Engineers who work with the public must have a license.
To say you want to be an engineer can mean working in a variety of career fields. However, regardless of the specialty you choose, you will use principles of math and science to design, develop, test, produce and/or maintain new products. Due to the nature of this work, higher education is a requirement as is continuing education.
The Facts
You need a college degree to become an engineer. However, job duties determine whether you need a two-year degree, a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Although most entry level engineering positions require a bachelor's degree, job duties that focus more on the practical and production aspects of engineering may allow a two- or four-year degree, and those focusing on teaching, research and development, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, often require a master's degree.
Types
Engineering technology is a two- or four-year degree option. Common bachelor degrees include electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical engineering and civil engineering. A degree in one of these fields may allow you to work in another field, as they are the most flexible. However, depending on the college, you may have additional specialties from which to choose, such as biomedical engineering, geological engineering, engineering physics or materials science and engineering. A master's degree may focus on areas such as aeronautics, electrical, computer, industrial or mechanical engineering.
Features
Engineering degree core classes focus on general engineering, math and science, and at the undergraduate level, general education requirements. From there, coursework depends on your program and specialty. Engineering technology focuses on fundamentals and basic engineering concepts. Bachelor's degree programs increase your depth of knowledge. For example, a degree in civil engineering may include engineering science courses such as dynamics, structural analysis and fluid mechanics, as well as courses specific to civil engineering such as hydroscience, soil mechanics and transportation engineering. Master's degree programs provide advanced level education and often include an option to either include or exclude a research project called a thesis.
Certification/Licensing
If your job duties require that you work with the general public, all states require you to get a license. Part of the licensing requirement is a bachelor's degree in engineering from a school the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology approves. Because of this, an engineering technology program will not qualify you for licensing. Although each state sets its own licensing requirements, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying administers licensing exams. A commitment to continuing education is necessary as CE credits are a requirement for maintaining your engineering license.
Tags: bachelor degree, civil engineering, master degree, continuing education, degree programs, Engineering technology, four-year degree
