Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in SC
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad array 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 which will help to enhance the lives of the public. The 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 South Carolina Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and expansion of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the usage of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the design and implementation of mechanical systems for example weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other well-known areas of interest include:
- Environmental engineering
- Nuclear engineering.
- Biomedical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- General engineering
By no means, however, is this list exhaustive. In total you can find over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in South Carolina?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in South Carolina being 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 in the engineering field in SC. If you choose to go to a South Carolina engineering school it may increase your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best South Carolina Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you 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 most, the three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Additional factors to think about 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 school provide you with internship and foreign study opportunities?
- Is the curriculum suitable for your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina law mandates that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are broken 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 in 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 the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice a year in South Carolina 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 sizable firm. Whatever the route you choose to take, increasingly, firms and clients are looking for people 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. Getting a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only calls for a 2 year, full-time program.
