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Which type of engineering should you study?
By Sabrina Collier
Updated May 22, 2023 Updated May 22, 2023Engineering is an extensive subject, and with so many types of engineering to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down which one is for you. To help you to decide, you should try and identify what you’re passionate about. What gets you excited, and what do you spend your free time on? All types of engineering include some form of problem-solving (and generally focus on making life easier), but what engineering-related solution gives you the biggest buzz? If you choose a subject you’re naturally interested in, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated during your course and stay involved with the subject whilst pursuing an engineering career.
Here’s a rundown of the various branches of engineering, to help you decide which one could be for you.
Aerospace/aeronautical engineering
This branch of engineering deals with the research, design, development, construction, testing, science and technology of aircraft. You could also study astronautical engineering, focusing on spacecraft and the deep conditions of space.
This type of engineering is for you if:
Aeronautical engineering specializations
If you study aeronautical engineering, you could specialize in aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, composites analysis, avionics, propulsion and structures and materials. Find out more here.
Discover our most recent ranking of the best universities for aeronautical engineering here.
Chemical engineering
This type of engineering concerns the use of chemical and biological processes to produce useful materials or substances. It’s a multidisciplinary subject, combining natural and experimental sciences (such as chemistry and physics), along with life sciences (such as biology, microbiology and biochemistry), plus mathematics and economics.
This type of engineering is for you if:
Chemical engineering specializations
If you choose to study chemical engineering, you may like to specialize in chemical reaction engineering, plant design, process engineering, process design or transport phenomena. You can read more about these here.
Discover our most recent ranking of the best universities for chemical engineering here.
Civil engineering
Civil engineering is the professional practice of designing and developing infrastructure projects. This can be on a huge scale, such as the development of nationwide transport systems or water supply networks, or on a smaller scale, such as the development of single roads or buildings.
This type of engineering is for you if:
Civil engineering specializations
Common specializations of civil engineering include structural engineering, architectural engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering and hydraulic engineering. You can read more about these here.
Discover our most recent ranking of the best universities for civil engineering here.
Computer engineering
Computer engineering concerns the design and prototyping of computing hardware and software. This subject merges electrical engineering with computer science, and you may prefer to study computer engineering alongside one of these similar subjects.
This type of engineering is for you if:
Computer engineering specializations
You may find that computer engineering specializations overlap with those offered in computer science degrees, for example with subjects such as computer graphics and network security. However, specialized subjects generally unique to computer engineering include microprocessor/microcontroller systems, computer architecture and VHDL (hardware description language) design.
Discover our most recent ranking of the best universities for computer science & information systems here.
Electrical/electronic engineering
Electrical and electronics engineering both focus on applications of electrical power. The two fields differ in that electrical engineers chiefly focus on the large-scale production and supply of electrical power, while electronics engineers focus on much smaller electronic circuits, such as those used in computers.
This type of engineering is for you if:
Electrical engineering specializations
You could specialize in the following areas of electrical and electronics engineering: power generation and supply, communications and media, computer systems and robotic systems. You can learn more about these here.
Discover our most recent ranking of the best universities for electrical engineering here.
Mechanical engineering
One of the oldest and broadest types of engineering, mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. You’ll study statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, stress analysis, mechanical design and technical drawing.
This type of engineering is for you if…
Mechanical engineering specializations
This is a very broad subject, which overlaps with lots of other types of engineering. However, the most common specializations of mechanical engineering include manufacturing, transportation systems, combustion, nanotechnology and robotics. Mechatronics engineering may also be of interest; this combines mechanical and electronic engineering with areas such as computer and control engineering. Read more here.
Discover our most recent ranking of the best universities for mechanical engineering here.
Engineering management
Another interdisciplinary field, engineering management has grown in recent years, with universities responding to industry demand for management-focused engineers by developing dedicated engineering management programs. These courses combine industrial engineering skills and business expertise, often developed jointly by the engineering and business faculties. You could also study one of the above branches of engineering with management.
This type of engineering is for you if:
Engineering management specializations
This is another broad area, but types of engineering management that you may like to specialize in include: engineering mathematics, management science, operations management, decision engineering, business statistics and engineering statistics. You can read more here.
This article was published in February 2016 and most recently updated in January 2021.
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This article was originally published in February 2016 . It was last updated in May 2023
Want more content like this Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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