| |
| Education FAQ |
 |
How long does it take
to become an engineer?
The course leading to a Bachelor's degree
in engineering lasts three and a half to four years. Some institutions offer a
cooperative plan that allows study semesters to alternate with paid training in
industry: these programs take an average of one year longer to complete. But graduating
is just the first step. Like doctors and lawyers, engineers must spend a number
of years earning their professional qualifications. Depending on the province
they live in, candidates must complete three to four years of relevant engineering
work experience, write and pass an examination on professional practice, ethics,
engineering law and liability, and be proficient in English and/or French. |
| | |
Do I have to have good
marks in math and science to enter engineering?
Admissions to
engineering programs are competitive; there are more applicants than spaces, so
the better your grades are the better your chances of admittance. Generally, good
to excellent grades are required. Usually, grades of 80% or more in math and sciences
are needed for admission. | | | Back
to Top | What
other entrance requirements are there?
Generally speaking, a
high school diploma with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology is required
or, in Quebec, a CEGEP diploma with a concentration in pure and applied or health
sciences. Although not a requirement for admission into engineering, creativity,
rigour, analytical thinking, adaptability, being comfortable with team work and
an ability to communicate with others are also helpful qualities. In every case,
it is a good idea to check with the educational institution or a guidance counselor
about the qualifications necessary for applying to a specific school.
To learn more about the academic requirements for entry into engineering click
here. | | | Back
to Top | What
is co-operative education?
Co-operative Education is a three-way
partnership between the university, the student and the employer. The common goal
is to develop meaningful and relevant practical opportunities for students, while
enriching both the classroom and workplace experience. Co-op education combines
education at school and education in the workplace through alternate semesters
of study and work. The work-term is designed to provide knowledge relevant to
the student's academic discipline while the student is paid at a competitive rate.
The classroom environment is then stimulated by questions formed in industry and
brought back to school; everyone benefits. Co-op students tend to get more from
their education and are likely to be more successful in securing employment in
their field of study upon graduation. When co-op graduates apply for work, they
are serious candidates for any position in their discipline because they have
practical work experience. Many engineering schools and faculties in Canada offer
co-op programs. | | | Back
to Top | What
is an internship program?
An internship is a work experience
program within a student's field of study that lasts between 12 and 18 months
(time varies in each institution). The difference between an internship and co-op
is that while co-op involves working terms of 4-6 months spread out over an entire
bachelor's degree, an internship is one long work-term which begins after the
third year of study has been completed. Several Canadian engineering schools offer
internships as an option for senior students. | | | |
What is an accredited
engineering program?
Accredited Canadian undergraduate programs
are those that meet or exceed the educational standards required to obtain a professional
engineering license in Canada. The curriculum content of each program is analyzed
periodically (at least every six years) by a team of professional engineers in
order to ensure that it meets the minimum criteria. The accreditation process
is managed by the Canadian
Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), a body with the Canadian
Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE).
| | | Back
to Top | Can
I become an engineer without an accredited degree?
The simplest
way to become a professional engineer is to graduate from an accredited undergraduate
engineering program and meet your province's licensing requirements. It is, however,
possible to become a professional engineer without an accredited degree. The qualifications
vary from province to province, but generally the process involves writing a number
of exams. | | | |
| What is the difference
between getting a B.Eng. and getting an engineering technician's degree?
Bachelor degrees in engineering (B.Eng.) are granted to students upon
completion of required course work at a university. Engineering technologists
get diplomas/certificates and are generally taught at colleges. A bachelor's degree
in engineering makes you eligible for professional licensing, while a technician's
degree does not. | | | Back
to Top |
|
|  |
