Studying Engineering in the USA
Gaukhar Tuleuova, EducationUSA
Adviser
Aktobe Educational Advising Center
May 19, 2011
Key Topics
• About Engineering
• Undergraduate & Graduate Degree
Options
• Finding the right program for you
• Financing Engineering Education
Qualities of Engineers
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Strong math and science skills
Creative
Inquisitive
Analytical
Detail Oriented
About Engineering
Most Popular
Emerging Fields
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• Architectural
• Biomedical
• Computer
Electrical
Electronics
Mechanical
Civil
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
Undergraduate
Programs
• 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
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
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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 Education
www.asee.org
• National Society of Professional Engineers
www.nspe.org/students/home.asp
• Society of Women Engineers
www.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 wellrounded 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
Thank you
Gaukhar Tuleuova
[email protected]