Engineering

The engineering major is usually organized in one of two ways: as an offering of a school, department, institute, or center for engineering; or as an “engineering and applied sciences” curriculum. Competition is generally keen in colleges offering either mode of organization. Colleges vary widely, however, in specific engineering programs. Most provide great flexibility in programming to allow students to elect dual majors such as engineering/mathematics, engineering/physics, or engineering/computer sciences. The wide range of choice among the available programs must caution the reader to examine college catalogs carefully and to seek personal advisement from the admissions office or directly from the engineering faculty. Job prospects for graduates with an engineering degree are excellent, with among the highest starting salaries available. However, the major is demanding; frequently students choose to take another semester or two to graduate in order to accomplish their goals.

Plan of study

Student’s should expect to spend the first 3 to 4 semesters getting a solid foundation in science, math, engineering technology, computing, and the humanities and social sciences. By choosing engineering electives in the areas of interest, students will have the chance to decide where to specialize later in their academic career. Each specialty is distinct and requires research before choosing a direction. In the “engineering and applied sciences” curriculum, students are exposed to a broad range of courses in the life sciences, the social sciences, mathematics, and electives.

Expect to take

Selections vary with the particular major selected, but generally include principles of engineering, calculus and advanced calculus, applied mathematics, physics and advanced physics, computer science, thermodynamics, chemistry, physical chemistry, specialized courses within the field of choice, field study or cooperative education programs with employers.

Suggested high school subjects

Advanced mathematics, advanced science, computer science.

General interest areas

Mathematics, physics, design, research.

Some career possibilities

Aerospace engineer
Corporate executive
Military officer
Industrial engineer
Electrical engineer
Patent attorney
College professor
Environmentalist
Technical writer
Consultant
Mechanical engineer

Some related majors

Aerospace engineering
Environmental engineering nuclear engineering
Chemical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Ocean engineering
Civil engineering
Metallurgical engineering petroleum engineer.
Electrical engineering

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