Five Options to Expand your Engineering Degree

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Engineering occupations are “projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 195,000 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations.” This growing field holds job opportunities outside of what one might expect. At UNW, our Engineering department is passionate about finding the right area of study for each student. With the wide variety of jobs in the field, students are encouraged to expand their degree into additional fields of study. One practical way of accomplishing this is by adding a concentration, taking specialized classes, or choosing a minor.  

Here are five options for optimizing your Engineering Degree: 

Entrepreneurship 

Students interested in entrepreneurship can couple their degree with a solid business foundation through a minor in Entrepreneurship. This program add will fuel the competencies needed for entrepreneurial and partnership ventures and project management skills in engineering. While there are often cautions around starting a business, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce provides some encouraging statistics. “Most new businesses in the U.S. fail to make it past their fifth year. The inverse is true in Minnesota, however, with over half of all businesses clearing this threshold.” As an engineering major with an interest in starting a business, Minnesota provides a high chance at success. 

Business Administration 

Business Administration is another key value add for students interested in leadership in their field. Adding a minor in Business Administration and a class in project management to an engineering major to opens up doors within the industry. Indeed.com lists higher earning potential, wider job opportunities, and greater visibility in both fields as some of the benefits of adding business as a secondary program or minor. 

Computer Science (Computer Engineering) 

Computer Engineering is a growing field of interest for Computer Science and Engineering students alike. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a faster than average employment growth projection that will only continue over time. Adding a minor in Computer Science provides a strong foundation for employment in the computer engineering industry. Include the elective course in Embedded Systems Design will prepare students even further for IoT, the Internet of Things. IoT is described as the “devices encompass[ing] everything from everyday household items to complex industrial tools.” TechTarget describes the growing need “to operate more efficiently, deliver enhanced customer service, improve decision-making and increase the value of the business.” 

Humanitarian Engineering 

Students interested in humanitarian efforts could consider a minor in Radio Production, Ministry or Intercultural Studies. With Radio Production, students will be prepared to partner with organizations like FEBC and TWR to spread the gospel across the globe with radio access and development in remote areas. By minoring in Ministry or Intercultural studies, students can work with organizations such as SonSet Solutions and eMi to provide technology advancement across the world, widening the opportunities for communities across the globe. FEBC states, “Jesus commissioned all Christian believers to devote themselves to the same mission until he returns: sharing the Good News and making new disciples.” A career in the humanities provides a way to pursue this call in a significant way. 

Biomedical Engineering 

Students interested in pursuing a career in biomedical could consider adding a minor in Health Sciences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics list “employment growth as demand for biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, continues to increase.” This field will continue to expand as “increasing numbers of people will seek biomedical solutions to their health problems.” Dr. Jacobson, Chair for the Department of Engineering, states, the “Minnesota industry prefers mechanical and electrical engineering for medical device and catheter development and manufacturing.” A minor in health sciences extends your foundation in biology, physiology, biochemistry, and knowledge of health and wellness. 

Engineering continues to be a growing field with numerous opportunities to pursue specific areas of interest with unique career outlooks. UNW’s location in Minnesota and the Twin Cities provides unique opportunities to take advantage of local partnerships, entrepreneur success, and the biomedical and biotech industry saturation.  

Interested in pairing your Engineering Degree with a specific area of focus? Reach out to Admissions to find out more! 

UNW’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria.