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 (including artificial intelligence), data analytics, 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.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in civil engineering, transportation engineering, general engineering, engineering management, and emerging technology areas. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

The American Society of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Transportation Engineers offer certificate programs that focus on a variety of transportation engineering topics. Contact these organizations for more information.

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. The American Society of Civil Engineers and Intelligent Transportation Society of America also provide extensive continuing education courses.