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How do I try to become an engineer?
What are all of the high school classes I should be taking to learn about the types of engineering there are and ensure I take the correct classes to become one.
4 answers
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
129
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Dan’s Answer
There are already good answers below. I would emphasize math (algebra and calculus) and english in general, then take classes like physics, chemistry, biology, electronics and computer programming depending on your focus.
Did you know that many colleges will allow you to take college-level classes (with full credit) while you are in High School? Your local community college may be the best option as they are less expensive and may be more supportive to accepting High School students. This is a great way for you to get exposed to the many engineering options. I suggest you call the advisement office at your local community college and ask them about your options. It is typical that they may offer an "Introduction to Engineering" class which exposes you to the different engineering disciplines.
As for your question about how to ensure you are taking the correct class, I suggest you talk to both your HS advisor as well as an academic advisor at the local colleges (ask for an advisor who has an understanding of the engineering programs). Ask them for a list of required classes for your degree and then ask them to suggest some HS classes.
Did you know that many colleges will allow you to take college-level classes (with full credit) while you are in High School? Your local community college may be the best option as they are less expensive and may be more supportive to accepting High School students. This is a great way for you to get exposed to the many engineering options. I suggest you call the advisement office at your local community college and ask them about your options. It is typical that they may offer an "Introduction to Engineering" class which exposes you to the different engineering disciplines.
As for your question about how to ensure you are taking the correct class, I suggest you talk to both your HS advisor as well as an academic advisor at the local colleges (ask for an advisor who has an understanding of the engineering programs). Ask them for a list of required classes for your degree and then ask them to suggest some HS classes.
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
This will depend on which type of engineering you want to study, and where you want to study. Each program will have slightly different requirements, such as your total grades or needing to have done particular subjects.
In general, all engineering degrees require a lot of Math skills, so taking the maximum amount of mathematics will be helpful, and some higher-level math subject is likely to be required. Many engineering degrees also require Physics, but not all. It's very likely that a biomedical engineering course will require Biology, and a chemical engineering course will require Chemistry.
Some kinds of engineering also have related school subjects, which your school may have, but might not be required for entry. For example, programming will help with computer engineering, electronics will help with electrical engineering.
In general, all engineering degrees require a lot of Math skills, so taking the maximum amount of mathematics will be helpful, and some higher-level math subject is likely to be required. Many engineering degrees also require Physics, but not all. It's very likely that a biomedical engineering course will require Biology, and a chemical engineering course will require Chemistry.
Some kinds of engineering also have related school subjects, which your school may have, but might not be required for entry. For example, programming will help with computer engineering, electronics will help with electrical engineering.
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
There are many different engineering disciplines (my university had over 10 programs), one of the easiest ways to learn about the different types of engineering is to visit an open house event at a university near you, or look at the engineering department admissions websites for a few universities you are interested in. They will usually list some of the courses that are required for each discipline, as well as some of the common jobs that graduates go into - if any of them sound interesting to you, that's an area to do a bit more research in!
In terms of classes while you're still in high school - different engineering programs will focus on different areas, but it's good to have a strong foundation of math and physics. If you have the option to take a software/coding class or participate in a circuits lab that will be helpful as well.
In terms of classes while you're still in high school - different engineering programs will focus on different areas, but it's good to have a strong foundation of math and physics. If you have the option to take a software/coding class or participate in a circuits lab that will be helpful as well.
Updated
Sundar’s Answer
Emphasize on Math, Chemistry and Physics. Do exceptionally well.on these3 subjects to.get into Engineering.
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