Engineering Specialties

Aerospace Engineering prepares students for a career in vehicle engineering, with primary emphasis on flight vehicles.

Chemical Engineering prepares students to perform essential functions in industries that convert raw materials into useful finished products my means of chemical and physical processes.  Industries that employ substantial numbers of chemical engineers include petroleum, petrochemical, pulp and pager, plastics, metallurgical, fiber, fertilizer, nuclear energy, space, rubber, food, photographic, pharmaceutical, textile, and electronic.  Energy problems and environmental and pollution control activities also require an increasing number of chemical engineers.

Civil Engineers are involved in the planning, design, construction and operation of buildings, bridges, water systems, transportation facilities, waste disposal systems and other projects related primarily to the requirements of the civilian sector.

Computer Engineering combines the study of computer science with traditional aspects of electrical engineering.  The increasing use of computers in all sectors of society has created a demand for professionals with computer hardware and software skills who have an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering.

Electrical Engineers have pioneered the fields of electronics, computers, control, electric power and communications.

Industrial Engineering focuses on activities pertaining to the efficient design and operation of industrial systems.  Among these are manufacturing logistics, quality control, inventory and production control, workforce scheduling and economic forecasting.  Contemporary industrial engineering addresses similar design and operational issues in a variety of other areas, including computer and telecommunications, transportation, retailing, hospitals, social and environmental systems.

Materials Science and Engineering is understanding the relationship between the structure of materials, their processing, and their resulting mechanical, physical, and chemical properties.  The range of materials used in technology is very broad and includes metals, ceramics, composites, polymers and semiconductors.

Mechanical Engineering encompasses the generation, conversion, transmission and utilization of mechanical and thermal energy and includes the design, construction and operation of all kinds of mechanical and thermal devices and systems.  Of all the engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering offers the greatest breadth, flexibility and individuality.

Textile and Fiber Engineers combine many of the talents, background and characteristics of mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, and materials engineers.  Textile engineers design, research, develop and implement automated systems for fiber production, handling and utilization.  Career paths include plant and design engineering, process engineering, production control and supervision, product development, technical sales and services, and quality control.

There are many other engineering fields that include: Biomedical, Marine, Mining, Nuclear, Welding,