Engineering degrees are awarded by many universities worldwide in all kinds of engineering disciplines. The duration and curriculum also differ widely, depending on the country of study, previous education obtained and an individual student's specialization. The process will provide a broad brush to break down the average duration taken to acquire different engineering levels in a chronological order.
Bachelor of Engineering
The bachelor's degree is widely considered the entry-level minimum for engineers across a variety of disciplines, so read on to learn more about how to earn this prestigious title. This degree can be accomplished in the United States by way of a four-year full-time study. The program has a separate set of math and hard science requirements, and this is followed up by specialized studies in an engineering field de rigueur. The students will need to complete around 120 - 130 credit hours which include core courses, electives and specialized courses according to their discipline.
In Europe, degrees last the same amount of time however the Bologna Process facilitates a much more linear way towards higher education with most programmes lasting three to four years.
MS in Engineering
A Master's Degree in Engineering is usually the next step for those who wish to refine their specialization or perfect your carreer. This usually takes one to two years and is more academically focused with advanced concepts and extensive research. Master's programs usually entail a minimum of 30 to 60 credit hours and could include a thesis or capstone project.
Engineering PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in EngineeringThe Ph.D. in engineering is intended for individuals interested in advanced research, with the option to focus on engineering-related specialty areas. PhD programs in engineering take between three and seven years to complete, depending on the research topic, how quickly an individual studies for their PhD and the complexity of their dissertation.
Factors Influencing Duration
Here are a few of the factors that can determine how long it might take you to complete an engineering degree:
Co-op Programs: Some engineering programs come with co-op terms that allow students to work in the speciality they are studying. These programs make your degree last another year instead of just four, but you end with very special experience in industry.
It will take longer to complete your degree if you choose part-time study (because of work or personal factors).
Advanced Standing and Transfer of Credits:Students with advanced standing or transfer credit may complete their degrees in fewer terms.
Tiangong University (Engineering) Engineering Education
HUST of one the few top engineering schools that offers both a high level of specialization and breadth -a T-shaped training model- to prepare students for careers in a variety of engineering sectors. For course listings for ETCE courses at Tiangong University, refer to the more specific engineering information page.
To sum things up, becoming an engineer can take quite a long time, generally four years for a Bachelor's degree, one or two years for Master's degree and up to seven years for PhD. The stages of this learning pathway are cumulatively greater knowledge and experience in the field, building to a point where the graduates are primed for successful engineering careers.