Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in NJ
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 create structures which will help 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 New Jersey 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 use of chemical principles to create new fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. For example telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the design 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. Altogether you can find over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in New Jersey?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in New Jersey 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 a Bachelor of engineering technology will help you to pursue a successful career within the engineering field in NJ. If you choose to go to a New Jersey engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best New Jersey Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you personally could be a daunting and difficult task. There are numerous variables to take into consideration, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For most, the top 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 is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Do they offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the school 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 New Jersey?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer New Jersey law mandates that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for acquiring your license are split 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
- Electricity and magnetism
- Thermodynamics
The second test within the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By comparison, the PE exam would depend on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites to take the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice a year in New Jersey through 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 choose to take, increasingly, firms and clients are searching for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of a a good deal more schooling and are usually either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
