Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in MT
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 make 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 very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Montana 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 usage of chemical principles to design new fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers 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. In total you can find over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Montana?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Montana as an engineer, with no doubt, receiving a 4-year degree from a certified college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or a Bachelor of engineering technology will allow you to pursue a professional career within the engineering field in MT. If you choose to go to a Montana engineering school it may improve your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best Montana 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 consider, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For many, 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 is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Do they provide continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the college offer you 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 Montana?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Montana law requires that you pass a number 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 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 test include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer. The exam is offered twice yearly in Montana 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 large firm. Regardless of 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 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.
