Everything You Need to Know About Engineering School Programs in WI
What is an engineer? Engineering covers a wide 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 which 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 extremely analytical
- Inventive and creative
Areas that Wisconsin Engineering School Programs May Specialize In
Civil engineering. Concerns itself with the design and expansion of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructures.
Chemical Engineering. Employing the use of chemical principles to create new materials and fuels.
Electrical engineering. Specializes in the design and study of electrical and electronic systems. Including telecommunications, motors, circuits, personal computers, generators, etc.
Mechanical engineering. Refers to the design and implementation of mechanical systems such as weapon systems and aerospace products.
Other popular 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 Wisconsin?
If you seek to eventually secure a professional job in Wisconsin 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 allow you to pursue a professional career in the engineering field in WI. If you choose to go to a Wisconsin engineering school it may increase your chances of making connections in the industry and interning on local projects.
How Do I Choose the Right Wisconsin 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 consider, 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 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 suitable for your unique area of interest?
- Does the engineering school offer any sort of job placement help or services in Wisconsin?
After Engineering School
Another essential step is the getting a professional engineering license. If you ultimately wish to offer your services as an engineer Wisconsin law requires that you pass a series of engineering test.
The engineering exams required for getting your license are broken up into two test. The initial one 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 is 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 offered twice a year in Wisconsin 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 decide to take, increasingly, firms and clients are looking for individuals with a PhD or Master’s degree. Doctoral programs require a bit more schooling and are usually 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.
