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A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the minimum educational requirement for becoming an engineer. However, many engineers also hold a master’s degree or higher.
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Introduction
Education requirements for engineers vary by type of engineering, but in general, a four-year engineering degree is the minimum requirement to sit for the professional engineer (PE) exam. A bachelor’s degree in engineering technology also is sufficient to take the PE exam in some states.
Graduates of non-accredited engineering programs generally cannot take the PE exam and, as a result, cannot be licensed as professional engineers. However, many states have established procedures for evaluating the equivalency of non-accredited degrees. These procedures typically require that candidates have several years of professional experience and pass an oral examination administered by a board of licensure.
What Education Is Needed to Become an Engineer?
Engineers need at least a four-year bachelor’s degree to work in this profession. There are many different types of engineering degrees. The most common types are mechanical, civil, electrical, and industrial engineering. Chemical, biomedical, and computer engineering are also popular choices.
High School
A career in engineering often begins with a strong interest in mathematics and science. Those who want to become an engineer should enroll in advanced math and science courses while they are still in high school. Once they have completed high school, they can attend a college or university that offers an accredited engineering program.
College
There are engineering programs at many colleges and universities around the world, and each has their own admissions requirements. In general, you’ll need to have completed high school (or the equivalent) with good grades in math and science courses. Specific requirements vary from school to school, but most engineering programs will require you to take Introductory Courses in Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry.
Some schools also require you to take English Composition and Liberal Arts courses, while others have specific engineering course requirements. Be sure to check with the schools you’re interested in to find out their specific admissions requirements. Once you’re enrolled in an engineering program, you can expect to study a variety of topics including mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and material science.
Graduate School
Most engineering programs are bachelor’s degree programs that take four years to complete, although some accelerated programs allow students to complete their studies in three years. In addition, many engineering programs offer cooperative education experiences, which provide students with opportunities to gain paid work experience in their field of interest while completing their studies.
After completing a bachelor’s degree program, some engineers choose to pursue a master’s degree in engineering. These programs typically take two years to complete and allow students to specialize in a particular area of engineering. For example, aerospace engineers may choose to pursue a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, while electrical engineers may choose to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering. In addition, some universities offer online master’s degree programs in engineering that allow students to complete their studies from home.
Doctoral degrees in engineering are also available for those who wish to pursue careers in research or academia. These programs typically take four or more years to complete and include coursework and research components. Students who earn a doctoral degree in engineering often go on to work as professors at universities or research scientists for government agencies or private companies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one specific path to become an engineer. However, most engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. Additionally, many engineers also have experience working in the field, which can be gained through internships or co-ops.
