Engineering Fields are related to applying science and math to solve problems. For this reason, engineers figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries. Scientists and inventors often get credit for innovations that advance the human condition. As a rule of thumb, engineering professions typically fall under four types: chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical.
Of course, it’s engineers who are instrumental in making those innovations. There are dozens and dozens of different types of engineering, but when it comes down to the basics, engineering is about using specialized knowledge bases to solve a problem. Since we encounter various issues, there are many engineering disciplines, many of which are highly specialized and designed.
In his book, “Disturbing the Universe” (Sloan Foundation, 1981), physicist Freeman Dyson wrote, “Usually, a good scientist is a person with original ideas. Equally important, a good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible. There are no prima donnas in engineering.” Furthermore, the history of engineering is part and parcel of human civilization.
For instance, the Pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge, the Parthenon, and the Eiffel Tower are monuments to our engineering heritage. Today’s engineers not only build massive structures, such as the International Space Station (NASA), but also build maps of the human genome and better, more minor computer chips for hardware. They help power up the computing technology service solutions.
Understanding Why The Engineering Fields Are Significant And What They Offer
Engineering Fields are the cornerstone of STEM Education, an interdisciplinary curriculum that motivates students to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There is often considerable specialties overlap. For this reason, engineers need to have a general understanding of several areas of engineering besides their specialty. You can learn more in the video explainer below:
For example, a civil engineer needs to understand structural engineering concepts. An aerospace engineer needs to apply the principles of mechanical engineering. Likewise, nuclear engineers need working electrical engineering knowledge. Remarkably, they require in-depth knowledge of mathematics, physics, and computer applications like simulations and computer-aided design.
Engineers work in many settings, including research laboratories, factories, construction sites, nuclear power plants, offshore oil rigs, and the International Space Station. Additionally, many engineers work in businesses related to their areas of specialization. For example, an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) engineer might own a heating and air conditioning company.
A structural engineer might own a construction company. So, what do the engineering fields offer? Most college programs include introductory engineering courses in a wide range of topics. Especially before students choose to specialize in a particular area. Sometimes, engineers design, evaluate, develop, test, modify, install, inspect, and maintain various products and systems.
They also recommend and specify materials and processes. While at the same time supervising manufacturing, construction, and conducting failure analysis. As well as providing consulting services and teaching engineering courses in colleges and universities. As mentioned, the top-level engineering fields are divided into many specialty categories: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical.
The Topmost Part-Time Engineering Fields You Should Consider Pursuing
Engineering stands at the forefront of evolution in a world driven by innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The plethora of engineering fields is a testament to humanity’s quest to solve diverse problems, from constructing sustainable cities to harnessing the mysteries of the quantum realm. But, a commonly asked question is: Which is the best field?
Well, “best” is subjective and relies on a multitude of factors that you must consider. While external metrics like salary, job growth, and societal impact might influence this perception, it’s equally important to consider your inclinations, strengths, and passions. For example, if you are deeply fascinated by the human body’s micro-level intricacies, you might lean towards biomedical engineering.
Conversely, if you’re passionate about sustainably harnessing natural resources, you might resonate more with petroleum or environmental engineering. The work environment could also be a critical factor for you. If you cherish team collaboration in a lab setting, you might find chemical or biomedical engineering fitting. Similarly, let’s say you prefer open spaces and hands-on fieldwork.
In that case, you might gravitate towards civil or geological engineering. No matter how niche, every engineering discipline contributes to society somehow. They also intersect and overlap in many ways. An aerospace engineer might rely on the insights of a materials engineer to choose the right components for a spacecraft. At the same time, a computer hardware engineer is often collaborative.
More so with electrical engineers to ensure optimized system performance. While each engineering field boasts unique allure and challenges, the best one for you hinges on aligning your aspirations and interests. By exploring the different types of engineering available, you can determine which is the best fit for you and your journey. Let’s get started with the topmost engineering fields.
1. Chemical Engineering
Notably, this is designing equipment, systems, and processes for refining raw materials and mixing, compounding, and processing chemicals to make valuable products. Usually, chemical engineers use their knowledge of sciences — such as chemistry, biology, physics, and math. This helps them solve problems affecting the use or production of chemicals, food, drugs, etc.
2. Civil Engineering
It involves designing, constructing, maintaining, and inspecting large infrastructure projects such as highways, railroads, bridges, tunnels, dams, and airports and conducting precise centroid calculations for optimal project placement. In most cases, civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. The projects they design, build, and maintain span various public and private sectors. This includes bridges, roads, tunnels, dams, and water and sewer systems. They often split their time between an office and project sites.
3. Electrical Engineering
In this case, electrical engineering involves generating and distributing electricity and designing related devices such as electric generators, motors, transformers, and other power systems, including electricity grids. Typically, electrical engineers are involved in traditional, nuclear, and renewable energy solutions. Their role is designing, testing, manufacturing, constructing, controlling, monitoring, and inspecting electrical and electronic devices, machinery, and systems. However, these systems vary in scale from microscopic circuits to national power generation and transmission.
4. Mechanical Engineering
Involves design, manufacturing, inspection, and maintenance of machinery, equipment, and components. As well as control systems and instruments for monitoring their status and performance. This includes vehicles, construction and farm machinery, industrial installations, and various tools and devices. In layman’s language, electrical engineers focus on designing, testing, and manufacturing electrical components. Such components include motors, navigation, communications systems, and power generation.
The Other Engineering Fields From The Southern New Hampshire University
Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Basic salaries and earning potential may result from a combination of factors—including, but not limited to, years of experience, employment industry, geographic location, and worker skills. The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a great reference.
To enumerate, SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone. Founded in 1932 (online since 1995), they’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Their 300-acre campus in Manchester hosts over 3,000 students. It serves over 135,000 learners online.
Learn to approach problems analytically when you join the community of engineering majors at Southern New Hampshire University anytime. By backing up your applied math and science skills with a deep understanding of statistical, technical, and quantitative knowledge, your degree prepares you for many industries. Their academic curriculum mimics the work you’ll do in the real world.
Be that as it may, discover more about the SNHU Engineering Degrees to gather more helpful information. Find out what courses you’ll take, the skills you’ll learn, and how to request information about the program. Likewise, visit the About SNHU Page to learn more about their mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions, and awards. Below are the other best engineering fields.
4. Aerospace Engineering
Involves designing, manufacturing, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. In addition, it also encompasses parts and components such as airframes, power plants, and control and guidance systems. At the same time, also not forgetting electrical and electronic systems and communication and navigation systems. They work in various industries, including locomotive manufacturing, aerospace telecommunications, research, etc. Other aerospace engineers specialize in spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, and missile design.
5. Nuclear Engineering
Involves designing, manufacturing, construction, operation, and testing of equipment, systems, and processes involving nuclear radiation production, control, and detection. These systems include particle accelerators and nuclear reactors for electric power plants and ships, radioisotope production, and research. Nuclear engineering also includes monitoring and protecting humans from the potentially harmful effects of radiation.
6. Structural Engineering
For beginners, structural engineering is a subset of civil engineering, focusing on the “bones and muscles” of man-made structures. Markedly, structural engineers are also responsible for calculating the strength and stability of load-bearing structures to withstand earthquakes, wind, and other natural disasters. It involves designing, constructing, and inspecting load-bearing structures such as large commercial buildings, bridges, and industrial infrastructure.
7. Biomedical Engineering
This is the practice of designing systems, equipment, and devices for use in medicine. It also involves working closely with medical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and researchers. In particular, to determine, understand, and meet their system, equipment, and device requirements. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers focus on advances in technology and medicine to develop new devices and equipment for improving human health. For example, they might design software for medical equipment or computer simulations to test new drug therapies.
8. Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Engineering, also known as Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, is the field of study and application of engineering science and design principles for agriculture, combining mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical disciplines. Generally, according to BLS, agricultural engineers ensure power supplies, machinery, structures, and facilities run efficiently. They can also work with pollution and environmental issues concerning agriculture.
9. Industrial Engineering
By all means, industrial engineering helps to design and optimize facilities, equipment, systems, and processes for manufacturing, material processing, and other work environments. Usually, industrial engineers develop job evaluation programs, amongst other duties. In addition, industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems integrating workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or service.
10. Materials Engineering
Understanding the relationships between properties, structure, processing, and performance makes the Materials Engineer the master of the engineering universe. The five primary classes are metals, polymeric, ceramic, composite, and electronic materials. Materials Engineers work with metals, ceramics, and plastics to create new materials. They also develop, process, and test materials to create products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices.
11. Environmental Engineering
On the same note, there is also environmental engineering in this category. Realistically, this is the practice of preventing, reducing, and eliminating sources of pollution that affect air, water, and land. In addition, it also involves detecting and measuring pollution levels, determining the seeds, cleaning up and rehabilitating polluted sites, and ensuring compliance with local and state regulations.
12. Computer Engineering
This is the practice of designing computer hardware components, computer systems, networks, and computer software. Technically, computer engineering combines the basic theory of computer science with elements of electrical engineering. As a result, many computer engineering majors find work in hardware and software design and application. A computer engineer fuses electrical engineering and computer science to develop new technology. At the same time, computer hardware engineers work with computer systems and components, such as circuit boards, processors, networks, and routers, to ensure they work with the latest software.
13. Safety Engineering
Eventually, this is the process of designing workplaces to prevent accidents. It’s a specialty in the engineering field encompassing many disciplines, such as ergonomics/human factors, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, fire protection, product safety, structural engineering, system safety, etc. Engineering Safety Concepts provides detailed approaches and modes for accident reduction by using a risk management process to identify and “design out” hazards. Accidents can and do happen.
14. Nuclear Engineering
For newcomers, this engineering discipline is concerned with designing and applying systems that use the energy released by atomic processes. The most prominent application of nuclear engineering is the generation of electricity. Nuclear Engineers typically research new benefits and management of nuclear power or material. They examine nuclear accidents and analyze the data to aid in designing preventive measures. Some test whether using and managing nuclear material or reclaiming nuclear fuel is acceptable.
15. Petroleum Engineering
Lastly, petroleum engineering is a field of engineering concerned with the activities related to producing Hydrocarbons, which can be either crude oil or natural gas. Exploration and production fall within the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. Petroleum engineers help find oil and gas for the country’s energy needs. They also design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.
Getting To Know The Topmost Marketplace Engineering Jobs And Salaries
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Many employers require engineers to obtain state certification as Professional Engineers. Additionally, many engineers belong to the Society of Professional Engineers and other engineering societies for their areas of specialization. For instance, a reference from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has information on various specialized engineering fields, including educational requirements.
As well as job descriptions, work environments, and job outlooks. Another source of information on job descriptions can be found at MyMajors.com. In addition to educational requirements and required skills and knowledge for different areas of engineering. Most engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. State certification for a professional engineer is vital.
Learn More: What A Mining And Geological Engineering Career Entails — TryEngineering
Passing a rigorous and comprehensive test is also required by many employers to work as a consultant. Senior engineering positions and professorships generally require a master’s or doctorate. For your information, the employment marketplace of engineers is projected to grow from 4 to 27 percent between now and 2025, depending on the field of specialization, according to the BLS.
According to Salary.com, a newly graduated engineer with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn from $50,817 to $78,487 per year. Conversely, a mid-level engineer with a master’s degree and five to 10 years of experience can earn $68,628 to $114,426. Likewise, a senior engineer with a master’s degree or doctorate and more than 15 years of experience can earn $91,520 to $156,895.
Many experienced engineers are promoted to management positions or start their consulting businesses. Whereby they can earn even more. Additionally, some engineers go on to law school to become patent attorneys. Ultimately, they can make an upward of $250,000 per year. You can learn more about the Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kenya for more helpful information.
The Topmost Paying Careers:
- Petroleum Engineers: $137,720
- Aerospace Engineers: $116,500
- Nuclear Engineers: $113,460
- Biomedical Engineers: $91,410
- Chemical Engineers: $108,770
- Environmental Engineers: $88,860
- Computer Hardware Engineers: $117,220
- Electrical And Electronics Engineers: $101,250
- Mining And Geological Engineers: $91,160
- Health And Safety Engineers: $91,410
- Agricultural Engineers: $80,720
- Industrial Engineers: $88,020
- Materials Engineers: $93,360
- Mechanical Engineers: $88,430
- Civil Engineers: $87,060
Typically, the type of degree an undergraduate engineering program would be categorized as would be a Bachelor of Science (BS). It’s important to note that engineering bachelor’s degrees usually fall under the Bachelor of Science category. Be that as it may, whichever engineering career you’re most interested in, you should be able to expect a good salary after receiving your degree.
NB: Choose a curriculum that mimics the work you’ll do in the real world, filled with hands-on projects, experiential learning, and the theories needed to arrive at practical solutions. Remember, most experienced faculty members must have worked in the field you want to enter. Thus, they can help you complement your coursework with knowledge from today’s engineering environments.
Summing Up;
Engineering Fields are vast and intricate, encompassing a wide range of specialties. In broad terms, each engineering field, divided into four main categories — chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical—requires different skills and education. Notwithstanding, engineering has matured and expanded over the centuries, along with our knowledge and understanding of science.
As well as mathematics and the laws of physics and their applications. Today, engineers apply both well-established scientific principles and cutting-edge innovations. Specifically to help design, build, improve, operate, and maintain complex devices, structures, systems, and processes. It was engineering that brought us out of the caves; it was engineering that took us to the moon.
Equally important, engineering will take us to the moon if we ever make it to the stars. One thing is sure: Professional engineers will have new opportunities to find practical uses for scientific discoveries as our knowledge advances. On that note, as the novelist James A. Michener aptly put it in his novel “Space” (Fawcett, 1983), “Scientists dream about doing great things. Engineers do them.”
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Frequently Asked Questions Answered:
1. How much does an online engineering degree cost?
The cost of an online engineering degree varies as each college sets its tuition rates. If you’re worried about affordability, some schools make low tuition rates a priority so that you can reach your goals. One of those institutions is Southern New Hampshire University. They’re known for having some of the lowest online tuition rates. And because their engineering degrees are so affordable, you can get a better return on your investment. Their 120-credit bachelor’s degrees have a tuition cost of $39,600 – or only $330 per credit hour. And their master’s degrees are just $637 per credit, which equals $22,932 for a 36-credit graduate program.
2. How long does an online engineering degree take?
Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree is done in 4 years, while a master’s degree could be around 1-2 years. However, because so many students in online degree programs aren’t earning their degree through the traditional, post-high school path, the online schedule depends entirely on you and when you can successfully do your engineering coursework. Sometimes, online education is all about convenience, and the trainers try to remove as many barriers as they can so that you can reach your goals.
3. Which engineering career field has the highest salary?
Engineering is a great career because of the salary. Many positions have the potential to get you 6-figure earnings, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows payments that are much higher than the annual median wage for all occupations in the United States. On the one hand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the most in-demand areas, such as infrastructure, renewable energy, robotics, and oil and gas extraction. On the other hand, the median wage for engineering and architecture occupations was $81,440 in May 2019.
4. How can I effectively maximize my degree training?
Here, you can take 1 course per term as a part-time student or 2 courses per term as a full-time student. How you earn your engineering degree is up to you. For instance, if you’re busy with work, family, and other obligations – or even if you want to see how a class can fit into your schedule–you may want to begin your studies as a part-time student. Still, if you have more free time–or if you’re going to reach your goals on a shorter timeline–enrolling as a full-time student may be your best option.
5. Can I utilize my credits from another institution?
Online education puts you in control—reach your goals when needed. Another way you’ll be able to shorten the time it takes to earn your online engineering degree is by transferring in credits that you’ve already made. Whether you have credits from other accredited institutions or military training, most online university programs have a generous transfer policy that wants to use your credits – helping you get to the finish line faster. Some accept up to 90 credits toward your bachelor’s degree and up to 12 for your master’s. You may need only as few as 10 classes for an undergraduate degree to complete your coursework and finish your program.
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