If you want to become a mechanical engineer in Washington, the first step is attending one of the 21 engineering schools in the state. Fourteen of these schools offer Associate’s degrees in this field, and 10 schools have Bachelor’s degree programs. There are seven schools that offer Master’s degrees and five schools that offer PhD programs.
If you want to earn an Associate’s degree, you need to earn 60 credits. You may be able to do this in about two years. You may be able to transfer your credits to a four-year institution if you decide to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
A Bachelor’s degree encompasses 120 credits, which takes most students between four and five years. Some of the courses you may take at this level include Mechanics of Materials, Component Design, and Manufactory Processes.
Earning a Master’s degree or PhD can help you get started in a teaching or research career. A Master’s degree requires about two years of full-time study, while a PhD generally requires five to seven years of full-time study. Some of the courses you may take at this level include Gas Dynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Laser Processing.
The average cost of tuition in Washington is $14,800. However, your tuition cost may be lower depending on your FAFSA and school-specific financial aid.
Applying for scholarships is a great way to pay for part or all of your education. The Washington Society of Professional Engineers awards multiple scholarships every year to qualified engineering students. Another option is the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to students in a variety of fields.
Earning your license is the final step before you can work as an engineer in Washington. First, fill out an application with the Washington State Department of Licensing to ensure that you meet the educational and experience requirements. Then, you can take the required exams. After passing these exams, you can fill out your final application and get your license.