Types of engineering specializations

3. Geotechnical engineering
Geotechnical engineering is a specialization that involves the study of rocks, soil and any artificial materials that support a system. For example, a graduate may coordinate the construction of an underground mining facility. It's important for geotechnical students to learn about the chemical properties of earth materials, as different types of rock may require different building techniques. When completing their degree, students often study water and soil interactions, plus how to design pavement structures and predict whether a natural slope can handle the additional weight.
Here are some examples of projects for a geotechnical engineering graduate:

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  Water tank reservoir systems
  
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  Sewer tunnel systems
  
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  Pavements and roads
  
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  Natural embankments
  
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  Historical monument restoration
  
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  Soil sampling and testing
  

4. Environmental engineering
Environmental engineering students learn how to reduce the overall impact of an artificial system on the world's ecosystem and manage natural resources for a construction project. They typically study the chemical properties of water, soil and air so they can design technical mechanisms that solve pollution issues. After they graduate, they may help companies improve the sustainability of their facilities and advise legislators on environmental policies. Their projects often result in the production of green energy, which is a renewable power source from natural occurrences like sunlight or water.
Consider the following examples of projects for an environmental engineering graduate:

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  Solid waste management
  
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  Recycling systems
  
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  Water treatment
  
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  Drainage systems
  
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  Crop irrigation
  
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  Facility investigation
  

5. Transportation engineering
In a transportation engineering specialization, students learn how to design networking systems that individuals use for traveling purposes, including railroads, subways, airways and seaways. They study how to develop infrastructure to help people move between locations safely and efficiently, including pathway plans. Transportation engineering students also learn how to modify natural environments to plan transportation systems, like an artificial canal. When taking coursework, students typically study physical science properties like applied force and lateral force, which involves how earthquakes or wind storms may affect a system's durability.
Here are some examples of projects a transportation engineering graduate might complete:

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  Airport design
  
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  Traffic monitoring systems
  
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  Automated public transit
  
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  Bicycle path development
  
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  Road access management
  
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  Pedestrian bridges