Type of School

While people generally refer to all institutions of higher education as “colleges,” there are actually several specific types of schools to choose from:

• University
  A cluster of colleges operating under a single administration. The engineering school is one of several specialty colleges. Universities often have a strong emphasis on research and offer a wide range of majors and a diversity of students.
• Four-year college
  Colleges are usually smaller and don’t put as much emphasis on research. Typically, engineering programs at colleges feature a strong liberal arts component.
• Institute of Technology/Polytechnic Institute
  Focuses primarily on engineering and the sciences. Many of these schools are renowned for their engineering programs. But if you’re not sure that engineering is for you, you may want to attend an institution that offers a wider range of studies, giving you the flexibility to switch majors without having to transfer to another institution.
• U.S. military academy
  (Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies) Offers engineering programs at minimal cost to students. In return, students agree to serve, upon graduation, a specified term of service in the armed forces.
• Two-year college or community college
  Students choose two-year college or community colleges for many reasons: close proximity to home, lower tuition, less stringent admissions criteria, smaller class and/or campus size, and so on. If you plan to attend a two-year college, ask the guidance counselors or transfer office staff about articulation agreements with local four-year institutions that guarantee your community college credits will be accepted when you transfer.

Campus Activities

College is not just about attending classes; it may also include writing for the school paper, serving in the student government, or playing intramural sports. Check to see if the institution offers whatever extracurricular activities you may wish to participate in.

Student Body

College gives you the opportunity to grow and learn by working with other classmates and making new friends. Some students prefer to attend a school that has a diverse student body, while others prefer a more homogeneous one. For example, some African-American students, wishing to attend a school with a large African-American population, choose a historically black college or university such as Tuskegee Institute or Howard University. Other people select a college affiliated with their religion. Women may wish to compare the graduation rates of women engineering students at different institutions.

School Size

Some students feel more comfortable at a small school where they’ll know more of the students, while others prefer the diversity of a larger school.

Location

You may want to consider your location preferences concerning climate, distance from home, and whether the school is in a rural or an urban setting. You may also want to choose a school located near the types of industries that you are interested in pursuing. That way, while you’re in school there will be more opportunities to gain relevant experience through internships, co-op programs, and summer jobs, and upon graduation you may be able to find a job in the area.

Campus Facilities

The campus will be your home for the next several years, so make sure it has whatever nonacademic facilities are important to you whether it’s on-campus housing, sports facilities, cultural and leisure activities, or places of worship. It’s wise to tour the institutions you are considering attending to see if they have the facilities important to you.

Academic Program

If possible, you should choose a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Most employers and graduate schools prefer applicants who have earned a degree from an ABET-accredited program because accreditation ensures that the program follows national standards of quality for faculty, curricula, students, administration, facilities, and institutional commitment. Attending an accredited program also makes transferring credits to other institutions easier and allows graduates to take the examinations necessary to become a professional engineer.

Once you’re seriously considering a school, it’s a good idea to also look through its catalog and browse through its home page to learn more about the program and what course work it entails.

If you’re not certain which engineering specialty you want to pursue, it’s wise to pick a school that has around seven or more ABET-accredited programs. You should also investigate academic approaches. Some engineering programs take a theoretical approach, while others provide more practical experience. Some concentrate on specializing in a discipline; others offer an interdisciplinary or general engineering degree. Some have a five-year undergraduate program, while others have a five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s program.

Academic Atmosphere

Do want to attend a competitive engineering program where you’ll have to push yourself, or would you rather have a more easygoing experience that gives you time for other activities? These are questions you should consider when looking at engineering schools. Pick a program that is the right level for you. Of course, how difficult a program is for you depends on your own academic background and how much time and effort you’re willing to give to your studies.

Certain schools have a reputation for being especially prestigious. This, however, should not be your most important factor in selecting an undergraduate school, because all ABET-accredited programs are highly regarded by the profession.A good way to learn how demanding a particular program is would be to talk to students currently enrolled in the program. They know the workload best and will most likely be direct and honest with you. Your high school counselor as well as advisors and faculty from the colleges you are considering can also help you in this area. Some questions to ask are:

• How many credits will I be expected to take each semester?

• How many hours a week, per credit hour, should I expect to study?

• How strong a math and science background do I need to be successful in the program?

• What are the average grades and SAT and ACT scores of students in the program?

No matter what type of atmosphere you choose, you’ll want one that is conducive to studying. Are there study groups and tutoring services? Are professors readily available to help students?

Academic Resources

If the institution you select has the academic resources that are important to you, you’ll be able to concentrate on learning rather than having to search for materials and equipment, or to settle for out-of-date or inadequate ones. Here are some questions to ask about a school’s academic resources:

• What type of library facilities does the institution have? Is there a special engineering library? Does the library carry prominent engineering journals?

• What are the computer facilities like? Are students required to have their own computer and/or software?

• How current is the institution’s laboratory equipment? Are students required to pay lab fees?

• What type of advising, counseling, and tutoring services are available?

Faculty

Examine whether the faculty has a more established reputation for teaching or research and how many students are in typical lecture and laboratory classes.

You may also want to find out if the school has a diverse faculty – that is, one that includes women and members of underrepresented groups. Learning from a diverse faculty will prepare you for your career, where you’ll most likely be working with people from different cultures. Additionally, if you’re a member of an underrepresented minority group, faculty members of the same race or gender can serve as important role models.

Special Programs

Engineering education is more than just the traditional classroom and laboratory experience. Some special programs you may want to look for include:

• Internship and co-op programs that give you industry experience while often letting you earn money.

• Study abroad programs that will give you an edge in today’s global market.

• Dual-degree programs with other majors, such as business.

• Research opportunities that give you hands-on experience.

Filed under: Explore Engineering