June 6, 2025

Shawn Pham 

11th Grade

Fountain Valley High School

Engineering has played a major part in how humans evolved to where we are today. From 6,000 B.C., with the irrigation systems, to 2,900 B.C., with the Egyptian pyramids, and then today, with rovers that allow us to visit different planets, it was the result of the work between electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, and more. Although engineers join together to build new things, each one has a specific skill set that makes them stand out from one another. There are many types of engineering majors with varying abilities in solving tasks in different areas, like computers, health, environment, etc. The most popular engineering majors in the US include mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. 

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that allows for the most versatility among the others. Mechanical engineering involves the manufacturing of different power-producing machines. These machines can span from things used in everyday life and equipment used by specific groups. Examples of innovations designed by engineers that are used in everyday life include elevators, escalators, refrigerators, and air-conditioning systems.  Mechanical engineers also utilize computers just like every other engineer. Computers allow mechanical engineers to have the ability to create simulations to test different machine designs. On top of that, computers allow for the creation and analysis of designs, the generation of specifications of different parts, and interaction with connected systems. Mechanical engineers also focus on the practical application of subjects learned in school, such as mathematics like calculus and specific physics subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanics, and materials science. Overall, mechanical engineers apply the principles learned in mathematics and physics to innovate different machines, from household products to industrial machines. 

Similarly, electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and machines. These machines include electric motors, navigation/communication systems, and power-generating equipment.  Electrical engineers also assist in the manufacturing of automobiles and aircraft by designing different electrical systems that power and control different components. The key difference that separates electrical engineers and mechanical engineers is the fact that electrical engineers focus on power generation, while mechanical engineers focus on power application, making physical parts function in a prescribed manner. Likewise to mechanical engineering, electrical engineers use subjects like physics and math in their expertise, particularly algebra, trigonometry, calculus, digital electronics, and design. On top of the subjects learned in school, electrical engineers are proficient in the use of software such as MATLAB, CAD, and SPICE. This software helps optimize the modeling of circuits and the analysis of systems. The work of these engineers can be seen in everyday life and technology with the use of smartphones, renewable energy, and even in hospitals with MRI machines. 

Last but not least, civil engineering is a widely recognized branch of engineering. Compared to the other branches of engineering discussed, civil engineering differs the most from the two. While mechanical and electrical engineering focus more on machines, systems, and technology, civil engineering focuses more on environmental structures. These may include roads, bridges, and other types of infrastructure used in the environment. The work of civil engineers is also unique because their time is split between sitting in the office and working on construction sites. Civil engineers’ work consists of optimizing the site layout of the construction zone, shaping land, finding the right stormwater/sewage systems for the site, and more. To help with the project plans, civil engineers also use CAD, a software used to visualize an environment and test its functionality before actually manufacturing the product. Civil engineers utilize subjects like mathematics, physics, and earth sciences; however, civil engineers often place more emphasis on the more engineering-specific subjects like structural analysis/design, environmental engineering, and surveying. Civil engineers play a major role in shaping society’s infrastructure and the pace of human life.

Ultimately, although there are many branches of engineering, they still come together to shape society, increase the quality of life, and shape the future. Whether the task is designing machinery, powering machines, or building new infrastructures, each engineer relies on the others to have the ability to innovate.