Engineering Schools in Oregon

Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in OR

What is an engineer?  Engineering covers a wide variety of disciplines but each one is based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles.  The goal of engineering is to design and create structures that will serve 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 Oregon 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.  Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems.  This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.

Mechanical engineering.  Relates to the design 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 Enroll in Engineering School in Oregon?

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

How Do I Choose the Right Oregon 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 take into consideration, 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 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 school provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
  • Is the curriculum suitable for your particular area of interest?
  • Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Oregon?

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 Oregon law mandates that you pass a series of engineering test.

The engineering exams necessary for getting 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
  • Probability and stats
  • 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 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 test include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer.  The test is given twice a year in Oregon 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.  Whatever the route you choose to take, increasingly, firms and customers are searching for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree.  Doctoral programs consist of a a good deal more schooling and tend to be either 5 or 7-year programs.  Acquiring a Master’s degree is a touch less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.