Students who are drawn to the engineering professions are often inquisitive, adore to solve difficulties, and have a keen interest in computers. They like to study solutions, test their findings, and trouble-shoot technologies as it is applied. If you do not believe engineering is a diverse field that attracts a wide range of thinkers, think about this: There are 17 distinct engineering specialties listed in the Common Occupational Classification (SOC) method maintained by the Federal Government.

Admissions requirements and pre-requisites for engineering programs could incorporate previous coursework in mathematics (by way of calculus), hard science (chemistry, biology, physics), and general education in the liberal arts and humanities.

Most engineers uncover their way into their profession by completing a bachelor’s degree. On-line engineering courses at the undergraduate level prepare students with a foundation in physical science, mathematics, and life sciences, while additional engineering courses expose undergrads to a range of disciplines, which includes:

•    Aerospace
•    Agriculture
•    Biomedical Technologies
•    Chemistry
•    Civil Engineering
•    Computer Science (Software and Hardware Development)
•    Electrical Engineering
•    Mechanical Engineering
•    Mining
•    Nuclear Technologies
•    Petroleum science

Depending on your chosen discipline, you can also pursue post-graduate function in an applied field within engineering to qualify for management or leadership roles in study or teaching.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that engineering employment will grow by 11 percent in the course of the 2006-2016 decade, with a significant spike of 21 percent of the new jobs created in the booming field of biomedical engineering. Jobs for environmental engineers also look especially good, according to the BLS, with a 25 percent rise in employment predicted for the 2006-2016 decade.

Double-digit employment increases are also predicted for engineers in marine sciences, mining, aerospace, civil engineering, and well being and safety professions. Fields in supplies, electrical, pc hardware, and chemical engineering ought to undergo growth, too, but at much less than 10 percent over the 2006-2016 decade.

Beginning salaries for engineering grads, the BLS reports, are traditionally greater than entry level pay for most other professions. Nevertheless, most engineers are expected to continue their educations to remain competitive in the workplace as systems and software continues to evolve.

Here are the median, 2008 annual earnings for engineers by discipline as reported by the BLS:

•    Aerospace Engineers, ,520
•    Agricultural Engineers, ,730
•    Biomedical Engineers, ,400
•    Chemical Engineers, ,680
•    Civil Engineers, ,600
•    Computer Hardware Engineers, ,400
•    Electrical Engineers, ,160
•    Environmental Engineers, ,020
•    Health and Safety Engineers, ,490
•    Industrial Engineers, ,820
•    Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, ,140
•    Mechanical Engineers, ,920
•    Mining and Geological Engineers, ,960
•    Nuclear Engineers, ,080
•    Petroleum Engineers, 8,020

Even with slowdowns in the economy, the BLS reports, engineers are indispensable employees within firms, schools, and laboratories, undertaking long-term analysis and development, making engineering a potent career choice.