What is an engineer?
Engineering is the art of applying scientific and mathematical principles, experience, judgment, and common sense to make things that benefit people. Engineers design bridges and important medical equipment as well as processes for cleaning up toxic spills and systems for mass transit. Engineering is the process of producing a technical product or system to meet a specific need. Read on to learn how to become an engineer.
What do engineers do?
The five largest engineering areas are: chemical engineering, civil engineering,electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering. There are also more specialized engineering fields, including aerospace engineering, oceanic engineering, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, andenvironmental engineering.
What qualities do successful engineers have?
- Strong in mathematics and science
- Highly analytical and detail oriented
- Imaginative and creative
- Good communication skills
- Enjoy working in teams
- Enjoy building or improving the way things work
What are some engineering graduate school prerequisites?
All schools differ, but you'll most likely need to have completed classes in calculus, chemistry, communication, computer programming, engineering, problem solving, English, and physics.
How do I choose between earning a master's or doctorate engineering degree?
This depends on your career goals and what area of engineering you'd like to practice. Doctoral programs require five-to-seven years of graduate study, whilemaster's degree programs in engineering requires only two years of full-time graduate study. PhD programs are generally designed for people primarily interested in research and education in the engineering field. Master’s programs are designed to expand and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired as an undergraduate.
Do I need to be licensed as an engineer?
All states require licensure for engineers who offer their services directly to the public. Engineers who are licensed are called Professional Engineers (PE). Civil, mechanical structural, industrial and environmental engineers are most likely to seek licensure because they often work for government agencies. Computer engineers are least likely to seek licensure.
Although licensure laws vary, most boards require four steps:
Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination
Complete at least four years of engineering experience
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination
How do I get started with my engineering career?
First, find schools with programs that interest you. Then, request info from the departments to get started on your new career.
