[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Engineering is a great field for students who excel in math and science, are innovative, and love figuring out how things work. Although it’s an extremely challenging course of study, it’s also a popular and fast-growing one. In fact, many universities have entire schools dedicated to engineering.
What should you expect as an engineering major? And what can you do with your degree? Here’s a comprehensive guide to this field of study.
Of course, it helps to know that there will be plenty of career opportunities in engineering for you after you graduate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there should be over 139,000 new engineering jobs created by 2026 (compared with 2016).
Is Industrial Engineering A Good Major?
It sets you up for professional success
Your entire thought process changes. You learn how to think like an engineer. You acquire logical thinking and critical analysis skills. Decision-making skills are improved. You become more objective and less emotional when it comes to work. All of these skills are greatly needed in the professional world, in any field. So, engineers tend to do better no matter which sector they choose, and they also tend to make good managers. So much so, engineering is the most common undergraduate degree among Fortune 500 CEOs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers have a median annual wage of $91,010, and the engineering field is projected to grow by 140,00 new jobs during the next decade.
• Our faculty advisors can help you decide which career path is best for you. We offer a B.A. in engineering physics, physics, and teaching physics, and a B.S. in engineering. How do you know which engineering degree is right for you? Read about the differences. • Our engineering/physics faculty are experts in a variety of disciplines, including civil and mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, pulsed laser systems, astronomy, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics and teaching physics. Our classes and labs are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. They take the time to get to know students and help them identify their own passions. • During the past five years, nearly 80% of students seeking graduate school were successfully enrolled in top schools such as the University of Iowa, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Dartmouth, and the University of Colorado-Boulder in engineering or physics programs. • The Augustana Physics and Engineering Society (APES) has won the Outstanding Chapter Award 11 times, as well as the Blake Lilly Prize and Marsh W. White award from the national honor society of the Society of Physics Students. It’s a fun and engaging group focused on developing a sense of community through presentations, outreach to area schools, discussions on modern science and club get-togethers. • Our student-led mentoring program (APS-IDEA) pairs first- and second-year students with junior and senior majors. Seniors are paired with an alumni mentor so they are ready to take the next step, whether that’s a job or graduate school. • Augustana’s CORE career coaches help students with résumés, interview practice and internships. Our engineering majors have interned at John Deere, Exelon, Bergstrom, Solar Plastics and Crawford Company, which have led to permanent positions. How much do engineering majors make?
An engineering major can lead to a lifetime of interesting opportunities, challenges and successes. If you’re a current high school student who is still looking for the right college, consider adding Augustana to your list — even if youre not sure you want to major in engineering. Augustana students benefit from small classes that allow for strong faculty relationships, excellent advising and endless opportunities outside of class.
Our admissions team can help you decide if Augustana is a good fit. Submit a request for more information today!
Are you curious about what an engineering major involves, what to consider in choosing a college for engineering and entry-level salaries? Read on. Why engineering? If you excel in math and the sciences, are innovative, and love figuring out how things work, you may want to be an engineer. Engineering is the art of putting science to good, practical use. You’ll get to design things that matter and offer solutions to tough problems. It’s ideal for imaginative, independent thinkers. If opportunities to question, explore, discover, invent and create excite you, then engineering could be a good fit. Plus, engineering also can lead to jobs in business, design, law and government. To employers and graduate schools, an engineering degree reflects a well-educated individual who has learned ways of analyzing and solving problems that can lead to satisfaction and success in all kinds of fields. How do I choose a school for engineering?
What Can You Do With An Engineering Degree?
Here’s a list of potential career paths for engineering majors. Keep in mind that there are many more types of engineers; this is simply a selection of careers. One of the perks of studying engineering is that it’s a pre-professional path, so you know exactly what your job will be after graduation.
Median Salary: $71,139 ($54,000-99,000)
Projected Growth: 4% (as fast as average)
Mechanical engineers design a wide range of products, such as motors, thermal sensors and tools, and more; develop solutions to solve problems; and generally study energy and how to best use it. Their work intersects areas like research, manufacturing, and energy.
Median Salary: $86,222 ($62,000-127,000)
Projected Growth: 22% (much faster than average)
One of the fastest-growing engineering professions, software engineering is the magic behind computer programs, including apps. The roles of software engineers intersect with those of developers, but engineers go a step beyond programming and ensure that their programs are system-compatible. They are also instrumental in updating, maintaining, and generally keeping software running smoothly.
Median Salary: $76,160 ($59,000-113,000)
Projected Growth: 3% (as fast as average)
As the name implies, electrical engineers are responsible for working with electrical equipment and power generators, such as portable devices, motors, and much more. These professionals research, design, develop, test, and maintain this equipment.
Median Salary: $65,904 ($51,000-98,000)
Projected Growth: 3% (as fast as average)
The high-demand field of environmental engineering focuses on devising scientific solutions for improving the environment. By analyzing air, soil, water, and other resources, environmental engineers develop technologies and other tools for improving areas like recycling, consuming and generating energy, radiation protection, waste disposal, and water treatment.
Median Salary: $66,674 ($50,000-96,000)
Projected Growth: 5% (faster than average)
Biomedical engineering sits at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine. Primarily tasked with improving patient care, they work on researching, designing, and developing technologies ranging from MRIs to prosthetics.
