According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 17 specialized engineering fields within the industry. These include aerospace, agriculture, materials, biomedical and civil engineering. The types of general engineering degrees you can study include electrical, mechanical, computer and architectural engineering. Degrees range from two to six years. Along with the degree courses, you'll have to study courses related to your area of specialization, for example, math, physics and chemistry.
There are several qualification levels for engineering. For those coming out of high school, there's an associate engineering degree in architecture, civil, electronics and nuclear systems technology. At a bachelor degree level, there is a general engineering degree, as well as specialized degrees in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and chemical engineering. For those with an undergraduate degree, a master's in engineering is preparation to continue studies at the doctorate level. They are usually in specialist fields such as chemical, electrical and computer engineering.
An associate degree in engineering can be taken at many colleges. Some colleges include Harvey Mudd College (California) and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Indiana). Bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees are available at universities across the country. Undergraduate and postgraduate engineering studies are available at the University of Delaware, Georgia Institute of Technology and Stanford University. Alternatively, for those who can't manage a full-time or part-time course at an institution, there are online degrees in engineering. Some online accredited institutions include DeVry University, Penn Foster College and Walden University.
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics says that overall job opportunities for engineering graduates are good (as of 2011). Starting salaries are some of the highest in the country, and the rates depend on area of specialization. Graduates who work within the engineering industry will find they have to continue studying throughout their careers. People working in high-tech areas, such as biotechnology and information technology, will find their knowledge quickly outdated. By keeping current in your field of expertise, you're more likely to stay of value to employers.