Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in CO
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad range of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and make structures that 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 very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Colorado 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 fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the design 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. As a whole you can find over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Colorado?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Colorado being an engineer, with no 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 help you to pursue a professional career within the engineering field in CO. If you choose to go to a Colorado engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Colorado Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you personally could 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 many, the three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Additional factors to think about are:
- Is the engineering school ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited?
- What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Do they provide continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the school 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 Colorado?
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 Colorado law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for acquiring your license are broken up into two test. The initial one is the basic principles of engineering exam. The 180 question test covers:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Probability and stats
- 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 is the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By comparison, the PE exam is dependent 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 offered twice a year in Colorado through 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 require a bit more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs. Getting a Master’s degree is a touch less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
