If you want to explore the world of mechanical engineering, it starts with a degree from a mechanical engineering school in Mississippi. There are two schools you can choose to attend: the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Both schools offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering.
Before you can consider a Master’s degree or PhD, you must first have your Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. A Bachelor’s degree in this field requires 120 to 130 credits. Some of the classes you may have to take include Engineering Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Mechanics of Machinery. In addition to traditional lecture classes, you may be expected to spend a lot of time in lab classes. These classes give you practical experience with various engineering materials.
If you want to earn a Master’s degree or PhD after you have finished your Bachelor’s program, it’s important to know that you may complete many of the same classes in both degrees. A master’s degree includes 30 credits, which should take you about two years. A PhD also requires a thesis, which can take several years. A PhD generally takes between five and seven years.
The average cost of tuition in Mississippi is $3300 per semester. This can make an engineering education very affordable. However, you still may want to fill out the FAFSA and apply for financial aid in order to reduce your cost as much as possible.
There are many engineering scholarships available in Mississippi. ASME has many financial aid options for students, including scholarships and low-interest loans. In addition, the Mississippi Engineering Society awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students.
After completing your degree in mechanical engineering, the next step is taking the NCEES exam. You can pay for the exam and apply to take it at the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Upon completing your exam, you can then apply for your license through the board. To keep your license current, you must complete 15 hours of continuing education by the end of every year.