Engineering

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The School of Engineering offers a BS in Aerospace, Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering, and in Computer Science and Engineering Physics, as well as various MS, ME, MCE, PhD, DE, and certificate programs.   Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications. A KU Engineering education helps students understand technical principles and the background behind them and prepares them for the changes ahead.

School of Engineering website

Sample of Related Skills

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• Design, production, operation and support of technical equipment like aircraft or drilling machinery
• Apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals
• Develop and manufacture a wide range of products, including fuels, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, and plastics
• Plan design and construction of society's physical infrastructure that directly impact the health and safety of the public
• Research, design, develop, test, manufacture and/or installing a broad range of electronic and/or computational devices and systems
• Develop and/or support applications for computer systems 

Popular Career Paths

Aerospace: Involves the design, production, operation and support of aircraft and spacecraft.  Can also involve conducting research to solve problems and improve processes for the aerospace industry

Chemical: Includes the application of the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals as well as to develop and manufacture a wide range of products, including fuels, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, and plastics

Petroleum: Involves the discovery, drilling, recovery, production, and distribution of petroleum and natural gas.  Can also include designing equipment and recovery processes of oil and gas

Civil: Includes the planning, design and construction of society's physical infrastructure that directly impact the health and safety of the public, including roads, bridges, water purification and distribution systems, dams and buildings

Electrical/Computer: Involves researching, designing, developing, testing, manufacturing and installing a broad range of electronic and/or computational devices and systems

Mechanical: Involves using the principles of mechanics and energy to conduct research and ultimately design, develop and manufacture tools and machines and other mechanical devices and systems

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

Employment Strategies

1. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
2. Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
3. Become familiar with the required professional qualifications (i.e., licensure and/or certifications, advanced degrees, etc.) for occupations you are considering.
4. Students in Civil and Architectural Engineering are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination before graduation and are strongly encouraged to become registered Professional Engineers, which involves completing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering examinations and obtaining four years of satisfactory engineering experience after completing your BS degree.
5. Consider joining professional associations related to your area of interest within engineering and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
6. Become knowledgeable of the federal government job application process if you are interested in pursuing employment with a federal government agency.
7. Due to rapid changes and advancements in all engineering fields, continuing education will be important throughout your career.
8. Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
9. Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest, such as those for students in: Aerospace Engineering, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and additional Engineering Student Organizations.
10. Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest: sample resume (pdf).
11. Develop effective teamwork as well as strong verbal and written communication skills

Job and Internship Search Resources

• Aerospace Engineering Professional Associations - provides links to professional organizations in Aerospace Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering Professional Associations - provides links to professional organizations in Petroleum Engineering
• Environmental Engineering Professional Associations - provides provides links to professional organizations in Environmental Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering Employers - provides an extensive list of links to employers in the aerospace engineering field
• Aerospace Internships and Co-ops - contains links to popular industrial internship and co-op opportunities provided by the KU Aerospace Engineering Department
• American Astronautical Society Career Center - contains several career-related resources, including summer opportunities, career workshops and articles.  AAS also offers a Job Register containing job postings.
• NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program - offers undergraduates across the United States mentored internship experiences at NASA Centers and research support facilities.
• National Air and Space Museum - contains job, internship, and volunteer opportunities
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers Job Board - contains job and internship listings, career resources as well as networking opportunities
• Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Job Board - provides current listing of jobs and internships throughout the industry
• Chemical Engineering Employers - contains an extensive directory of chemical engineering employers
• Petroleum Engineering Employers - provides an extensive listing of petroleum engineering employers, including federal government agencies
• Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society Job Board - provides job listings in the aerospace and electronics fields
• American Society of Civil Engineers Career Connection - contains job postings, career and job search resources, and salary surveys for professionals in civil engineering
• Architectural Engineering Professional Associations - provides links to professional organizations in Architectural Engineering
• Civil Engineering Career Overview - provides career information and resources for Civil Engineering

The quick link for this page is career.ku.edu/engineering.

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