How to Choose the Best Engineering College in SD
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that engineering jobs will grow in South Dakota within the next decade. If you wish to become an engineer, one of the first big decisions you must make is which South Dakota engineering college you’ll attend. Make use of the guide below to discover what you should consider before choosing a college.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Engineering College in South Dakota
Cost – For most students the price of engineering college is a concern and can affect which SD colleges even get considered. But don’t just consider the sticker price per semester. Consider how much financial aid each South Dakota engineering college awards their students, how much you’re likely to make in your field normally right out of college, and the professional success of students who graduate from a certain school.
Getting a degree at a better engineering college might be well worth the extra upfront costs if it means you’ll make more in the workforce. Federal student loans are very affordable and are considered good debt because you’re making an investment in your future career.
Career counseling – Making the transition from college to a career isn’t simple. Though the job outlook is great for engineers, college career counseling and job placement services can help you find more job opportunities and land a job sooner. Also look for South Dakota engineering colleges which have internship programs that enable you to gain practical experience while still in school.
Degrees offered – Engineering is a field with many niches and specialties. In all, there are over 24 different engineering fields you can get a degree in. Some engineering colleges in SD offer a wide variety of engineering degrees and some are focused on just one or two.
What Degrees Can You Get in South Dakota Engineering Colleges?
As already stated, engineering is a field with a wide variety of specialties. Below are a few of the more popular types of engineering degrees.
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Students can receive a bachelors, masters or doctorate in engineering. The degree level you are wanting to receive will also affect which South Dakota engineering college will be the best fit.
Accredited Engineering Colleges in South Dakota
To ensure an engineering college is instructing you on the skills you will need to compete in the workforce look for South Dakota colleges that are accredited. This is particularly important if you are considering an engineering program at an online college.
ABET accredited engineering colleges promise to give their students high-quality education that suits professional standards. For more than 75 years, ABET has been providing accreditations for college programs in engineering, technology, applied science and computing. Some organizations, certification programs and state licensure boards actually require that applicants graduate from an ABET accredited college.
