Engineering education explained to kids
Engineering education is the activity of teaching knowledge and principles to the professional practice of engineering. It includes the initial education (bachelor's and master's degrees) for becoming an engineer, and any advanced education and specialized training that may be required later in a career.
Engineering education is typically accompanied by additional study in mathematics and the physical sciences, and is usually followed by a period of professional practice (internship, residency or apprenticeship) in which the engineer gains practical experience.
The first step in becoming an engineer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program. A bachelor's degree in engineering generally takes four years to complete, and is the minimum level of education required to practice engineering professionally in most jurisdictions.
After completing a bachelor's degree in engineering, many engineers choose to obtain a master's degree in engineering or a related field. A master's degree generally takes two years to complete, and allows engineers to specialize in a particular area of engineering or to gain advanced knowledge in engineering principles and practice.
In addition to formal education, many engineers also gain practical experience through internships, residencies or apprenticeships. These hands-on experiences allow engineers to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems, and to gain a better understanding of the engineering process and the role of engineers in society.