What College Classes Do You Need to Take to Be an Engineer?
Engineers solve technical problems by applying mathematical and scientific principles. There are a number of specialties in the discipline -- such as agricultural, chemical, electrical or civil engineering. Aspiring engineers will need to complete college-level training to be eligible for careers in the industry.
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Requirements
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A bachelor's degree is the typical requirement for an entry-level engineering job. Graduate study may be required for research positions. Prospective applicants to engineering programs should take a college-preparatory course load while in high school, including calculus, chemistry and physics along with humanities and English courses. If you plan on studying engineering in college, you should seek out programs approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET notes on its website that graduation from an accredited engineering program is required for employment or certification in some engineering disciplines.
Training
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In a bachelor's degree program in engineering, students take science and math courses, along with general engineering courses. These are followed with engineering courses in the specialty area, such as mechanical or electrical engineering. Completion of general education courses in social science, English and humanities, is usually required in order to graduate. Laboratory or computer coursework is required of most engineering majors.
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Licensure
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Engineers who serve the public directly, such as chemical or civil engineers, must be licensed in all 50 states. The professional engineer designation is awarded to candidates who have graduated from an ABET-accredited program and have four years of work experience. They must also pass a pair of examinations. A license earned in one state will usually be recognized in other states. Engineers in specialties where licensure is not required can pursue certification as a means of demonstrating knowledge of the area they practice in.
Potential
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While overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that opportunities will be stronger in some engineering specialties. For example, job growth for biomedical engineers, who develop medical devices, is expected to grow by an impressive 72 percent through the year 2018. Civil engineers, who help in the planning and building of bridges and roads, will enjoy 24 percent employment growth during the same period. The median annual wage for an engineer varies by specialty. Aerospace engineers have the highest median wage at $92,520. New engineering graduates receive starting salaries ranging from $52,048 to $83,121.
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