Types of Engineering Degree Programs in IA
Engineering is a very broad discipline of study. Actually, there is more than 24 fields of engineering that you can choose as your focus in Iowa engineering schools. Examples of these include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
It usually takes 3-5 years to get a bachelors degree in engineering. There are numerous designators for an engineering degree depending on where you earn it in Iowa. 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, it's also possible to work towards a masters or even a doctorate in engineering. You may also receive different certifications once you've earned your engineering degree. Popular certifications include; Certified Professional Engineer (CPE), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Engineer in Training (EiT), and Professional Engineer License (P.Eng.).
Employment in Iowa with an Engineering Degree
Just like other science and math specialists, engineers are sought after in Iowa. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has confirmed that employment for engineers is expected to grow, but some areas of expertise will grow faster than others. In 2008, there were 1.8 million engineering jobs with civil engineering, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering at the top of the list of specialties with the most jobs.
Interested in how much an engineering degre in Iowa will get you? The pay scale for engineers varies greatly which is not surprising since there are so many different fields within engineering. Years of experience and location in Iowa will also affect the standard earnings of an engineer. Engineers can expect to make somewhere between $45,000 - $90,000 per year in salary alone. If you consider bonuses, benefits and profit sharing then that yearly income goes up substantially.
Obtaining an engineering degree in IA opens up the doors for recent graduates. In general, more than 40 percent of engineers have 4 or less years of experience. Students who acquire an engineering degree in Iowa also benefit from a starting salary that is higher than most.
Choosing the Best Engineering Degree Programs in Iowa
These days, students have more choices for getting an engineering degree than in the past. You can choose to enroll at a conventional college or university, or you can choose an online engineering degree program in Iowa. Regardless of which type of school you decide on, make certain that the organization is accredited and that the engineering degree program is also accredited in Iowa.
Other things to keep in mind are price, the engineering degree program schedule and whether or not the school has resources to enable you to find a job and make the most of your new engineering degree. This last point is especially important in today's tighter job market.
