Choosing an Engineering School in California

Sure, this may sound cliche, but I'm a California boy who wants to become an engineer. So, naturally, I'm looking at the best engineering programs in my state. Which California universities offer the most robust undergraduate engineering programs, and what criteria should I look at when making my decision?

California is certainly a hub for top-notch engineering programs! Here are some notable ones:

- Stanford University: Known for its Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering programs.

- University of California--Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Renowned for their Civil and Industrial Engineering programs.

- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Offers strong programs across all engineering disciplines.

- University of California--Los Angeles (UCLA): Often considered for Electrical Engineering.

- University of California--San Diego (UCSD): Especially known for Bioengineering.

- University of California--Santa Barbara (UCSB): Notable for Chemical Engineering.

- University of Southern California (USC): Has a strong Aerospace Engineering program.

- Harvey Mudd College: A top liberal arts college known for its engineering program.

As for what criteria to consider, here are some suggestions:

1. Specify your Engineering Interest: Every school may have a reputable engineering program, but might specialize in different branches. So, identify what type of engineering you're interested in.

2. Job Placement: Find out about the career services at the school, the resources they offer to help students find internships or co-ops, and job placement rates after graduation.

3. Research Opportunities: If you're interested in participating in research, look for universities with robust research programs and facilities.

4. Faculty: Consider the faculty's experience and credentials. Do they come from industry? Also, look at the student-faculty ratio.

5. Alumni Network: An active and involved alumni network can help with mentorship and job placement after graduation.

6. Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by ABET, which is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

7. Curriculum: Look at the required courses for the major and see if they align with your interests.

8. Location: Given that California is home to Silicon Valley and other tech-forward cities, consider if the school’s location offers the kind of internships and career opportunities you’re interested in.

9. Internship/Co-op Opportunities: Practical work experience can complement your academic study. Check how the school helps students to secure these.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all, and what's most important is that it aligns with your future career goals and that you feel it's a place where you'll thrive. Good luck with your search!