Types of Engineering Degree Programs in AL
Engineering is a very broad area of study. In fact, there are more than two dozen fields of engineering that you can choose as your concentration in Alabama engineering schools. Examples of these are:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
It typically takes 3-5 years to earn a bachelors degree in engineering. There are numerous designators for an engineering degree depending on where you earn it in Alabama. An engineering degree can be called a Bachelor of Engineering Science, Bachelor of Science Engineering, Bachelor of Applied Science, or Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
After earning a bachelors degree, you can also work towards a masters or even a doctorate in engineering. You can also get various certifications once you've earned your engineering degree. Common certifications include; Certified Professional Engineer (CPE), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Engineer in Training (EiT), and Professional Engineer License (P.Eng.).
Employment in Alabama with an Engineering Degree
Like other science and math professionals, engineers are sought after in Alabama. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that employment for engineers is expected to increase, but some specialties will grow more rapidly than others. In 2008, there were 1.8 million engineering jobs with civil engineering, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering leading the list of specialties with the most jobs.
Curious about how much an engineering degre in Alabama will get you? The pay scale for engineers varies greatly which isn't unusual since there are so many different fields within engineering. Years of experience and location in Alabama will also affect the standard salary of an engineer. Engineers can expect to earn somewhere between $45,000 - $90,000 per year in salary alone. If you consider bonuses, benefits and profit sharing then that annual salary goes up substantially.
Obtaining an engineering degree in AL opens up the doors for new grads. All round, more than 40% of engineers have 4 or less years of experience. Students who acquire an engineering degree in Alabama also enjoy a starting salary that is higher than most.
Choosing the Best Engineering Degree Programs in Alabama
Nowadays, students have more choices for getting an engineering degree than ever before. You can choose to enroll at a traditional college or university, or you can opt for an online engineering degree program in Alabama. Regardless of which type of school you choose, make certain that the organization is accredited and that the engineering degree program is also accredited in Alabama.
Other things to keep in mind are expense, the engineering degree program schedule and if the school has resources to enable you to find a job and take advantage of your new engineering degree. This last point is particularly important in today's tighter economy.
