering Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This award for incoming Milwaukee School of Engineering freshmen studying mechanical engineering is renewable for all four years, provided that a minimum GPA of 2.5 is maintained.
- Wisconsin Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant | Amount: $250-$2,500. This renewable award is for African American, native American, Hispanic, or Southeast Asian undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in a Wisconsin Technical Institution, an independent institution, or a tribal institution. It is a needs-based grant.
Wisconsin Employment Outlook for Engineering
Wisconsin’s employment outlook for engineering is something to consider if you want to go to school in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a labor force of 3,149,200, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction and manufacturing jobs employ over 600,000 workers in the state, which translates to job opportunities for engineering graduates.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Wisconsin
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $133,730 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $108,250 |
| Environmental Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $95,210 |
| Chemical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $93,330 |
| Electronics Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $88,520 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Wisconsin Explained
With a degree from an engineering school in Wisconsin, you can find the best engineering jobs in Wisconsin for a rewarding career. The best jobs that you can find include architectural and engineering managers, bioengineers and biomedical engineers, environmental engineers, chemical engineers, and electronics engineers.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Wisconsin I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Wisconsin you go to for engineering. Not all schools provide the same engineering programs and degree levels. Also, factors like program outcomes, faculty credentials, and school rankings can all come into play in helping you decide which engineering school in Wisconsin to attend.
It’s helpful to consider these and other factors when looking into the best engineering schools in Wisconsin. With a wide variety of degree options and formats available, plus top rankings and expert faculty, the schools on our lists offer a great place to start.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Wisconsin FAQ
No, you do not need a master’s degree to get a high-paying engineering job. You can land great engineering roles with a bachelor’s degree. However, getting a master’s degree can position you for better and even higher-paying roles.
Yes, you can study nuclear engineering in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a bachelor’s program in nuclear engineering. Earning a four-year undergraduate engineering degree is usually the first step toward a rewarding career in the nuclear energy field.
Yes, you can find a full-tuition scholarship for graduate school. However, it probably won’t be easy because these scholarships are highly competitive. Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every time you apply to a school.
Yes, engineering graduates are eligible for internships. Internships provide a great opportunity to put into practice what you learned in your engineering program and gain workplace experience. This can help you considerably when looking for long-term employment in the future.
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