Education · 1 of 5

The path

A four year accredited engineering degree is the entry ticket. Everything after that is optional but changes where you can go.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Chemistry, physics and calculus, in that order of importance. Materials science is the place where chemistry and engineering meet.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Materials science and engineering, or metallurgical, ceramic or polymer engineering. Make sure the program is accredited by ABET (the board that accredits engineering degrees).

3. 3

   Co-ops and internships

   1 to 3 summers

   Paid terms in a plant or lab. This is where you find out whether you like the factory floor or the microscope.

4. 4

   The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam

   Final year

   Taken in your final year. It is the first step toward a professional license and costs $250 to register.

5. 5

   Master's degree or doctorate, if research pulls you

   2 to 6 years

   Needed for most research and for senior semiconductor process work. Usually funded rather than paid for.