What is General Engineering?

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Before getting into more in-depth concepts, students pursuing a master’s degree in engineering will need to know about basics such as strategy, design and concept development. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, here are a few things you should know.

How is general engineering applied?

General engineering is a broad term that covers a variety of different types of engineering. General engineering is a comprehensive approach to the subject matter, meaning students that come out of this career have an opportunity to develop large buildings and bridges, or create beauty products and airplanes. It turns out, general engineers are mainly employed by the federal government. It was the 47th most popular job in the U.S. government in 2014. It also has a lucrative salary – the average salary for a general engineer in the federal government is $124,399.57.

What characteristics do general engineering graduates have?

Like most engineering fields, people in general engineering are often skilled in science and mathematics. Many courses in this field require students to work on projects together, so it is critical that students are willing to get along with one another and work co dependently. Most often, students have already garnered basic knowledge in the field of engineering from a bachelor’s or associate’s degree and have also spent time in a professional environment. Though this field lets students explore different options, most have already decided what type of engineering they would like to pursue, whether its closer to bioengineering or aerospace engineering. Employers in general engineering often look for graduates with skills in problem-solving and project management, as well as a strong grasp of physics, design systems and math.

What types of subjects are covered in general engineering?

General engineering focuses on basic, broad areas such as strategy and development. While master’s students may already have some experience with innovation and product development, this field allows students to hone in on the correct processes to perfect these basic skills. Students can expect courses that involve human resource management, innovation project management, values and ethics, engineering research, organizational structuring and collaboration, and structural development.

As previously mentioned, students will have to work on several business projects as a team during their academic career. These projects help students apply their knowledge and participate in simulated real world experiences. For instance, students might be asked to work together to develop a model plane that successfully flies and operates like a real one. Students will also learn how to organize their process to develop products correctly without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

What careers can you pursue with an engineering degree?

There are several careers that people can pursue with a master’s of science degree in engineering. Here are just a few possibilities:

Engineering technician
Mechanical engineer
Industrial engineer
Sales engineer
Urban Planner
Professor
Engineering Manager

Within these areas, people can take on a variety of different roles. However, these specialties make engineering majors unique and very much in demand. As a result, even in an entry-level role, people are paid well. Salaries can range anywhere between $70,000 to $100,000+, depending on the role and company. For instance, the average salary for a Engineering Group Manager is $109,666 per year.

Even though this field is popular, it is generally easy for students to find a job in engineering, especially if they have specialized their skill set by getting a master’s of science degree in engineering. Every type of engineering industry is expected to grow by 2022. For instance, the employment of sales engineers is expected to rise by 9 percent by 2022. Environmental engineers is expected to increase by 15 percent by 2022, according to the BLS. Many engineering students choose to pursue a graduate degree to help become a leader, gain a better role and specialize their skill set.

What are some skills you develop in the engineering field?

There are several skills that students develop when they pursue a master’s of science degree in engineering. Of course, they will further develop their skills in mathematics and science. However, most engineering roles require skills in analytics and problem solving as engineers essentially help solve the world’s problems, from making a work commute easier by adding a bridge or creating computer chips that allow the internet and computers to run even faster than they do now. Many of these skills are developed using computer programs, which often helps students to develop greater competence with technology. Engineering students may use basic programs such as Microsoft Excel to build spreadsheets, or programs like AutoCAD to create a 3-D model of a design that they developed.

Engineering majors are often creative, they must think outside the box to solve a problem they’ve identified. Students will hone skills in critical thinking and analysis, but they’ll also learn ways to streamline the development process to create consistent, reliable results.

Start your career in engineering with a specialized degree from UNR

Getting a degree from UCR’s prestigious engineering program is a wise choice for any student looking to specialize their skills in the engineering field. All engineering programs are offered through the university’s Bourns College of Engineering, which is ranked 71st in the country and 153rd in the world, according to the U.S. News and World report. The faculty, chosen for their dedication to research, teaching and student success, bring to the college more than $400,000 in research funding per person.

UCR is known for a strong and relevant research program. One CEE Assistant Professor was awarded nearly $1 Million toward biomass burning research by the NOAA Awards. Another was granted $1.1 Million toward quantum computing research. The professors are involved in research to learn about the latest processes and cutting-edge developments so students can enter the world with a fresh awareness of the industry as a whole. Students will learn how to apply themselves in a variety of ways and will learn how to think like a professional engineer. Get your career started today by enrolling in this program.