Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in CA
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines but all are based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and make structures that will help to improve the lives of the public. The best engineer candidates possess several key characteristics:
- Strong proficiency in science and math
- Good communicators and team players
- Detail oriented and very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that California 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 application of chemical principles to design new fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. For example telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Deals with the planning and implementation of mechanical systems such as weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other well-known 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 Enroll in Engineering School in California?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in California as 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 perhaps a Bachelor of engineering technology will help you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in CA. If you choose to go to a California engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right California Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you could 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 three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Additional 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 provide continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the school 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 California?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer California law requires that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary for acquiring 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 in the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By comparison, the PE exam would depend 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 a year in California 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 large firm. Regardless of the route you choose to take, increasingly, firms and customers are searching for people with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs require a bit more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a touch less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
