Are you interested in becoming a computer engineer in Iowa? If so, there are three schools that you can choose to attend. Two schools offer Associate’s degree programs and all three schools have Bachelor’s degree programs. If you are interested in a postgraduate degree, all three schools award Master’s degrees. Two Iowa schools have PhD programs.
The degree you decide to pursue depends on what career goals you have. An Associate’s degree takes about two years to complete. Completing the 60 required credits can prepare you for Bachelor’s-level study in the field. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering takes about four to five years, as you have to complete between 120 and 140 credits to graduate. Some of the coursework required at this level includes Computer Architecture, Introduction to Data Structures, and Assembly Language.
If you want to work in research or teaching, you need to earn a Master’s degree or PhD. You need to complete 30 credits of postgraduate work to earn a Master’s degree, which it generally takes about two years. A PhD requires you to write and defend a thesis, so this degree takes an average of seven years to complete.
There are many affordable college options in Iowa. In general, two-year colleges and public colleges are the least expensive choices. Overall, the average cost of tuition in Iowa is $11,300. You may be able to lower your out-of-pocket costs by applying for grants and scholarships.
Iowa has many scholarships that are specifically for engineering students. The Iowa Engineering Society awards multiple scholarships to Iowa students every year. If you attend the University of Iowa, they have a large list of engineering scholarships that you can consider.
After you have earned your diploma in computer engineering, there are a few more steps you have to take before you can work as an engineer. First, you have to register to take the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam. After you pass your exam, you can apply for your license through the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau. This involves verifying your exam scores and providing your educational history. After you get your license, you must renew it by December 31 every year.