Engineers are problem solvers. Engineers use math and scientific principles to invent, test and service the products we use everyday. There are many different types of engineers. Software, mechanical, civil, and electrical are some that come readily to mind. Many of these colleges online may grow in popularity thanks to an initiative by President Obama.
“Educate to Innovate” is a national campaign launched last year to inspire American students to study STEM subjects. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. President Obama says it should be a national priority to help students in the US excel in these courses. The director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, John Holdren, agrees, noting America needs a STEM workforce that can develop clean sources of energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and discover cures for cancer.
The President’s STEM plan outlines three priorities: helping all students think critically in STEM subjects, improving math and science teaching, and expanding STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups like women and minorities.
Online college is helping to bring higher education to a broader population. More students means more potential people enrolling in STEM courses. Online college students choose the number of classes that fit their schedule. Then they can watch lectures, complete assignments and take exams over the Internet when it’s convenient.
Online colleges offer degree programs that cover the specialized fields of engineering degrees. Some online colleges also have masters and doctorate engineering programs. An engineer’s level of education can help determine salary. The average engineer makes between $37,000 and $120,000 a year depending not only on education but also the field of engineering and work experience.
There are several ways to pay for your online education. The US government is the largest source of funding. The Department of Education will provide more than $116 billion this year to help millions of students and their families pay for college. There are federal grants, loans and work study programs available to all college students. Filling out a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) will determine your financial need and how much aid you are qualified to get.
Scholarships are another source of money for college. The best part is you don’t have to pay the money back. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically geared to engineering students, but there are also hundreds of private scholarships through business groups, church organizations and foundations. For example the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awards scholarships to 300 engineering students each year. The students get $7,500 toward their studies.
The Department of Education reports the number of students getting bachelors Uk marriage visa degree in science increased by eight percent between 1997 and 2007. With the increased popularity of Uk marriage visa accredited online schools, more students may be striving for college degrees in STEM courses online.