Types of engineering specializations

6. Water resources engineering
Water resources engineering involves developing infrastructure for safe drinking water in towns and cities. Students learn the hydrologic cycle, which is how water molecules move between the atmosphere and the earth over time. They use this knowledge of natural systems to design water sanitation facilities and artificial lakes or ponds. This civil engineering specialization also involves hydraulics, which refers to how water moves through pipes and channels through natural forces in physical science.
Consider the following examples of projects a water resources engineering graduate might complete:

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  Irrigation systems
  
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  Water distribution centers
  
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  Fishing facilities
  
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  Waterways
  
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  Plant nurseries
  
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  Flood protection facilities
  

7. Materials engineering
This specialization involves the study of all items and components required for a construction project, such as wood, steel and concrete. They may also study stones, soil, plastics and fabrics, depending on a university program's requirements. Materials engineering students learn the chemical properties of these items, which allows them to determine the best possible materials for a project or adjust them on an atomic level. For example, a professional might measure a component's ability to handle heat or conduct electricity.
Graduates can work on a variety of different projects, as most engineering endeavors require a type of material. Here are a few examples of projects a materials engineering graduate might complete:

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  Cement mixing
  
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  Spacecraft design
  
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  Welding processes
  
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  Clothing design
  
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  Sunscreen development
  
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  Biodegradable product design