Engineering Schools in Nebraska

Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in NE

What is an engineer?  Engineering covers a broad variety of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles.  The goal 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 extremely analytical
  • Inventive and creative

Areas that Nebraska 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 usage of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.

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

Mechanical engineering.  Relates to the planning and implementation of mechanical systems for example weapon systems and aerospace products.

Other common 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 over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.

Why Go to Engineering School in Nebraska?

If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Nebraska as an engineer, with out a 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 in the engineering field in NE. If you choose to go to a Nebraska engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects. 

How Do I Choose the Best Nebraska Engineering School for Me?

Choosing the very best school and degree program for you personally could 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 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 offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
  • Will the college offer you 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 Nebraska?

After Engineering School

Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license.  If you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Nebraska law mandates that you pass a number of engineering test.

The engineering exams required for getting 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 contrast, the PE exam is dependent on your discipline of engineering.  Pre-requisites for taking test include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer.  The exam is given twice a year in Nebraska 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 choose 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.  Getting a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.