Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in IL
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad range of disciplines but all are based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and create 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 very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Illinois 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 use of chemical principles to design new fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the planning and implementation of mechanical systems such as 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 over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Illinois?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Illinois being an engineer, with out a 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 help you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in IL. If you choose to go to a Illinois engineering school it may improve your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Illinois 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 take into consideration, 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. Additional 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 offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the school offer you internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suitable for your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Illinois?
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 Illinois law mandates that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary for acquiring your license are split up into two test. The initial one is the fundamentals 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 contrast, the PE exam is dependent 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 offered twice yearly in Illinois 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 large firm. Whatever 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 a good deal more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a touch less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
