Engineering Programs at Christian Colleges

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Engineering is the intersection of science, mathematics, creativity, and problem solving. It is the field of study dedicated to innovation, where the boundaries of “what is” are pushed for the sake of “what can be.” Engineering is how we went from a horse and buggy to cars, from cars to planes, and from planes to landing on the moon. All our modern technology, the same technology we use as a part of our everyday lives, is the result of engineering. Computers, kitchen appliances, television, and phones—all of it came through the application of engineering.

An Engineering degree could follow a number of paths, as there are several disciplines within the field, like mechanical, technical, civil, computer, and aerospace, to name a few. Getting an engineering degree from a Christian college allows students not only to learn and practice the important components of Engineering, but also to gain insight into the field through relationship with the original Engineer, the Lord. As we were created, or engineered, by the Lord in His image, so we learn to cultivate the unique gifts and skills that He has given us. For those who choose to major in Engineering at a Christian college, you nourish your relationship with the greatest Engineer, while developing His engineering image within you. You learn how to create and innovate in a way that brings Glory to Him through the gifts He has blessed you with.

Some example careers for those who major in Engineering:

• Aeronautical Engineer: Aeronautical Engineers design, maintain, and test aircraft (and sometimes missiles) that fly within Earth’s atmosphere. Much of their work involves research, testing, and assembly, as well as problem solving when things don’t work properly. Some Aeronautical Engineers will specialize in specific areas, such as environmental impact.
• Aerospace Engineer: Aerospace Engineers work with both aircraft and spacecraft, doing research, development, and design-work to get projects off the ground. They work in teams, running extensive tests on the aircraft/spacecraft technologies, ensuring that the vehicles work properly, withstand extreme conditions, and are safe for those operating or traveling within them.
• Satellite Engineer: Satellite Engineers, as the name implies, work on and develop satellites that serve a multitude of purposes, such as connectivity and connection, weather tracking, imaging and navigation, and others. These engineers design and test satellites, ensuring that all the systems work properly and it will be able to function well in the harsh environment of space. Satellite Engineers also manage the launch of the Satellites and maintain them as best they can from the ground.
• Architect: An architect is a certified professional trained to design buildings and structures and ensure that they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Architects work closely with clients, engineers, and construction teams to bring to life structures that meet clients’ expectations and reflect the culture, values, and environment of the world around them. Architects create the concepts and plans for these structures, adhering to best practices and regulations.
• Biomedical Engineer: Biomedical Engineers combine engineering and biology to design and improve medical technology and devices. Their expertise has been used for implants, prosthetics, diagnostic machines, and much more. Software and systems used in healthcare are also in their scope of ability. The goal of Biomedical Engineers is to contribute to advancements and solutions that will improve the quality of patient treatment and medical care.
• Chemical Engineer: Chemical Engineers are the ones behind the processes and systems that produce products like food, fuels, pharmaceuticals, or plastics from raw materials. Their work involves a combination of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and, of course, engineering. They often work in specific industries, such as biotechnology, materials science, or environmental engineering.
• Computer Hardware Engineer: A Computer Hardware Engineer designs the machines and hardware that make up a computer. They are responsible for developing and testing the physical components of a computer, such as circuit boards, memory devices, processors, and more. They often work with software developers or engineers to ensure that the hardware is compatible with software and performs efficiently.

There are no general, overarching placement rates for graduates with engineering degrees, but with such a broad career field, there is plenty of opportunity for aspiring future engineers. Given that there are many possible career paths, there is a lot of variation in potential salary, ranging from around $60,000 to over $130,000 a year. However, even with such a broad horizon of opportunity, employment is not guaranteed, so it’s important to focus on a few key things during your college career to give yourself the best shot at a career right out of graduation.

The first step is knowing what you want, or which specific field of engineering. Engineering is a broad field of study that spans across several major science-related careers, such a medicine, manufacturing, and Architecture. Each specific branch of engineering requires field-specific education and experience. While there are basics to engineering that may apply across the board, each branch will also have unique problems, technology, focus, and methodology. If you can pinpoint which specific branch of engineering you want to pursue, you can begin focusing your classes, internships, and research on that branch. Depending on the focus, you may even be able to start preparing for graduate school and beyond.

Continued education is not necessarily required for an engineering career, if the job does not require it, but that’s not to say it can’t help. As a characteristic, though, being a dedicated, life-long learner is absolutely vital to succeeding with an engineering degree. The field is largely about creative problem solving and coming up with inventive solutions. Engineers are often the ones responsible for inventions and new technology, which means adaptability and a willingness to learn about new technology is key to staying updated and in-time with the developments of the field.

Experience, as they say, is the best teacher, and that’s no less true for engineers of any field. Regardless of what specific branch of engineering you land on, experience through internships or jobs is paramount to jumpstarting your career once you graduate with your engineering degree. You should prioritize gaining experience through internships or jobs during your college career. Internships give you a good glimpse of the career ahead of you while you’re still working toward your degree, providing you with the opportunity to sample the work. You can see what is expected of employees, what the day-to-day work may look like, and how you might fit into the roll. You can determine if the career is for you before you’ve committed completely, and also get relevant, on-the-job experience that is incredibly valuable to future employers. During your internships, you also have the unique opportunity to build network connections with people currently in the field, which can be beneficial later on when you may need a recommendation or job insight. Never underestimate the power of “who you know” in the career world.

An Engineering degree and career can mean long days surrounding a single problem, so having patience, self-motivation, and problem-solving skills. Finding new solutions or applications for technology can take a while, so it’s important that you won’t get tired of the work quickly and will be able to motivate yourself out of slumps. Having a genuine passion and knack for engineering and technology is also important to keep you engaged in your projects and satisfied with your work. Attention to detail and critical thinking skills are an engineer’s best friend, as the smallest change in details could have the most profound effect on a project. Being a good communicator is another key characteristic that will make you an effective coworker, employee, and presenter for findings or innovative technology. All these characteristics will make you an ideal candidate for not just the business or research world of engineering, but also for a role in Ministry.

Works Cited:

• “Architecture and Engineering Occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm.

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

As there are several disciplines within the field of engineering, there are many ways that an Engineering degree can be used to make an impact in both the Church and Ministry.

Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Galatians 6:10
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Depending on the focus of your engineering degree, you may be able to assist with the tech side of Churches, like handling the wiring and software that make production possible. You could also assist with the web and online outreach of both churches and ministries by building and maintaining websites, apps, streaming services, and management data and software. If your engineering degree is more environmental or architectural, then you could design buildings, either for Church plants or housing for underserved communities.

With some engineering degrees, individuals may be able to help with water sanitation for remote or underserved communities by building wells or setting up water filtration systems. Someone with an engineering degree could also use their expertise to advise the Church on environmental stewardship practices and installing sources of renewable energy, such as solar or hydroelectric. These are just a few examples of the impact that someone with an engineering degree could have on the Church or Ministry.

Those who choose to major in engineering have a world of opportunity open to them on the other side of graduation. Whether in business, research, or ministry, engineers are an important part of innovation and invention. If you are passionate about technology and engineering, patient, determined, good with numbers, and will chase a solution to a problem until it’s found, then perhaps the Lord is calling you to an Engineering degree.