Thinking about a major in engineering? This one¡¯s for you

Curious about what an engineering major involves, salaries for engineers, and what to look for when choosing a college for engineering? Read on.
 
Why engineering?

If you excel in math and the sciences and loving figuring out how things work, consider a major in engineering.
 
Engineering is the art of putting science to good, practical use. You can design things that improve lives and offer solutions to tough problems. It¡¯s ideal for imaginative, innovative, independent and forward thinkers. And there are many kinds of engineers.
 
Plus, engineering also can lead to jobs in business, design, law and government. To employers and graduate schools, an engineering degree reflects a well-educated individual who has learned ways of analyzing and solving problems that can lead to success in all kinds of fields.
 
How do I choose a school for engineering?

No matter what major you're pursuing, it¡¯s a good idea to research a variety of schools ¡ª from large regional universities to smaller colleges. The more you research and visit, the more likely you¡¯ll find what matters the most to you and your future. Here¡¯s what to look for:

Hands-on learning
Some might think a large university and its research facilities are the way to go. But many smaller-sized colleges can offer engineering undergraduates more access to labs and facilities, plus more hands-on learning opportunities, professional connections and individual attention. 

A liberal arts foundation
Liberal arts for engineers? Yes! Engineering graduates from liberal arts colleges can interpret and better communicate the results of their technical work, and they make excellent problem-solvers. Because engineers benefit from a broad background of knowledge and experiences, liberal arts colleges can offer the best preparation for employment or graduate school.

Career and internship support
Don't underestimate the importance of guidance along your career path. Ideally, any school you consider will offer help finding and landing all-important internships, preparing for job interviews, preparing graduate school applications, and/or providing career advice.

Dedicated faculty
Your professors and advisors should be as committed to your success as you are. While looking at a school, schedule a meeting with a professor from the engineering department and ask to visit a class. They should be willing to share with you more details about the major itself, as well as average class size in the department, their teaching style, course/major expectations, and advising and internship opportunities. 
 
Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s engineering majors

? Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s engineering (bachelor of science) program is innovative for its liberal arts background, and offers three tracks: mechanical, civil and environmental engineering. We also offer a bachelor of arts in engineering physics. How do you know which engineering degree is right for you? Read about the differences.
 
? Our engineering faculty are experts in a variety of disciplines, including mechanical engineering; civil, environmental and geo-engineering; and structural engineering. Our classes and labs are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. They get to know students and can help them clarify their career paths.
 
? During the past five years, nearly 80% of students seeking graduate school were successfully enrolled in top schools such as the University of Iowa, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Dartmouth, and the University of Colorado-Boulder in engineering or physics programs. Recent engineering grads have found employment as diverse as the Quad Cities¡¯ John Deere & Company, SolarPod solar technology in the Twin Cities, Minn., and as a civil engineer for the town of Gurnee, Ill. 
 
? The Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Physics and Engineering Society (APES) has won the Outstanding Chapter Award 11 times. It¡¯s a fun and engaging group focused on developing a sense of community through presentations, outreach to area schools, discussions on modern science and club get-togethers.
 
? Our student-led mentoring program (APS-IDEA) pairs first- and second-year students with junior and senior majors. Seniors are paired with an alumni mentor so they are ready to take the next step, whether that¡¯s a job or graduate school.
 
? Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s CORE career coaches help students with r¨¦sum¨¦s, interview practice and internships. Our engineering majors have interned at John Deere, Exelon, Bergstrom, Solar Plastics and Crawford Company, which have led to permanent positions.
 
How much do engineers make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic Occupational Outlook Handbook, here are median annual salaries for specific engineering occupations in 2024 ¡ª plus projected job growth (all faster than average) from 2023 to 2033:

Civil  ¨C $99,590, 6% job growth
Environmental ¨C $104,170, 7% job growth
Mechanical ¨C $102,320, 11% job growth
 
Now what?

An engineering major can lead to a lifetime of interesting opportunities, challenges and successes.
 
If you¡¯re a current high school student looking for the right college, add Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø to your list ¡ª even if you're not sure you want to major in engineering. At Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø you will have immersive, hands-on earning experiences; endless opportunities outside of class; and close advising, inspiration and support along the way. You will even have your own Success Team!

Our admissions team can help you decide if Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø is a good fit. Submit a request for more information today!