Engineering: Schools and Careers

About Engineering

The field of Engineering is a branch of applied mathematics and science that encompasses a broad range of specialized disciplines and sub-disciplines, each with its own requirements and areas of technology. It is the science, discipline, or art of applying the sciences of physics and mathematics and using physical resources and natural laws to design, develop, construct, or alter a wide variety of structures, materials, devices, machines, apparatus, engines, processes, and systems that are intended to support a specific set of criteria.

While technological advancements continue to create new fields, or disciplines, (e.g., Software Engineering, Molecular Engineering), the main categories of Engineering have historically included:

• Civil Engineering - Design and construction of private and public works (e.g., bridges, buildings, infrastructures).
• Chemical Engineering - Transformation of raw materials into useful products/commodities.
• Aerospace Engineering - Design of aircraft and spacecraft.
• Mechanical Engineering - Design of mechanical or physical systems (e.g., powertrains, engines, vibration isolation equipment - the process of isolating an item/object from the source of vibration).
• Electrical Engineering - Design of electrical goods and systems (e.g., transformers - devices that ultimately transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another).

An individual who practices Engineering is known as an Engineer. At the start of their career, an Engineer is trained in their specific discipline; throughout their career, they are more than likely to be exposed to and learn other disciplines as a result of working in related areas.

A principle and very critical task of an Engineer is to identify, understand, and interpret the limitations or restrictions of a design in order to produce a successful outcome (taking many factors into consideration such as safety, cost, production and servicing abilities, flexibility for future enhancements, and more). And, while each profession has its own specific requirements, some of the more commonly shared characteristics/requirements include, but are not limited to:

• the ability to reason and solve problems
• strong technical, analytical, and communications skills
• ability to use math and scientific methods to solve problems
• ability to perceive and visualize
• possess specific knowledge in:
• engineering and technology
• mathematics
• administration and management
• English language
• computers and electronics

Engineering Colleges and Education

Individuals entering a career in Engineering must possess a high school diploma or GED and complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific discipline (e.g., agricultural engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering); programs can take four to five years to complete. Some occupations (e.g., Nuclear Engineering) may require a master's or doctoral degree (Ph.D.) for some jobs.

In addition to the specialized courses of study for each discipline, most typical four-year programs include the following courses: basic science, math, introductory engineering, and social science. Internships are generally part of a four-year program and offer an individual the opportunity to be exposed to and apply what they have learned in the classroom, build their skills, and make connections with individuals in their field of study, thereby enhancing their chances of securing a job opportunity.

Depending upon the specific occupation, new graduates entering their career may receive on-the-job training under the supervision and guidance of experienced Engineers. Such programs may last two to four years. Large organizations may also provide formal classroom training.

Certification is available in all disciplines of Engineering and are available through a variety of organizations. All states require Engineers to be licensed (requirements vary from state-to-state), and the registration of Engineers whose work may impact life, health, or property; again, licensing requirements vary by state.

Schools for Engineering are listed in the column to the left.

The Subcategories tab lists career specialties for Engineering, each of which has a full page profile on the site.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.

The Videos tab lets you watch videos describing many of the career specialties for Engineering.