Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in AK
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide array of disciplines but all are based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The aim of engineering is to design and make structures which will help to enhance the lives of the public. The very best engineer candidates possess several key characteristics:
- Strong proficiency in science and math
- Good communicators and team players
- Detail oriented and extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Alaska 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 fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the design 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 there are over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Alaska?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Alaska being an engineer, with out a doubt, receiving a 4-year degree from an accredited college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or a Bachelor of engineering technology will help you to pursue a professional career within the engineering field in AK. If you choose to go to a Alaska engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best Alaska Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you can be a daunting and difficult task. There are numerous variables to consider, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For many, the top three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Other factors to consider 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 school offer you internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suited to your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Alaska?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Alaska law mandates that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are split 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
- Magnaitism and electricity
- Thermodynamics
The second test within the series of exams is the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By contrast, the PE exam is dependent on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites for taking the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The test is given twice yearly in Alaska by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES.)
As an engineer you may work as a self-employed contract for hire, or work at a sizable firm. Regardless of the route you decide to take, increasingly, firms and customers are looking for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of a a good deal more schooling and are usually either 5 or 7-year programs. Getting a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
