Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in MD
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad 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 create structures that will serve 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 extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Maryland 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 application of chemical principles to design new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. For example telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the design and implementation of mechanical systems such as 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 you can find over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Maryland?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Maryland as an engineer, with no 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 help you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in MD. If you choose to go to a Maryland engineering school it may improve your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best Maryland Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you 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 top three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Additional 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 suited to your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in Maryland?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. If you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Maryland law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for acquiring your license are broken up into two test. The first 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
- 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 Maryland 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 large firm. Whatever the route you decide to take, increasingly, firms and customers are searching for people with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs require 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 calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
