Industrial engineers focus on the design of production systems, or how a system works. These engineers concern themselves with how to make things or how to render a service, and aspire to improve how the given system works. Many industrial engineers find work in manufacturing companies, attempting to improve output and productivity of workers, equipment or both. A student will find many colleges that offer professional industrial engineering degrees, including bachelor's, master's or doctorate level programs. Students will need to take classes to provide a strong foundation in math, especially probability, statistics and calculus.
The heroes of skyscrapers, bridges, dams and other important buildings, civil engineers design and build many everyday structures important to society's normal operation. They also design such things as water distribution systems and wastewater treatment plants. With an increasing population demanding more infrastructure, job opportunities continue to rise. Accredited colleges across the United States offer bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in civil engineering.
Important for the petroleum industry and energy companies, a professional degree in geophysical engineering opens up a wide variety of options. Offered by many accredited colleges, students may pursue a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree. Geophysical engineers study the interior of the Earth using physical measurements, satellite data and more. This field utilizes knowledge of several different scientific fields, such as chemistry, geology, math, computer science and physics. Any professional geophysical engineering degree requires training in all of these subjects.
Made famous by NASA's manned space flights, aerospace engineering pursues the successful application of flight technology to both atmospheric and manned space flight. Potential aerospace engineers can find work in many fields, including airlines and governmental positions. Many colleges offer professional aerospace engineering degrees. Because of their importance in the operation and design of airplanes and other airborne vehicles, these engineers constitute a vital part of society. Students must possess a broad understanding of various disciplines, especially physics and math.