Best Engineering Schools
Updated May 23, 2023
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Engineering degrees are popular for their high earning potential and career mobility for graduates.
Earning an engineering degree prepares students for careers across industrial sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% growth in engineering occupations from 2019-2029. In 2018, the BLS indicated civil, mechanical, and industrial engineers would see the most growth in the discipline.
A bachelor's degree in engineering includes foundational coursework in mathematics, science, and technology. Engineering curricula vary by program, but learners can focus their studies on specific branches of the field. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recognizes more than 25 areas of engineering, including electrical, petroleum, and environmental engineering.
An engineering degree builds analytical and problem-solving skills. Students gain prestige in the workforce and begin a path to continued professional success. The best engineering bachelor's degrees help individuals to make positive contributions to the world and provide financial stability for their careers.
Featured Engineering Programs
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California, United States
Founded in 1891, Caltech was originally called Throop University, but transitioned to its current moniker in 1921. Caltech emphasizes science and technology education through six academic divisions. It serves roughly 2,000 enrollees per year and offers a 3-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Caltech offers undergraduate engineering degrees in:
Electrical engineering
Engineering and applied science
Mechanical engineering
The electrical engineering bachelor's degree comprises 180 credits of coursework, with options to complete a culminating project or thesis. Within the engineering and applied science curriculum, learners can choose from specializations in:
Computation and natural systems
Materials science
Caltech's bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering prepares students to enter careers in the field or continue onto graduate study. During coronavirus, the college has placed a two-year moratorium on SAT and ACT score requirements for undergraduate admission.
Cambridge University
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Cambridge is the fourth oldest university in the world, with academic roots tracing to the 13th century. Today, Cambridge comprises 31 colleges, six schools, and over 150 faculties and departments, enrolling nearly 20,000 students from 150 countries every year.
Engineering programs at Cambridge include undergraduate degrees in:
Aerospace and aerothermal engineering
Bioengineering
Civil, structural, and environmental engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering
Energy, sustainability, and the environment
Information and computer engineering
Instrumentation and control
Mechanical engineering
The first two years of each curriculum gives learners a comprehensive look at engineering, including its principles and applications. Each enrollee begins specialized coursework during their third year, with the fourth year split between a major individual project and in-depth research into the theory and practice of a chosen subset of engineering.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, Cambridge holds laboratory and practical courses with the utmost attention to social distancing and appropriate ventilation.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Named in part for its benefactor Andrew Carnegie, CMU began as a technical school in 1900. Carnegie Tech later merged with the Mellon Institute in 1967, creating an institution of higher learning dedicated to advancing research and using innovation and collaboration to solve real-world challenges.
Undergraduate engineering programs at CMU integrate general education, global, and major coursework. Students can major in:
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical and computer engineering
Mechanical engineering
Materials science and engineering
Biomedical engineering
The university also offers double majors in engineering and public policy or biomedical engineering. Learners can minor in nearly 20 engineering and engineering-related fields.
City, University of London
London, England, United Kingdom
With a history extending back to the late 19th century, City joined the University of London federation in 2016. City houses five schools divided into individual departments, faculties, divisions, and research centers.
City offers several bachelor of engineering degrees, which students complete in 3-4 years. Learners can study:
Engineering
Civil engineering
Mechanical engineering
Biomedical engineering
Aeronautical engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering
The engineering curriculum integrates content from across disciplines to prepare enrollees for professional engineering roles. The civil engineering degree focuses on design, construction, and management competencies, while the mechanical engineering degree emphasizes transport, energy, materials, and industrial design.
Biomedical engineering students explore the application of engineering principles and practices to the healthcare industry. Aeronautical engineering trains students for careers in the aerospace industry, while the electrical and electronic engineering curriculum explores control systems, machinery, and equipment used in engineering.
Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Established by royal charter in 1754, Columbia is the fifth oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Comprising four academic schools, Columbia hosts nearly 33,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year.
Columbia offers bachelor of science degrees in engineering in:
Applied physics and applied mathematics
Chemical engineering
Computer engineering
Earth and environmental engineering
Engineering mechanics
Materials science and engineering
Operations research: engineering management systems
Biomedical engineering
Civil engineering and engineering mechanics
Computer science
Electrical engineering
Industrial engineering and operations research
Mechanical engineering
Operations research: financial engineering
Within each major, students can complete minors in over 30 subsets of engineering. During the first two years of an engineering bachelor's degree, learners gain foundational knowledge and skills in applied science, humanities, and engineering. Projects, research, and lecture courses prepare enrollees for leadership and internship activities during the final two years of the degree.
Due to challenges related to COVID-19, undergraduate applicants can opt out of SAT and ACT requirements.
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York, United States
Founded in 1865 and opened three years later, Cornell houses 15 academic colleges and schools. Cornell enrolls more than 24,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs every year.
Cornell offers 14 engineering majors and 20 minors. Undergraduate students can earn engineering degrees in:
Biological engineering
Biomedical engineering
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Computer science
Earth and atmospheric sciences
Electrical and computer engineering
Engineering physics
Environmental engineering
Independent studies
Information science, systems, and technology
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Operations research and engineering
The first year of each undergraduate engineering curricula covers foundational coursework. Learners then proceed to field-specific lecture, laboratory, and seminar classes.
Cornell supports engineering students with a career center, entrepreneurial options, and engineering leadership programs.
Delft University of Technology
Delft, Netherlands
TU Delft, the largest and oldest university in the Netherlands, is organized into eight faculties that provide nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. Focused on enhancing research and innovation in science, design, and technology, TU Delft enrolls roughly 25,000 students annually.
Out of the 16 undergraduate programs offered at TU Delft, seven focus on engineering:
Aerospace engineering
Civil engineering
Computer science and engineering
Electrical engineering
Industrial design engineering
Mechanical engineering
Systems engineering policy analysis and management
Each program comprises 180 credits of coursework, which learners complete in 36 months. TU Delft offers its aerospace and computer science and engineering degrees in English.
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Since 1838, Duke has served as a preparatory school, a teaching college, and a world-class educational and research institution. Duke houses 10 academic schools and colleges, with 12 additional institutes and centers.
Duke's bachelor of science in engineering includes specializations in:
Biomedical engineering
Civil engineering
Environmental engineering
Electrical and computer engineering
Mechanical engineering
Each degree includes required coursework in writing, mathematics, engineering and applied sciences, and digital computation. Along with advanced courses in their major field of study, enrollees can also pursue majors in machine learning and artificial intelligence, electrical and computer engineering, or energy engineering. Learners can further concentrate their studies or pursue dual majors, as well.
Duke continues to work toward a return to campus in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has affected admission requirements as well, with accommodations available for early decision, application fee waivers, and standardized test scores.
Ecole Polytechnique F�d�rale de Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
EPFL specializes in natural sciences and engineering, hosting five schools and three colleges across its five campuses. The school's history dates to the mid-19th century with an initial class of 11 students. Today, EPFL has expanded its offers to meet the needs of roughly 11,000 learners annually.
Engineering bachelor's degrees at EPFL include:
Chemistry and chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering
Environmental sciences and engineering
Life sciences engineering
Materials science engineering
Mechanical engineering
Microengineering
Undergraduate degrees span three years, with the first year covering general coursework. The second year emphasizes discipline-specific content, while the third year focuses entirely on a chosen area of study. Bachelor's degrees require 180 credits.
EPFL offers information technology resources for students and faculty to support remote learning. The school has shifted all classes and exercise sessions online due to COVID-19, with a plan to return to campuses in 2021.
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
ETH Zurich provides academic programs that support innovation in STEM fields worldwide. The Swiss federal government established the school in 1855, and it currently enrolls over 21,000 learners annually.
Undergraduate engineering programs at ETH Zurich include bachelor's degrees in:
Electrical engineering and information technology
Computer science
Mechanical engineering
Materials science
Civil engineering
Environmental engineering
Geospatial engineering
Chemistry/chemical and bioengineering
Computational sciences and engineering
Each program comprises three years of coursework. The first two years emphasize the fundamentals of mathematics, engineering, and physics, while the last year allows students to complete advanced, elective, and specialized classes. Potential specializations within the electrical engineering and information technology program include:
Electronics and photonics
Communication
Computers and networks
Energy and power electronics
Biomedical technology
Learners earning bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering can specialize in:
Biomedical technology
Energy, flows, and processes
Management, technology, and economics
Mechatronics
Microsystems and nanotechnology
Production engineering
Design, mechanics, and materials
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
From only 84 students in its inaugural class in 1888, Georgia Tech has grown to offer academic programs to more than 25,000 learners annually. With six colleges and 28 schools, Georgia Tech is one of the leading research institutions in the United States.
Engineering programs at Georgia Tech include bachelor of science degrees in:
Aerospace engineering
Biomedical engineering
Chemical and biomolecular engineering
Civil and environmental engineering
Electrical and computer engineering
Industrial and systems engineering
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Nuclear and radiological engineering
In each of these engineering degrees, learners complete required foundational coursework as determined by the University System of Georgia. Once students move into major-specific classes, they explore theories, principles, and practical applications of their fields, along with specializations.
Georgia Tech offers courses online and on campus, with careful attention to social distancing, risk assessment, and accommodations for individual students.
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The university houses 10 academic faculties and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Harvard hosts the largest academic library in the world and serves more than 36,000 students each year.
Through the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, students can earn undergraduate engineering degrees in:
Bioengineering
Electrical engineering
Environmental science and engineering
Materials science and mechanical engineering
The bioengineering curriculum incorporates physics and chemistry into physical and life sciences, emphasizing mathematical analysis and modeling. Students can earn bachelor of arts (BA) degrees in biomedical engineering or engineering science with a specialization in biomedical sciences and engineering. They can also pursue bachelor of science (BS) in engineering sciences degrees with a bioengineering focus.
The other engineering bachelor's degrees similarly include options for BA or BS curricula. BAs allow for more flexibility in pursuing classes from other disciplines, while BS degrees offer a broader foundation of engineering fundamental courses.
Applicants to Harvard receive individual consideration based on circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong, China
Established by the British Hong Kong Government in 1991, HKUST includes four academic schools. Interdisciplinary programs are accompanied by additional institutes for advanced study and public policy. HKUST enrolls more than 16,000 students annually.
Through HKUST's school of engineering, undergraduate students can earn bachelor of engineering degrees in:
Engineering with an extended major in artificial intelligence
Aerospace engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical engineering
Chemical and environmental engineering
Civil engineering
Civil and environmental engineering
Computer engineering
Decision analytics
Electronic engineering
Industrial engineering and engineering management
Mechanical engineering
Sustainable energy engineering
The four-year curriculum introduces students to engineering fundamentals during the first year, with major and minor specific coursework completed over the subsequent three years. HKUST also supports engineering students with inbound exchanges, international internships, and opportunities for community outreach activities.
Imperial College London
London, England, United Kingdom
Imperial was founded amid the consolidation of the Royal College of London, the Royal School of Mines, and the City & Guilds College in 1907. Imperial offers over 250 academic programs, focusing on science, engineering, medicine, and business.
Engineering programs at Imperial include bachelor's degrees in:
Electrical and electronic engineering
Electronic and information engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering students study analog and digital electronics, communication and control, and mathematics during the first two years. Coursework explores circuits, systems, networks, and programming.
Learners complete core classes while working in study groups and laboratory settings. The third year in both programs allows students to choose advanced topics in the field as they apply degree competencies to individual capstone projects.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johns Hopkins is America's first and oldest research institution. Since its founding in 1876, Johns Hopkins has grown to offer more than 260 academic programs to over 27,000 enrollees. With campuses and centers in nine locations, Johns Hopkins is a global leader in education, research, and innovation.
Through Johns Hopkins' Whiting School of Engineering, undergraduate students can earn bachelor of science degrees in:
Biomedical engineering
Chemical and biomolecular engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical and computer engineering
Electrical engineering
Engineering mechanics
Environmental engineering
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Learners can also pursue bachelor of arts degrees in general engineering.
Undergraduate applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and supplemental materials for consideration. Johns Hopkins has waived SAT and ACT requirements for learners applying to the 2021 academic year.
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Daejeon, South Korea
KAIST opened its doors in 1971, becoming South Korea's first public research-based science and technology school. KAIST houses five academic colleges, 20 undergraduate and graduate schools, and 27 individual departments.
Through KAIST's college of engineering, undergraduate students earn engineering degrees in:
Aerospace engineering
Bio and brain engineering
Chemical and biomolecular engineering
Civil and environmental engineering
Industrial and system engineering
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Nuclear and quantum engineering
Electrical engineering
Within these areas, additional specializations are also available, allowing learners to explore advanced topics. Undergraduate degrees include 130-136 credits of general education, elective, and major coursework with additional research requirements.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
MIT was incorporated in 1861 and today leads globally in science and technology education and research. Organized into five schools and one college, MIT offers undergraduate and graduate programs through 30 academic departments.
Through its school of engineering, undergraduate students can earn bachelor's degrees in:
Aeronautics and astronautics
Biomedical engineering
Chemical engineering
Civil and environmental engineering
Electrical engineering and computer science
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Medical engineering and science
Nuclear science and engineering
Within each bachelor's curriculum, students can further concentrate their curricula by pursing a specialty. The medical engineering and science degree is a joint degree between MIT and Harvard, using a collaboration of facilities and research.
Engineering students at MIT can access the New Engineering Education Transformation group to develop projects that incorporate multidisciplinary, immersive activities. Meanwhile, the college's Sandbox Innovation Fund helps students launch their innovations into reality. MIT also provides extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, China
NTU was initially an affiliate institution of the National University of Singapore under the moniker Nanyang Technological Institute. When it merged with the National Institute of Education during the 1950s, NTU remained affiliated with the National University of Singapore, later becoming an autonomous institution in 2006.
Undergraduate engineering programs at NTU offer more than 35 options, including:
Aerospace engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical and biomolecular engineering
Civil engineering
Computer engineering
Computer science
Data science and artificial intelligence
Electrical and electronic engineering
Environmental engineering
Information engineering and media
Materials engineering
Mechanical engineering
Maritime studies
Double-degree options blend engineering fields with business, pharmaceutical engineering, and economics. Enrollees can also earn dual bachelor of science degrees in physics and microelectronics engineering.
Politecnico di Milano
Milan, Italy
With two campuses in Milan and additional locations throughout Italy, Politecnico di Milano offers undergraduate programs in architecture, design, and engineering. Programs last three years, and instructors deliver coursework in Italian. The Politecnico di Milano enrolls more than 46,000 students annually.
The Politecnico di Milano offers 27 undergraduate degrees, including engineering programs in:
Aerospace engineering
Automation engineering
Biomedical engineering
Building and construction engineering
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical engineering
Energy engineering
Environmental and land planning engineering
Management and production engineering
Materials and nanotechnology engineering
Mathematical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Princeton is the fourth-oldest university in the United States, hosting 36 academic departments. The university offers its nearly 8,000 enrollees a 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, both from its 600-acre campus and online.
Princeton's undergraduate engineering degrees include:
Civil and environmental engineering
Chemical and biological engineering
Computer science
Electrical engineering
Mechanical and aerospace engineering
Operations research and financial engineering
Additional undergraduate programs offer certificates in:
Architecture and engineering
Engineering and management systems
Engineering biology
Engineering physics
Geological engineering
Materials science and engineering
Robotics and intelligence systems
Sustainable energy
Technology and society
Standardized test requirements for applicants to Princeton's undergraduate programs have been paused during COVID-19.
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States
Stanford was named for the son of its benefactors, Leland and Jane Stanford. It opened its doors in 1891. Today, Stanford enrolls nearly 16,500 students annually and offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate fields of study.
Stanford's engineering programs include 10 undergraduate options, including bachelor of science degrees in:
Aeronautics and astronautics
Bioengineering
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Computer science
Electrical engineering
Environmental systems engineering
Management science and engineering
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Students can also choose from fiv interdepartmental engineering bachelor's degrees or design their own. Pre-existing programs include:
Architectural design
Atmosphere and energy
Biomechanical engineering
Biomedical computation
Engineering physics
In the first year, learners complete fundamental coursework in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while advanced classes happen during the latter years. Stanford has suspended SAT and ACT requirements for undergraduate applicants for the 2021 academic year.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States
Berkeley is one of nine institutions within the University of California System, offering more than 350 academic programs. Founded in 1868, Berkeley ranks among the top public institutions in the world and hosts roughly 43,000 students annually.
Undergraduate students at Berkeley can earn bachelor's degrees in:
Bioengineering
Civil and environmental engineering
Electrical engineering and computer sciences
Engineering science
Industrial engineering and operations research
Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Nuclear engineering
In each program, students must complete required mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering coursework in anticipation of major classes. Berkeley also provides students opportunities to complete joint bachelor's degrees in dual engineering programs, including the following options:
Bioengineering/materials science and engineering
Electrical engineering and computer sciences/materials science and engineering
Electrical engineering and computer sciences/nuclear engineering
Materials science and engineering/mechanical engineering
Materials science and engineering/nuclear engineering
Mechanical engineering/nuclear engineering
For the 2021 academic year, each applicant must demonstrate competency in mathematics and science, with at least three years of laboratory coursework, for admission to the engineering program.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Founded in 1817, U-M is the oldest institution of higher learning in Michigan. U-M offers more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and boasts a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
U-M offers 17 undergraduate programs in engineering, including:
Aerospace engineering
Computer science
Space sciences and engineering
Engineering physics
Climate and meteorology
Nuclear engineering and radiological sciences
Mechanical engineering
Industrial and operation engineering
Materials science and engineering
Environmental engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical engineering
Each degree comprises 128 credits. During the first two years of the program, learners take foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and engineering. The last two years emphasize field-specific content.
U-M has modified admission requirements for the 2021 academic year. The school will assess deadlines, recommendations, and standardized test scores based on each individual's specific circumstances.
University of Oxford
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Oxford traces its origins as an academic institution to the 11th century. With roughly 100 departments organized into 39 colleges, Oxford enrolls over 24,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year.
Oxford's engineering science program includes four years of coursework. Students complete two years of undergraduate coursework, focusing on engineering fundamentals, principles, and applications. The third and fourth years of the curriculum offer specializations in:
Biomedical engineering
Chemical engineering
Civil engineering
Electrical engineering
Information engineering
Mechanical engineering
Oxford's program prepares learners to work as chartered engineers in their area of focus. Enrollees work with faculty to obtain practical industrial experience while earning their degrees.
Oxford's response to the COVID-19 outbreak is constantly under review as the government and local health authorities revise their emergency response frameworks.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, United States
From an initial class of 53 students in 1880, USC has grown to enroll more than 44,000 students annually. USC is one of the leading private research institutions in the world, housing 22 academic schools and units.
USC offers engineering programs through the Viterbi School of Engineering. Students can earn bachelor of science degrees in:
Aerospace engineering
Mechanical engineering
Industrial and systems engineering
Electrical and computer engineering
Computer engineering and computer science
Civil engineering
Environmental engineering
Chemical engineering
Petroleum engineering
Biomedical engineering
Astronautical engineering
Additional engineering program options for undergraduate students include engineering writing courses and more than 20 technical minors. Applicants to the 2021 academic year do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration.
Best Engineering Programs in the World Ranking Guidelines
We aggregated the 2020 international university rankings for engineering programs QS World University Rankings and Academic Influence to create our list of the best engineering programs in the world today.
What Is an Engineering Degree?
A bachelor's degree in engineering emphasizes mathematics and science as they apply to structures, systems, and processes. Students with analytical minds and strong work ethics are ideal candidates for engineering bachelor's degrees.
The best engineering degrees incorporate applied analysis and modeling components to help learners understand the techniques, methods, and tools needed to solve engineering problems. Core engineering coursework covers chemistry, physics, and calculus, with additional classes in principles and practices of engineering.
Advanced coursework allows learners to focus their studies. For example, individuals interested in designing roads and bridges can pursue degrees in civil engineering, while learners who want to develop computer systems should consider computer engineering.
Choosing a Program
When choosing engineering programs, candidates should consider several factors, such as admission requirements, accreditation, curricula, and available areas of concentration. You can learn more about how to make these choices below.
What Else Can I Expect From an Engineering Program?
Specific courses in engineering programs vary, but core classes emphasize mathematics and science. Students should choose programs with coursework, concentrations, and minors that match their personal interests and professional goals.
Engineering Disciplines
Aeronautics and Astronautics
Aeronautics and astronautics overlap in focus, both covering aviation, space, and defense. These fields explore the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft. The former focuses on military and civilian aircraft, while the latter involves exploration and space-related technologies.
Bioengineering
Bioengineering combines live science with engineering principles and practices to assess biological systems and mechanics. Bioengineers create technologies and therapies to address issues in biology, medicine, and healthcare.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering uses principles of chemistry and engineering to design equipment, systems, and processes that use chemicals. Chemical engineers develop new technologies and products to address issues related to the manufacture of foods, medicines, and fuels.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of bridges, roads, and related infrastructure. Civil engineers apply engineering principles to structural works, integrating knowledge of hydraulics, material science, and mechanics.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering integrates computer science, information technology, and engineering. These professionals design, develop, and analyze computer hardware and software. Computer engineering can also overlap with electronic engineering.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers develop new technologies related to electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. These professionals work with household appliances, telecommunication devices, and medical equipment.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering uses engineering principles to address pollution, waste disposal, and public health concerns. Environmental engineers blend their knowledge of soil systems, biology, and chemistry to improve established environmental practices.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers optimize industrial processes, space, and technologies. These engineers develop, improve, and install devices and systems used by workers to enhance the exchange of information, energy, time, and materials.
Materials Engineering
Materials engineers blend their knowledge of metals, ceramics, and polymers with engineering principles to create new products. They also design and test processes used in other disciplines, such as chemical, electrical, and industrial engineering.
Mechanical Engineering
This broad subset of engineering uses physics, mathematics, and materials science to develop new machinery. Mechanical engineers seek to generate, distribute, and use energy efficiently.
Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineers find new techniques of breaking down or combining atoms using nuclear physics. Nuclear engineering focuses on subatomic processes to find industrial and medical applications for radioactive materials. Professionals also determine ways to use and manage nuclear energy and waste.
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers work with crude oil and natural gas, with an emphasis on hydrocarbons. They design and develop tools and techniques to extract oil and gas from the earth by using mechanical, chemical, and civil engineering principles. Petroleum engineering also addresses issues of safety and security related to petroleum-based energies.
Software Engineering
This field combines computer science and engineering to create computer systems and software. Software engineers develop programs and analyze operating data to improve computer functions, implement quality assurance tests, and enhance user interfaces.
Engineering Curriculum
Material Science: Enrollees explore the fundamentals of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, along with their internal structures and operational conditions. By learning about materials' structures, properties, and performance, students find ways to manipulate and combine materials for use in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering settings.
Electromagnetism: This branch of physics explores electromagnetic force using calculus and mechanics. Students learn about interactions between electric and magnetic fields, including their applications for energy storage and harvesting. li>
Kinematics and Dynamics: These two terms describe the study of motion. Kinematics considers motion without force, while dynamics assesses motion resulting from force. Students learn about position, velocity, and acceleration, along with the rules that govern particle interaction. Learners can use these two physics principles to simulate and analyze the movement of objects and mechanisms.
Engineering Certifications and Licensure
Requirements for certification and licensure as an engineer vary by state. Generally, to become a licensed engineer, each student needs a bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering program and to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Specific education and experience requirements for licensure may differ by comity or reciprocity.
The FE exam, offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, includes 110 questions which students complete in six hours. The test is offered with seven discipline-specific specifications, including chemical, civil, electrical and computer, mechanical, and environmental engineering.
Professionals can also seek certification as professional engineers. Students must complete the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam (PE) in a specific discipline. This exam suits engineers with professional experience who seek to advance their credentials.
The American Society of Civil Engineers certifies coastal, geotechnical, navigation, and water-related engineers, while the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies provides additional technical certifications in civil engineering technology and electrical and mechanical engineering technology.
Engineering Professional Organizations
Membership to a professional organization for engineers allows students, educators, and individuals working in the field to come together both online and in person. Engineering organizations offer educational resources, scholarship opportunities, and mentorship programs to facilitate entry into the profession.
SWE unites women engineers from around the world. This organization offers an online course detailing its vision, mission, and strategic goals. Members receive access to workplace groups, educational materials, and leadership guidance. Additional benefits include professional development and career service resources, networking opportunities, and community and advocacy programs.
Established in 1974, SHPE focuses on diversifying the engineering field and promoting opportunities for Hispanics in STEM. Members receive access to regional and national events, scholarship opportunities, and online educational materials. Professionals can explore career resources, access academic publications, and participate in mentorship and advocacy programs.
NSBE has grown from six original members in the 1970s to more than 24,000 members today. Dedicated to increasing the number of Black engineers, NSBE offers student members educational support, networking events, and organizational publications. Professional members can participate in leadership programs, take part in mentoring and community outreach opportunities, and engage with special interest groups.
ASME, established in 1880, now includes more than 100,000 members around the world. This organization provides certification and accreditation programs, develops universally recognized codes and standards, and supports academic and research collaboration in the field. Conferences, local events, and continuing education opportunities accompany updates on trends in mechanical engineering, access to scholarships and awards, and member discounts.
ASCE has more than 150,000 members, offering them webinars, career development information, technical resources, and mentorship programs. ASCE also houses nine technical institutes, publishes journals and updates for members, and offers group insurance plans, financial programs, and tech discounts. Students can join for free by starting or joining chapters at their institutions. ASCE also provides information about recruitment, events, and funding for chapters.
Engineering Careers
An engineering degree opens opportunities for careers in diverse settings. This broad discipline applies to industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.
Engineers work in offices, laboratories, or on factory floors. Responsibilities for engineers vary by position, but these professionals need strong communication and organizational skills, along with technical and analytical abilities. Common engineering careers include civil, industrial, and mechanical engineer, but the list of potential jobs expands far beyond the positions described below.
Civil Engineers
Civil engineers plan, design, build, and maintain roads, canals, bridges, and comparable structures. They work with teams of construction professionals, conduct on-site visits, and assess structural and logistical issues. Additional responsibilities include feasibility assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating project budgets and timelines.
A civil engineer needs a bachelor's degree in the field from an accredited program. Licensure varies by location, but all civil engineers must complete the PE exam. Civil engineers demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, accuracy in calculations, and technical abilities.
Industrial Engineers
Industrial engineers design, test, and implement integrative processes for industrial production. An industrial engineer assesses existing processes to integrate workers with machinery and materials. Industrial engineers specialize in standards, regulations, and safety protocols, with an eye toward efficiency, cutting waste, and ensuring quality.
Industrial engineers work in many settings and take on different professional roles. They may work internally or serve as consultants. Industrial engineers need extensive knowledge about materials, machines, tools, and design, which means earning bachelor's degrees in engineering, specializing in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering technology. Industrial engineers often need to complete the FE or PE exams.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, tools, engines, and systems. By analyzing mechanical and thermal processes, they solve existing problems and find ways to create more efficient and powerful machines. Mechanical engineers work for the automotive industry, in robotics, and with environmental systems.
Mechanical engineers work in manufacturing, research and development, and consulting roles. An engineer who oversees the lifecycle of a product or device may serve as a project manager. This requires leadership and communication skills.
To become a mechanical engineer, candidates must earn a bachelor's degree in the field, gain professional experience and technical skills, and earn a passing PE score and state licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is the Best Engineering Discipline?
The best engineering discipline is the one that meets your individual interests and goals. For example, learners who want to build infrastructure should pursue civil engineering, while those who seek to solve environmental problems can focus on environmental engineering.
What Is the Hardest Engineering Major?
Engineering requires hard work and a comprehensive understanding of mathematics and sciences. Individual proficiencies vary, so identifying the hardest engineering major comes down to each student's abilities.
Is Becoming an Engineer Worth It?
Becoming an engineer yields high earning potential and career opportunities. For professionals who enjoy problem-solving and working with science, it can be a very fulfilling career. Engineering requires hard work and a comprehensive understanding of mathematics and sciences. Individual proficiencies vary, so identifying the hardest engineering major comes down to each student's abilities.
Why Is Engineering Important?
Engineering is what keeps the world working. Civil engineers maintain infrastructure, while mechanical engineers improve and create new devices and machines. Industrial engineers optimize efficiency; environmental engineers tackle problems related to pollution, waste, and related challenges; and biomedical engineers develop new technologies used in healthcare.
What's the Difference Between a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering?
A bachelor of science in engineering emphasizes theoretical applications of engineering, while a bachelor of engineering degree focuses on more practical use. A bachelor of science covers the principles of engineering and how to assess their efficacy in controlled settings, and it may also include courses in related disciplines like mathematics or physics. During a bachelor of engineering degree, students participate in hands-on activities to integrate their theoretical knowledge, preparing them more directly for careers.
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