Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in KY
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 make structures which 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 extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Kentucky 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 use of chemical principles to design new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. For example telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the design 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. As a whole there are actually over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Kentucky?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Kentucky as 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 a Bachelor of engineering technology will help you to pursue a professional career within the engineering field in KY. If you choose to go to a Kentucky engineering school it may improve your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Kentucky Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you personally can be a daunting and difficult task. There are many variables to consider, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that can 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 is 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 particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Kentucky?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Kentucky 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 first 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
- Magnaitism and electricity
- 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 the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The test is given twice a year in Kentucky 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 clients are looking 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. Getting a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
