Engineering Schools in Kansas

Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in KS

What is an engineer?  Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles.  The goal of engineering is to design and make structures that will help to enhance the lives of the public.  The very best engineer candidates possess several key characteristics:

  • Strong proficiency in science and math
  • Good communicators and team players
  • Detail oriented and very analytical
  • Inventive and creative

Areas that Kansas 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.  Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, 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.  Altogether you can find over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.

Why Enroll in Engineering School in Kansas?

If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Kansas 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 successful career within the engineering field in KS. If you choose to go to a Kansas engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects. 

How Do I Choose the Right Kansas Engineering School for Me?

Choosing the 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 will satisfy your needs.  For most, the three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation.  Other factors to consider 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 offer you internship and foreign study opportunities?
  • Is the curriculum suitable for your unique area of interest?
  • Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in Kansas?

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 Kansas law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.

The engineering exams necessary 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
  • 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 for a licensed engineer.  The test is offered twice yearly in Kansas through 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 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.  Acquiring a Master’s degree is a touch less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.