Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in LA
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad array of disciplines but all are 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 Louisiana 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. 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 Louisiana?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Louisiana being an engineer, with out a doubt, obtaining a 4-year degree from an accredited college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or a Bachelor of engineering technology will allow you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in LA. If you choose to go to a Louisiana engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Louisiana 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 can 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 is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Do they offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the school provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suited to your particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Louisiana?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. If you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Louisiana law mandates that you pass a number 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
- 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 is the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By comparison, 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 exam is given twice a year in Louisiana 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 looking for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs require a bit more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
