Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in FL
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad range of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things based upon 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 extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Florida Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and expansion of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the usage of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. For example 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 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 actually over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Florida?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Florida as an engineer, with no doubt, obtaining 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 FL. If you choose to go to a Florida engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Florida Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you personally can be a daunting and difficult task. There are many variables to take into consideration, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For most, the top 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 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 suited to your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Florida?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Florida law mandates that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting 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
- 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 would depend on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites for taking the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice yearly in Florida 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. Whatever the route you choose to take, increasingly, firms and customers are looking for people with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of a a good deal more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
