High School
Transportation engineers must have strong mathematics skills. Take as many math classes as your school offers, including algebra, calculus, and geometry. Be sure to also take chemistry, physics, art, design, history, social science, English, business, and computer science classes. Participating in an engineering summer camp while in high school will also help you learn more about the field and be viewed favorably by prospective colleges.
Postsecondary Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a transportation engineer. Many engineers have degrees in civil engineering with a specialization in transportation engineering. Courses usually cover topics such as math, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, structural analysis, and hydrology. Students may take elective courses in transportation and traffic engineering, railroad planning, and transportation safety. There are also foundational courses such as calculus, chemistry, and mechanics. A master's degree (often in engineering management or business management) is required for management-level positions.
Certification
Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in civil engineering, transportation engineering, general engineering, engineering management, and emerging technology areas. For example, Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kansas) offers a transportation engineering graduate certificate program. To earn the certificate, students must complete two of the following courses: Traffic Engineering; Pavement Design; and Land Development for Civil Engineers and Planners. They also must complete two elective courses. Sample classes include Civil Engineering Materials; Selected Topics in Civil Engineering; Transportation Safety; Sustainable Transportation Asset Management; and Traffic Flow Theory. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.
The Institute of Transportation Engineers and American Society of Civil Engineers offer certificate programs on a variety of transportation engineering topics. Contact these organizations for more information.
Other Education or Training
The Institute of Transportation Engineers provides continuing education opportunities via webinars and in-person sessions at conferences and other institute events. The American Society of Civil Engineers also provides extensive professional development opportunities.
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