工学(こうがく)

工学(こうがく) refers to engineering, the application of science and math to design practical solutions.

Etymology

工(こう) (craft, industry) + 学(がく) (study) = engineering studies

Common branches

• 機械(きかい)工学(こうがく): mechanical engineering
• 電気(でんき)工学(こうがく): electrical engineering
• 土木(どぼく)工学(こうがく): civil engineering
• 情報(じょうほう)工学(こうがく): information/computer engineering
• 化学(かがく)工学(こうがく): chemical engineering
• 建築(けんちく)工学(こうがく): architectural engineering

Academic terms

• 工学部(こうがくぶ): engineering department/faculty
• 工学(こうがく)博士(はかせ): PhD in engineering
• 工学(こうがく)修士(しゅうし): Master's in engineering

Similar words

理学(りがく) (science) focuses on theoretical understanding, while 工学(こうがく) (engineering) focuses on practical applications.