Starting a career in computer engineering starts with the right education. If you want to study in Montana, there is one school that can help you reach this goal: Montana State University. This school offers an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degree program.
Before you can start school, you have to decide which degree you want to earn. An Associate’s degree involves completing 60 credits. It gives you an overall basic knowledge of engineering. This can help you decide if you want to continue your schooling to earn a Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree takes between four and five years. You earn at least 120 credits in courses like Software Engineering, Computer Organization, and Digital Systems Design.
After earning your Bachelor’s degree, you can decide to continue your education by pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD. In a Master’s degree program, you complete 30 credits and courses like Computer Communication Networks and Embedded Systems. If you attend full-time, you may be able to complete this degree in two years. A PhD requires some of the same courses, but it also involves writing a thesis. You may need between five and seven years to earn your PhD.
Tuition rates at Montana State University depend on whether you are a resident of Montana or not. If you are a resident, tuition is approximately $6000. If you are not a resident, tuition costs about $16,000.
Whether you are a resident of Montana or not, you may be able to lower your educational costs by applying for scholarships. The Montana Society of Engineers provides information on different Montana engineering scholarships. You can also look at a list of scholarships funded by the Montana Broadcasters Association. This group has many different scholarships, including those for engineering students.
Before you can begin working as an engineer in Montana, you need to get your license from the Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. You can get your license after you pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and send your completed application to the board. It is important to renew your license by June 30 of every even-numbered year.