Different Types of Engineering in 2024: Top Universities, Eligibility and Skills

Have you ever wondered about the people behind the bridges we cross, the gadgets we use, and the buildings we admire? Engineers are the unsung heroes who make it all happen. In this blog, we’ll examine the different types of engineering and what makes each one special.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the number of students studying engineering abroad has risen over the past few years. In 2019, approximately 1.3 million students were studying engineering abroad, a 5% increase from the previous year. Engineering students studying abroad are expected to increase in 2021 and beyond. 

Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching

Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.

Request a Callback

As we dive into the details, we’ll uncover the different types of engineering and explore how each type impacts our daily lives.

At a Glance:

Different Types of Engineering: Top Courses

Engineering encompasses various branches, each specialising in distinct aspects of technology and industry. Problem-solving is a core aspect inherent in all engineering disciplines.

There are approximately six major branches of engineering, including marine engineering, mechanical engineering, and aeronautical engineering.

Some of the top engineering specialisations are mentioned below:

Other engineering types often fall under or connect to one of these major branches, forming a comprehensive framework for technological innovation and systematic issue resolution.

Let’s look at different types of engineering closely:

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a highly versatile branch responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining mechanical systems, including machines, tools, and engines. This field requires a deep understanding and application of principles from physics, materials science, and mathematics.

Mechanical engineers can design various things like automobiles, aircraft, robots, medical devices, heating and cooling systems, and power generation equipment. They also contribute to initiatives to reduce environmental impact and enhance safety across different industries.

Overview:

You may opt for a more specialised engineering degree that aligns closely with mechanical engineering, and these are separate degrees from mechanical engineering, not specialisations within it, such as the following:

Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching

Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.

Request a Callback

Electrical Engineering 

As its name implies, electrical engineering focuses on exploring and applying electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It is a significant branch within the field of engineering. The domain involves generating and distributing power and using it to control machines and devices.

This discipline is pivotal in providing power to residences, advancing electronic devices, and guaranteeing the effectiveness of diverse electrical systems employed in industrial settings and daily routines.

Electrical engineers leverage their expertise to pioneer advancements and refine electrical energy and information processing technologies.

Overview:

You may opt for a more specialised engineering degree that aligns closely with Electrical engineering, and these are separate degrees from Electrical engineering, not specialisations within it, such as the following:

Civil Engineering 

Civil engineering primarily centres on the construction of infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and buildings, as well as the design aspects within our society. Civil engineers guarantee that structures are secure, efficient, and sustainable.

This field involves applying principles derived from physics, mathematics, and materials science to formulate and supervise projects that contribute to the overall welfare of communities.

Civil engineers are indispensable in shaping the physical environment and addressing the intricate challenges associated with urbanisation and infrastructure development.

Their expertise is pivotal in creating a built environment that is functional and aligned with safety standards, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Overview:

You may opt for a more specialised engineering degree that aligns closely with Civil engineering, and these are separate degrees from Civil engineering, not specialisations within it, such as the following:

Explore all countries

Study in Canada

Study in USA

Study in UK

Study in Australia

Study in Ireland

Study in Germany

Chemical Engineering 

Chemical engineering is all about using chemicals to create useful things. It’s a type of engineering that turns raw materials into useful products, such as medicines, plastics, and fuels.

Chemical engineers use their chemistry, physics, and math knowledge to design and operate the equipment and processes involved in making these products. They also ensure these processes are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. 

Overview:

You may opt for a more specialised engineering degree that aligns closely with Chemical engineering, and these are separate degrees from Chemical engineering, not specialisations within it, such as the following:

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is a type of engineering that concentrates on making systems and processes better in different industries. Industrial engineers aim to make things work more efficiently, reduce waste, and boost productivity in manufacturing and services.

They focus on aspects such as managing the supply chain, ensuring quality, planning production, designing facilities, and optimising resources.

Industrial engineers often collaborate with experts from various fields to reach the organisation’s overall goals, using a comprehensive and integrated approach to solve problems.

Overview:

You may opt for a more specialised engineering degree that aligns closely with Industrial engineering, and these are separate degrees from Industrial engineering, not specialisations within it, such as the following:

Software Engineering

Software engineering is a field of engineering that involves creating and maintaining software systems. Software engineers use their computer science, software design, and math knowledge to build software that meets the needs of businesses and individuals.

Software engineers work on projects such as mobile apps, websites, and video games. They ensure that their software is secure, reliable, and efficient.

Overview:

Different types of Engineering jobs in 2024

In engineering, the best job can depend on what you like. But generally, a good job has many chances to grow, get promoted, and have a bright future. It should also pay well and allow you to balance work and life. Jobs like software, marine, industrial, and materials engineers often have higher salaries. 

The duties and the average salary of the different types of engineering jobs are given below:

Now, let’s explore each role and responsibility of different types of engineering:

• 1. Chemical Engineer:
  • Role: Design processes to turn raw materials into useful products.
  • Responsibilities: Ensure safe and efficient production, solve problems in manufacturing, and improve processes.
• 2. Computer Engineer:
  • Role: Works on computer hardware and software to ensure they run well.
  • Responsibilities: Design and test computer systems, develop software, and solve technical issues.

• 3. Biomedical Engineer:
  • Role: Combines engineering principles with medical sciences for healthcare solutions.
  • Responsibilities: Develop medical devices, design healthcare systems, and improve medical technologies.
• 4. Petroleum Engineer:
  • Role: Focuses on extracting oil and gas from the earth.
  • Responsibilities: Design drilling methods, optimise production, and ensure efficient resource extraction.
• 5. Mechanical Engineer:
  • Role: Deals with mechanical systems and devices.
  • Responsibilities: Design machines, solve mechanical problems, and improve manufacturing processes.
• 6. Electrical Engineer:
  • Role: Works on electrical systems and devices.
  • Responsibilities: Design electrical circuits, develop electronic devices, and ensure smooth power distribution.
• 7. Civil Engineer:
  • Role: Designs and oversees construction projects.
  • Responsibilities: Plan and supervise the building of structures like bridges, buildings, and roads.
• 8. Aeronautical Engineer:
  • Role: Designs and tests aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Responsibilities: Ensure the safety and efficiency of flight, design components, and solve engineering challenges.
• 9. Nuclear Engineer:
  • Role: Focuses on applications of nuclear energy.
  • Responsibilities: Work on nuclear power plants, medical uses of radiation, and ensure safety in nuclear processes.
• 10. Environmental Engineer:
  • Role: Addresses environmental issues using engineering solutions.
  • Responsibilities: Develop and implement solutions for pollution control, waste management, and sustainable practices.
• 11. Computer Hardware Engineer:
  • Role: Designs and develops computer hardware components.
  • Responsibilities: Create and test computer parts like processors and memory.
• 12. Industrial Engineer:
  • Role: Improves efficiency in production and business processes.
  • Responsibilities: Analyse workflows, suggest improvements, and optimise resource utilisation.
• 13. Software Engineer:
  • Role: Develops and maintains software applications.
  • Responsibilities: Code, test, and troubleshoot software and collaborate on creating computer programs.
• 14. Marine Engineer:
  • Role: Deals with the design and maintenance of ships and maritime structures.
  • Responsibilities: Ensure the smooth operation of marine systems, design ship components, and oversee repairs.

Also Read: Computer Science vs Computer Engineering

Top Recruiters for Different Types of Engineering Jobs

1. Google: Known for its technology and innovation, Google hires engineers for various positions, including software engineering, hardware engineering, and mechanical engineering.

2. Boeing: As a leading aerospace company, Boeing offers opportunities for aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers.

3. Siemens: Siemens is a global engineering and technology company that hires engineers for roles in energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry.

4. Apple: Apple recruits engineers for hardware and software development roles, including positions in product design, electrical engineering, and software engineering.

5. Shell: Shell is a multinational oil and gas company that offers opportunities for petroleum engineers, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and civil engineers.

6. Tesla: Tesla, known for its electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions, hires engineers for roles in automotive engineering, battery technology, and sustainable energy.

7. Amazon: Amazon hires engineers for positions in software development, cloud computing, robotics, and logistics, among others.

8. ExxonMobil: ExxonMobil is another major player in the oil and gas industry, offering opportunities for engineers in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

9. Microsoft: Microsoft recruits engineers for roles in software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and hardware engineering.

10. General Electric (GE): GE is a diversified technology and manufacturing company that hires engineers for positions in aviation, healthcare, renewable energy, and industrial applications.

These are just a few examples of top recruiters for engineering jobs abroad. Depending on your specialisation and career goals, many other companies around the world offer exciting opportunities for engineers.

Also Read: Computer Science vs Computer Engineering

Different Types of Engineering: Top 5 Universities

Now that you know about the different types of engineering, it’s time to consider where to study. There are many universities worldwide that offer engineering courses. Some of the top are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and Stanford University.

Many universities offer engineering courses online and through distance learning in addition to traditional on-campus programs. When deciding where to apply, it’s important to research and compare universities based on factors such as the engineering programs’ reputation, the faculty’s expertise, research opportunities, campus facilities, and student support services.

Mentioned below are some of the top universities for pursuing different types of engineering:

Eligibility Criteria & Documents Required in Different Types of Universities

The documents required to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering abroad generally share some common elements, but there are differences based on the level of study.

Key skills required in different types of engineering

All engineers, regardless of their specific field, should have certain skills to be successful. Here are some important ones:

• Analytical skills:
  • Engineers need to be good at understanding complex problems and finding practical solutions.
• Creativity:
  • Thinking creatively is crucial for engineers to develop new ideas and designs.
• Attention to detail:
  • Engineers must be careful and exact in their work to make sure designs are accurate and safe.
• Communication skills:
  • Engineers should be able to explain their designs and ideas clearly to other engineers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Project management:
  • Engineers need to be able to handle projects well, which includes setting timelines, managing budgets, and tracking progress.
• Technical skills:
  • Engineers should be skilled in the technical aspects of their field, including using the necessary software and tools.
• Teamwork:
  • Many engineering projects involve working with other professionals, so engineers must be good at collaborating in a team.

These skills are important for engineering success, and employers highly value engineers who possess them.

Summing Up

The world of engineering has many exciting possibilities. Each type of engineering offers special chances to come up with new ideas and solve problems. Whether you like building bridges, creating computer programs, or finding ways to use energy wisely, there’s an engineering field that fits your interests.

As we deal with new challenges and explore new areas, engineers will be super important in deciding how our world will be. So, if you enjoy science and technology and want to make a positive impact, think about a career in engineering. You could be one of the amazing people quietly working to improve our world, one smart idea at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions