90 Types of Engineering

John Spacey, updated on August 09, 2024

Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to real world problems. Engineers plan, design, implement and maintain tangible and intangible things that are complex enough to require extensive scientific knowledge. The primary branches of engineering are civil engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering and biological engineering. There are also several smaller branches of engineering many of which are viewed as interdisciplinary fields that draw from multiple branches of engineering, science, social science, technology and other knowledge areas such as construction industry know-how. The following are common types of engineering.

Civil & Environmental

Civil engineering is the design and maintenance of human built environments such as infrastructure and buildings. Environmental engineering is a similar discipline that modifies natural structures such as a coastline.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is the design of mechanical systems and devices. The list below also includes aerospace engineering, a related discipline that is traditionally viewed as more advanced and technically challenging. Aerospace engineering concerns things that fly such as aircraft and spacecraft.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering concerns systems and devices that are electrical. This is perhaps the most interdisciplinary type of engineering as practically everything is electrical such that electrical engineers may work in many areas that aren't purely electrical systems. For example, robotics systems that are mechanical and electrical but also mostly about software.

Chemical & Bioengineering

Chemical engineering and bioengineering are viewed as similar disciplines because they both relate to processes, materials and systems. These also completely overlap in disciplines such as biochemical engineering and pharmaceutical engineering.

Computer Engineering

Traditionally, computer engineering sits at the crossroads of electrical engineering and computer science whereby it handles both hardware and software. Many of the primary types of modern computer engineering are mostly about software. That is to say that most computer engineers are focused on high level systems, applications, services and platforms such that hardware is viewed as a black box.

Others

Other notable types of engineering that perhaps don't fit neatly into the categories above. This includes engineering that deals with specific concerns such as reliability, quality or safety. Engineering can also involve the design of abstract things such as a business process.