Do you have to go to college and have your degree to be an engineer?
I’m asking bc I want to be an engineer or some else when I grow up and I’m asking if you have to go to college. #engineering
2 answers
Nicole’s Answer
Tough question because for some, going to college can be a bit of strain, especially financially. But there is some good news...typically, to do well in any engineering program, students have to be strong in math and science. Especially math. It is better though, if students have good grades in all of their subjects. I say this because many, many colleges/universities and private institutions offer scholarships to students if they show themselves to have a good history of good grades. A history of good grades generally demonstrates potential to do well. So if these colleges/universities/private institutions believe, based on your grade history, that you have the potential to do well...but that your limiting factor is cost, many are likely to provide scholarship money to support your college journey. To be clear, getting scholarship money may require steps like filling out applications, writing essays about yourself and/or your interests and getting written references from others.
I agree with the previous answer in that in order for you to have a sustained, long-lasting career in engineering, a college degree is a really good step in that direction. Many, many studies have also shown that having a college degree can be a good measure for where you start with a salary, meaning how much money you can make at your first job, and how your salary can grow over time. More good news here...even after you graduate with a degree, you can work on various types of certifications, depending on your interests. Often times, completing these certifications can help to boost your salary.
Hope you find this guidance helpful. Best of luck!
Peter’s Answer
Hello, Valeria. The short answer to your question is YES, you typically go to college and get an engineering degree and then entering the engineering field. After entering the Field, you can usually become eligible to take an engineering license exam after two to four years of work. Now it is not technically necessary to have an engineering degree to get a license. The main requirement to have one or more licensed engineers vouch for your professional competence. So it is possible, but very unusual for someone to become licensed by having worked enough years in the profession without having obtained an engineering degree. But this is rare.
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