Engineering Schools in Maine

Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in ME

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 aim of engineering is to design and create structures that 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 extremely analytical
  • Inventive and creative

Areas that Maine 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 application of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.

Electrical engineering.  Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems.  This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.

Mechanical engineering.  Relates 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.  In total there are over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.

Why Go to Engineering School in Maine?

If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Maine as an engineer, with no 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 ME. If you choose to go to a Maine engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects. 

How Do I Choose the Best Maine 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 take into consideration, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs.  For many, 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 college provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
  • Is the curriculum suitable for your particular area of interest?
  • Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in Maine?

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 Maine law mandates that you pass a number 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
  • Stats and probability
  • 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 will be 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 exam is offered twice a year in Maine 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 a good deal more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs.  Acquiring a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.