30+ Accredited Engineering Programs at 6 Schools in Iowa

With 6 ABET accredited colleges offering degrees in engineering, Iowa offers roughly 25 different types of engineering programs in the field.

Of the colleges offering programs in engineering, Iowa State University boasts the most extensive list of engineering programs in the United States, making Iowa among the top in the nation for engineering colleges. Prospective students can choose an engineering program in anything ranging from Aerospace Engineering to Software Engineering. Iowa State University offers a total of 12 different undergraduate engineering programs and eight different graduate level programs.

Accredited Engineering Schools in Iowa

Iowa State University also offers concurrent engineering undergraduate and graduate degrees, engineering certificates, and for engineering students looking to add a diverse mix of engineering courses to their college experience-five options for an minor in either biomedical engineering, energy systems, engineering sales, nuclear engineering, and a minor in nondestructive evaluation (NDE).

Second to Iowa State University in terms of program offerings is the University of Iowa, offering a total of six different undergraduate programs and a handful of graduate level programs. One can obtain a four-year degree in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering at this university. With its central location in the state, the University of Iowa may be perfect for students commuting from anywhere in the state. This university also boasts a population of women engineering students higher than the national average.

Dordt College is located in North West area of the state while Iowa State University in located centrally in the state. St. Ambrose University and the University of Iowa are both located on the East side of the state, although still roughly an hour away from each other. This gives Eastern Iowa the highest concentration of engineering programs.

Smaller School Options for an Engineering Degree in Iowa

St. Ambrose University is the only university in the Quad City Metropolitan area of Iowa that offers Bachelors of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and a dual degree in both areas.

If one is seeking a smaller scale college experience, Dordt College may be ideal. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa with a population of roughly 7,000 people – this college is home to around 1,400 students with diverse backgrounds.

The college offers accredited 4-year degrees in civil, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, and chemical engineering as well as non-accredited degrees in engineering that offer more flexibility to students. Dordt College is a private school with affiliation to the Christian Reformed Church. That being said, those interested in a Christian-centered education would be best suited at this college.

Options for Online Engineering Degrees from Iowa Universities

For students interested in obtaining a masters degree in engineering online, Iowa State University offers a 100% online masters program in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering departments.

Top Engineering Employers in Iowa

Two of the top companies using engineers in Iowa are Rockwell Collins, Inc. and Allender Butzke Engineering, Inc.

Rockwell Collins, Inc. is an international company that manufactures avionics, information technology systems and aircraft equipment to aircraft manufacturers and government agencies. Approximately 7,200 people are employed at Rockwell, with many at their headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Much of their production is done through the use of electrical, software and systems engineers. Rockwell also sell communications and navigations systems, flight controls, simulation equipment, and precision targeting and weapons.

Allender Butzke Engineering, Inc is a civil engineering firm that provides geotechnical engineering solutions, construction quality control services, and environmental site assessments. Some of their services include field exploration, drilling, laboratory testing and analysis, steel erection and inspections. This company has about 40 employees and utilizes the services of civil, geotechnical and construction engineers.