Engineering, IT, and Technology
Forty years ago, an 8-inch floppy disk held a maximum of 1.2 megabytes of data and today flash drives as small as 0.5 inches across can hold well over 64 gigabytes. From oil and gas as our primary sources of energy, we have graduated to using renewable sources of energy. Engineering has not only provided solutions for burning issues of mankind but has also upgraded our way of living. Engineers create well-designed solutions in spite of working within constraints of the laws of Nature, the requirements of clients, finite budget and available material. It takes creative problem- solving skills to maneuver through the given constraints to devise an effective solution. Given the persistent need for better technology products and slowly depleting natural resources, the Engineers and technology professionals continue to remain in demand more than ever. This increasing reliance on technology related products and the need to innovate motivates and inspires students to take up engineering, IT and technology related courses.
Engineering, IT and Technology education combines theoretical knowledge with practical education to churn out professionals who can solve the world’s most critical problems. Within engineering, a student has a wide range of specializations to choose from, such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering etc.. IT and technology are other areas which are tremendously popular with students who have an inclination towards science. One can fathom the significance of IT and technology professionals by the success of the Silicon Valley companies. The jobs done by the these professionals are extremely crucial for they provide innovative solutions such as driver-less cars, networking sites, seamless internet access etc..
The USA advantage
- Science programs in USA are multidisciplinary, thus making the course better suited to solve next generation’s real- world problems. Universities in USA boast of making available the best possible equipment, resources, and material for their students. Studying tech, IT and engineering in USA will put a student in the forefront of technology, research and techniques. USA has been and continues to be a popular destination for higher studies, especially for the sciences given the unique curriculum, flexibility in choosing subjects and state-of-the-art facilities. According to the 2010/11 Open Doors Report, 135,592 international students were enrolled in U.S. engineering programs.
- Degrees awarded: Undergraduate students may earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in an undergraduate college depending upon the area of interest of the student. In universities such as Harvard, Brown and Trinity, Engineering Sciences concentration exists within their liberal arts environment; therefore Harvard believes that “it provides students with both the breadth and depth of study necessary to excel in integrative areas of engineering.” Bachelor of Arts programs offer the flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary studies along with an option to major in a sub- discipline of core engineering. On the other hand Bachelor of Science program provides a broader basis in engineering fundamentals with courses from other engineering areas and design. A student may also choose to go for an Associate of science degree at a community college. Education USA lists the graduate programs students may choose from: Students who wish to pursue a graduate program in engineering may earn a Master of Engineering (M.Eng), a one-year professional degree, a Master of Science (MS) in Engineering or IT with either a thesis or non-thesis option, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), typically a five-year program with thesis or dissertation. A degree in computer science, IT, software development or web development will prepare you for positions in computer industry; while engineering degrees will prepare you for manufacturing, construction, telecommunications industries and technical services.
- The right fit: While choosing a university for your engineering or technology degree, it’s important to consider the curriculum the university is offering. It must reflect the latest technology so that the coursework remains relevant. For a science degree, apart from updated curriculum, it is imperative for the college to provide advanced equipment and industrial tools. Students must also seek colleges with experienced faculty members who have extensive industry experience. To stay relevant in a dynamic industry such as technology, it is necessary to be in touch with what’s happening in the world out there. Choose a school which has regular industry collaborations and works with the community frequently to keep a tab on the need of the hour and the emerging innovations. Location of the university, course fee and placement records are also factors which must be taken into consideration while choosing the right university.
- Curriculum offered: Courses in USA are a mix of foundation courses and electives. While foundation courses are compulsory to take, students may choose from a wide range of electives of their liking. Amongst electives, a student of say, electrical engineering may choose Applied Linear Algebra, Chemical Bonding, Energy, Computing Hardware, or Water Engineering amongst many other varied subjects. The flexibility offered by universities in USA is designed to broaden the horizons of students to develop well-rounded individuals.Education USA says, “Graduate students choose among a variety of specializations within the field, such as aeronautical, agricultural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, petroleum, or software engineering. According to U.S. Department of Labor, the most popular fields include electrical, electronic, mechanical, and civil engineering. In recent years, students have increasingly pursued degrees in architectural, biomedical, and computer engineering.”