Types of Engineering Degrees

Georgia Southern’s Paulson College of Engineering and Computing offers engineering degrees for every type of student, and it’s important that you find the one that fits your goals, interests, and personality. Whether you’re coming through the Regents’ Engineering Pathways (REP) Program, or starting out in one of Southern’s degree programs, we provide you resources that help you make this decision. Learn the differences between engineering degrees to find the right fit for you,

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate, test, maintain, inspect and manage society’s infrastructure. Infrastructure includes roads and bridges, shipping terminals and ports, skyscrapers and tunnels, reservoirs and sewage systems, railways and airports, and other facilities.  Every day, no matter where you live, you benefit from something designed or managed by a civil engineer.  If you’ve ever wondered how a bridge or a building was designed and constructed, or how the water you drink is made safe, then civil engineering may be your calling.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers blend electrical engineering and computer science to contribute to advancements in digital technology, computer networking and computer systems.  They use hardware and software design and computer programming to make computing platforms and apps more efficient and powerful, to ensure that hardware and software systems are seamlessly integrated, and to make computing systems safer.  As a computer engineer, you could develop new computer hardware, design and implement software applications, or enhance the capabilities of networks and communications systems. From robotics to wireless networks, from operating systems to aircraft design, there is a specialization in computer engineering for any interest.

Construction Engineering

A construction engineer is the key to successfully completing a construction project.  Construction engineers are equipped to design and oversee the construction, maintenance and rebuilding of infrastructural facilities such as roads, bridges, airports, buildings and water treatment facilities in ways that best meet the unique demands of a particular environment.  You will often work with a team including civil engineers and construction managers to solve technical challenges of complex construction projects. While a civil engineer generally focuses on design, and the construction manager focuses on the management of time and resources, the construction engineer bridges the gap between these two professions with additional engineering, technical and management skills necessary for the efficient and safe delivery of complex projects.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are among the most common engineer types, providing the largest sector in engineering. Electrical engineers design and develop electrical and electronic systems and devices, working with a wide range of electronic devices — from pocket calculators and computers to complex electronic systems and robotics.  An electrical engineer could work with the tiniest of antennas or the largest of power systems.

Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing engineers work in tandem with mechanical and electrical engineers to design products and ensure their manufacturability. A manufacturing engineer concentrates on facilities, equipment, processes and methods necessary for the efficient and safe production of the product in a globally competitive environment.  At Georgia Southern, you will learn about cutting-edge materials and materials processing, engineering design for manufacturability, lean and quality manufacturing, manufacturing automation and robotics, and additive and reverse engineering.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers design, create, analyze, develop, manufacture, control, test and maintain essential mechanical systems.  These systems include aircraft, medical equipment, vehicles, robotics, environmental systems, household appliances, industrial machinery, ships —  almost any system that uses or produces energy or has moving parts. Many mechanical engineers enjoy work in the automotive industries and aerospace, working to generate, convert, transmit, and utilize mechanical and thermal power.

Last updated: 3/23/2022