Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in RI
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad variety of disciplines but all are based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The aim of engineering is to design and make structures that 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 Rhode Island 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 materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the planning and implementation of mechanical systems such as 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. As a whole there are over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Rhode Island?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Rhode Island as an engineer, with no doubt, obtaining 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 professional career within the engineering field in RI. If you choose to go to a Rhode Island engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Rhode Island Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you can 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 top 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 offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the college provide you with 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 Rhode Island?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. If you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Rhode Island law requires that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are broken up into two test. The initial one is the basic principles 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
- Electricity and magnetism
- Thermodynamics
The second test in the series of exams is the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By comparison, the PE exam would depend 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 offered twice a year in Rhode Island by 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 people 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 touch less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
