Applied Engineering & Technical Management

At the University of Northern Iowa, we do engineering differently.

At UNI, we believe the best way to learn is by doing.

Instead of focusing on high-level math and theory courses, your classes will take place in our state-of-the-art labs, where you’ll work with the latest tools and equipment to put engineering principles into practice.

With small class sizes, you’ll work side-by-side with professors on real-world projects, gaining valuable experience that boosts your skillset, and sets you apart from the crowd.  

Students in an engineering lab
Students in an engineering lab
Close up of an electrical board

What is Applied Engineering?

Applied engineers are engineers

 

Applied Engineering is a perfect career path if you want to bring engineering concepts to life, rather than just theorizing about them. In this field, you'll merge engineering knowledge with practical, hands-on skills to solve technical challenges.

Our department offers a variety of engineering-related degrees, ranging from manufacturing to materials to mechanical to electrical to automation and more. Though different disciplines of engineering are tasked with solving different problems, one thing that unites all engineering professionals is a drive to make existing technology better.

Innovate. Create. Engineer.

Top 10 engineering jobs projected to have the most growth by 2026:

  • Civil engineers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Industrial engineers
  • Electrical engineers
  • Engineers (all other)
  • Electronics engineers
  • Petroleum engineers
  • Environmental engineers
  • Aerospace engineers
  • Computer hardware engineers
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
UNI student in engineering lab

Top 10 engineering jobs projected to have the most growth by 2026:

  • Civil engineers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Industrial engineers
  • Electrical engineers
  • Engineers (all other)
  • Electronics engineers
  • Petroleum engineers
  • Environmental engineers
  • Aerospace engineers
  • Computer hardware engineers
 
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
UNI student in engineering lab
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Growing field

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a large need for engineers and engineering-related professionals over the next 10 years due to job growth and replacing those leaving the workforce.

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Most affordable

four-year engineering-related programs in Iowa.

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84% higher earnings

The typical earnings for a bachelor’s degree holder is 84% higher than someone with only a high school diploma.

Welcome to the Applied Engineering Building

The new home of engineering on campus.

  • Complete renovation added 40,000 square feet of learning space – bringing expanded labs and increased opportunities for hands-on learning.
  • Includes an impressive 60,000 square-foot commercial foundry, leading the way in research and development for the manufacturing industry.
  • Featuring state-of-the-art labs and equipment, meaning you'll be trained in the latest and greatest tools of the trade.

Alumni Spotlight

Equipped with a network of meaningful relationships and in-demand skills, our graduates enter the workforce ready to tackle real-world challenges and excel in their field.

See where an engineering degree from UNI can take you.

Taite Gallagher
Taite Gallagher

2019 Manufacturing Engineering Technology Graduate

Tori Niemeyer
Tori Niemeyer

2022 Electrical Engineering Technology Graduate

Matthew Schmidt
Matthew Schmidt

2021 Manufacturing Engineering Technology Graduate