Education experience of an engineer

Engineering work requires highly specialized knowledge. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the minimum requirement for entry-level engineering positions. Less commonly, employers will accept a more generalized degree in a field of mathematics or natural science, and the candidate can learn more specific skills on the job. Some engineering work is flexible and will allow engineers who have trained in one field to work in another.

For more advanced engineering research and development positions, candidates need a master’s degree in an engineering concentration. The Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) rewards accreditation to university engineering programs. For acceptance into four-year engineering programs, candidates need strong backgrounds in science and mathematics. Most bachelors of science in engineering programs are structured to allow students to first study general mathematics and science principles and to take introductory engineering classes. Later, in the last two years of the program, students will take courses specifically related to their engineering concentration.

After all education requirements are complete, practicing engineers are required to gain State licensure. Licensed engineers are referred to as Professional Engineers (PE). The requirements for a State engineering license are a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited four-year institution, at least four years of work experience and a passing score on the State examination.