Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in SD
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide range 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 that will help to enhance the lives of the public. The very 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 South Dakota 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 design 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 planning 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 you can find over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in South Dakota?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in South Dakota being an engineer, with no doubt, receiving a 4-year degree from a certified college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or perhaps a Bachelor of engineering technology will help you to pursue a successful career in the engineering field in SD. If you choose to go to a South Dakota engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best South Dakota Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you personally can be a daunting and difficult task. There are numerous variables to consider, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that will 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's 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 particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota 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 first 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
- Electricity and magnetism
- Thermodynamics
The second test within the series of exams will be the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. By contrast, the PE exam would depend 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 Dakota 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. Regardless of the route you choose to take, increasingly, firms and customers are looking for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs consist of a bit more schooling and tend to be 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.
