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 • • • • • Strong math and science skills Creative Inquisitive Analytical Detail Oriented About Engineering Most Popular Emerging Fields • • • • • 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 • • • • • • • 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]