A Brief History of the Engineering Major
Engineering is the use of math, science, and critical thinking in order to design, build and maintain structures. Engineers can design anything from bridges, to roads to childrens’ toys and work in a variety of different areas, such as industrial engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, safety engineering, systems engineering, software engineering, and mechanical engineering. The study and practice of engineering has, technically, been employed since the existence of the most ancient human civilizations. Design feats such as the Pyramids are examples of the fact that human beings have been involved and interested in design for quite some time. Now, the study and practice of engineering includes a huge variety of specializations and extends to almost every material we use today. The field of engineering is both challenging and rewarding, and engineers can choose to work for large firms or as independent consultants.
Delving Into the Engineering Major
An engineering education at any level consists of a combination of both math and science. So, all engineering programs will offer a strong background in both disciplines, and students will learn about how the two can be applied together in design principles. Engineering students will take a broad range of foundation courses in all areas of mathematics. This will include work in calculus and algebra. Engineering students will also take science courses such as biology, chemistry and physics. As they advance, they will move on to advanced levels of calculus and advanced science courses in areas such as thermodynamics, fluids, structures, environmental and water systems and geology, such as in the curriculum for students of the California State Polytechnic University. Students may specialize in areas such as civil engineering and take courses such as land surveying, technical mathematics, technical writing and highway construction and design. Engineering students may participate in a variety of different projects, depending on degree level. Many students are required to do independent projects as part of their courses, or students may opt to take courses that are completely dedicated to an independent project or research work. Students will most likely be assigned projects that require solutions to hypothetical design issues or research into current issues in the field of engineering. Reading materials for most classes will typically be textbooks, either hard copy or online.
Degree Levels:
Associate
Students in an online associate engineering degree programs will learn the most basic engineering principles through beginning level math and science courses. They will then specialize in a particular niche within engineering geared toward a specific career path. For example, Penn Foster College offers associate programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering. The coursework will provide students with a basic understanding of a particular area within the engineering field which can be used to pursue higher education or acquire entry-level technical and repair jobs. For example, an associate degree in electrical engineering will prepare students for a career as an Electrical Engineering Technician.
Bachelor’s
Students in online bachelor’s engineering programs will cover an extensive amount of math and science that will be much more in-depth than coursework at an associate level. Students will study a balanced curriculum of advanced math and science in areas such as algebra, calculus, biology, chemistry and physics. Students will learn how to apply these disciplines together in order to solve engineering problems. For example, students may take physics and calculus courses at the same time and learn about how calculus in used with physics in order to determine things like force, weight, impact and speed. Students at the bachelor’s level will also have the opportunity to choose a minor in order to enhance the program to suit their interests.
Master’s
Students in a master’s engineering program will continue to study the broad mathematical and scientific elements that make up the field of engineering, but will also narrow their focus to specific areas within the field. Master’s students will learn about highly technical and specialized areas of engineering in order to enhance their expertise, increase job opportunity or prepare themselves for doctoral work in engineering. Most master’s programs in engineering consist of a combination of core engineering courses while allowing students to structure their own curriculum, or students may choose a specialized program that is already well-suited to their goals. For example, students looking to work as electrical engineers may choose an electrical engineering master’s program and take courses such as digital design, programming, electronics, and electrical energy conversion.
Supplementing Your Engineering Major
There is a huge array of specializations within the field of engineering. In fact, if a student is unsure about which engineering career he or she would like to choose, it is helpful to look at the all specializations within engineering for hints as to the wide variety options in available in the engineering industry. For example, students could concentrate in civil engineering and learn about how to build roads, buildings and bridges as a civil engineer. Students could concentrate in safety engineering and prepare themselves to work as safety testers and consultants, or work for the auto industry in an effort to create safer vehicles. Other areas of specialization include industrial engineering, chemical engineering, systems engineering, software engineering and mechanical engineering, to name a few. With a variety of concentrations this broad, the places a graduate can go with an engineering degree are endless. Students should opt for specializations that reflect their interests and passions, that way they will be able to use their specific expertise in order to land their dream job in the future. Students can also add depth to their background by choosing a minor in an area that complements engineering and reflects their career goals. For example, a student could minor in architecture if he wanted to work as an engineer at an architecture firm or as an architect consultant. Or a student could minor in a foreign language if she was passionate about designing safer buildings for use in developing nations.
Learn More About the Engineering Major
- MIT Open Courseware – Engineering Systems
- MIT Open Courseware – Mechanical Engineering
- MIT Open Courseware – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Engineering Journal
- Chemical Engineering Journal
The Engineering Major in the Job Market
Engineering students develop a unique array of skills that will be valuable to many future employers. Engineers are trained to be excellent problem-solvers. Through their coursework, they will have learned to critically analyze and solve a huge variety of problems, from mathematical equations to design issues. Engineers understand how to use facts and critical thinking to come to the most fitting solutions. Engineering students have also been trained to develop structures and products that are the most logical and efficient versions. This kind of dedication to efficiency is a great selling point in an effort to secure any kind of job. Engineers are always in demand in the workforce because their skill set never goes out of style or becomes unneeded. There will always be a need for safe and effective structures and products. In fact, as products become even more complex, the need for engineers will only continue to grow. Most graduates of engineering programs tend to work in the area of structural or civil engineering, but that is only the tip of the iceberg of the opportunity that exists within the field. There are positions in many different areas, including bioengineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and nuclear engineering. Most of the highest-paying engineering jobs require a Master’s or PhD in a specific area of engineering. However, graduates with bachelor’s degrees can still secure well-paid positions as engineering managers, engineering technicians, software developers or product testers. A helpful site for those looking into careers in the field of engineering is Engineerjobs.com which allows recent graduates and current professionals to post their resumes, search for work opportunities and network with others in the profession. The site allows engineers to customize their searches to particular areas within the field, such as mechanical engineering or civil engineering.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
