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Did you know that engineering is among the most popular undergraduate degrees? In 2021-2022, there were 123,000 engineering degrees awarded across the US (NCES).

Engineering’s popularity as a profession is due to its high salaries, among other reasons. The median wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $97,310 (BLS, May 2024).


But the engineering job market is among the most competitive, too. If you want to stand out, you should consider earning online engineering certifications. You must do it while you’re still in college, too, because it shows initiative and commitment.

Certifications also allow students to enhance their practical skills and boost their employability. You’ll also gain exposure to real-world applications.

Plus, you can earn them through online programs and platforms. You’ll appreciate their quality, flexibility, and affordability. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the top certifications for engineering students. These include Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), AutoCAD, and MATLAB, among others.

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Why Pursue Certifications as an Undergraduate?

Earning engineering certifications for undergraduates isn’t for every student. Meeting the rigorous academic requirements in an engineering program is already a struggle. Why add more stress to your college life by earning one or two certifications?

If you can look beyond the challenge and see these rewards, you’ll be more inspired to do so.

  • Early certifications help students gain industry-relevant skills.
  • Makes students more competitive for internships and entry-level jobs.
  • Online programs allow for flexible study schedules that fit around college life.
  • Adds credibility and value to academic coursework.

Indeed, you can earn online certifications for college students at your own pace.

What to Look for in an Online Engineering Certification

Quality is more crucial than quantity when it comes to engineering certifications. You must choose certifications based on your unique interests, budget, and goals.

Be sure to consider these factors, too, when making your choice:

Accreditation or recognition by industry or academic institutions.

The best engineering certification programs for students deliver quality instruction for this reason.

Hands-on or project-based content

Look for programs that include real-world labs, projects, and/or simulations.

Flexibility in scheduling and pacing

The best programs offering flexible engineering certifications accommodate the schedules of busy students.

Cost-effectiveness and student discounts

Affordability is a must, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Look for free and low-cost programs, financial aid, and student discounts.

Availability of certificates or digital badges

Check that, indeed, you’ll have tangible proof of your training.

Top Online Engineering Certifications for Undergraduates

When choosing from these online engineering certifications, consider your interests and goals first. You don’t have to earn every single one, but it’s important to earn at least one.

Remember that certifications validate your engineering knowledge and skills. This matters in the engineering field where verified knowledge and skills are a must.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam Prep (NCEES)

The FE certification is a must-have among entry-level engineering certifications. Why? It’s the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.

Note that the FE exam itself isn’t one of the online engineering certifications per se. You can register, schedule, and prepare for it online. You’ll find many online prep courses available at School of PE, Udemy, and Coursera.

But you must take the computer-based exam in person at an  NCEES-approved test center.

Juniors and seniors in ABET-accredited engineering programs are well-advised to take it.

AutoCAD Certification (Autodesk)

This is among the best online certifications for engineering students for many reasons.

  • Offered fully online through Autodesk or its certified partners. You’ll have access to its learning materials, practice exercises, and certification exam.
  • Enables students in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering programs to build technical skills. You’ll find it valuable in design, modeling, and technical drawings.

There’s a high demand for strong CAD skills in many engineering branches. So, earning an AutoCAD certification is a smart investment.

MATLAB Certification (MathWorks)

MathWorks offers valuable online certifications for college students, too. MATLAB certifications feature self-paced online training with assessments.

If you’re in an electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering program, consider it. You’ll develop programming and data modelling skills.

Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA)

If you’re a mechanical or design engineering student, consider becoming a CSWA. Earning the CSWA credential validates your 3d CAD skills using SOLIDWORKS.

This is a leading design software used in a wide range of industries. The manufacturing and product design industries use it for their processes. These include the design of robots, consumer products, and automotives, among others.

Online prep courses are available through LinkedIn Learning and Coursera. Students learn about 3D modelling, assembly, and design validation.

Project Management Essentials (Coursera, edX, PMI CAPM)

Do you want to manage engineering projects in the future? If yes, get started with the Project Management Essentials course. You’ll gain strong foundational knowledge in managing projects, especially in engineering worksites. 

It’s offered fully online at Coursera and edX, among others. Plus, you can prepare for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential.

This is an entry-level project management certification issued by the PMI. Individuals with little to no project management experience can apply for it.

Python for Engineers (edX, Coursera, Udacity)

If you’re looking for engineering courses with certificates online, this is it. The Python for Engineers program is available at edX, Coursera, and Udacity.

These short online courses teach Python with an engineering focus. Note that programming knowledge is crucial for most engineering fields.

So, completing the course means boosting your programming skills. You’ll find these skills valuable in data analysis, automation, and simulations.

Students receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Engineering Ethics & Safety Certifications (NSPE, Coursera)

These online modules cover vital engineering topics, including:

  • Workplace safety
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Environmental responsibility

Professional organizations and online platforms offer them. NSPE and Coursera are prime providers.

If you’re planning a career in construction, energy, or transportation, consider them, too. But we also recommend them to every engineering student. After all, ethics and safety are a must in every engineering project. 

Best Online Learning Platforms for Engineering Certifications

In the post-COVID era, online learning for engineering students isn’t new. So, earning engineering certifications through online platforms should be a familiar experience.

But familiar doesn’t mean easy either. Remember that engineering certification programs are as rigorous as undergraduate engineering programs.

Coursera

You’ll find an extensive array of engineering certification programs for students here. Many of its partner institutions are among the most prestigious in the world, too. Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and Duke University are a few of them.

Coursera offers dedicated programs in, among others:

  • Electrical engineering specializations
  • FE exam preparation
  • Programming
  • CAD tools

Its university-led engineering courses also come with verified certificates.

edX

Founded by Harvard University and MIT, it’s no wonder that edX is a popular platform. Today, edX has strong partnerships with prestigious universities, too. MIT, Harvard, and Georgia Tech top the list.

You’ll find an extensive array of high-quality engineering and STEM certification programs. Examples include:

  • Professional Certificate in Energy Engineering
  • MicroMasters in Principles of Manufacturing
  • Professional Certificate in Solar Energy Engineering

Udemy

If you’re looking for affordable, practical skill-building certifications, check out Udemy. Choose from AutoCAD, MATLAB, and Python, among others. You’ll gain lifetime access with a one-time payment, too.

Most courses are project-based, meaning you can apply what you learn immediately.

LinkedIn Learning

Certifications in technical software, leadership, and project management are available here. Once you complete a certification, it will automatically appear on your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn Learning is a great platform to develop both hard and soft skills, too.

Tips for Succeeding with Online Certifications as a Student

Again, earning online certifications for college students isn’t easy. You must juggle your academic obligations with your training commitments. Fortunately, you can succeed at both by keeping these tips in mind.

  • Set a realistic study schedule to balance coursework and certification learning. Choose programs that offer flexible engineering certifications.
  • Use student discounts when available. You’ll spend less on your training and certification.
  • Join study groups or online forums for peer support. You’ll gain industry insights, too.
  • Add certifications to your résumé and LinkedIn profile. You must leverage your certifications early on.

How Employers View Online Certifications

Employers view the best online certifications for engineering students favorably. Indeed, employers agree that certifications: 

  • Demonstrate initiative and ability to learn independently
  • Show technical proficiency beyond classroom knowledge

Engineering certifications for undergraduates are also useful for internships, co-ops, and first jobs. If you can leverage them, these can lead to higher starting salaries. You’ll even enjoy better job prospects, too.

Conclusion

Pursuing online certifications for engineering students isn’t mandatory. But it’s strongly recommended if you want to gain a competitive edge. Think of it as a smart investment that will pay off sooner than you think.

But don’t just earn online engineering certifications willy-nilly either. You must choose them based on your interests and career goals. Even one or two certifications – if chosen wisely – can provide a major career boost.

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