This information was submitted by one of our website visitors as part of a high school research project.  You may find it useful for exploring an engineering career.

------------------------------------------------------

Engineering is a type of job that uses lots of math and science to solve real-life, everyday problems. Engineering is not science. Science is about discovering the natural, but engineering is creating the artificial and bringing an understanding of how the world works. “Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was,” was once said by Theodore Von Karman, an aerospace engineer. Engineers transform the new technological ideas into reality. Engineers analyze, design, develop, construct, produce, test, and operate the structures, machines, and many other devices of industry and everyday life.

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircrafts, spacecrafts, and missiles.

Some aerospace engineers supervise the manufacture of these products. Some of the things that these engineers design and produce are commercial airplanes, military fighter jets, and space telescopes.

Architectural engineers use their knowledge in math, physical sciences, and computer programming to plan, design, construct, and operate engineered systems and technologies (such as lighting, heating, ventilation, fire protection, etc.) in the process of building design and construction.

Agricultural engineers design machinery, processes, and equipment such as improved farm equipment or better crop systems. They develop ways to conserve water and soil and to improve the processes of farming. Some agricultural engineers may also work in the research and development and/or the management of these processes and machineries.

Biomedical engineering combines the design and problem solving of mechanical engineering, human anatomy, physiology, and biological science to help improve patient health care. Its work includes designing prostheses, developing movement systems (for people with spinal injuries), refining equipment for athletes in high-performance sports and much more.

Chemical engineering applies the basic principles of chemistry, math, and physics. It helps the safe and efficient development of industrial processes and products (petroleum refinement, paints, electronic components, and biotechnology).

Civil engineering design things such as roads, airports, buildings, dams, tunnels, bridges, canals, and water supply and sewage systems; it is one of the oldest types of engineering. Civil engineers need to be good at problem solving, being creative, helping others, working with tools, and making models. One great example is that the Great Wall of China was built by civil engineers.

Computer engineers develop software and hardware electronics. Their main goal is to enhance and make the computer better and more efficient. Computer engineering mainly involves electrical engineering and computer science. It can involve controlling manufacturing systems, automobile ignition systems, robot navigation, and controlling TVs and stereos.

Electrical engineering is the application of the laws of physics, electricity, magnetism, and light to develop new technologies. They create various things that can include computer technologies, softwares, neon lights, cordless telephones, refrigerators, and many more new technologies.

Environmental engineers research, design, and develop solutions to environmental problems, such as air or water pollution. They use a lot of biology, chemistry, and basic engineering principles to minimize or decrease the effects of pollution. They may work as consultants to promote recycling, regulate waste disposal, minimize water and air pollution as well as public health issues.

Health and safety engineers apply systems, mechanical, and chemical engineering, to prevent harm and danger to people. They identify possible threats and suggest prevention methods and solutions. Health and safety engineers must have the ability to anticipate (think ahead and question what might/could happened) to develop various safety procedures and designs to decrease the risk of injury, illness, or damage.

Industrial engineering is the concerned with the improvement of manufacturing and other processes to maximize the efficiency, the productivity, and the profit. Industrial engineers design methods more often than machinery. They apply their knowledge in materials, equipment, procedures, and production methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness for different corporations and/or organizations.

Marine/ocean engineering deals with water transportation and involves designing, constructing, and producing things such as ships or boats. A closely related field is naval architects, who work on the basic design of these objects. As opposed to marine engineers who work on the system of the ship or boat (such as the steering or propulsion).

Materials engineers study and research various materials (such as ceramics, plastics, metals, etc.) to improve the materials’ properties. To do this they investigate the relationship between the structure of materials and their properties. Other material engineers use their knowledge in the physics, chemistry, and mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering to design new materials to improve our nation’s society.

Mining engineers design, operate, and manage mines. They find and prepare different materials (such as coal, metals, and minerals). Other mining engineers design and develop new equipments and technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Some of their jobs may include designing ventilation in mines or develop plans for the entrances and emergency exits of the mine in case of cave-ins. They also solve some environmental problems (like environmental engineers) related to claiming land and air and water pollution that may effect the mines of the mined products.

Mechanical engineering is concerned with researching, designing, constructing, developing, and operating a variety of things (power plants, engines, etc.). It deals mostly with things that move. Mechanical engineers also design specific machinery such as cranes, hoists, elevators, and equipment for steering, etc.

Nuclear engineers design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear plants to generate power. These engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used effectively to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. They may also work with nuclear reactors, fusion and radiation applications.

Petroleum engineering involves the extraction, purification, and production, and transportation of petroleum oil and gas. Petroleum engineers use sciences, math, physics, and chemistry to find oil drilling locations, operate the equipment and facilities, and much more. Some petroleum engineers may work behind the scenes researching and designing equipment and processes to increase efficiency, recovery of oil, and profit.

ENGINEERING MAJORS:	Number of Job Offers	Average $ Offer
		2007	2006
Aerospace Engineering	90,000	$54,394	$51,217
Agricultural Engineering	9,100	$49,764	$46,020
Architectural Engineering	21,000	$45,182	$43,937
Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering	14,000	$50,440	$45,942
Chemical Engineering	30,000	$54,269	$53,639
Civil Engineering	256,000	$49,084	$43,774
Computer Engineering	79,000	$57,020	$52,242
Electrical Engineering	153,000	$56,300	$51,773
Electronics Engineering	138,000	$49,292	$45,790
Environmental Engineering	54,000	$49,921	$46,947
Industrial Engineering	201,000	$50,469	$49,678
Marine/Ocean Engineering	10,200	$53,074	$47,869
Materials/Metallurgical Engineering	22,000	$56,027	$51,372
Mechanical Engineering	227,000	$53,808	$50,175
Mining & Mineral Engineering	9,100	$50,882	$47,328
Nuclear Engineering	15,000	$56,587	$51,225
Pertoleum Engineering	15,000	$67,069	$62,236
Quality Control/Safety Technologies	25,000	$50,000	$46,358
Systems Engineering	12,000	$50,767	$49,958

Submitted by:

Sources:

www.salary.com
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook on Engineering