Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in IA
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide array of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The aim of engineering is to design and make structures that 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 very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Iowa Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and expansion of buildings, roads, bridges along with other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the usage of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes 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. Altogether there are actually over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Iowa?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Iowa as an engineer, with no doubt, obtaining 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 successful career within the engineering field in IA. If you choose to go to a Iowa engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Iowa 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 can satisfy your needs. For many, 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 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary for getting 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
- Stats and probability
- 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 the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The test is offered twice yearly in Iowa 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 sizable firm. Regardless of the route you decide to take, increasingly, firms and customers are searching for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of 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.
