Engineering Schools in Missouri

Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in MO

What is an engineer?  Engineering covers a wide variety of disciplines but all are based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles.  The aim 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 Missouri Engineering School Programs May Specialize In

Civil engineering.  Concerns itself with the design and expansion of buildings, roads, bridges along with other infrastructures.

Chemical Engineering.  Employing the application of chemical principles to create new fuels and materials.

Electrical engineering.  Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems.  For example telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.

Mechanical engineering.  Deals with the planning 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 Missouri?

If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Missouri being 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 allow you to pursue a successful career in the engineering field in MO. If you choose to go to a Missouri engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects. 

How Do I Choose the Right Missouri Engineering School for Me?

Choosing the best school and degree program for you personally could be a daunting and difficult task.  There are many variables to consider, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that can 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's the student-to-teacher ratio?
  • Do they provide continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
  • Will the college provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
  • Is the curriculum suited to your particular area of interest?
  • Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in Missouri?

After Engineering School

Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license.  If you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Missouri 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 first 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
  • Magnaitism and electricity
  • Thermodynamics

The second test within the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering  test.  By comparison, the PE exam is dependent on your discipline of engineering.  Pre-requisites to take test include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer.  The test is offered twice yearly in Missouri 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 sizable firm.  Whatever 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 a good deal more schooling and are usually either 5 or 7-year programs.  Getting a Master’s degree is a touch less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.