The Different Types of Engineering Majors
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineers are involved in all aspects of aeronautics (working with
aircraft). They conduct research, as well as design and develop vehicles
and systems for atmospheric environments. These engineers often specialize
in one of many areas, including aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics,
orbital mechanics, fluids, structures, guidance and control, and computation.
National Organization: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Architectural
Engineering
The curriculum in
architectural engineering prepares a student for a career in one or more of the
following areas:
structural engineering, construction engineering and project management, environmental
systems, and construction materials. The curriculum is heavily oriented toward
buildings and all aspects of their safe and economical design and construction.
Architectural engineering also provides the students with a basic appreciation
for the interaction of engineering and architecture.
National Organization: Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI)
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering is focused on the design and development of engineered
medical, therapeutic, and diagnostic devices and processes for health care
delivery. The Biomedical Engineering Department integrates the strengths
of the Cockrell School of Engineering wherein skills and ideas are combines with
materials and energy to produce products and services to train engineers in this
growing area.
National Organization: Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
Chemical Engineering
Engineering
students in this field learn to develop and manufacture, through chemical
processes, a range of new products, from biodegradable
plastic to nerve fibers. Areas of professional work include research
and development, operations, technical service, plant design, market analysis
and development, process control, and pollution abatement.
National Organization: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering historically has been the profession that has provided
safe and economical shelter, water, and mobility for humanity. These broad
goals are accomplished through education in such specialties as structural,
geotechnical, environmental, transportation, and water resource engineering, as
well as construction management. Study within these areas includes
planning, design, and synthesis of the built environment.
National Organization: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Electrical & Computer
Engineering
The electrical and computer engineering curricula prepare students for
careers involving a wide range of activities, including design, research and
development, teaching, and management. Areas in which electrical and computer
engineers contribute include biomedical engineering, communications and
networking, electromagnetic engineering, electronics, electronic materials and
embedded systems, VLSI design, and software engineering.
National Organization: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Geosystems
Engineering & Hydrogeology
Geosystems
engineers and hydrogeologists are concerned with the development and use of
engineering approaches in the management of natural resources from the earth’s
surface and subsurface. They are involved with environmental restoration of
subsurface sites and other processes related to earth sciences This degree
program is offered jointly by the Cockrell School of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical
engineers are directly and broadly concerned with the engineering systems used
to control and
transform energy to meet the needs of humanity. They design, develop, and
produce devices and
systems from space probes to washing machines, from turbojet engines to lawn
mowers, from automatic machine tools and vending machines
to computer controlled systems.
National Organization: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Petroleum
Engineering
Producing oil, gas, and other mineral resources from the earth is the
primary challenge of the petroleum engineer. Petroleum engineers evaluate
potential producing reservoirs, oversee drilling activities, select and
implement recovery schemes, and design surface collection and treatment
facilities.
National Organization: Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Learn more about the different types of engineering at:
Cockrell School of Engineering Research Briefs
National Academy of Engineering
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE A Sightseer's Guide to Engineering
Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME)