Girl Power in Technology

Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

The science of designing and testing new vehicles for spaceflight or general aviation is interdisciplinary. Aeronautical and aerospace engineers rely on an interdisciplinary mix of mechanical, electronics and materials engineering skills. In the field, they can focus on the design of aircraft or spacecraft. Some focus on the design of missiles, probes or other unmanned devices. Both aeronautical and astronautical engineers incorporate propulsion, control systems, aerodynamics and thermodynamic considerations into their designs. They're also responsible for testing aircraft, materials or flight systems. Astronautical and aeronautical careers are in demand. Most employers look for graduates of a 4-year aerospace engineering program recognized by ABET. Undergraduate programs provide a basic education in electronics, principles of flight, physics, thermodynamics, propulsion and materials science. However, students can focus their studies in one or more of these areas. Aeronautical and astronautical engineers need a graduate degree if they're looking for supervisory, research or teaching positions. A graduate degree might also be required to work on experimental designs. Most graduate programs will accept students with a background in mechanical, electronic, or computer engineering if they don't have an aerospace degree. Career options:

Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Biological and agricultural engineering is the application of engineering principles to agriculture, food and biological systems. Agricultural engineers must understand, identify and solve the various problems in the agricultural world, including equipment design and production problems. Biological engineers design systems for the biological materials used in products, including such as food and drugs. As with most engineering jobs, professionals are typically required to have earned at least a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate degree programs are offered in agricultural engineering, biological engineering or agricultural systems management. Master's and Ph.D. programs can qualify graduates for senior-level positions in chemical companies and government agencies. Alternatively, graduate degree programs can prepare individuals for careers in research or academia. Aspiring biological and agricultural engineers enrolled in degree programs can gain hands-on application through fundamental and applied research. Classroom lectures educate students in agriculture engineering analysis, hydraulics, irrigation systems, engineering surveying and engineering dynamics. Research projects are also offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels through fellowships and research assistantships. Career options:

Biomedical and Medical Engineering

Biomedical engineering and medical engineering are two phrases for the same subject. These engineers develop mechanical and electrical solutions to medical problems, such as designing artificial organs. They also develop diagnostic and imaging equipment. The field is constantly evolving, but some specialties within it have become staples, including tissue and cellular engineering, biomechanics, biomedical imaging and biochemistry. There are many degrees in biomedical and medical engineering, including the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science and Master of Medical Engineering. There are also doctoral degrees available. Biomedical and medical engineering programs include math and physics courses along with courses in physiology and biochemistry. Some students may choose to earn graduate degrees to work in management or research. The degree you need varies greatly by the career you choose. Below are some of your educational options. Career options:

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers are responsible for breaking down, analyzing and researching different chemical compounds. They can help create the materials used in food, textiles, industrial products or medicine. The field of chemical engineering offers a variety of opportunities to work on specialized, innovative projects. Chemical engineers must be highly skilled in calculus, chemistry, physics and biology. Students looking to work as a chemical engineer will need a 4-year degree. As undergraduates, they can learn about chemical processes, reactions and thermodynamics. Some programs even cover environmental science or biotechnology topics. A graduate degree might be required for managerial or high-level engineering positions. Students can usually apply to chemical engineering graduate programs with a bachelor's degree in another engineering field. Career options:

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are responsible for planning and creating building projects, such as water systems, tunnels, bridges and other public works projects. During the design phases of a project, engineers calculate the load requirements and weather conditions that the completed structure needs to withstand. They then usually consult with the builders to ensure that the project is constructed safely and successfully. The civil engineering field offers a variety of professional and educational opportunities. Most entry-level civil engineering positions require a bachelor's degree. These programs might cover mechanical engineering, materials science, engineering math and physical science. Other coursework might explore work-related topics like building codes and fire safety. Students can also pursue specialized programs depending on the type of civil engineering projects they're looking to work on. For example, many civil engineering programs have a focus on transportation or environmental engineering. Those looking for supervisory or research positions can continue their education at a graduate program. A master's degree in civil engineering can help students develop the management skills needed to oversee interdisciplinary projects. Career options:

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers create and maintain computer systems and may specialize in one aspect of computer engineering, such as hardware or software engineering. Hardware engineers design computer circuitry, disks, chips, printers and other computer devices, while computer software engineers develop computer applications and programs. Good math and analytical skills are necessary for students interested in a career in computer engineering. Undergraduate computer engineering degree programs introduce students to computer science, including the theory and design of data storage, and computer engineering, including the design of microelectronics, circuitry, operating systems and wireless technology. In bachelor's degree programs, students learn to optimize the interaction between hardware and software systems. Graduate programs in computer engineering are often focused on a particular sub-discipline, such as network engineering or software engineering. Graduate computer engineering programs may be combined electrical/computer engineering degree programs. Career options:

Forest Engineering

Forest engineering is the application of engineering principles and techniques to the management of forest lands. This includes working to ensure the health and sustainability of wildlands, timberlands and watersheds while allowing for such economic activities as timber harvesting and recreational use. Forest engineering bachelor's and graduate degree programs are available, though they are limited. Some programs are dual-degree programs in forest engineering and civil engineering, while others are single-degree programs accredited by both ABET (which used to stand for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) and the Society of American Foresters (SAF). These programs are based on engineering and science and cover such topics as water resources engineering, ecological engineering and geospatial engineering. In addition, students take courses that may include forest surveying, low-volume road design, application of timber harvesting techniques and timber harvesting analysis methods. As an undergraduate student, you'd typically take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in your final semester, which is usually the first step toward your Professional Engineer (PE) license. A license is required for professional engineers who offer their services directly to the public. The links below offer more details about training programs in the field of forest engineering. Career options:

Geological Engineering

The field of geological engineering is concerned with mineral and energy resources and exploration. Closely related to mining engineering, it involves the location and extraction of minerals from the earth and the identification of new sources of energy, like geothermal energy, for industrial use. Geological engineers also inspect geological conditions in areas of resource exploration for safety and feasibility. The work of geological engineers often includes protecting the environment through proper waste disposal, water maintenance, erosion control and properly designed tunnels, dams and caverns. Some geological engineers mitigate the impacts of geologic hazards like landslides, volcanoes and earthquakes. Geological engineers must enjoy working outdoors in remote locations. Their work may entail traveling overseas to advise companies on site-specific methods for resource exploration. Engineers of any specialty typically need at least a bachelor's degree to obtain an entry-level engineering job. Geological engineers may need to obtain graduate degrees for advancement in the field or for research and academic positions. Students in geological engineering programs simultaneously study earth science and geo-engineering. Many programs emphasize environmental awareness through sustainable designs and practices. Some programs offer several specialties or tracks, such as ground and surface water remediation, mining and reclamation, sustainability or geo-hazards. Graduates of these programs commonly work in consulting firms, federal and state governments or the oil and gas industry. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the accrediting organization for degree programs in this field of study. Use the links below to find information about geological engineering and closely related programs. Career options:

Drafting and Design Engineering

Creators of blueprints and drawings, drafters and design engineers work for manufacturing plants, construction agencies, design firms or engineering companies. Drafting and design engineers in construction fields might use an architect's rough drawings to create clear and representational diagrams, ensuring that buildings are made to exact specifications. Drafters and designers can also work in various facets of business and manufacturing from aerospace to home appliances. Educational programs in this field teach the basics of computer-aided drafting and design. Drafting and design engineering programs are available at the certificate through bachelor's degree levels. Studies in drafting and engineering might include structural systems, technical systems, residential architectural design and mechanical drawing, among others. Career options:

Electrical Engineering and Electronics

Electrical engineering is concerned more with power generation, storage and transmission. Electronics engineering is focused on appliances and devices that use electricity, as well as electricity applications that are used in signal processing or control systems. Those working in electrical and electronics engineering need inquiring and analytical minds along with creativity. Being detailed oriented and skilled in math and computers is also valuable. Undergraduate programs teach students about electrical theory, the use of common equipment, electrical schematics and electrical applications. Applications can involve computing, energy storage, communications or entertainment. Students in graduate programs generally branch off into a specific area of electronics or electrical engineering. Students may earn a master's or doctorate to pursue supervisory, executive or teaching positions, but most entry-level positions in the field only require a bachelor's. Engineers may seek licensure to become a professional engineer (PE) through work experience and passing two exams - Initial Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering, after completing their degree.