5 Engineering Degrees to Consider Based on Job Growth

By Brianna Burrows

Engineering is one of the most sought after degrees. There are many different engineering fields at numerous schools, and some degrees are more in demand than others. Below are five engineering degrees you might consider based on projected job growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistic.

Civil Engineering

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2014 to 2024. While the expected growth of civil engineering jobs is about the same growth of all occupations, the USA has an aging infrastructure that will need crucial attention in the next couple of decades. Civil engineers will need to design, construct, and build aging bridges, levees, buildings, roads, canals, and dams. With just 8,614,790 lane miles of road in the lower 48 states, there will be an increased need for civil engineers to repair the United State’s infrastructure system.

Petroleum Engineering

Employment of petroleum engineers is projected to grow 10% from 2014-2024. This projected growth rate is faster than average. Oil is one of the most widely used fossil fuels in the world. Although oil prices play a major role in employment, the demand for oil continues to rise and petroleum engineers will be needed for drilling operations.

Environmental Engineering

Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 12% from 2014 to 2024. This projected growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations. With concerns over water quality and efficiency, pollution, and recycling, environmental engineers will be needed to solve state and local government concerns.

Postsecondary Teachers in Engineering

Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 13% from 2014 to 2024. With the demand for engineering jobs increasing, the need for teachers who can teach future engineers, is growing as well.

Biomedical Engineering

Employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 23% from 2014 to 2024. This is a much faster growth rate than the average for all occupations. As technology continues to advance its application to medicine is inevitable. There will be many opportunities for biomedical engineers to design advanced medical equipment and devices for the aging population.

Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. Follow her on Twitter here.