Students looking for four-year programs can either start at or transfer to the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology. The school's chemical engineering program rates No. 1 in the nation, while other disciplines, such as mechanical, aerospace and electrical engineering, are also highly regarded. Other higher education programs in engineering in the Minneapolis metro area include two-year degree offerings at community colleges such as Century College, Anoka Ramsey, Normandale, and North Hennepin.

In a recent survey of U.S. cities by CityRating.com, the seven-county Minneapolis metro area employed the fifth largest number of mechanical engineers, with nearly 5,000 already established and projected job growth of nearly 12 percent over the next decade. The Twin Cities region, in which three out of every four Minnesotans work, also has a need for civil, chemical, environmental and industrial engineers.