Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in WA
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide variety 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 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 Washington 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 fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes 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 there are over 20 kinds of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in Washington?
If you aim to eventually secure a professional job in Washington being 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 help you to pursue a successful career in the engineering field in WA. If you choose to go to a Washington engineering school it may improve your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Best Washington 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 take into consideration, and ultimately you have to choose an institution that that can satisfy your needs. For most, 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 is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Do they offer continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the college offer you 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 Washington?
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 Washington law requires that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams necessary 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 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 for taking the exam include a degree and 4 years of experience working for a licensed engineer. The exam is given twice a year in Washington 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 looking for individuals 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.
