How to Choose the Best Engineering College in WV
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that engineering jobs will grow in West Virginia over the next decade. In order to become an engineer, one of the first big decisions you must make is which West Virginia engineering college you’ll attend. Use the guide below to discover what you should consider before choosing a college.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Engineering College in West Virginia
Cost – For most students the cost of engineering college is a concern and can affect which WV colleges even get considered. But don’t just think about the sticker price per semester. Consider how much financial aid each West Virginia engineering college awards their students, how much you’re likely to make in your field typically right out of college, and the professional success of students who graduate from a certain school.
Getting an education 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 quite 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 good for engineers, college career counseling and job placement services will allow you to find more job opportunities and land a job sooner. Also look for West Virginia engineering colleges which have internship programs where one can gain at work experience while still in school.
Degrees offered – Engineering is a field with many niches and specialties. In total, there are over 24 different engineering fields you can obtain a degree in. Some engineering colleges in WV offer a wide array of engineering degrees and some are focused on only a few.
What Degrees Can You Get in West Virginia Engineering Colleges?
As mentioned above, engineering is a field with a wide variety of specialties. Below are some of the more popular types of engineering degrees.
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Students can obtain a bachelors, masters or doctorate in engineering. The degree level you are looking to receive will also affect which West Virginia engineering college will be the best fit.
Accredited Engineering Colleges in West Virginia
To ensure an engineering college is instructing you on the skills you will have to compete in the workforce look for West Virginia colleges that are accredited. This is especially important if you're 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 demand that applicants graduate from an ABET accredited college.
