Attending an aerospace engineering program in Washington is the first step to an exciting new career. Even as the demand for other fields fluctuates, the need for skilled, educated aerospace engineers is on the rise. In Washington, there is one school that has this program: the University of Washington. It offers both a Bachelor’s degree program and a Master’s degree program. The average cost of tuition is $22,100 per year. One of the benefits of attending this school is the one-on-one attention; the average class size is just 13 students, offering you plenty of opportunities to interact with professors.
In order to begin a career in aerospace engineering, you need to commit to at least a Bachelor’s degree in the field. This is a four-year commitment, since you have to complete 120 credits at the rate of 15 credits per semester.
There are many different facets to every aerospace engineering curriculum. This is because the degree as a whole is meant to prepare you for the research, development, and testing of aerospace technology. You may be required to take courses like Aerospace Fundamentals, Orbital Mechanics, Aerospace Systems, and Compressible Flow.
Depending on what elective courses you choose, you may be involved in the research aspect of aerospace engineering. You may work with other undergraduate students or with Master’s-level students to conduct research into how and why materials work the way they do.
Hands-on experience is an essential component of engineering. The University of Washington has a paid co-op program that allows you to work, earn credits, and get paid by an engineering employer while in school. Not only does this give you invaluable experience, you may be hired on full-time after graduation.
Before you enter a program, it’s important to do some research into tuition rates and financial aid opportunities at your chosen school. Preparing ahead of time can save you from writing hefty checks or taking out substantial student loans. At the University of Washington, tuition is $12,397 per year for residents. Tuition for non-residents is $31,971 per year.
There are many different engineering organizations and education groups in Washington that offer engineering scholarships. The Washington Society of Professional Engineers awards scholarships to local engineering students on an annual basis. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to students in the fields of math, science, health care, and engineering. Selected students receive $1,000 per year for up to four years.
After you have earned your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited Washington school, it’s time to get your license from the Washington State Department of Licensing. You must submit a filled-out application with a $65 application fee. The Department of Licensing will then send you your test date. Once you pass the Professional Engineer exam, you just need to get your license!
Washington has many engineering organizations. Joining a local organization has many benefits. You can attend ongoing education courses, which allows you to stay completely updated on new technology in the field. You can also network with other engineers, apply for jobs, and learn more about legislative changes. One of the biggest groups based in Washington is the Washington Society of Professional Engineers.