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!
Online Engineering
The top online engineering degrees are: Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechatronics Engineering, and different Masters in Engineering Degrees. Although there are not many choices right now for some branches, more colleges and universities are adding online engineering degrees at every level. engineers that have already earned their PE license and are currently employed opt for taking online engineering classes to get their Master’s degree.
Mechanical Engineering
A Mechanical Engineering Degree involves the design of mechanical systems. These systems assist industries like manufacturing, aeronautics, nanotechnology, nuclear power production, heating and cooling. A primary focus is on thermodynamics, structural analysis, materials science, and kinematics. This is the broadest of the engineering degrees available today. The Mechanical Engineering Degree has a number of subcategories that include electronics and electrical engineering, such as Mechatronics.
Aerospace Engineering
An Aerospace Engineering Degree involves the study of air and space travel. This might include military aircraft design and development, along with commercial airline design and satellite technology. Aeronautical Engineering relates to craft that remain in our atmosphere, while Aerospace Engineering refers to aircraft that venture outside our atmosphere.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is the study of medicine and biology. Biomedical Engineers apply their design skills to biological and medical sciences. They do this to assist in advancements in healthcare treatment technology. They develop and maintain diagnostic devices. Physicians use these machines to diagnosis their patients’ medical problems.
Biomechanical Engineering
Biomechanical Engineering is the study of organisms and mechanics. This is a growing industry and practical applications include environmental challenges such as waste control and keeping our waterways free from pollution.
Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineering involves the design and production of vehicles. The automotive industry is hugely diverse and requires engineers to work in areas such as mechanical design, performance, manufacturing, electrical engineering and systems management.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering involves the development of infrastructure such as buildings, railways, roads construction, bridges and general construction project management. Civil Engineers play an important role in rebuilding projects. Civil Engineers may work in the private or public sector at any level. This is a very broad engineering degree. Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering and Marine Engineering are all specialties of Civil Engineering.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineering is a specific branch of civil engineering, and specializes in the design of different structures, including houses, commercial buildings, art museums, stores, and more. It is important for structural engineers to understand the construction of buildings and the effects of natural factors such as erosion, corrosion, wind, and water to ensure buildings and structures are safe for a very long period of time.
Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineers work in the construction, planning, and design phase of projects. The focus is on building structure and interior design. This includes: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Fire protection, Lighting, Plumbing and other systems.
Electrical Engineering
An Electrical Engineering Degree involves the study of energy. Energy is available in various forms such as electrical, hydro and natural sources such as wind and solar energy. An Electrical Engineer develops technologies to assist with the practical application of such energies. They design components for electronic equipment, communications systems, power grids, automobiles, and more.
Computer Engineering
Another industry that continues to expand is the Information Technology industry. This involves both computer sciences and electrical engineering. Successful graduates may find themselves in Telecommunications, Networking, Software Application Development, or Manufacturing, and additional industries are emerging, such as Application Development, Web Development, Network Security/Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, among others. This type of degree has good future potential as most industries rely on information technology.
Electronics Engineering
Technology and specifically, electronics, have changed the way most of the world lives every day. From the revolutionary computer to the latest mobile phone technology that fits in your pocket, we all use electronics every single day. Electronics engineers are needed to design and build electronic equipment. Most electronics engineers work with circuits, switchboards, and other electronic configurations to design and build these devices.
Mechanical Engineering
Nearly all mechanical equipment in this day and age is operated with a mix of electronics and software, all based on computers and technology. Mechatronics engineers help bridge that gap, and have intrinsic knowledge of electrical, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Some more experienced Mechatronics Engineers also have computer, hardware, and software engineering experience as well.
Robotics Engineering
A robotics engineering degree has its focus on automation and the use of machines to assist with repetitive tasks such as those found in manufacturing. Robotics engineers will design robotic technology and develop maintenance systems to help achieve optimal efficiency.
Microelectronic Engineering
If you have an interest in electronics a Microelectronic Engineering degree might be of interest. Microelectronics is a subset of Electrical Engineering with a focus on the word ‘Micro’. Microelectronic Engineers specialize in the development and design of small electrical devices. Used in a wide range of industrial applications. As we move away from bulky electronic devices such as the first mobile phones and desktop computers. The demand for microelectronic engineers is high.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is the practical application of chemistry. This type of engineering degree involves technology that utilizes chemical reactions to solve problems. A chemical engineer creates new products such as cosmetics, foods, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and cleaners. It is also one of the most challenging degrees available.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering is the study of science and engineering to improve our environment. This includes the air, food, and water. Environmental Engineers also studies environmental impact humans have on the planet, including pollution.
Materials Science Engineering
A Materials Science engineering is the study of materials and why they behave a specific way or react to things in a certain way. This includes plastics, ceramics and polymers. Everything around us is made up of materials, as we evolve there is an increasing demand for materials which are stronger, more environmentally friendly and lighter. Materials Science Engineering is a very hands on and practical degree.
Agricultural Engineering
An Agricultural engineering degree involves learning how to apply engineering to the agricultural industry to assist with area of farming which includes soil conservation and salinity, ground preparation, irrigation, farm machinery design and production and helping develop more effective harvest techniques.
Paper Engineering
Paper Engineering is a specialization of chemical engineering and involves understanding the processes involved (chemical and mechanical) of paper production. This type of degree involves both research based work and practical assessment which is typically lab work. Students learn the principles behind molecular science, wood pulping and fluid mechanics to name just a few.
