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Engineering

Overview

About This Program

Minnesota North College features the most comprehensive two-year engineering program in the state. This nationally recognized program provides the first full two years of engineering coursework in an engaging, project-based learning environment. Students completing the program graduate with an A.S. Degree in Engineering and are prepared for a seamless transfer to their chosen university.

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At-a-Glance

Degrees & Credits

A.S. Degree (60 credits)

Campus
Itasca
Mesabi Range - Virginia

Program Video

Program Features

Real World Projects

Through Itasca’s Design Sequence students work with campus and community stakeholders to solve real-world problems.

Active Learning

Students in the engineering program participate in a variety of high quality project-based and problem-based learning experiences.

Living-Learning Community

Students at Itasca have the opportunity to live and learn in the same environment with other engineering students.

Quality Lab Resources

The Fabrication Labs are located in Wenger and Davies Halls. These labs support high-tech wood and metal working equipment for prototyping and finished project needs. Lab management and student work study positions help to foster safety and successful project completion in the labs.

Lab Equipment: 3D rapid prototyping machines, Laser cutter & etching machine, Vinyl cutter, 3D scanner, Sewing machines, CNC machines, Wood-working equipment, Metal-working equipment, Welding and plasma cutter equipment.

Professionalism

Students learn to become high-quality college students and professionals through the Engineering Design Sequence.

Students will develop time-management, teamwork, and communication skills. They will begin to navigate their career pathway, emphasizing the ethical responsibility and obligation as an engineer. Students will enhance their professional expertise by developing resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills through a series of seminars, activities, and feedback from industry professionals.

Key Professional Development Events: Ethics Conference & Formal Dinner, Mock Interviews with industry professionals, Career Fair Visits.

Meet the Faculty

Derek Fox

Engineering Faculty/Program Coordinator

218-322-2425

Crystal Smith, P.E.

Engineering Faculty/Program Coordinator

218-322-2408

Meet Our Alumni

Ann Kennedy

Graduated 2012

Transferred to University of North Dakota, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Employment

Currently Employed: Enbridge
Title: Rotational Engineer 

What is your career highlight or proudest career moment to date? 

I have spent the past three years moving departments and geographic location every year as part of a rotational engineering program. This opportunity has allowed me to see several areas of North America, create a continuously growing network, and build my engineering career. The summer of 2015 I was a part of a team that built a billion dollar energy project. To see a project like this come to fruition and know I played a role in its success is rewarding. 

Why did you choose this program to start your engineering education? What do you think is the best thing about the engineering program? 

I was looking to be a part of a program, and not simply a number in a lecture bowl. The Engineering program encourages collaboration not only in the classroom, but also provides numerous extracurricular activities to participate in. These opportunities laid the foundation for some of the best memories and lifelong friendships. 

How did the Engineering program help you shape your personal and professional goals? 

This program taught me the importance of taking initiative and control in my own life and career. 

In what ways did the program prepare you to be successful at your transfer school and in your career? 

The program provided me with the tools to learn how to learn. The faculty is one-of-a-kind; these people taught me the fundamentals of engineering while also instilling the importance of volunteer work, being a community member, steps towards becoming a professional, and learning how to stand on my own two feet. 

What advice would you give to a prospective Engineering students? 

The Engineering program is about helping engineering students find success in a friendly learning environment. This program is easy to fit into and allows you to quickly create a new home. 

What advice would you give to a current Engineering student? 

Participate in the Engineering program opportunities, and get out of your comfort zone. These years will go quickly and you won’t regret having participated in these events. 

Additional Comments: 

Advice to engineering students as they progress through their college years: Apply for internships and co-ops every summer and if you’re interested in seeing different places look for internships/co-ops in these locations; don’t be afraid to move away for a summer. 

 

Additional Information

Scholarships

Blandin Educational Grant

Students that graduated from one of the following schools (Grand Rapids, Greenway, Deer River, Hill City, Northland-Remer, Bigfork, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig, Northern Lights-Warba, Blackduck, Nashwauk-Keewatin, Northome, and home school graduates who lived in the school district of one of the high schools listed at the time of graduation) may apply for the Blandin Educational Grant. The application opens on October 1st.

Priority Deadline: March 1, 2022

Learn More

Transferability

Minnesota North College maintains strong partnerships and transfer agreements with the following universities: 

  • Minnesota State University, Mankato (Iron Range Engineering) 
  • Bemidji State University 
  • St. Cloud State University 
  • Michigan Technological University 
  • University of Minnesota, Duluth 
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 
  • North Dakota State University 
  • University of North Dakota 
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison 
  • University of Wisconsin, Platteville 
  • University of Wisconsin, Stout 

Engineering is a very specific degree where requirements can be different depending on the institution you are transferring to, and the discipline of engineering you are pursuing (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, etc). 

Minnesota North College does two specific things to help ensure the highest rate of transfer into your specific engineering major: 

  1. Engineering program coordinators and advisors meet on a yearly basis with our transfer institutions to review curriculum transfer and specific courses.
  2. Engineering students are assigned to a specific advisor, who specializes in engineering curriculum transfer. Engineering students are required to meet one-on-one with the engineering advisor to register for each upcoming semester. This helps to ensure that students are picking the right courses at the right times for a smooth transfer.