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Why Become an Engineer?

Northwest is structured to be a much better introductory learning environment than you will find in the first two years of a four-year college or university.
Northwest's classes are designed to help you build a strong engineering foundation and are taught with personal attention to ensure this.

Astrid Northrup coordinates the
Northwest College Engineering Program

Northwest College specializes in teaching freshmen and sophomores. There are no upper-class and graduate-level priorities, no student or graduate teaching assistants.
Personal help is available from faculty, free tutors, a math drop-in tutoring lab, and student study groups.
Math classes have 25 students or less, not 100 as found at many universities. Engineering classes average less than 20 students.
Northwest offers complementary opportunities to Engineering, such as Drafting, CAD, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics.
Northwest College is great value!
Northwest College helps you build the foundation that will prepare you to choose excellence and succeed in your bachelor's degree institution.

Sonja Sheets was unsure whether she wanted to enter a drafting or engineering program. She took courses in both and decided that drafting was her love

"Our small class size makes learning easier and the professors are always willing to help with problems. The value of the education I received here, compared to the cost, beats any major university. I am glad I chose Northwest!"

– Jake Thompson

As a professional engineer, you will find:

Job satisfaction and creative thinking — engineering is a problem-solving profession. Each day holds new challenges; new problems need new and unique solutions.
Money — starting salaries in 2002 averaged over$50,000/year. High salaries also mean lower-than-average unemployment and a variety of career options.
An opportunity to change the world — what you imagine and create may never have been done before! Today's computers, bridges, medical drugs and equipment, and engines are all created by engineers.
Intellectual development — new materials and techniques provide an opportunity to continue to grow.
Respect — Professional Engineers (P.E.s) are licensed professionals, much as medical and legal professionals.
Diverse career opportunities — most any type of technical career you can imagine is represented in engineering.
Jobs here, there, and everywhere — over 30 of our graduates work in the Big Horn Basin. Many more are in other areas of Wyoming, Montana, and states across the nation.

Engineering is the largest employment field of all the math/science application areas. Some refer to it as the “stealth” profession, because the size of the engineering workforce is largely unrecognized. It comprises approximately one-third of all science and mathematical application employment! Engineers serve in a broad range of specialty fields, such as aerospace, biomedical, computer, environmental, manufacturing, materials, nuclear, petroleum, and software engineering.

Engineering requires excellent math skills, alert minds, and a willingness to take responsibility. If you think enough of yourself to develop these traits and skills, you can become an engineer. Engineering needs your expertise and is an excellent career choice for both men and women.