Architectural engineering focuses on the conceptualization and design of structures such as commercial skyscrapers, residential homes and bridges. Engineers in this field must not only focus on designing structurally sound buildings, but must also tailor their designs to meet certain environmental and aesthetic requirements. Students should expect to receive a total of three and a half to six years of undergraduate and graduate schooling to procure a degree in architectural engineering.
Professionals in biomedical engineering focus on studying life forms by working with genetics, chemistry and the mechanics of living organisms. If you're passionate about using microscopes, studying the minute details of single celled organisms or venturing out into fields such as cloning or prescription drug development, you may enticed by this four year degree.
Uncommon yet rapidly growing among green-conscious engineering students, an agriculture engineering degree will provide you with the skills to design machinery and outbuilding structures for farms and processing facilities. For students interested in contributing to the "green" movement, a degree within this industry will provide you the opportunity to design wind turbines and facilities that utilize alternative energy sources. Because students will be working closely with food processing, biology and environmental processes, this major is usually accompanied by a minor in bio, mechanical or environmental engineering.
Computer engineering will train students on the design of hardware and software that aids in the development of computers. Computer savvy students will gain a solid understanding of circuitry and computer science, while also learning the core elements of electrical engineering, enabling students to choose computer or electrical engineering jobs once they've graduated. This four to six year (six for a master's) engineering degree is considered difficult, but in high demand among software, telecommunications and hardware design companies globally.