Traffic Engineers

High School

Traffic engineers must have mathematical skills in algebra, logic, and geometry and a good working knowledge of statistics. Language skills are useful for writing extensive reports that contain statistical data and for presenting these reports to groups of people. Courses in computers and electronics are also helpful. Classes in government are also helpful for a basic understanding of regulations and zoning laws and for future meetings and work with government officials. A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for traffic technicians.

Postsecondary Training

Traffic engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or general engineering. The field of transportation is vast, which is why many engineers have educational backgrounds in science, planning, computers, environmental planning, and other related fields. Educational courses for traffic engineers may include transportation planning, traffic engineering, highway design, and related courses such as computer science, urban planning, statistics, geography, business management, public administration, and economics.

Traffic engineers acquire some of their skills through on-the-job experience and training conferences and mini-courses offered by their employers, educational facilities, and professional engineering societies. Traffic technicians receive much of their training on the job and through education courses offered by various engineering organizations.

Other Education or Training

The Institute of Transportation Engineers provides professional development opportunities via webinars and in-person sessions at conferences and other institute events.