APU Careers & Learning Online Learning

Overcoming Math as a Barrier in Engineering

engineering-mathBy Gregory West
Faculty Member, Electrical Engineering at American Public University

Engineering relies on mathematics to solve simple and complex problems and to create that next best thing. Some would say engineers are also mathematicians.

There are some fundamental math courses that are bedrock to all engineering: algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Algebra and calculus are central to engineering, because these math skills are the basics for the more advanced math that a student will encounter in an engineering program. Anyone interested in a career as an engineer should build a math skill set by taking math courses before beginning formal engineering courses.

In additional to formal math courses, greater math know-how can be gained at math websites that explain the fundamentals and offer challenging exercises. Tutors can also be helpful. A good tutor will prove to be priceless in understanding and locking down those concepts that will be drawn upon in engineering courses such as field theory, probability and statistics, differential equations, control theory, and digital filter. Most universities offer additional resources for students, including remedial math course options.

[see also: Math Building Blocks for the Engineering Major]

With hard work and persistence, you can acquire the necessary math skills to successfully complete an engineering program. Avail yourself of the resources that can help you acquire the math skills needed to prepare for an exciting career as an engineer.

For more math resources you can visit:

About the Author

Gregory West is an electrical engineer with more than 30 years in the electrical/electronic design and development field. He has worked on military products throughout his career. He began his career in avionics (the A10 aircraft dubbed the ‘Warthog’), the Space Shuttle, surface ship and submarine systems, small satellites for NASA, and sonar/radar systems/products. Gregory received a BSEE from Howard University in 1980. As a full time employee at Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin, he received a master’s of engineering science in electrical engineering from Loyola College and a master’s of science in engineering with a concentration in organizational and technical management from Johns Hopkins University.

Comments are closed.