|
|
 |
 |
Preparation
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all
entry-level engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a
physical science, chemistry, or mathematics occasionally may qualify for some
engineering jobs, especially in specialties in high demand. Most
engineering degrees are granted in electrical, electronics, mechanical,
chemical, civil, or materials engineering. However, engineers trained in one branch may work
in related branches. For example, many aerospace engineers have training
in mechanical engineering. This flexibility allows employers to meet
staffing needs in new technologies and specialties in which engineers
may be in short supply. It also allows engineers to shift to fields with
better employment prospects or to those that more closely match their
interests.
Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an
engineering specialty, along with courses in both mathematics and
science. Most programs include a design course, sometimes accompanied by
a computer or laboratory class or both.
A degree in Nuclear Engineering
might include the following types of courses: engineering fundamentals
in radiation production, interactions and measurement, design of nuclear
systems, thermal-fluid engineering, electronics, and computer methods.
 Admission
Requirements
Admissions requirements for undergraduate
engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics (algebra,
geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry,
and physics), and courses in English, social studies, humanities, and
computer and information technology. Bachelor's degree programs in
engineering typically are designed to last 4 years, but many students
find that it takes between 4 and 5 years to complete their studies. In a
typical 4-year college curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying
mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and
social sciences. In the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering,
usually with a concentration in one branch. Some programs offer a
general engineering curriculum; students then specialize in graduate
school or on the job.
Co-ops
Supervised practical training such as
internships, group programs and coops provide students with great
opportunities to gain real-world experience while still in school. In
addition to giving students direct experience in the field they are
considering, interaction with others in the field can help provide
perspective on career path options. Click here for more
information.
Alternate
Degree Paths
Some engineering
schools and 2-year colleges have agreements whereby the 2-year college
provides the initial engineering education, and the engineering school
automatically admits students for their last 2 years. In addition, a few
engineering schools have arrangements whereby a student spends 3 years
in a liberal arts college studying pre-engineering subjects and 2 years
in an engineering school studying core subjects, and then receives a
bachelor's degree from each school. Some colleges and universities offer
5-year master's degree programs. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative
plans combine classroom study and practical work, permitting students to
gain valuable experience and to finance part of their education.
Graduate
Training
Graduate training on the doctoral level is essential for engineering
faculty positions at universities and many research programs at national
laboratories, but is not required for the majority of entry-level
engineering jobs. Many engineers obtain graduate degrees in engineering
or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their
education. Many high-level executives in government and industry began
their careers as engineers. It is important to select a degree program
that has been accredited. After working in the field, many young
professionals enhance their careers by taking the professional
engineering exam to become licensed engineers, earning the distinguished
designation of "professional engineer" or PE.
Accredited
Programs
Those interested in a
career in Nuclear Engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the university
is regionally accredited.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the
American Nuclear Society, and the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
