Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in TX
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad variety of disciplines but all are based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles. The goal of engineering is to design and make 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 very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Texas 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. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Relates to the design and implementation of mechanical systems such as 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. As a whole there are actually over 20 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Texas?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Texas as an engineer, with out a 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 allow you to pursue a successful career in the engineering field in TX. If you choose to go to a Texas engineering school it may improve your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Texas Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you personally can be a daunting and difficult task. There are many variables to consider, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For most, the top 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 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 kind of job placement help or services in Texas?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. Should you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Texas law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for acquiring your license are broken up into two test. The first 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 is dependent on your discipline of engineering. Pre-requisites to take test include a degree and 4 years of experience working under a licensed engineer. The test is offered twice yearly in Texas 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 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.
