Use your physics degree to solve technical problems and enhance our understanding of the world!
What are the different types of engineering fields?
While there are many niche engineering fields, four specific types of engineering tend to appear more often. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top four fields of engineering can be defined as the following:
- Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines
- Chemical engineering: Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper
- Civil engineering: Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects. These projects may include facilities, bridges, roads, tunnels, and water and sewage systems
- Electrical engineering: Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Each field of engineering is different in its own way, and knowing which one appeals to you most will help guide your journey in college and beyond. For more information on these fields and other smaller engineering divisions, click here.
What are my options at St. Olaf for pursuing engineering?
St. Olaf provides opportunities to explore different types of engineering programs before locking into a pathway. And while St. Olaf doesn’t have a four-year engineering bachelor’s degree, many options exist for combining engineering with a liberal arts education here. For those who want an engineering degree, St. Olaf partners with Washington University in St. Louis to create a 3-2 program for physics majors. This means that students can earn a bachelor’s degree in physics at St. Olaf in three years and then transfer to Washington University to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering in two years. If desired, you can complete a 3-3 program where students instead spend three years at Washington University to earn a Master’s degree in Engineering. These programs have specific prerequisites for transfer eligibility, and more information can be found on the Washington University website and a video here.
St. Olaf also has an Engineering Studies concentration where students explore a variety of fields to combine problem-solving with analytical thinking. This program provides students the space to explore their interest in engineering while allowing them to focus primarily on their major of choice. A more detailed description can be found on the Engineering Studies website.
However, it’s also possible to pursue engineering after St. Olaf with only a Bachelor’s degree in physics! A physics degree provides the foundation for engineering, and many graduate schools accept students with a physics background for their Master’s programs. These programs are often completed within 2 years. As always, make sure you talk with your academic advisor about the best option for you as you navigate your career pathway!
What courses should I take at St. Olaf for my engineering field of interest? Who is the advisor for engineering? What are the prerequisites for graduate schools or Washington University?
Answers to these questions and more can be found here!