Types of Engineering Degree Programs in RI
Engineering is a very broad field of study. In fact, there are more than two dozen fields of engineering that you'll be able to choose as your concentration in Rhode Island engineering schools. Examples of these are:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
It usually takes 3-5 years to earn a bachelors degree in engineering. There is a number of designators for an engineering degree based upon where you earn it in Rhode Island. An engineering degree is often referred to as 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 Ph.D in engineering. You can also get 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 Rhode Island with an Engineering Degree
Like other science and math professionals, engineers are sought after in Rhode Island. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that employment for engineers is expected to grow, but some areas of expertise will grow more quickly 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 job opportunities.
Interested in how much an engineering degre in Rhode Island will earn you? The wages for engineers varies greatly which is not unusual since there are so many different fields within engineering. Years of experience and location in Rhode Island will also affect the average income of an engineer. Engineers can expect to earn between $45,000 - $90,000 per year in salary alone. If you consider bonuses, benefits and profit sharing then that annual income goes up significantly.
Getting an engineering degree in RI opens up the doors for new graduates. Overall, more than 40 percent of engineers have 4 or less years of experience. Students who acquire an engineering degree in Rhode Island also enjoy a starting salary which is higher than most.
Choosing the Best Engineering Degree Programs in Rhode Island
Nowadays, students have more options for getting an engineering degree than in the past. You can elect to enroll at a traditional university or college, or you can select an online engineering degree program in Rhode Island. Regardless of which kind of school you select, ensure that the organization is accredited and that the engineering degree program is also accredited in Rhode Island.
Other things to keep in mind are cost, the engineering degree program schedule and if the school has resources to enable you to find a job and maximize of your new engineering degree. This last point is particularly essential in today's tighter job market.
