Careers Service

University College Cork

Ireland

May 2009

Studying Engineering in the USA

Key Topics

• About Engineering

• Undergraduate & Graduate Degree Options

• Finding the right program for you

• Financing Engineering Education

Qualities of Engineers

• Strong math and science skills

• Creative

• Inquisitive

• Analytical

• Detail Oriented

About Engineering

Most Popular

• Electrical

• Electronics

• Mechanical

• Civil

Emerging Fields

• Architectural

• Biomedical

• Computer

Undergraduate Degree Options

• Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering

• Bachelor of Science in Math of Physics (possible to enter a Master’s Degree in Engineering)

• Associate or Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering Technology

• Duration: 4-5 years

• First 2 years: introductory courses (math, basic sciences introductory engineering,

humanities, and social sciences)

• Last 2 years: engineering courses with a concentration in a specialty

Undergraduate Programs

3-2 Engineering Programs

3 years at liberal arts college

2 years at partner university

2 bachelors degrees

Graduate School

• Masters of Engineering (MEng)

• Masters of Science

• Ph.D.

Finding the Right Program for You

• Academics

• ABET Accreditation

• Faculty

• Societal Priorities

• Interdisciplinary Centers

• Internationalization

• Beyond the Classroom

Financing Engineering Programs

– Select institutions according to cost

– Go to the U.S. for graduate school Attend an undergraduate program at home

– Explore 3-2 Engineering Programs

– Apply to public institutions

– Consider related fields Admission with financial aid is less competitive in

statistics & computer science

More information

• The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)www.abet.org

• American Society for Engineering Educationwww.asee.org

• National Society of Professional Engineerswww.nspe.org/students/home.asp

• Society of Women Engineerswww.swe.org

Student Testimonials

“I expected engineering to be more practical, with more

real-world projects right from the beginning. Instead, my studies turned out to be largely theoretical. Prospective engineering students should carefully study the curriculum of each school they apply to, look at opportunities to do practical projects, and find out how early they are expected to specialize.”

-Ghanaian undergraduate student

Electrical Engineering, Yale University

“I was surprised by the great help we get

from professors and teaching assistants. They are all willing to go an extra mile to help students out.”

-Zimbabwean student Dual degree in Chemistry and Chemical

Engineering with Mount Holyoke College and University of Massachusetts at Amherst

“When choosing a program, students should

consider departmental ranking in addition to university ranking. In some cases, a department in a university without a high ranking may have strong infrastructure and staff. Or, the other way around, a university may have a high ranking, but the department may not”

-Turkish student Visiting Student Research in Environmental Sciences,

Rutgers University

“Engineering programs in the U.S. are very hands on and

focus on getting you accustomed to read world problems. The courses concentrate on explaining concepts rather than making you memorize material. Additionally, they mandate engineering students take liberal studies courses to provide them with a well-rounded education.”

-Sri Lankan Student Computer Science (Engineering Department),

Cornell University

“The most noticeable aspect of U.S. education is its emphasis on self-study and inquiry. A student is expected to study and research by himself to gain in-depth knowledge Professors just act as a support system during your study.”

-Indian Student

MS in Computer Science, New Mexico State University

Careers Service

careers@ucc.ie

Thank you