ENGINEERING
WHAT IS ENGINEERING?
Engineering is an all-encompassing term related to how things work; it offers countless opportunities for students with innate curiosity and a penchant for science and mathematics.
Because the modern world is so vast and complex, engineers concern themselves with everything from the design of the Space Shuttle and computer games to the fertilizer that goes on lawns. The field of engineering offers more than 30 subspecialties, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, mining and metallurgical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, computer engineering, and many others.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Electives that will enhance marketability in engineering technology, in addition to technical courses, include courses in psychology, sociology, the humanities, communications (public speaking and writing), ethics, and international relations. Requirements differ from specialty to specialty and can include:
- Applied Engineering
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Circuits
- Computers for Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Drafting
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Mechanics
- Environmental Science
- Fluid Mechanics
- Physics
- Thermodynamics
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY?
The future is bright for engineers. An increasing need for automation in all areas of government and business and competition from abroad assures a demand for qualified technical people. National, state, and city governments hire health and regulatory inspectors to enforce the wide range of regulations to protect public health and safety. Major areas of employment are:
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Astronautical Engineer
- Civil Engineers
- Computer Programmers
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Corporate Manager and Executive
- Industrial Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical engineers
- Sales
Although people often think that engineers work alone, that is rarely the case. Engineers typically work in teams to solve complex problems, with each member bringing an important skill to the task. Engineers, too, must have strong communication skills so they can explain technical concepts to others. Engineering not only provides a strong background for people interested in actual design, it also offers a springboard to management jobs, entrepreneurial endeavors, teaching, and government service.