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An
engineering degree offers an intensive course of study for
entry-level positions as an engineer, but additional options are
available for specialized studies at both the bachelor's and
master's degree levels. Skilled engineers are in high demand
across a variety of industries including chemical plants,
environmental companies, nuclear power plants, and working
within the civil and industrial sphere. From developing designs
to solving problems, engineers work on a variety of industrial,
technical and development projects.
What is Engineering?
Engineers are responsible for researching and developing solutions to many
technical problems, and commonly work in a specialized industry. The most common
branches of engineering include aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil,
industrial, environmental, and nuclear engineering. Additional branches include:
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Agricultural
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Computer Hardware
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Electrical
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Materials
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Mining
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Petroleum
Prospective engineers can obtain training and education from an engineering
college, engineering school, or even completing an engineering degree online.
What an Engineer Does
After
completing basic training obtained for an engineering degree, an engineer may be
responsible for:
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Designing and executing projects involving construction
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Implementing new strategies for design and development
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Analyzing the impact of various products and materials used for a given
project
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Improving performance of machines and industrial goods
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Testing and analysis of manufactured products
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Quality control
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Supervising teams of engineers
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Determining the cause of problems and executing solutions
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Using
computers to produce and analyze designs
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Creating new design processes and systems
Engineering schools prepare
students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their
career. However, much of the training they need for long-term success in their
career takes place on the job or through an internship.
Skills Needed for a Successful
Engineering Career
A successful engineering career
requires ongoing growth and training within the position, and an engineer who
specializes in a particular field will enjoy the most benefits in their job. The
most common skills needed include:
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Strong mathematical, science,
and technical background
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Ability to think in terms of
systems on both a small and large scale
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Strong computer skills
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Ability to learn and use new
software with ease
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Understanding principles of
quality and basic industrial practices
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Working knowledge of cost and
safety factors involved with production of materials
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Direct and indirect
application of science and mathematics principles
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Being detail-oriented and
creative
An engineering college prepares
students with all of these skills and options for obtaining an internship during
their course of study.
Types of Engineering Careers Available with an Engineering Degree
An engineering degree serves as
the foundation for a long-term engineering career. The most common types of
engineering careers and positions can be found in:
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Aerospace engineering:
aeronautical training
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Agricultural engineering:
biological scientists or food scientists
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Biomedical engineering:
medical scientists, chemists, and material scientists
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Civil engineering: the
installation and development of construction and roads
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Computer hardware
engineering: research, design, and d development of computer equipment
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Electronics engineering:
working with industrial robot control systems and GPS units
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Mining and Geological
engineering: working on underground operations or developing new mining
equipment
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Nuclear engineers:
researching and developing equipment for nuclear fuel, radiation, and nuclear
plant operation
Types of Engineering Schools
Engineering schools are divided into various specializations
depending on the industry. Most engineering schools focus on electrical,
mechanical, and industrial engineering while others offer extended programs to
include fields such as aerospace, geological, chemical, and biochemical
engineering degrees. An associate or bachelor's engineering degree offers
students a chance to begin an entry-level position immediately after graduation.
However, an engineering college that offers a master's degree or internship
program can offer more career options with an intensive engineering degree
program. Engineering colleges that offer advanced education are an attractive
opportunity for graduates interested in excelling in their field or industry.
Types of Engineering Degrees
Available
A number of engineering degrees are available through engineering
schools. However, specializing in a particular field can help students gain
practical experience and help further their career. Core engineering degrees
commonly found at engineering colleges include:
In addition to these key degree areas, there are also a number of
specializations available. These can be a part of an engineering distance
education program, or taken onsite at an engineering school for hands-on
application and training. Engineering career specializations include:
Engineering Degree Requirements, Training, and Options with an Engineering
Distance Education
A bachelor's degree obtained
from an engineering school is the first step in beginning an engineering career.
Almost all entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree and some form of
internship where the student has gained experience through hands-on training.
Some specializations for engineers are flexible; for example, it is not uncommon
to find an aerospace engineer who went to engineering school for mechanical
engineering.
It is important for all
engineering school students to specialize in a particular field, and the
concentration is then a part of the curriculum. Graduate training is the basic
requirement for those interested in research and teaching positions. Engineering
schools and colleges are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering
and Technology (ABET). Most engineering school programs offer a balanced course
of study that includes both theoretical application and industrial practices.
An engineering distance
education is a valuable opportunity for students who may not be
able to attend an on-site engineering school or university. Earning an
engineering degree online offers a flexible schedule for students who may
already be working, or need to complete their studies from a remote location. In
most cases, the typical four-year curriculum is available, but many engineering
distance education
programs also offer concentrated 2-year programs and advanced studies.
Completing an engineering degree online is a valuable way to complete an
engineering education.
Engineering distance education
programs often specialize in:
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Computer Engineering
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Aerospace Engineering
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Engineering Management
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Environmental Engineering
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Manufacturing Engineering
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Systems Engineering
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Gas Engineering
All 50 states require engineers
to obtain licensure, and this is possible through two state-administered
examinations. The initial Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally
taken upon graduation from engineering school, while the Principles of
Engineering (PE) exam is taken after completing an internship or gaining
relevant work experience. Training is often completed on the job, and many
graduates work under close supervision of experienced engineers during the
initial stages of their engineering career. After gaining the necessary
experience, they may be assigned more difficult projects to develop and work on
independently.
Employment Prospects for an Engineering Career
Job prospects and opportunities for those interested in pursuing an
engineering career are expected to grow as fast as the average for all
occupations through 2014. Engineers who specialize in computer and software,
electrical engineering, civil engineering, and nuclear engineering have the
highest chances of success within the industry. The market for
technology-focused firms is especially favorable because of the global increases
in competitive technology and manufacturing. Many engineers choose to work in
long-term research and development projects, and may even branch out on their
own to work as a contractor.
Earnings for various engineering career specializations vary
significantly by industry, education, and skill level. The following averages
for starting salaries in 2004 for each field are as follows:
Specialization and experience play a significant role in the final
salary for any given position. Related occupations include:
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Architects
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Natural science managers
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Sales engineers
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Biological scientists
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Atmosphere scientists
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Geoscientists
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Environmental scientists
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Physicists
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