Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in ID
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide 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 which will help 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 extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Idaho Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and development of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the application of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the planning and implementation of mechanical systems for example weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other popular 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 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Idaho?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Idaho 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 perhaps a Bachelor of engineering technology will allow you to pursue a professional career within the engineering field in ID. If you choose to go to a Idaho engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Idaho 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 must choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For most, the 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 provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suited to your particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in Idaho?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Idaho law mandates that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary for getting your license are broken up into two test. The first 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
- Electricity and magnetism
- Thermodynamics
The second test within the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By contrast, the PE exam is dependent on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites to take test include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer. The test is given twice a year in Idaho by 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 clients are searching for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs require a bit more schooling and are usually either 5 or 7-year programs. Getting a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
