Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in AZ
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad array of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The aim of engineering is to design and create structures which will help to improve the lives of the public. The very best engineer candidates possess several key characteristics:
- Strong proficiency in math and science
- Good communicators and team players
- Detail oriented and very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Arizona Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and development of buildings, roads, bridges along with other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the use of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Deals with the planning and implementation of mechanical systems such as weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other common areas of interest include:
- Environmental engineering
- Nuclear engineering.
- Biomedical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- General engineering
By no means, however, is this list exhaustive. In total there are over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Arizona?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Arizona as an engineer, with no doubt, obtaining a 4-year degree from a certified college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or perhaps a Bachelor of engineering technology will allow you to pursue a successful career within the engineering field in AZ. If you choose to go to a Arizona engineering school it may improve your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Arizona Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you can be a daunting and difficult task. There are numerous variables to consider, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For most, the 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 college provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suitable for your particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Arizona?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Arizona law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary for acquiring 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
- Electricity and magnetism
- Thermodynamics
The second test in the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By contrast, the PE exam would depend on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites to take the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice yearly in Arizona through 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 choose to take, increasingly, firms and customers are searching for individuals 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.
