If you want to become a computer engineer in Mississippi, you can start by earning a degree at an engineering school in Mississippi. Overall, there are four schools. One of these schools offers an Associate’s degree in the field. There are three schools in Mississippi that have Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degree programs.
Getting started as a professional engineer in Mississippi requires at least a Bachelor’s degree. This degree includes 120 credits, which you may be able to complete in four to five years. An Associate’s degree takes two years, and it can help you decide if you are ready for Bachelor’s-level work. Some of the courses you may take at this level include Introduction to Data Structure, Network Analysis, and Assembly Language.
If you want to earn a higher-level degree, you can choose between a Master’s degree and a PhD. A Master’s degree requires the completion of 30 credits, which you may be able to do in two years. To earn a PhD, you have to write and defend a thesis, so this degree takes an average of seven years. Courses at this level include Advanced Coding Theory and Microprocessor Design.
The cost of tuition varies from school to school, but overall, tuition tends to be very affordable in Mississippi. The average cost is $3300. You may be able to lower your educational costs even more by applying for scholarships.
One local group that awards scholarships is the Mississippi Engineering Society. This society funds thousands of dollars in scholarships for undergraduate students and graduate students. You can also look into ASME, an engineering group that provides scholarships and low-interest loans to students across the country.
Before you can begin working as an engineer in Mississippi, you have to get your license from the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. First, you have to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, offered in April and October. After you pass that exam, you can apply for your license. Be sure to keep your license current by earning 15 hours of continuing education every calendar year.