The ultimate engineering guide: engineering degrees and jobs

One of the four pillars of STEM, engineering is a growing field with plenty of lucrative, diverse job opportunities. Engineers like to design and build products and processes, solve problems, invent, and innovate. They can pay close attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture.

If, as a kid, you loved Legos or enjoyed taking stuff apart to figure out how things worked, engineering might be your vocation. Engineers have a deep understanding of how individual components contribute to the functioning of complex systems and processes.

Most engineering jobs are available to graduates with only a bachelor’s degree in engineering – and some don’t even require that. The growing demand for engineers, which is projected to increase by 4% by 2031, coupled with high average salaries, means that an engineering degree is one of the most valuable educational investments out there.

What an engineering major studies

Engineering is a diverse field, and your specialization will determine what subjects you study in college. But whatever your engineering major, you will need to be pretty good at math – particularly calculus. In addition, engineers usually have to study statistics, differential equations, and other number-crunching subjects.

Most engineering students will also be required to take physics, chemistry, and computer science classes. Beyond that, your courses will depend heavily on your specialization: engineering students could learn about materials science, electrical systems, environmental science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, jet engines, nuclear power, and much more.

The associate degree in engineering

Some engineering-related jobs are attainable with just an associate degree, which is often termed an associate in engineering technology. Engineering technology focuses on the practical application of engineering principles, with less emphasis on theory and math.

As policymakers in Washington D.C. work to bring manufacturing jobs back to the country, high-paying industrial jobs that don’t require a 4-year degree are likely to grow. Many of these positions require knowledge of mechanics, technology, and the basics of engineering. This makes engineering technology a particularly promising associate degree.

Engineering technology is one of the most lucrative careers you can pursue with a 2-year college degree, leading to average earnings of $47,901 just 3 years after graduation. This amounts to $11,923 more than the average associate degree.

The bachelor in engineering degree

There are many types of engineering, and there are just as many types of engineering degree. At the bachelor’s level, common specializations include the following:

The first two years of engineering are similar no matter what your specialization is. They will involve math, science, and general education courses. Students often take an introduction to engineering course in their first year, and one or two common engineering classes (statics, dynamics, etc.) in their second year.

Beginning in your third year, the subjects you study at the bachelor’s level for these fields are pretty different, and they pave the way to different careers, so choose your specialization carefully. But the good news is that for most, a BS in engineering is enough to launch a career in the engineering field.

» Read: The best colleges for engineering by economic performance 

Most bachelor’s level engineering degrees culminate in a Bachelor of Science (BS in engineering.). However, some colleges may confer a Bachelor of Engineering, a Bachelor of Engineering Science (B.Sc. Eng.), or another type of degree. Usually, the only real difference is the name.

Accreditation for engineering schools

When selecting an engineering school, you will want to be sure the degree program is ABET accredited. If you want to become a licensed professional engineer, then you are required to have graduated from an ABET accredited engineering program. Make sure the school you’re considering is on the list of colleges with ABET accredited degree programs.

Engineering jobs with a bachelor’s degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 1,681,000 Americans worked as engineers in 2016, with 139,000 new jobs to be added by 2026. The median wage for all engineers is $91,010. The engineers with the highest average salaries are petroleum engineers, whose median wage is $128,230. Most occupations at this level exceed the average for all bachelor’s-level occupations as classified by the BLS and Census Bureau data ($59,600, ages 25-34).

The most common type of engineers are civil engineers, followed by mechanical and industrial engineers. Altogether, these three occupations account for 58% of projected job growth in the US. The manufacturing sector is the largest single employer of engineers. So, what jobs can you get with an engineering degree? We list some engineering jobs below.

The FE and PE exams

At some point in your studies, you will need to decide whether to become a fully licensed professional engineer (PE). Although most engineering jobs do not require PE certification, you may need it for some positions, especially if you wish to work with the government.

To become a licensed PE, you will first need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is usually taken during your final year of college or following graduation. You can take the FE in several different disciplines. Choose the discipline you are most prepared to be tested in.

Next, after you accrue 4 years of work experience as an engineer, you will need to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The more tied your work is to the health and safety of the public, the more likely that licensure is required.

The master’s in engineering

Engineering students acquire more in-depth knowledge of their chosen branch of engineering at master’s level. Alternatively, they could pursue an interdisciplinary degree that combines engineering with management or another type of science.

While most engineers don’t have a master’s degree, an MS in engineering may give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for promotions. It can also unlock more interesting, higher-paying positions. Most engineers who pursue a master’s degree do so after they’ve obtained several years of work experience.

Many colleges will offer what they call an “accelerated master’s degree,” where high achieving students are able to take graduate courses that count toward both their BS and MS degree programs. This will reduce the number of courses required to complete the MS degree after completing a BS. So, if you have any thoughts about possibly pursuing a master’s degree, you might want to inquire about accelerated degree programs.

Usually, master’s-level engineering programs confer a Master of Science (MS or MSc) or a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree. Generally speaking, the only difference is the name. Some programs may be more specific though, such as the Master of Engineering Management.

Careers with a master’s in engineering

If you want to pursue a career in engineering management, a master’s is advisable. Likewise, if you want to become a professor in an engineering-related field, you will probably need a PhD. A master’s degree may be an advantage for higher paying job positions that require more work experience.

Final thoughts

Engineering is one of the highest-earning professions that only require a bachelor’s degree. This gives it enduring appeal for students who are mesmerized by math, science, machines, and mechanics. As you decide on a college, remember that education is an investment: it’s wise to aim for the degree that will give you the best return. Fortunately, if you’re considering majoring in engineering, you’re looking at a career that leads to financial stability – as well as diverse job opportunities across the country.