Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Iron Range Engineering Upper Division and the Bell Program?

The IRE Upper Division students complete 2 years of course work on site in Virginia, MN where students work on industry projects for local companies while completing their technical work. The Bell Program is geared more towards students coming from across the country and has a one semester intensive portion then 2 years of co-op or internship work, again while completing technical work.

How do students complete exams at IRE?

Exams in our curriculum are done verbally. Students explain their answers to questions and learn to communicate complex technical information.

How is this degree different than other engineering degrees?

 The Bachelors of Science in Engineering degree prepares student engineers for the integrated world they will enter. Our graduates earn focus areas in many traditional fields like mechanical or electrical engineering. They have successfully found work across all domains of engineering.

How do students acquire co-ops?

Our program does not secure the co-op for the student as we want to teach the student how to develop relationships with companies and earn positions. The faculty work one on one with the student as they go through this process.

How is coursework done during co-ops?

Our coursework comes in three areas: design, professionalism, and technical.  Design and professionalism credit comes from the day to day work in the co-op. Students document their learning in these areas through learning journals and written papers.  Technical learning is done remotely with IRE professors.

Will this degree be accepted for a Master’s program at any university?

Our graduates have had much success in getting accepted into graduate programs nationwide. 

How early does each student need to choose a career field?

 Students at IRE usually choose their focus area by the end of their second semester in the program.

What specific career fields are available?

 The sky is really the limit for career fields with our B.S.E. degree. The major for the degree is “integrated engineering”. We have had students focus in most traditional fields of engineering as well as design their own field to fit their interest areas.

Would a student be able to attend any university for their Junior level courses, and then transfer to our program for their senior year?

 No. A student attending the upper division IRE program would need to complete both their Junior and Senior year with us. Some courses taken at your previous university may count towards ours however. Contact us to learn more.

Can international students apply/attend? ​

We have applied for the status that allows us to host international students, but unfortunately at this time we cannot accept international students.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement to be accepted into this program? ​

Yes. A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required in math and engineering prerequisites.

Does each co-op performance affect overall GPA?

 Yes! Grades are earned each semester for professionalism and design.

How are assessments for technical knowledge done?

 Verbal exams for each course are done with professors.