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Engineering has a broad meaning and covers many different industries. Mathematics, science and technology are all combinations of what engineers produce as far as solutions to real world issues that need fixing or creation. There are so many different types of engineering degrees available. Before engineering could be divided into four categories: Mechanical, Chemical, Civil and Electrical, each with sub-divisions. Today, there are six major branches of engineering: Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Management, and Geotechnical, and much more subcategories. This article will show you different engineering degrees and a short description of what they are about. So many of them that we have to split this article into two parts!
Sustainable Engineering
Sustainable engineering takes into account the three major areas of sustainability which are environmental impact, social and economic considerations. This includes not only the initial construction process but the complete life cycle of the product being developed.
Engineering Management
An Engineering Management Degree combines engineering with business management training to arm the successful graduate with the ability to manage engineering projects or manage a team of engineers. This type of degree is expected to rise in popularity over time.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers work for manufacturing companies, or as consultants. The role of an Industrial engineer is to increase productivity and reduce waste and spending. Industrial engineers are hired to test employee productivity and in house processes that improve the efficiency of the company.
Systems Engineering
Systems engineering has evolved over time as systems have evolved with technology and greater efficiency it’s primary focus is on developing and improving upon existing systems. Systems engineers develop systems for workplace efficiency, risk management, measuring and refinement.
Manufacturing Engineering
A Manufacturing Engineering degree focuses on manufacturing processes and machinery and quality control systems. Manufacturing makes up over 20% of America’s GDP and over 15% of our employment. This is a very broad discipline and can involve other types of engineering studies including robotics and systems engineering. The studies for Manufacturing Engineering involves material science, manufacturing technology and automation (robotics) along with fluid mechanics and hydraulics.
Petroleum Engineer
A petroleum engineer handles the extraction of oil and gas from beneath the earth. They are also involved in developing new extraction methods and technologies that are more efficient and less damaging to the environment. Petroleum Engineering is one of the highest paid engineering positions available and locating reservoirs beneath the earth’s surface for gas and oil companies.
Geological Engineers
Geological engineers combine engineering and research skills for mining and construction projects. Construction firms hire Geological engineers. They assess ground conditions and other natural hazards before starting construction. With declining natural resources available, Geological engineers are in high demand.
Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear engineers are at the core of development for the ever growing use of nuclear power. Nuclear engineers work for consulting firms, power plants, and government agencies. There is high demand for nuclear engineers in nuclear power plants. The design, implementation, and maintenance of the plant is one aspect of their duties.
Marine Engineer
A Marine engineer applies knowledge to the development of ocean technologies. Technologies include fixed and floating structures, such as pontoons and jetties, propulsion and power generation for boats, ships and other marine transportation, and developing new forms of energy that are reliant on our oceans including wind farms.
Engineering Physics Degree
An engineering physics degree combines engineering with physics and allows students to study the areas where these two areas intersect. It is also a precursor to graduate studies in either physics or engineering. The demand for this type of graduate is particularly high.
Photonics Engineering
Photons are a specific type of light. Photonics engineering concerns itself with the exploration of light. This includes generation of light, processing of light signals, amplification of light and modulation. Industries that utilize this kind of technology include Telecommunications, Medical, Manufacturing, Aviation and computing.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study of extremely small elements such as molecules and single atoms and the production of extremely small devices. Nanotechnology is expected to be as important to us as the industrial revolution over time as it has the potential to help solve some of the world’s major problems including health and environmental concerns.
Mining Engineering
A mining Engineering degree involves studying the extraction of mined resources from the earth in a safe, economical and environmentally responsible manner. Engineers are involved in the mining industry like machinery production and design, mine design, mine construction.
Ceramics Engineers
Ceramics engineers develop products from ceramics. Ceramics are often more suitable than metals in many cases due to their heat and cool resistance and can often be found in industries such as medical, mining and electronics.
Metallurgical Engineering
A Metallurgical Engineering Degree involves the study of engineering principles to extract and in many cases purify metals and other minerals from ore. Metallurgical Engineers develop and design processing techniques and machinery and have to take into account the environmental impact of mineral processing.
Geomatics Engineering
A Geomatics Engineering degree involves the study of precise measurement for mapping the earth’s environment using advanced equipment and techniques. Geomatics Engineers play an important role in planning future infrastructure and often work with large amounts of data to form digital replications of terrain and develop 3D maps. This also includes the study of GPS technology.
