A career in engineering may be fascinating and rewarding, with many options in a wide range of sectors. You’ll almost certainly require a bachelor’s degree to become an engineer. There are many different engineering degree options available, so understanding them can help you choose a program of study more wisely. In this post, we outline 41 engineering degree options and demonstrate the advantages of earning an engineering degree.
Why pursue an engineering degree?
If you appreciate problem-solving and approaching your work analytically, becoming an engineer may be an extremely satisfying career. The first step in a career in engineering is obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which is a requirement for almost all engineers. Engineering offers a range of employment opportunities, so that’s another reason you might choose to major in it. The five main fields of study in engineering are as follows:
- Mechanical
- Civil
- Chemical
- Electrical
- Industrial
A larger institution might just offer these five crucial areas; however, technical schools or universities may further divide every one of these five fields into focused areas of specialization for more specialized degrees. Engineering online courses are also increasingly common, allowing you to study remotely regardless of your location.
Another lucrative and expanding industry is engineering. The nationwide average pay for a marine engineer is $79,710, whereas the national median compensation for a mechanical engineer is $83,715. The various engineering occupations can pay differently depending on the market demand for the position, the region, and the anticipated rate of job growth.
Engineering degree types
Check whether any of the following 41 engineering degree specialties catch your attention:
1. Aeronautics
An engineering degree course in aeronautical engineering covers topics such as aircraft design and space and air travel. As part of the coursework, students might do computational models to see if weather and other adverse conditions have an impact on planes and spacecraft. Students also learn about flight dynamics and power.
2. Chemical
Students of chemical engineering in engineering degree research how chemicals are used and how they respond. Chemistry, biology, and/or economics could all be major topics in this program. Chemical engineers can design a wide range of goods or research natural forces.
3. Civil
The construction of structures and transportation networks is a subject covered by a civil engineering degree. To comprehend structural stability, a large portion of the course material includes math and physics. Infrastructure projects can be as modest as local structures or as large as national transport networks, based on the engineering company.
4. Computer
Electrical engineering and computer science are combined to form a computer engineering degree. These engineers can create computer software, such as computer software, as well as computer components, such as keyboards and printers. Engineers may also build and test information systems prototypes.
5. Electrical
Although electrical engineers’ primary focus in engineering degree is on electricity, they could also deal with other energy sources like solar or wind power. These forms of energy are studied in a degree course in electrical engineering.
6. Mechanical
The range of engineering degree programs available includes a mechanical engineering concentration. This course may require you to examine mechanical concepts, statistics, and engineering drawings. Creating new mechanical systems or advancing mechanical technologies is a common task for mechanical engineers.
7. Engineering administration
Engineering administration in engineering degree blends knowledge of engineering with an understanding of business administration. With this degree, an engineer could supervise a group of engineers or be in charge of numerous engineering projects.
8. Environmental
A division of civil engineering is a degree course in environmental engineering. It covers the investigation of how humans affect the environment. These research findings and engineering data are used by engineers who hold this degree to develop ways to enhance the environment.
9. Industrial
Engineering degrees in industrial engineering mix a variety of commercial strategies with a technical perspective. Typically, an industrial engineer serves as a manufacturer’s consultant. Their main responsibility is to streamline processes and eliminate any pointless chores to boost productivity.
10. Material science
Engineering degrees in material science engineering concentrate on researching materials and their reactions to stimuli. The goal of this field is to develop materials that are more durable or useful than the ones that are already available. For instance, they might research a novel polyester and manufacture recyclable roofing material from it.
11. Electronics
Students in electronics engineering in engineering degrees learn about the mechanics of electrical devices. Engineers can design, build, and test equipment for tech devices. Additionally, these engineers might create and design circuitry, switchboards, and other electronics-related equipment.
12. Biomedicine
The disciplines of biology and medicine are combined in a biomedical engineering degree. In this industry, devices like MRIs and EKGs are designed as diagnostic tools. While working in the field, a biomedical engineer may develop, test, or repair medical apparatus.
13. Petroleum
During their education, a student in petroleum engineering examines new technologies and removal techniques for gas and oil. Engineers can help with the physical removal, but their main goal is to come up with more effective and safe ways to extract gases.
14. Safety and health
Students of health and security engineering research engineering, health, and safety topics. In this area of engineering degree, engineers create systems that safeguard both individuals and property against danger and illness or injury. A health and security engineer can examine occupational safety processes and suggest extra protocols to implement.
15. Geological
Students studying geological engineering gain experience working on mining and building projects. Geological engineers evaluate the ground’s risks before big construction projects. Additionally, geological engineers can help with cleanup efforts after a natural catastrophe.
16. Agricultural
To develop novel agriculture and farming machinery processes, a student of agricultural engineering studies engineering principles as an engineering degree. Agricultural engineers could develop brand-new farming equipment or enhance harvesting methods. To harvest crops more effectively, an agricultural engineer, for instance, would design a tractor.
17. Nuclear
The study of nuclear energy and power as an engineering degree is common among nuclear engineers. Nuclear engineers may work in the medical industry to create nuclear-powered diagnostic and imaging devices. Additionally, nuclear engineers may work with government organizations conducting research or at nuclear power facilities.
18. Biomechanics
The study of both organisms and mechanics is referred to as biomechanical engineering. To preserve rivers and other channels free of contaminants, a degree course might focus on waste management and develop mechanical answers. Engineers in the biomechanics industry frequently hold master’s or doctoral degrees.
19. Automobiles
Students of automotive engineering degree research how cars as well as other vehicles are designed. The internal workings and structural details of a vehicle are considered during the engineering design phase. Automobile system performance is also tested by automotive engineers.
20. Structural
The design of certain buildings and settlements, such as shops, banks, or malls, is a specialty of structural engineering degree courses. When constructing a structure, a structural engineer considers how to best reduce the impacts of natural elements like weather on the structure to guarantee long-term durability.
21. Architectural
A student studying architectural engineering degree is involved in the planning, design, and construction of buildings. In addition to building integrity and structure, an architectural engineer’s concentration is on design mechanisms within the building, such as heating, air conditioning, and plumbing.
22. Mechatronics
The mechatronics engineering degree course is a result of combining electrical engineering and mechanical engineering courses. A mechatronics engineer could use specific mechanical and energy understanding to design and build a machine.
23. Robotics
Robotics engineers build machines and robots that carry out automated tasks. They also design solutions for keeping their robotics in working order. This engineering degree is well-liked because the sector is growing as technology advances.
24. Microelectronics
An electrical engineering degree course includes a concentration in microelectronics engineering. Smaller computers and other electronic gadgets, like mobile phones, are made and designed in this industry. Demand in this industry is only increasing as consumer purchases and technological advancements pick up speed.
25. Paper
Engineering students study the mechanisms involved in paper manufacture. Paper engineers may do research in labs or even function in sales, introducing clients to cutting-edge green products.
26. Environmental design
An environmental design course concentrates on a product’s lifespan and environmental impact. This can have social, economic, or ecological consequences. Then, using these elements, an engineer can create a brand-new, improved product.
27. Systems
An emphasis of a degree in systems engineering is system improvement. The improvement of productivity, risk management, or even product creation processes for many businesses can be the emphasis of this degree course.
28. Production
Students studying manufacturing engineering degrees examine production methods and techniques. They work to enhance manufacturing tools, techniques, and designs.
29. Marine
A marine engineering degree involves studying boats and permanent water structures. Marine engineers specialize in the planning, construction, and upkeep of vessels such as ships, rigs for drilling, and boats.
30. Engineering physics
A physics engineering degree physics integrates engineering and physics. With a physics-based approach, students can learn how to tackle engineering difficulties. Students who earn this degree in engineering have the option of pursuing jobs as physicists or in the engineering discipline.
31. Nanotechnology
Students pursuing a nanoscale engineering degree learn how to work with materials that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. This type of engineer would work under a microscope and try to develop new materials utilizing nanotechnology.
32. Photonics
Light energy is studied by photonics engineering students. Using technology like fiber optics, lasers, and light energy, among others, engineers in this discipline can create imaging methods.
33. Mining
Students of mining engineering research the extraction of mining resources. A mining engineer could specialize in extracting one particular mineral, like copper. An organization engages the engineer in every step of mineral extraction, including the planning and construction of the mine.
34. Ceramics
Students of ceramic engineering degrees gain knowledge of composite materials and the procedures used to try to transform them into more useful materials. Engineers can do research and develop new techniques while employed at businesses or academic institutions.
35. Geomatics
Students studying geomatics engineering degree gain knowledge about mapping terrain features. After becoming an engineer, they create methods to assist in mapping land features, environmental assets, and structures to preserve a greater number of earth’s characteristics. GPS images and Dimensional maps can be produced with the use of these devices.
36. Metallurgical
Students of metallurgical engineering degrees gain knowledge on how to clean up mineral deposits and metals so that the general public can use them safely. An engineer in this area might concentrate on creating new methods, tools, and procedures for removing or decontaminating minerals.
37. Acoustical
Students of acoustic engineering degree research sound. This type of engineer can concentrate on reducing noise pollution.
38. Astronautical
A student of astronautical engineering degree researches spacecraft. Engineers might create space shuttle guidance systems, rockets, missiles, communications networks, and more.
39. Food
Students studying to become food engineers begin their coursework by studying how they can integrate engineering ideas into food. This type of engineer might create new food delivery or storage systems.
40. Financial
Students of financial engineering degrees utilize math as the foundation of their curriculum. A specialist in this area of engineering might create investment tools. They may also collaborate with fund managers or insurance businesses.
41. Plastics
A student of plastics engineering degree researches plastics and considers how to make them better. An engineer might contribute to the design, production, and even marketing of new plastics-related goods.
9 Certifications in Mechanical Engineering for Your Career
Mechanical engineers create practical goods for a variety of industries, such as medical equipment, cars, and tools. Mechanical engineers that hold certifications can better their abilities and expand their employment options. It can be helpful if you are a mechanical engineer to understand more about possible certifications.
9 certificates in mechanical engineering
Your application materials can be strengthened by certifications that attest to your expertise and abilities. Certifications could help you stand out as a candidate for available engineering employment if you’re a mechanical engineer. You can work towards any one of the following nine mechanical engineering certifications:
1. Certificate in Assistive Design
The Mechanical Engineering Department at Tufts University School of Engineering offers a Certificate of Assistive Design program that teaches the foundations of design for problem-solving in the real world. The program enables experts to develop their skills and offers specialist services to particular professionals, such as veterinarians, dentists, and firefighters. Those who get this degree gain a deeper understanding of user interface development and consumer perspectives.
2. Digital manufacturing and CAD
A flexible timetable and online learning are available for Autodesk’s CAD and Digital Manufacturing certification. Students gain technical skills while learning the fundamentals of digital production and brand innovation. To develop your design thinking abilities, this program contains an adaptive learning assignment in which you construct a search and recovery drone.
3. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Students learn about mechanical and electrical engineering procedures in this program from The Associate of Energy Engineers. As you study and comprehend the best solutions for diverse engineering projects, it confirms your knowledge of processes and building infrastructure. By passing this certification exam, you can demonstrate that you know how to make projects cost- and energy-effective.
4. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
This certification concentrates on evaluating the user’s expertise in engineering and innovative manufacturing. You must have at least eight years of mechanical engineering experience—at least four of which must have been gained in a professional capacity—to apply for this certification. You might enroll with less knowledge and experience based on the other credentials you hold.
5. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
Engineers who are familiar with the foundations of service and product quality are eligible for the Quality Engineer Certification. It is ideal to possess an in-depth understanding of quality evaluation procedures and quality control concepts to successfully finish this certification. This certification demonstrates your expertise in quality control, as well as your knowledge of human aspects, quality costs, and quality management systems.
6. Certified Systems Engineering Expert (CSEP)
Mechanical engineering is just one of many engineering specialties included in the interdisciplinary topic of systems engineering. Given that it demonstrates your comprehension of more general engineering principles and operations, the Certified Systems Engineering Professional credential can be helpful. This certificate from INCOSE assesses how well you comprehend the systems engineering methodology and the technical problems it may address. Your expertise in SE skills and technical leadership is recognized by the certification.
7. Certification in Digital Production and Design Technology
The foundations of manufacturing are the emphasis of the education-based Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies Certification. This course educates students on modern manufacturing techniques and digital advancements. You can create a plan for reaching your manufacturing objectives as part of the course’s adaptive learning project.
8. Certification for EPA Operators Safety (EPA)
The Environment Protection Agency certifies engineers by testing their understanding of public security and how it relates to engineering. You must possess an in-depth understanding of environmental laws, including which projects adhere to regulations and which ones don’t, to pass the qualifying examination. This accreditation guarantees public security and access to clean, drinkable water for engineers who work with drinking water and water dispersion systems.
9. Master Electronics Certified Technician (CETma)
Engineers with over six years of professional engineering experience can obtain the ETAI Master Certified Electronics Technician Certification. You must pass the qualifying examination with a minimum score of 85% to receive this certification. This certification evaluates your expertise in electronics engineering, including an understanding of radio wave work, fiber optics, information technology, and telecommunications.
Advantages of certifications in mechanical engineering
Obtaining certification in mechanical engineering could have the following advantages:
- Verify your understanding and skills: Several certificates put your knowledge and talents to the test; if you pass them and earn the credentials, your skills and expertise in mechanical engineering will be verified.
- Expand your options for employment: Some employers may look for applicants with particular credentials or may favor candidates with certifications over those without. Your chances of getting a job can be improved by adding certificates to your resume.
- Upgrade your application documents: Add credentials to your resume and discuss them in your cover letter to demonstrate your dedication to learning and growth. This might enhance your application documents and make the reader more impressed with your qualifications.
- Boost your engineering reputation: If others know you seek and pass certifications, they may view you more favorably. Your image as a competent engineer can be improved by displaying your qualifications and credentials at gatherings and conferences.
A few suggestions for selecting a mechanical engineering certification
Certifications can enhance your resume and sharpen your talents, depending on which ones you pick. To help you select the mechanical engineering credentials that are right for you, consider the following advice:
- Take a look at your present knowledge and abilities: Some certifications are appropriate for novices, while others require a high level of training, expertise, and education. Before deciding on a certification to finish, evaluate your present mechanical engineering abilities.
- Create a strategy and plan for your professional path: Knowing your desired job and career might help you decide which certifications to obtain. For instance, you can select a certification that supports your aim if you wish to concentrate on a mechanical engineering specialization.
- Talk to your boss about certificates: If you are currently employed as a mechanical engineer, you might want to meet with your management and inquire about their certifications. Talk about the certificates that can help you improve your career the best.
- Set aside money for professional certificates. Since there may be fees and other expenses associated with mechanical engineering certifications, making a budget for certifications might help you decide which is most crucial for you.
What’s the difference between an aerospace engineer and a mechanical engineer?
You can think about being an engineer if you like solving issues and following a project through to the end. The fields of mechanical and aeronautical engineering are two to take into consideration for a career.
Knowing the differences between these two occupations might help you choose the ideal one for you.
The definition of a mechanical engineer
A mechanical engineer is a specialist who creates or constructs devices to fulfill human needs. Design blueprints for machinery and other mechanical equipment and systems are created by mechanical engineers using their creativity. They provide technical plans and diagrams to lay out their strategies for execution and ensure that their goods are practical and efficient at all phases of production.
How do you define an aerospace engineer?
An engineer with experience in mechanical systems for use in the air or space is known as an aerospace engineer. They produce things like spacecraft, missiles, satellites, and aircraft. Aerospace engineers may specialize in a particular area of study, like celestial mechanics, thermodynamics, acoustics, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, and guidance and control systems.
Astronautical engineering and aeronautical engineering are the two subfields of aerospace engineering. While astronautical engineering concentrates on spaceships, aeronautical engineering is specialized in the technology, theory, and application of airborne flights.
Distinctions between mechanical and aeronautical engineers
Aerospace and mechanical engineers both contribute to the development and production of machines, although they concentrate on distinct things. The two roles differ significantly in the following ways:
1. Responsibilities
The duties of mechanical engineers and aerospace engineers are significantly different.
Aerospace engineering is concerned with the mechanics and physics of flight, navigational theories, the physiology of the aircraft industry, and the evaluation of aerospace equipment. An aerospace engineer may be responsible for:
- The creation of aeronautical and aviation products
- Examining blueprints for any problems or mistakes
- Evaluating the viability of project proposals financially
- Conducting simulations to assess the effectiveness and safety of the product
- Creating operational guidelines for their products
- Creating prototypes for new concepts
- Establishing acceptability criteria for design principles and performance benchmarks
Power-producing devices like power generators and turbomachinery are the emphasis of mechanical engineering, along with their manufacture and maintenance. A mechanical engineer may be responsible for:
- Modernizing the designs of current systems
- Making machine prototypes
- Recognizing the machine parts they need to fix or repair
- Analyzing computer-generated data
- Keeping track of machine manufacturing
- Product portfolio efficiency improvement
- Monitoring the growth of a project
Aerospace engineering is for individuals who are interested in building airplanes and spaceships, while mechanical engineering is for those who are interested in repairing mechanical machines.
2. Education requirements and internships
Both mechanical and aerospace engineers must hold a bachelor’s degree in the same field to practice. However, some universities provide a dual degree that covers subjects in both professions.
Aerodynamics, propulsion, mechanical and engineering concepts, and design curriculum need all be completed for a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering before applying to become an aerospace engineer.
Engineering design, engineering concepts, mathematics, and physical science courses should all be taken by mechanical engineers who intend to work in the field.
Advanced degrees are required for engineers who want to take leadership roles and improve their careers. Some institutions provide five-year programs that, upon completion, lead to either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering.
Consider doing an engineering internship at a related company to broaden your engineering knowledge. Internships can give practical experience and may open up work prospects in the future. Cooperative programs are offered by some institutions in collaboration with businesses to give students experience while they’re continuing their education.
3. Certificates and licenses
A professional engineer (PE) license is required in the state you work in if you want to operate in engineering and provide services to the general public.
The Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles examination, work experience, and the Practice of Engineering exam are all prerequisites for obtaining a license. After passing the requirements, someone seeking employment as a mechanical engineer can also obtain certification through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
4. Required skills
Both professions call for analytic and mathematical prowess. A foundation in computer engineering, aerodynamics, machine engineering, and fluid dynamics is required for an aircraft engineer. However, to do their jobs effectively, mechanical engineers need to be knowledgeable in the fields of bioengineering, mechatronics, and materials science.
5. Job prospects and median salary
The employment of aerospace engineers is expected to increase by 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is near twice the overall average for all occupations, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects a 4% increase in mechanical engineer employment between 2019 and 2029.
Aerospace engineers are the profession with the higher salary of the two. The national average pay for each is as follows:
- $32.12 per hour is the typical wage for a mechanical engineer in the United States.
- The average hourly pay for an aerospace engineer in the United States is $44.38.
6. Workplace environment
Although they spend much of their time in offices, mechanical engineers may travel to evaluate faulty machinery. Along with working in aeronautical laboratories, aeronautical engineers also operate in offices. Both jobs involve working around noisy machinery and occasionally putting on protective gear.
In the manufacturing, analysis, design, and research and innovation sectors, aerospace engineers frequently work. They frequently work for both private businesses and governmental organizations like the Navy and NASA. Mechanical engineers generally are employed in manufacturing, R&D, and engineering services. They are employed by businesses in the transportation, production, processing, and biomedical industries.
Conclusion
Consider your interests, abilities, and ambitions if engineering is the right major for you. The two most important prerequisites for engineering degrees are math and science. You’ll study courses in disciplines like statistics, calculus, algebra, biology, chemistry, and physics for the majority of undergraduate engineering programs. Additionally, you’ll probably need to take multiple labs.
Every engineering discipline includes problem-solving. Finding practical answers is your key responsibility if you want to improve, make the world safer, and make it more effective. A major in engineering can be a suitable choice for you if you believe yourself to be a strong deep thinker.
One of the most difficult majors, in the opinion of many, is engineering. Be mindful of these high standards if you’re considering getting an engineering degree. Engineering programs could demand you to keep a minimum GPA in addition to a significant amount of weekly homework.
Frequently Asked Questions on engineering degrees
- What are the four primary engineering disciplines?
We have a wide variety of engineering specialties, most of which are extremely specialized and created to address the great diversity of difficulties we confront. Chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering are the four primary categories into which engineering can be classified.
- What engineering requires the least math?
Almost all engineering disciplines include math. However, I can think of no other field where computer science falls short. Mechanical, electrical, electronic, and civil engineering all demand strong math skills. If you want to earn your engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution, math cannot be avoided.
- What engineering degree can you get the fastest?
Engineers in the fields of electrical, aerospace, and computer hardware are in demand for the finest accelerated engineering degree positions. Among the top jobs in this industry are mechanical and civil engineers.