As a General Engineering student, you have the opportunity to choose from several engineering majors. This page is designed to help you explore your interests and make a more informed decision when selecting a major.
For additional information about our academic programs, including videos, visit the Majors & Minors page.
Description
Aerospace Engineering is concerned with the design, construction, and science of aircraft and spacecraft. It is divided into two major, overlapping branches:
- Aeronautical: craft that operate within Earth’s atmosphere
- Astronautical: craft that operate beyond Earth’s atmosphere
Aerospace engineers develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration. They often specialize in areas such as structures, propulsion systems, vehicle dynamics and control, communications, and overall vehicle design.
For more information on available jobs, visit Engineering Career Services Job Boards
For more details regarding Aerospace Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Aerospace Engineers.
Description
Bioengineering is based on biology, biosystems, medical research and clinical practice. Bioengineers develop innovative processes for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and seek to improve the health and life of humankind. Bioengineers specialize in those products and processes made from, used with or applied to biological organisms.
Top Bioengineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit Engineering Career Services Job Boards
For more details regarding Bioengineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers.
Description
Chemical engineers research, develop and improve things we use every day. They ensure we have a safe, secure and sustainable supply of energy, water and food while safeguarding the environment. They develop new products from renewable resources, alternative energy sources, pharmaceutical products and new food products.
Top Chemical Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit the Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Chemical Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Chemical Engineers.
Description
Civil Engineering focuses on planning, design, construction and operation of large systems such as buildings and bridges. Civil engineers also focus on water purification and distribution systems, traffic and transportation systems, water and land pollution systems. Civil Engineering offers three tracks:
- Geotechnical and Structural
- Environmental and Water Resources
- Transportation Systems and Project Management
Top Civil Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Civil Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Civil Engineers.
Description
Computer engineers apply the principles and techniques of electrical engineering, computer science and mathematical analysis to design, develop, test and evaluate software and hardware systems that enable computers to perform increasingly demanding functions. Computer engineers design robots, develop microprocessors, design supercomputers and smart devices, create integrated circuits for semiconductor fabrication, program computer-vision capabilities, create security/cryptographic systems and develop software systems and network protocols.
Top Computer Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit the Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Computer Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Computer Harware Engineers.
Description
Electrical engineers help overcome global challenges related to energy, communications, health care, global warming and national security. Electrical engineers create innovative technology solutions in a wide range of areas from handheld communications to solar panels; from cardiac pacemakers to autonomous robots; from wireless networks to bio-engineered sensors that detect dangerous pathogens, and intelligent surveillance systems that perform face and motion recognition.
Top Electrical Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit the Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Electrical Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Electrical Engineers.
Description
Fire Protection engineers protect people, homes, workplaces, the environment and the economy from the devastating effects of fire by designing systems, creating products and developing fire safe materials. Fire Protection engineers focus on suppression and detection, fire-resistant materials, fire dynamics and behavior, smoke, soot and gases, human behavior and life safety, computer modeling of fire, smoke, suppression and evacuation.
Top Fire Protection Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit the Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Fire Protection Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers.
Description
Material Science and Engineering is the process, testing and designing of complex material systems that underlie much of today’s advanced technology including microelectronics and biotechnology. These engineers can produce incredibly strong magnets, advanced plastics and polymers, metals that remember their shape and nanotechnology.
Top Materials Science & Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit the Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Materials Science & Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Materials Engineers.
Description
Mechanical Engineering is the broadest and most versatile of all the engineering professions. Mechanical engineers design, manufacture and operations of a wide range of components, devices or systems. The field encompasses applications ranging from micro-mechanical surgical systems to internal combustion engines for formula one race cars or giant turbines for renewable energy wind farms.
Top Mechanical Engineering Employers
For more information on available jobs, visit the Engineering Career Services Job Boards.
For more details regarding Mechanical Engineering tasks, skills, tools, work activities, etc, please visit the O*NET OnLine for Mechanical Engineers.
Designed to expose students to all engineering majors and assist them in narrowing down which engineering major they want to pursue. Students will self reflect, conduct interviews and tour engineering facilities to get a better understanding of what major their interests align with the most.
Introduction to the various fields of engineering and the necessary context for students to fully engage in selected National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges such as economical solar energy, carbon sequestration, access to clean water, engineering better medicines, restoring urban infrastructure and personalized learning. The lectures and activities will provide an introduction to the engineering disciplines, NAE Grand Challenges, STEM cultures, and research.
Students may also choose to take a major specific introductory course in order to learn more about a specific major of interest.