College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Carnegie Melon University
• Cornell University
• University of Southern California

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of California—Berkeley
• California Institute of Technology
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
• Purdue University West Lafayette

Classes in the Major

Engineering Practices. If you build it, they will come. True, but what if you build it wrong? Then, they will be mad. Very mad. Engineering practices courses ensure that you don't become the target of an angry mob. In fact, a huge chunk of the engineering degree is mob-avoidance training. You'll learn how to overcome technical difficulties and figure out the most efficient and safe ways to build stuff. In some of your classes, you'll even be given some tools and put to the test yourself. These courses are more hands-on than a four-armed dog-lover at a canine convention.

Modern Technologies. Not only do you need the know-how to be an engineer, you also need the tools. Without an understanding of modern technology, you might as well be in the stone ages. These courses will introduce you to all kinds of technological systems and processes that will soon become your BFFs. (Nice to meet you, semiconductor transistor.) Labs that give you some time to work with the machines is a must too. After all, you want to be on familiar terms with these bad boys when you get your first job.

Physics. What do Sir Issac Newton and Northern California have in common? Eureka. Heh. But seriously, Shmoopers, engineering majors need to take a lot of physics courses to understand how the universal laws of physics effect the stuff they build. Imagine if someone building a bicycle knew nothing about wind resistance. Yikes. To be an engineer, you gotta know about matter, energy, and momentum to account for safety and efficiency. Engineering majors also usually have to knock off a few math courses before taking physics so they can calculate those oh-so-complex physics equations.

Chemistry. If chemistry confuses you, here you go. (You're welcome.) It's basically all about electrons, neutrons, and bonds. These are the basic building blocks of chemistry. You'll need to take classes like physical chemistry, biochemistry, and geochemistry if you want to make it as an engineer. There's a big connection between engineering and chemistry, and these courses focusing on the practical applications of chemical principles. Also, get ready to bust out the white lab coat and goggles, because a few labs are also required.

Math. The truth is, more than a basic understanding of math is needed to calculate probability and statistics. Plus, if you're writing the specs for a new computer or a spaceship, you'll rely on differential equations and calculus. As an engineer, a wrong calculation could mean a plane failing mid-flight or someone's new medical equipment breaking. So, these courses are pret-ty important. By the end of your math classes, you'll be able to tell the difference between exponential and periodic functional forms. Plus, you'll sound smart for just saying that.