Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in AL
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines but all are based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and create structures that will help to enhance the lives of the public. The best engineer candidates possess several key characteristics:
- Strong proficiency in math and science
- Good communicators and team players
- Detail oriented and extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Alabama Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and expansion of buildings, roads, bridges along with other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the use of chemical principles to design new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the planning and implementation of mechanical systems for example weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other popular areas of interest include:
- Environmental engineering
- Nuclear engineering.
- Biomedical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- General engineering
By no means, however, is this list exhaustive. Altogether you can find over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Alabama?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Alabama being an engineer, with out a doubt, receiving a 4-year degree from a certified college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or a Bachelor of engineering technology will allow you to pursue a successful career within the engineering field in AL. If you choose to go to a Alabama engineering school it may improve your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best Alabama Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you could be a daunting and difficult task. There are many variables to consider, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that can satisfy your needs. For most, the top three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Other factors to think about are:
- Is the engineering school ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited?
- What's the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Do they offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the college offer you internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suited to your particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Alabama?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. If you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Alabama law mandates that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are broken up into two test. The initial one is the fundamentals of engineering exam. The 180 question test covers:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Stats and probability
- Ethics and business practice
- Economics
- Engineering and fluid mechanics
- Strength of materials
- Material properties
- Electricity and magnetism
- Thermodynamics
The second test within the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By contrast, the PE exam is dependent on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites to take test include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The exam is offered twice a year in Alabama by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES.)
As an engineer you might work as a self-employed contract for hire, or work at a sizable firm. Regardless of the route you choose to take, increasingly, firms and clients are searching for people with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of a bit more schooling and are usually either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
