Engineering is a broad term that covers a wide range of applications and industries. Engineering spans across four major disciplines: mechanical, chemical, civil, and electrical. All of them are similar in the fact that they combine mathematics, science, and technology to produce creative solutions to real world problems. Engineering is one of the STEM fields.
There are many different types of engineering degrees to choose from throughout the four disciplines. A bachelor's degree in engineering is the entry level requirement for most engineering jobs. The degree is also a prerequisite to earning a master’s degree, which may be needed for advanced positions.
What Engineers Do
Engineers solve the problems and issues that affect our everyday lives. They brainstorm, design, manufacture, and maintain different components and systems that keep our country running and advancing. From computers to corkscrews and even chemical reactors, engineers are involved.
The Education Needed
For most entry level positions, a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is required. Bachelor degree coursework includes intermediate and advanced mathematics, life and physical sciences, engineering, and design. As an engineering student, you may also spend time in the computer lab, working with advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software.
In some cases, a bachelor’s degree in physical science or mathematics will be enough to get hired. On the other hand, you could choose to complete a two-year pre-engineering degree, find related work, and then transfer to a four-year school to finish the remaining requirements. It all depends on you and how you want to approach your schooling.
Tuition can vary greatly depending on the school and the program, ranging from $14,000 through over $50,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
Engineering degree programs often require students to participate in an internship. Internships will not only provide you with hands-on experience but also opportunities to develop professional relationships with mentors and industry contacts. In so many cases, finding a job is all about who you know, so when you have an opportunity to network through an internship, it’s wise to take advantage of it.
Licensing and Certifications
While licensing isn’t required across the board, the vast majority of engineers will want to become so: It’s already a must to perform certain responsibilities and roles, and more agencies and companies are trending toward hiring only licensed engineers. These licensed engineers are called Professional Engineers (PE).
You can apply for a license after completing an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree program in engineering. You first must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
After four years in the field, you’ll be eligible to take the Principles of Practice of Engineering exam to become a PE. You may have to take continuing education to maintain your license, so always check with your state about requirements.
Engineers are also able to get certifications to show their competency in specific fields. Certifications along with engineering societies and organizations can help qualify you for career advancement.
As an entry level engineer, you’ll gain experience and knowledge that may allow you to work independently without a supervisor breathing down your neck. Eventually, you may move on to roles such as technical specialist or supervisor.
Mechanical Engineering
Read the main article: Becoming a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices. It’s one of the broadest engineering disciplines, so a degree in mechanical engineering can open up a variety of career opportunities. From automobile manufacturers to government agencies, there is always a need for mechanical engineers.
What They Do
Mechanical engineers analyze problems to figure out how mechanical and thermal devices might have the solution. When they have determined this, they design these devices in a CAD program. They then develop and test the devices, analyze the results, and modify as needed. Once this is complete, they oversee the manufacturing process.
Nearly all entry level careers in mechanical engineering require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology from an ABET-accredited school.
Education
Mechanical engineering degree programs include mathematics courses, physical sciences, and design courses. You’ll be instructed in various system components and technical subjects and gain a basic understanding of civil, chemical, and electrical engineering. Many programs also include coursework in areas where mechanical engineering is applied, such as business or environmental science.
Some colleges offer five-year programs that let students get both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. These programs combine study with practical work—you can gain valuable experience while earning money to help finance your education.
Graduate education is essential for engineering faculty positions in higher education, as well as for some research and development programs. Many experienced mechanical engineers earn graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their education and enhance their project management skills.
License and Certification
Every state requires mechanical engineers to earn licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) if they sell services publicly. To obtain a PE license, students must have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution accredited by ABET and work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer. Candidates must also pass the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering tests.
There are also professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, that offer a variety of certification programs. These certifications will allow you to demonstrate your competency in the fields of mechanical engineering.
Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 2022 average income for mechanical engineers was $100,820, with the top ten percent earning $151,260.
The top paying industries are architectural, engineering, and related services, scientific research and development, aerospace products and parts, motor vehicle parts, and the Federal Executive branch. Top paying states are New Mexico, Louisiana, California, Alaska.
The BLS predicts that the demand for mechanical engineers will increase 2 percent by 2031, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. While job prospects are promising, expect some competition. If you want to stand out above the crowd, learn as much as you can about 3D printing and virtual simulations. Mastering those two aspects will put you in high demand.
Careers Within the Mechanical Engineering Discipline
Mechanical engineering offers an incredible list of career options.
- Robotic engineering: You’ll design and test robotics across multiple systems and applications. You will need a bachelor’s degree and internship to get into the field.
- Heating and cooling engineering: This is a more advanced career in HVAC where you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. You will be designing systems for buildings such as residential, industrial, and educational.
- Aerospace engineering: You’ll work on projects relating to national defense or civilian aviation, such as aircrafts, spacecrafts, missiles, and satellites. To become an aerospace engineer, you’ll need to start off with a bachelor’s degree.
- Nuclear engineering: You’ll be working with nuclear and radioactive equipment, from medical equipment to power sources. You must have a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering with knowledge in mechanical engineering. Employment growth is slower than average because of a decline in electric power generation.
- Materials engineering: You will develop and test materials for products from nanomaterials to airplane wings. You’ll get a bachelor’s degree in material science and engineering, and like most engineering careers require, you’ll have to find an internship to gain hands-on experience.
- Petroleum engineering: Designing and developing oil and natural gas extraction from new and old wells will be a main focus of your career. You can major in petroleum, mechanical, or chemical engineering in college, where you’ll get your bachelor’s degree and participate in an internship/co-op ed programs.
- Architectural and engineering managers: You’ll plan, direct, and coordinate day-to-day activities in offices, labs, or plants. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in order to work in this position.
- Drafters: You’ll use special software to transfer the designs of architects and engineers to technical drawings. An associate’s degree is the minimal requirement for this position.
- Sales engineers: You’ll sell technical and/or scientific products to other companies. You should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering to have working knowledge of the types of products you’re selling. Because your job is commission based, you may encounter job-related stress due to trying to keep your numbers up.
Chemical Engineering
As a chemical engineer, your knowledge in math, biology, physics, and chemistry will help you launch your career. You help to propel the advancements made in the production or use of products such as food, fuel, and medications. You’ll also design the layout of many different types of manufacturing equipment. Chemical engineering is not only an exceptionally useful career but also highly rewarding and satisfying.
What They Do
Chemical engineer have a variety of job-related tasks. You’ll do research to improve processes, along with conducting tests and monitoring the results of these processes. You’ll also have to establish the safety protocol connected with the newly minted procedures. Checking equipment to make sure it is up to code and troubleshooting problems are part of your daily routine. Managing the funds related to your department may also be something you’ll be in charge of. You may work in an office or lab, and you'll need to work well with others involved with your project.
Education
If you are in high school and you know your calling is as a chemical engineer, then you need to stock up on chemistry, physics, biology, algebra, trig, and calculus classes. A four-year bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is mandatory for this career. Some universities offer a five-year program that combines both the bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements. Whichever program you choose, make sure it’s accredited by the ABET, otherwise your credits won’t count if you decide to transfer or want to become certified/licensed. For some hands-on experience, get yourself an internship or join the co-op program relevant to the chemical engineering industry. To stay competitive, get at least a master’s degree. Despite the fact that only a bachelor’s degree is necessary, most chemical engineers have more advanced degrees.
License and Certification
One of the areas chemical engineering differs from most other engineering careers is that it’s not as common to get licensed, and it’s not mandatory for entry level positions. You can always decide to get your Professional Engineering designation later on in your career.
To get your license through the state, you must fulfill certain requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited university
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam
- Work for at least four years in your engineering profession
- Pass the Professional Engineering exam
Salary and Job Outlook
As a chemical engineer, you may work more than the traditional 40-hour work week. You’ll have deadlines, targets, and need to troubleshoot issues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for chemical engineers in 2022 was $117,820, with the top 10 percent averaging $171,400.
The highest paying industries for chemical engineers are waste management services, oil and gas extraction, computer systems designs, management of companies, and architectural, engineering, and related services. Top paying states for chemical engineering are Texas, Delaware, Arizona, District of Columbia, and Louisiana.
Careers in Chemical Engineering
Different career options if you have a degree in chemical engineering are:
- Academia: The best people to teach engineering to college students are engineers. You will have a deep understanding of the subject and are more likely able to assist your students. Much like the duties of other teachers and professors, you instruct classes, give lectures, assign work, and grade assignments.
- Dye, pigment, and ink chemist: You analyze, develop, and synthesize new pigments and dyes using a variety of different processes. You’ll definitely need a chemistry background, or a closely related field, for this career. A Ph.D. and post doctoral fellowship are also commonly sought by students going into dyes, pigment, and ink chemistry. Entry level positions can be had with a bachelor’s degree—you can work as a research assistant or technician.
- Mining and geological engineer: Design mines and make sure they are operated safely for people and the environment. In high school, take loads of math and sciences. There aren’t many schools that have mining or geological engineering specifically. Instead, you can look into chemical engineering with a strong focus on geology, physics, math, and mine safety. On top of your classwork, you’ll also have to do lab and field work. Getting a degree in civil engineering is another feasible way to enter this field.
- Petroleum processing: As a chemical engineer working in petroleum processing, you’ll be testing samples from different drilling sites. Sometimes, travel may be involved. You’re needed to come up with different methods of separating and refining the elements making up crude oil. You also will be researching different additives and seeing their impact on humans and the environment.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: New medication is constantly being created, and it’s chemical engineers who are at the forefront. Your skills are necessary in the pharma industry because of the research around the chemicals and their interactions with humans. Some chemical engineers focus on creating synthetic drugs that mimic what the human body does, such as thyroid medication that makes the body think the thyroid gland is working, even if it isn’t.
- Environmental engineer: Weighty environmental problems are constantly arising. Environmental engineers try to improve pollution, recycling, waste disposal, and other environmental disturbances through a variety of sciences. An entry level environmental engineering position requires only a bachelor’s degree. If you want to be employed on higher levels, a master’s and Ph.D. are preferred.
Civil Engineering
When it comes to engineering, civil is the oldest discipline. It can date back to when the first structure was erected or a primitive bridge was made from logs, all to make life better and easier. Of course, advancements have been made, and more complex buildings, bridges, and structures are developed, thanks to civil engineers.
What They Do
Civil engineers can be found in both the public and private sectors. If you choose the civil engineering path, you’ll plan, design, construct, research, and teach. As a civil engineer, you'll help plan and build bridges, dams, roads, water systems, and airports. You'll need to plan the project to the scope of the budget and the surrounding environment.
Education
The minimum requirement for civil engineering is a bachelor’s degree. However, you’ll probably only find entry level positions with that level of education, because employers are starting to favor advanced degree in the field. Expect to take a heavy load of math, statistics, engineering, and other courses related to civil engineering. You’ll have a mix of classroom, lab work, and field study throughout your college career. Co-op programs are an important piece of your education. There you’ll gain hands-on experience as you study your way toward your degree, and hiring managers do prefer it if you’ve participated in available co-ops.
Make sure that whatever college you attend, that it’s accredited by ABET. Otherwise, you won’t be able to earn your PE credentials.
License and Certification
While licenses are not required for entry level positions, to advance in civil engineering you’ll need to get your Professional Engineering (PE) license. Once you get your PE, you’ll be able to oversee others, approve plans, and sign off on projects.
While you’re receiving your bachelor’s degree, you can take the initial Fundamentals of Engineering exam. This will earn you the title of Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI). Once you’ve had the required amount of work, you’ll be eligible to sit for the second exam, the Principles and Practices of Engineering. For every type of engineering license, each state has its own set of regulations. However, many states recognize licenses from other states as long as the requirements meet or exceed their own.
Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary in 2022 for civil engineers was $97,380. The demand for civil engineers by 2031 is expected to increase 7 percent by 2031, which is as fast as the national average. Participating in co-ops while you’re in college will give you a better chance of being hired. Graduate education is also a plus.
Top paying industries are manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, scientific research and development, instrument manufacturing, and aerospace product and parts manufacturing. Top paying states for civil engineering are Alaska, District of Columbia, California, Texas, and New Jersey.
Careers in Civil Engineering
Different career options with a degree in civil engineering include the following.
- Construction engineers: You’ll design, manage, and oversee construction projects, from buildings to roadway to bridges to mechanical workings. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement.
- Geotechnical engineers: Earth’s materials are what you’ll be focused on as a geotechnical engineer. Construction and structures that interfere in any way with the earth are overseen by geotechnical engineers.
- Structural engineer: Structural engineers make sure projects such as bridges and buildings are structurally sound—that they can support themselves and other objects such as cars or humans.
- Transportation engineers: Streets, highways, mass transit, harbors, and other areas of transportation are designed, managed, and overseen by transportation engineers.
Electrical Engineering
From cellphones to power grids, electrical engineers are trained to service, design, and test any type and size of product that is powered by or produces electricity. Electric motors, navigation systems, and broadcast and communication systems are just a few products on the expansive list conceptualized and designed by electrical engineers.
What They Do
As an electrical engineer, you’ll use your knowledge to redesign old electrical-powered products and develop new goods. Electrical engineers work in many different sectors, including medical, military, and commercial. You'll preform detailed calculations to develop products and set all the standards and specifications to implement and maintain them.
Education
If you’re a high school student exploring electrical engineering options, think about focusing your studies on physics, math, and drafting. These subjects will help prepare you for your college program. Once you start looking into university engineering programs, it’s important to choose one accredited by the ABET. A bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, or electrical engineering technology will be what you’ll graduate with. Some universities offer a 5-year program that will allow you to get both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.
If your college offers a co-op program, get involved in it. Employers look for that type of experience when they are hiring. Otherwise, an internship will be just as beneficial.
License and Certification
Entry level positions in electrical engineering do not require you to be licensed. However, you should definitely get the Professional Engineering (PE) certification a little further on in your career. The PE will allow you to move higher up the career ladder. To become PE certified, you will need to take the FE exam directly after completing your bachelor’s degree. Once you pass that, you’ll considered an Engineer in Training (EIT) or an Engineer Intern (EI). From there, after you’ve established enough work experience, you can then take the second exam which is called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). Each state has different timing and requirements for certification eligibility, but once you’ve received the designation, most other states will honor it as long as their requirements are met or surpassed.
Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary of electrical engineers in 2022 was $114,050, with the top 10 percent earning closer to $166,970. The demand for electrical engineers is expected to increase 3 percent by 2031, which is as fast as the national average for all occupations.
The top paying states for electrical engineers are California, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Utah. States with the highest employment levels are California, Texas, Michigan, New York, and Washington.
Careers in Electrical Engineering
Here are some different career options for those with a degree in electrical engineering.
- Electronics engineer: As an electronics engineer, you’ll design and develop electronic products from handheld devices to larger GPS systems. This career is extremely similar to electrical engineering; the major difference between the two is that electronics engineers are more interested in the smaller parts, whereas electrical engineers are focused on the electrical systems.
- Computer hardware engineer: All the parts and pieces that make up a computer are designed and tested by computer hardware engineers. They are also known as hardware engineers. A bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering is the minimum requirement. Employment growth is on the slower side of average for this career.
- Electrical and electronics technicians: Electrical and electronics technicians are are two separate careers, but they have similar duties. You’ll work alongside electrical or electronic engineers, helping them with their job duties. An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, and you’ll also need training, as well.
- Electrician: For a detailed look into becoming an electrician, read our article about becoming an electrician. You’ll need either trade school training, an apprenticeship, or a combination of the two.
- Electromechanical technician: With this skilled trade career, you need an associate degree or higher, along with training. You’ll assist engineers with testing, as well as operate, test, and maintain a variety of electromechanical equipment.
More subdisciplines in electronic engineering are microelectronics engineering, signal processing engineering, telecommunications engineering, instrumentation engineering, and power engineering. All training for these careers starts out in college in the electronics engineering program.
Online Engineering Degrees
There are online engineering degrees available in a variety of disciplines including biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Online engineering degrees are available at all levels from certificate to doctoral. Online engineering programs allow prospective engineers to prepare for a career in the field in a more flexible school environment. Online programs are also beneficial for current engineers as they can use distance programs to further their training while continuing to work.
More reading: