What is engineering?

According to the Merriam Webster’s collegiate dictionary, engineering is defined as the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people.

Engineering comprises men and women who work in aerospace, biomedical, chemicals, construction, computers, energy, manufacturing, and many other fields that require people to create products, facilities, and structures.

What is a professional engineer?
Professional engineers have fulfilled the rigorous education, examination, and experience requirements, which, under state licensure laws, permit them to offer engineering services to the public. Although engineering licensure laws vary from state to state, in general, to become a PE an individual must be a graduate of an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gain four years of experience as an intern, and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. PEs take legal responsibility for their engineering designs, being bound by a code of ethics to protect public health and safety.

What do engineers do?
Engineers take abstract ideas and apply science and mathematics to build products to meet the needs of mankind.

How many engineers are there?
It is estimated that there are more than two million practicing engineers in the U.S.

What is the difference between science and engineering?
Science is knowledge based on observed facts and tested truths arranged in an orderly system that can be validated and communicated to other people. Engineering is the creative application of scientific principles used to plan, build, direct, guide, manage, or work on systems to maintain and improve our daily lives.

How many types of engineering specialties are there?
Aerospace, Agricultural, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil (General and Structural), Computer, Control Systems, Electrical and Electronics, Environmental, Fire Protection, Geotechnical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mining, Nuclear, Petroleum, Sanitary, and Traffic.

What recent major breakthroughs are attributed to engineers in improving the quality of our everyday lives?
From the mass production of the automobile to space travel, from the telephone to the Internet, and from bioengineered foods to clean water, engineers have applied their expertise to improve the quality of our lives