Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in VA
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a broad range of disciplines but all are based on constructing things according to mathematical and scientific principles. The aim of engineering is to design and create structures that will help 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 very analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Virginia 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 application of chemical principles to design new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Concentrates on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the planning 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 there are over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Enroll in Engineering School in Virginia?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Virginia as an engineer, with out a 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 allow you to pursue a successful career within the engineering field in VA. If you choose to go to a Virginia engineering school it may improve your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Virginia Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the best school and degree program for you can be a daunting and difficult task. There are numerous variables to take into consideration, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that can satisfy your needs. For most, the top three contributing factors are tuition costs, location and reputation. Additional factors to consider 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 suited to your particular area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any kind of job placement help or services in Virginia?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. If you ultimately want to offer your services as an engineer Virginia law requires that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for acquiring 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
- Magnaitism and electricity
- Thermodynamics
The second test within 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 for a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice a year in Virginia by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES.)
As an engineer you may work as a self-employed contract for hire, or work at a large firm. Regardless of 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. Getting a Master’s degree is a little less intense and only requires a 2 year, full-time program.
