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What are the differences between the different engineering fields?

There are many different engineering filds, and I do not know which one I may want to go into when I'm older.

college engineering
Thank you comment icon There is not room in this type of forum for me to give you a truly informative answer. I suggest that you go to your local library and ask the Librarian to help you find a book that discusses engineering options, as there are several dozen of them. Alternately, you can ask your school counselor. I can tell you that the high school classes you take should lean heavily toward math and the sciences, especially Physics. Put the effort into taking the tougher classes and getting good grades. This will greatly increase your chances of getting accepted into a good engineering college after high school graduation. Good luck. Peter Sturtevant
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Srikanth’s Answer

It is a very good question but also difficult to answer. I will try to slice it from 3 perspectives:
1. What problems are being solved in this field?
2. What industries do such engineers work in?
3. What skills are used in that field (such as computer science needs a lot of math. Electrical needs both math and physics. Chemical engineering needs chemistry, physics and process control etc)

Below are some of the major types of engineering.

1. Civil Engineering
- Problems Solved: Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and transportation systems. Civil engineers are concerned with public and private infrastructure development.
- Industries: Construction, transportation, public utilities
- Skills: Math, physics, material science, geotechnical

2. Mechanical Engineering
- Problems Solved: Deals with the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems, including machinery, engines, and vehicles.
- Industries: Automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy
- Skills: Math, physics, materials, thermodynamics, mechanics

3. Electrical Engineering
- Problems Solved: Concentrates on the study, design, and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers work with electrical systems and components, such as power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as designing electronic devices and systems.
- Industries: Power generation, electronics/chip manufacture, telecommunications, automation
- Skills: Math, physics, circuit analysis, electronics, control systems

4. Computer Engineering
- Problems Solved: Combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineers work on the design and development of computer systems, processors, memory devices, and networking equipment.
- Industries: Computing, telecommunications, consumer electronics, robotics
- Skills: Math, computer science, electronics, programming

5. Chemical Engineering
- Problems Solved: Applies the principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to the design, operation, and optimization of processes that transform raw materials into valuable products, such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fuels.
- Industries: Petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing
- Skills: Chemistry, physics, math, process control

6. Aerospace Engineering
- Problems Solved: Focuses on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
- Industries: Aviation, space exploration, defense
- Skills: Math, physics, aerodynamics, materials, propulsion

7. Biomedical Engineering
- Problems Solved: Applies engineering principles and techniques to healthcare and medical fields. Biomedical engineers work on the design and development of medical devices, imaging systems, and healthcare technologies to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Industries: Healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals
- Skills: Biology, physics, math, materials, electronics


8. Industrial Engineering
- Problems Solved: Optimizes complex processes, systems, and organizations by combining knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and business principles. Industrial engineers work to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety in various industries.
- Industries: Manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, supply chain
- Skills: Math, business principles, statistics, operations research



Also check out the average pays for each type of engineering before you make a decision. Pay is not the only factor but it matters. Most of all, try to figure out what type of problems you want to solve!
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Dennis’s Answer

Hello Morgan. Srikanth’s Answer is right on. It describes the focus of each discipline. Let me color in a few sections. Engineering is like accounting, except: Accountants keep track of money - where it came from, how it is/was spent. Engineers keep track of physical quantities like Force, velocity, Temperature, Pressure, stress and strain, Volts, Amps, frequency, and so on. In many cases, they have to understand the physical properties of the various materials involved in a system. The other difference from accounting is that we use mathematical models to describe physical phenomena. And, surprisingly, the mathematical models in the various disciplines are very simialr. So, in Electrical, you have the Kirchoff laws that descirbe how electrical circuits work. In Mechanical, you have a resistance model for heat transfer through different materials. Not quite the same, but not that much different.
Once we have studied a system and have done the "accounting," we can look at the opportunities to make the system better or, maybe, even eliminate it by using some other physical phenomena to do the same function. In that regard, all of the engineering disciplines are simialr: we try to make a system more efficient; we try to reduce the cost; reduce the weight; we try to improve the performance. This part requires a bit of creativity and critical thinking.
So, if you think you'd like to do some accounting, one of these engineering disciplines might be your thing. Good Luck!

Dennis recommends the following next steps:

From Srikanth’s Answer, think about which discipline fits you the best or intrigues you the most. Then find industries that deal significantly in that area.
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Brian’s Answer

Srikanth's response is fantastic! I recommend checking out the websites of multiple engineering schools to explore their content and gain an understanding of the various opportunities each sub-discipline provides.

Since you're from North Carolina, there are several excellent in-state engineering schools to consider:

pratt.duke.edu
www.unc.edu (multiple campuses)

Additionally, you can browse the websites of some of the larger engineering schools, which offer detailed descriptions of the numerous pathways available within engineering:

www.purdue.edu
grainger.illinois.edu
www.engin.umich.edu

By exploring these resources, you'll be well on your way to discovering the exciting possibilities that engineering has to offer!
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