Core courses are those common to degrees in all specialties of engineering and make up a basic understanding of the principles of engineering and related disciplines on which more specific courses can be built. Core courses usually include introductory engineering, as well as courses in related sciences such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics, as well as humanities and social science courses. The exact courses required will vary by school.
Most degrees in engineering are granted in electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010 to 2011 Edition. Other engineering specialties include biomedical, chemical, marine, nuclear and petroleum engineers. Specialty courses are taken after the core courses during the second, third and fourth year of education. Further degree programs, such as masters or post-graduate degrees, can be taken to learn even more about a field of engineering. Employers may also offer additional on-the-job training for those hired in entry-level positions.
Civil engineers build and maintain structures necessary for a densely-populated civilization such as bridges, dams, highways, airports and power supplies. Courses in the civil engineering career path include mechanics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, electricity, introductory and advanced civil engineering, as well as mathematics courses such as statistics, calculus and algebra.
Mechanical engineering is the broadest of the engineering disciplines. It covers the research, design, manufacture, management and maintenance of engineering systems of all sizes. Mechanical engineering courses include those covering mechanics, thermodynamics and fluid sciences, energy, and design and systems management, as well as general mathematics and physics.
Engineers who work with electrical systems and electronics will research, design, improve and maintain computers, automatic controls, optical devices, microelectronics, and communication networks. Courses in electrical engineering may include computer graphics or software, communications, circuits, physics, or nano-electronics, among others.