Transportation Engineering

Tired of rush hour traffic, airport delays and other transportation hang-ups that make it difficult to arrive anywhere on time? Read this article to find out how you can help improve global transportation systems and keep the world moving with a career in transportation engineering.

Inside Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering deals with the planning, design and maintenance of transportation systems at local and regional levels. Transportation engineers work to ensure the safe, economical and timely movement of people and goods. They may be involved in all aspects of new private and public transportation projects, which can include addressing energy needs, budget constraints and environmental concerns. Their work may also include fortifying bridges, tunnels and other structures to withstand natural hazards like earthquakes and floods.

Transportation engineering is a specialty within broader civil engineering programs. Major coursework typically includes concepts in transportation systems analysis, traffic operations and highway systems, as well as training in geospatial software like Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A bachelor's degree is needed for most entry-level jobs. Graduate education is necessary for jobs in research and development or teaching at the college level. In addition to a degree, strong mathematical and scientific skills along with a basic understanding of government gives transportation engineers the skills vital for solving the world's transportation problems.

Transportation engineers work for local, state and federal agencies, as well as construction, consulting and design companies. Job opportunities can be found through industry organizations like the American Public Transit Association (www.apta.com). Those who work directly with the public must be licensed as professional engineers in the state in which they work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), continuing education is important for engineers due to the need to stay abreast of new safety standards and technologies (www.bls.gov). The Institute of Transportation Engineers offers continuing education and certification credentials for experienced professionals (www.ite.org).

As noted by the BLS, 24% job growth for civil engineers was expected for the period 2008-2018, driven by the ongoing need to update infrastructure and keep pace with human expansion and development. The median annual wages of civil engineers were $77,560 as of May 2010, according to the BLS.

Learn More About Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineers are professionals with formal training in the design, construction and maintenance of roadways, airports, railways and other transportation systems. To help make your degree and career decisions towards becoming a transportation engineer, visit Education-Portal.com to find a wealth of educational information.

Degree Options

Degrees for aspiring transportation engineers range from the associate's to doctoral levels. Look for degree programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The articles below include degree programs in civil engineering and transportation. To find additional degree options, click around Education-Portal.com.

Distance Learning Options

Transportation engineering students looking to pursue their studies off-campus can choose from a range of online options at all degree levels. Hybrid and fully online programs are offered in civil engineering and transportation that can qualify graduates for careers in this field.

Career Options

Graduates are well-equipped to pursue positions in such industries as transportation, construction and consulting. Some of the positions commonly held by transportation engineering graduates are listed below. Find more at Education-Portal.com.

Continuing Education Options

With your degree and on-the-job experience, you may choose to pursue a certificate in transportation, GIS or another related area to augment your professional credentials. Certification can be a way to showcase your skills and advance within the field.