Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in WV
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide array of disciplines but all are based on constructing things based upon mathematical and scientific principles. The aim of engineering is to design and create structures that will serve to improve the lives of the public. The 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 West 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 usage of chemical principles to design new fuels and materials.
Electrical engineering. Focuses on the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. This includes telecommunications, motors, circuits, computer systems, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Deals with the design and implementation of mechanical systems for example 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 types of disciplines in engineering.
Why Go to Engineering School in West Virginia?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in West Virginia as an engineer, with out a doubt, receiving a 4-year degree from a certified college is a must. A Bachelor of science in engineering or a Bachelor of engineering technology will help you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in WV. If you choose to go to a West Virginia engineering school it may improve your odds of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right West Virginia Engineering School for Me?
Choosing the very best school and degree program for you personally can be a daunting and difficult task. There are numerous variables to consider, and ultimately you must choose an institution that that will satisfy your needs. For many, the top 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 provide continued education (Masters/Doctoral programs)?
- Will the college 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 West Virginia?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the acquisition of a professional engineering license. If you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer West Virginia law mandates that you pass a number of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are broken up into two test. The initial one 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
- 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 for a licensed engineer. The test is offered twice a year in West Virginia 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. Regardless of the route you decide to take, increasingly, firms and clients 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.
