Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in NM
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad range of disciplines but all are based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and make structures that 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 Mexico 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 application of chemical principles to design new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Deals with the design and implementation of mechanical systems such as 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. In total there are over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in New Mexico?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in New Mexico as an engineer, with out a doubt, obtaining 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 NM. If you choose to go to a New Mexico engineering school it may improve your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right New Mexico 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 many, 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'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 suitable for your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico law requires that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary for acquiring your license are split up into two test. The initial one 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 in 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 to take the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice a year in New Mexico 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 decide to take, increasingly, firms and customers are searching for people with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of a bit more schooling and are usually either 5 or 7-year programs. Acquiring a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
