Engineering
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.
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
- Aerospace Technologist/Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Construction Engineer/Manager
- Consultant
- Design and/or Development Engineer
- Electrical Systems Engineer
- Food Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Hardware Development Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Network Implementation Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Public Utility Consultant
- Research Engineer
- Site Operations Manager
- Software Development Manager
- Software Programmer
- Software Systems Engineer
- Software Test Engineer
- Quality Assurance Director
- Water Resources Engineer
Places to Seek Employment
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturers
- Automotive Manufacturers
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Manufacturing Companies
- Commercial and Freight Airline Companies
- Commercial Space Operations
- Consumer Electronics Companies
- Design/Consulting Firms
- Defense Firms
- Engineering/Construction/Architectural Firms
- Environmental Consulting Companies
- Federal Government Agencies
- Manufacturing Companies
- Microchip Producers
- National Research Laboratories/Institutes
- Oil and Gas Companies
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Railroads
- Research and Development Laboratories
- Software Companies
- Solar Energy Companies
- State and Local Government
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Utility/Power Companies
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 EngineeringC
- Civil Engineering Career Overview - provides career information and resources for Civil Engineering
Career Exploration Hub
Employment Strategies
- Identify areas of interest related to your major so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent studies, internships, part-time jobsstudent organization involvement, or volunteering
- Register for Hire Jayhawks and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
- Practice interviewing on your own or by conducting a mock interview at the University Career Center.
- Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest.
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
- Complete an independent study to gain advanced research skills.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest.