Communications

Most people don’t know how transportation projects are developed, why certain studies are completed and how they can and should take part in a transportation study. Communications professionals have the critical job of making technical information understandable for the public.

You are improving your communication skills every day when you take the following classes:

* Language Arts
* Art
* English
* Literature
* Spelling
* Grammar

Communication professionals apply the same skills to complete the following jobs:

* Journalistic Writing
* Graphic Layout and Design
* Graphic Arts
* Photography
* Marketing
* Presentation Development
* Meeting Coordination
* Meeting Facilitation
* Conflict Management
* Public Relations
* Art
* Website Development

Some job titles for professionals who work with communications include:

* Communications Specialist
* Public Relations Specialist
* Community Relations Specialist
* News Reporter/Editor
* Graphic Artist
* Facilitator
* Webmaster

Environmental Sciences

Environmental scientists study a project area to identify the important resources that are present. This information allows transportation planners to figure out what improvements will have the most positive benefits while causing the least physical disturbance to the area.

You may be preparing to become an environmental scientist by taking the following courses:

* Biology
* Chemistry
* Earth Science
* Geography
* Ecology
* Geology
* Life & Natural Sciences

Environmental scientists take part in the following studies:

* Aquatic Insect & Fish Sampling
* Endangered and Threatened Animal and Plant Surveys
* Agricultural Studies
* Soil Sampling and Analysis
* Wetland Identification
* Water Quality Sampling & Analysis
* Mine & Quarry Planning
* Wildlife Surveys & Identification
* Hydrology Studies
* Habitat Evaluations

Some job titles for environmental scientists include:

* Air Quality Analyst
* Earth Scientist
* Fisheries Biologist
* Wetland Ecologist/Scientist
* Wildlife Biologist

Social Sciences

Social scientists examine how people organize the way they live and how they relate to others. Transportation projects create more than just physical changes in a community or region. They can have a significant impact on the daily patterns of life.

You will take a number of courses related to the social sciences like:

* Social Studies
* Geography
* Economics
* Math

Social scientists perform the following services:

* Mapping
* Land Use Planning
* Noise Analysis
* Population & Employment Projections
* Community Services & Facilities Survey

Some job titles for social scientists include:

* Cultural Resources Specialist
* Geographical System Specialist
* Land Use Planner
* Noise & Air Specialist
* Cartographer

Engineering

Engineers study and design the physical changes that make a transportation improvement successful. As they design a project they do their best to protect what communications professionals and environmental and socials scientists have identified as important in a community or region.

What you learn in the following courses could help you become an engineer:

* Algebra
* Geometry
* Trigonometry
* Calculus
* Physics
* Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)

Engineers take part in the following studies:

* Surveying
* Roadway Geometry & Design
* Bridge Design
* Subsurface/Soil Investigation
* Noise/Air Quality Investigation
* Wetland Mitigation
* Traffic Projections & Analysis
* Hydraulics/ Hydrology

Some job titles for engineers include:

* Surveyor
* Soils Engineer
* CADD Operator
* Highway Designer
* Structural Engineer
* Traffic Engineer
* Construction Inspector