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Because technology is always changing, some
applications and methods covered in school may
not be useful or current five years later. Your
education has only begun with the completion of
a formal, full-time educational program.
Engineering has been described as a "learning
profession," and many engineers spend several
hours a week in continuing education, formally
or informally.
Additional education in a broad range of
subjects other than engineering may be needed in
order to meet professional challenges. Such
studies might include economics, finance, law,
management, and the sciences. Graduate study and
other forms of continuing education are
activities that engineers must anticipate.
A
Bachelor of Science program constitutes the
full-time formal education for most engineering
graduates. However, many will continue studying
for a Master's degree, and those whose interest
is focused on research will pursue a doctoral
(Ph.D.) degree.
A
Masters degree program is necessary for most
advanced design, development and research
programs. It generally takes from one to two
years of additional full-time effort. A doctoral
program typically takes three to five years
beyond the B.S. degree and is of primary
importance to students who wish to teach or
conduct research. Doctoral programs are designed
to bring a student to the frontier of knowledge
in a specialized discipline and extend that
frontier. In a Ph.D. program, you are expected
to contribute to advancing the field through a
published dissertation.
Sometimes students from Bachelor's degree
programs in engineering technology want to go on
to graduate programs in engineering or
engineering technology. You can transfer
directly from a four-year program in engineering
or technology into a Master's degree program in
technology. However, if you wish to go on to a
graduate program in engineering or computer
science, you may have to take additional
undergraduate courses as required by the
individual college or university.
For
many technicians, the Associate's degree program
fulfills the need for a formal educational
experience. However, career advancement and a
personal desire for more education frequently
draw technicians back to pursue a Bachelor's
degree in engineering or engineering technology.
Technical knowledge, management skills, and
professional relationships all play a role in
determining how far one advances. Additionally,
common sense, an ability to relate well with
people, and an ability to recognize growing
fields will help your career. Some of these
skills may be developed by participating in
professional societies. |
