Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in MN
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide variety of disciplines but all are based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and create structures which will help to improve the lives of the public. The 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 Minnesota 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 create new fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the planning and implementation of mechanical systems for example weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other popular 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 Go to Engineering School in Minnesota?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Minnesota 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 help you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in MN. If you choose to go to a Minnesota engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Minnesota Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you can be a daunting and difficult task. There are many variables to take into consideration, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that can satisfy your needs. For many, 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's 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 unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Minnesota?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. If you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Minnesota 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 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
- 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 would depend 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 Minnesota 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. Regardless of the route you decide to take, increasingly, firms and clients are searching 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 touch less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
