Software Engineering Degrees

Most people are familiar with older, more traditional engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, or electrical. Software Engineering is a relatively new discipline, but in today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is becoming more and more important.

Software Engineering differs from Computer Science or Web Design in that you are formulating how the overall software system functions, and how it works within its intended hardware environment.

Software Engineers are responsible for every phase of a development project, not just for writing the computer code. Upon the initiation of a project, they make sure requirements are documented and validated.

This assures the entire project is working toward the correct goal. They then move on to system design, often overseeing the creation of software prototypes to present to clients for additional validation.

Once the design is solid, Software Engineers manage the overall development effort to make sure the pieces are coming together as planned. Finally, they create and oversee test cases which assure system functionality is complete and traceable to the requirements generated at the time of project initiation.

Software Engineering is the discipline that makes sure computer systems are developed methodically and result in building the right product with quality built in from the beginning.

Read More: architecture and systems engineering

Real Life Example of a Structural Engineer

John Shmerykowsky , an experienced structural engineer, has witnessed first-hand the rewards of the career as well as the technological transformations that are reshaping the industry. As a principal of his own firm, he spearheaded the work completed at the Phillip Morris building in New York City at 120 Park Avenue. He works primarily as a consultant to architects, while he completed his education at Fountainbleu in Paris. Shmerykowsky has developed his reputation by completing projects that feature unique challenges. For example, the Phillip Morris project possessed a structure that was one quarter positioned over functioning subway tracks that were employed to transport garbage. His team had to develop an approach that would enable them to complete work on the building, while enabling the tracks to run without interruption. He also developed sustainable features in the building including windows conducive to harnessing natural light. Over time, he has seen how vital digital applications have become to the industry, whereby he encourages all aspiring professionals to become comfortable with the technology as well as current ones to reman vigilant in keeping current on computer-based trends. His firm Shmerykowsky Consulting Engineers currently seeks structural engineers to add to their team to help realize current projects for their portfolio of clients. Like the company’s founder, the firm seeks engineering professionals that possess a diverse range of technical, business, interpersonal and communication skills that are tantamount to executing current and future structures throughout the world.

Read More: business solution architect roles and responsibilities

Main Focus of Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineering deals with the production of hydrocarbons—the products of crude oil and natural gas. This above-ground field focuses on recovering fossil fuels from below ground in the most economical and environmentally friendly ways.

Trained to understand the physical behavior of oil, water, and gas deep in porous rock and under high pressure, these skilled engineers make reliable estimations of the volume of a resource's reservoir.

They form teams with geologists to determine the best methods for depleting reservoirs. Related disciplines include drilling, reservoir simulation, well engineering, petroleum geology, and geophysics.

Since the beginning of petroleum engineering, in the early 20th century, many easily accessed deposits have been depleted. Fuel harvesting has become more dependent on fresh technologies incorporating horizontal drilling and computer modeling.

Drilling in deserts and in deep waters requires today's engineers to have expertise in intelligent systems, geomechanics, and hydraulics, naming only a few things on their growing list of knowledge bases.

Read More:: solution architect goals

Nuclear Engineering Degree through Online Study

A number of colleges and universities offer online nuclear engineering studies toward master's and doctoral degrees. Some of these universities include, but are not limited to, Penn State, MIT, and Ohio State.

Online nuclear engineering degrees open a wide range of opportunities for students, at both graduate and postgraduate levels. A graduate degree in nuclear engineering opens doors to better job opportunities.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Science and Engineering is a basic four-year course, but a specialized five-year course can incorporate a master's degree. The Ph.D. degree generally adds two years of study beyond the masters.

Because nuclear science and engineering have such a broad range, graduates can be prepared for a wide variety of careers. Today's graduates enjoy research and teaching jobs at universities; they work at power plants and in government and industrial laboratories. They have launched LED lighting companies. They manage hedge funds, create interactive science and art displays, design new reactors, improve aircraft components, attend medical school, and design domestic energy policies.

Bureau of Labor statistics for 2011 show nuclear engineers earning a mean annual wage of $105,160, a bottom average wage of $67,100, and a top wage of $147,670. Rise in employment was estimated at 9.4 percent.

Read More: solution architect vs application architect

Discover the World of Nanoengineering

Nanoengineering encompasses the practice of the profession on a nanoscale, which stems from the nanometer unit of measure, equivalent to one billionth of a meter. Within the industry, nanoengineering is synonymous with practices of nanotechnology, whereby it focuses on the engineering component of a given technology rather than the scientific side. Nanotechnology professionals have become prized professionals in the current marketplace for their skills and training dealing with microscopic applications.

From the automobile and energy industry to healthcare and technology firms, companies around the world eagerly seek to attract and develop these professionals. Within these realms, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are the dominant techniques of the field used to solve problems and originate new technologies. Both techniques pivot on generating microscopic probes to manipulate and track the movement of atoms with the idea of capturing something significant to translate into real world applications such as revolutionary manufacturing materials or new pharmaceutical products.

To learn more about becoming a nanoengineer, contact the schools below to request more information. We recommend contacting multiple schools to compare programs.

Professionals in this field often perform a medley of duties depending on the industry they work in and/or their educational backgrounds. In biosciences, nanoengineers dedicate their time to developing new medical device products and ways to enhance existing ones. From a construction viewpoint, these experts investigate and evaluate the development of new materials to develop more sustainable and durable building products and materials. Automotive companies employ these engineers to develop more efficient processes within an engine system and materials to build and pad vehicle systems and interiors. Regardless of the field, these engineers choose to employ their skills and talents, the field requires immense patience and attention to detail. Refining the effective use of STMs and AFMs, critical to the development of new technologies and breakthroughs, often proves to be challenging for most practitioners in the field. Powerful microscopes with exceptionally fine silicon tips are employed to monitor the nano activity harnessed to develop new applications. Establishing a suitable tip, though, can sometimes take seven days alone. Nevertheless, global firms like Abbott Laboratories, Tesla, Exxon-Mobil, and Sony are a few of the global firms capitalizing on the potential of nanotechnology.

Read More: architect description

Real Example of Molecular Engineering in Action

As it is an emerging field with seemingly unlimited potential, the field of molecular engineering has stirred some controversy regarding its implications ethically, environmentally and socially. At the same time, the science promises to exert its influence in all spheres of human life around the world. In the medical devices industry, a recent case study of Ortho Molecular illuminated the powerful potential of this form of engineering. The firm employs a ProScan metal detection system, rooted in molecular engineering, which was developed by Advanced Detection Systems (ADS). This ensures the quality of all of the products in its manufacturing system. The device memorizes the product sensory impulse, and then recalls it as it travels through the scanner, thereby ensuring the finished product meets all Food and Drug Administration health and safety codes. The ProScan application evaluates the entire device to identify the presence of any metal. If it is detected, a signal occurs compelling a check of the entire batch of deliverables. The system enables quality control staff to quickly identify integrity breaches and remedy them seamlessly. Molecular engineering was critical in developing this acute detection system application. Ortho Molecular purchased several of the ADS systems for its medical device product manufacturing processes because of its sensitivity and efficiency.

The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution is one of many associations dedicated to the advancement of professionals and the field as a whole. Related organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the Technology Student Association (TSA) endeavor to accomplish these same goals by organizing meetings throughout the globe that expand the discourse on technological innovations and best practices in the industry. They feature vast digital libraries of industry and academic publications and related resources. Mentoring and networking outlets exist as well that bolster a members or aspiring professional’s ability to grow within the field of molecular engineering. Practitioners should also consult social media outlets and an array of associations in the field founded by universities throughout the country. University-based alumni associations and career placement centers possess further resources and outlets for students to learn of what companies seek as well as on-campus recruiting initiatives. Companies such as Google, Boeing, Genentech, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals have employed these avenues to recruit new talent to their efforts. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), molecular and chemical engineers expect a job growth rates of 6 percent to the year 2020. Illinois, California, New York, and Texas offer the most opportunities for candidates. Data provided by O*Net indicates that engineers in this field earn a yearly salary of $92,680.

Read More: solution architect goals and objectives

Mining and Geological Engineering

Mining and geological engineering focuses primarily on the study and design of creating safe and effective means to extract metals and minerals for industrial, commercial and scientific purposes. Requiring education and understanding not only of mining principles and practices, engineers in this field are also expected to have an advanced and dynamic understanding of geological sciences, such as soil and mineral composition, surveying, prospecting and exploratory geological research. In addition to extracting the more conventional materials such as oil, precious and industrial metals and rarer gems and materials, many new advancements in information technology have expanded the role of geological engineering to search and mine for other materials, such as the dozens of special minerals and materials used in computer, tablet and smart phone construction.

At EducatingEngineers, we want you to understand the complexities of engineering careers and what it takes to succeed in your education. Please read the information below to learn more. And contact the schools in our directory to get started!

Employed by governments, major corporations, non-profit organizations and scientific/academic research institutions, geological engineers play pivotal roles in everything from industrial production of materials and energy, to advancing scientific understanding of the material composition of the Earth. Because of the numerous and varied functions for geological engineering and the substantial technological advancements made in the field itself, the role of the engineer in respect to mining and geological research continues to evolve, finding new and interesting applications for the science with each passing year.

Read More: solution architect manager