Careers Service University College Cork Ireland May 2009

1. Careers Service University College Cork Ireland May 2009 Studying Engineering in the USA

2. About Engineering Undergraduate & Graduate Degree Options Finding the right program for you Financing Engineering Education Key Topics

3. Qualities of Engineers • Strong math and science skills • Creative • Inquisitive • Analytical • Detail Oriented

4. Most Popular Electrical Electronics Mechanical Civil About Engineering • Emerging Fields • Architectural • Biomedical • Computer

5. 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 Undergraduate Degree Options

6. 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

7. 3 years at liberal arts college 2 years at partner university 2 bachelors degrees 3-2 Engineering Programs

8. Graduate School • Masters of Engineering (MEng) • Masters of Science • Ph.D.

9. Finding the Right Program for You • Academics • ABET Accreditation • Faculty • Societal Priorities • Interdisciplinary Centers • Internationalization • Beyond the Classroom

10. 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

11. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) www.abet.org American Society for Engineering Education www.asee.org National Society of Professional Engineers www.nspe.org/students/home.asp Society of Women Engineers www.swe.org More information

12. Student Testimonials

13. “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

14. “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

15. “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

16. “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

17. “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

18. Careers Service careers@ucc.ie Thank you