What classes should you take in high school to be an engineer?

The typical high school requirements for engineering colleges include four years of English; four years of mathematics– algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus; three years of science, biology, chemistry, physics and two years of social sciences.

The quick answer is that you could become a mechanical engineer without a degree in that field, but again, a degree in something technical is usually required. If you wanted to get into mechanical engineering without any college education you would need to demonstrate years of proficiency and skill in the field.

Examples of high school classes in the math and science fields needed for engineering are: Math: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Probability & Statistics, Calculus I, and Calculus II. Science: Physical Science, Biology, Applied Biology/Chemistry, Advanced Physics and Chemistry.

It takes at least 4 years of undergraduate education to become an entry-level mechanical engineer. A master’s degree in mechanical engineering will take an extra 2 to 4 years. A Ph.D. may take another 4 to 7 years to complete.

Engineering school admission requirements typically include a high school diploma with a full menu of math and science courses, plus humanities and computer studies. High school preparation should include geometry, trigonometry, algebra and calculus, plus physics, chemistry and biology.

Your next step is to enroll in an accredited Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree program, which usually takes four years to complete. As a student, you may take coursework in surveying, physics, chemistry, statistics, ethics, mechanics, mathematics and design.

Generally, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required of a computer engineer. Most employers require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, computer information systems, electrical engineering, or a similar computer-related field.

Suggested high school courses for admission to top colleges:

4 years of math, with calculus in senior year (or minimum of precalculus).

4 years of English, with AP English lang and/or lit.

Minimum of 3 years of science (including biology, chemistry, and physics).

Minimum of 3 years of a foreign language.

Although licensure laws vary, most boards require four steps: Earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Complete at least four years of engineering experience.

A Mechanical Engineer earns an average salary of $68,268 per year. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 20 years’ experience in this career. Experience has a moderate effect on income for this job.

Aspiring software engineers usually major in computer science, computer information systems, software engineering or mathematics. Some students take programming and software engineering classes to supplement a degree in another field, such as accounting, business or finance.

Educational Requirements. In order to become an aeronautical engineer, prospective candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree program, usually in aerospace or aeronautical engineering, that has been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Programs can take 4-5 years to complete.

As a result there are many different types of engineering degrees available. In the past, engineering could be divided into four major branches: Mechanical, Chemical, Civil and Electrical, with sub branches of each discipline. Today however, the number of engineering degrees available have increased dramatically.

The first year of the Electrical Engineering program begins with the foundational mathematics and science courses required of all engineering students: five mathematics courses (differential calculus, integral calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and an upper-level math elective);

Applicants should have a strong background in math, including algebra, trigonometry and calculus. High school students may also consider taking courses in physics, design, and drafting to become familiar with core concepts and practices. Architecture schools tend to base acceptance on grades and completed coursework.

Aspiring mechanical engineers must earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at minimum, and may pursue graduate degrees in the field. Every state requires that mechanical engineers earn licensure, which calls for education, supervised work experience, and several examinations.

Salaries. Although their salaries could exceed $125,810 per year or fall to less than $52,990 annually, electrical engineers earned an average yearly $85,350 as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: Aeronautical engineering and Astronautical Engineering.

Here’s what they are.

STEM Skills / Knowledge.

Ability to Work as Part of a Team.

Strong Analytical Mind.

Attention to Detail.

Excellent Communication Skills.

Desire to Learn.

Leadership and Management Skills.

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Prospective civil engineers must complete a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes about four years. If you choose to earn a master’s in civil engineering as well, you can add a couple of years to that. The academic program must be approved by ABET, an accreditation board.