Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in HI
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad array of disciplines but all are based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and make structures that will serve to enhance the lives of the public. The 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 Hawaii 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. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. For example telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Deals with the planning and implementation of mechanical systems for example 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. As a whole there are actually over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Hawaii?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Hawaii 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 allow you to pursue a professional career within the engineering field in HI. If you choose to go to a Hawaii engineering school it may improve your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best Hawaii Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the 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 can satisfy your needs. For most, the top three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Other factors to think about 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 college 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 Hawaii?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. If you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Hawaii law mandates that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are split up into two test. The first 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
- Magnaitism and electricity
- Thermodynamics
The second test in 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 test include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The test is offered twice a year in Hawaii by 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. Whatever 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 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 calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
