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Learn about steel with online courses and programs

Steel is an alloy made by adding carbon to iron, which creates a strong and durable material. The steel industry supplies the materials needed to make everyday items like coffee pots and car parts, as well as the components that make up massive structures.

What is steel?

Steel is an incredibly strong alloy made of iron, carbon, and other elements. Steel’s carbon content and ability to withstand corrosion make it a uniquely strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads over long periods of time. However, it is also highly versatile, with applications in:

  • Construction, where steel is used as a primary building material.

  • Utilities, where steel is used to construct transmission towers and other structures.

  • Infrastructure, where steel plays a critical role in transportation networks.

  • Manufacturing, where steel is used to build machinery and consumer goods.

Interested in a career involved in the production, utilization, or regulation of steel and steel-related products? Expertise in steel and its properties can make you a valuable asset in a wide range of roles. Get started learning about steel with online courses on edX.

Steel | Introduction image

Steel course curriculum

If you’re new to steel, exploring its science, history, and significance can give you a proper introduction to the topic. You might learn about the basics of smelting, properties of steel, the relationship between steel and society, and the sustainability of steel. You could also take courses that discuss steel in the broader context of structural design and various connection types used within the industry.

Learning about steel can supplement your knowledge of construction and product development. edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying these topics, as well as a host of other disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.

Explore jobs that work with steel

Learning about steel and its chemical makeup can give you important insight into various roles within construction and manufacturing. Whether you want to have a hand in creating the products themselves or be part of the development and approvals process, knowledge of steel can prepare you for jobs like:

  • Architect: Understands the properties and capabilities of steel and uses it as a primary building material.Footnote 1

  • Automotive engineer: Uses knowledge of steel to inform planning and prototyping stages in the car manufacturing process.Footnote 2

  • Bridge inspector: Ensures the safety and structural integrity of bridges, which are often made of steel and other materials.Footnote 3

  • Geologist: Mines and extracts raw materials that are connected to steel production.Footnote 4

  • Materials scientist: Develops new materials and innovative processes that impact the steel industry.Footnote 5

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in engineering depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

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