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One of the core STEM disciplines, engineering involves the use of mathematical and scientific principles. Engineers design and implement practical solutions to problems, applying scientific discoveries and knowledge about how things work.
Depending on their degree specialization and interests, engineering graduates can work as aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, and chemical engineers. Other potential fields include civil engineering, computer hardware engineering, environmental engineering, and industrial engineering.
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To earn a bachelor's degree in engineering, learners typically complete about 120 credits, including about 60 credits of major coursework. Depending on the program structure and the student's enrollment status, bachelor's students usually graduate in 3-4 years.
Common application requirements include SAT scores, essays, and official transcripts. Many bachelor's programs require applicants to meet minimum GPA requirements, and prospective engineering students may need prerequisite math and science coursework.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), architecture and engineering professionals earn a median annual salary of $81,440. The BLS projects a 3% employment increase for these occupations from 2019 to 2029. The following sections explore engineering jobs, along with accreditation, curricula, and professional organizations for students in the field.
What Can I Do With an Engineering Degree?
The engineering field comprises an extensive, practical set of disciplines and offers diverse career possibilities. Engineers often understand several areas of engineering while specializing in one area. Specialization options include chemical, biological, biomedical, and environmental engineering. Many learners focus on electrical, civil, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Additional areas of interest may include aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, and computer engineering.
Career options for graduates with a degree in engineering depend on the individual's discipline and specialization. Working professionals in the field often pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering to qualify for higher-level positions. Professionals with a non-engineering background may pursue an engineering degree to transition to a career in the field.
Demand for engineers can vary by geographic area. To determine promising niche engineering fields in a specific region, prospective engineering students can consult state job outlook data from the BLS for various engineering careers.
Accreditation for an Engineering Degree
The best engineering programs and schools maintain accreditation. Third-party organizations award accreditation based on the academic quality of the school or program. Through an evaluation process, accrediting organizations assess academic rigor. Attending an accredited institution helps students ensure the value of their educational investment.
Institutions can receive national or regional accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approves seven regional agencies to award accreditation to schools in specific geographic areas. Regional accreditation requires schools to meet higher standards than national accreditation and is therefore considered more prestigious. Career and religious schools often receive national accreditation. Regionally accredited schools typically only accept credits and degrees earned from other regionally accredited institutions.
Academic programs can earn accreditation from field-specialized accrediting agencies. The top engineering programs usually hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a nonprofit specializing in science, technology, and engineering education accreditation. Most ABET-accredited programs are housed within regionally accredited institutions.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does an engineer do? | These professionals use scientific principles to solve real-world problems in various contexts. Daily activities vary widely based on field, position, and project. |
| What are different types of engineering? | Engineers usually specialize in at least one discipline. Major engineering disciplines include electrical, construction, chemical, and civil engineering. |
| How do I become an engineer? | Engineering careers usually require a bachelor's degree in a related field. Many engineers also usually must obtain professional engineer licensure through a state board. |
| What do engineers do all day? | Daily tasks depend on engineers' fields and current projects. However, most roles involve analysis, problem-solving, planning, and communication activities. |
What Are the Requirements for an Engineering Degree?
Applicants to engineering programs usually need a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 and solid performance in math and science prerequisites. Some engineering schools also require recommendation letters and high quantitative SAT scores.
An engineering degree typically requires 120 credits, including at least 60 major credits. Major coursework often explores topics such as materials science and engineering, civil engineering, engineering physics, and electrical engineering. Bachelor's in engineering curricula generally include a capstone project, during which students address a real-world engineering problem.
Courses in an Engineering Program
Engineering bachelor's students complete general education requirements, engineering prerequisite coursework, and major-specific engineering courses. General engineering prerequisites or core courses usually include mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computing courses. Engineering students often complete projects that cultivate core quantitative and problem-solving skills.
Engineering students usually follow a specialized curriculum focused on a particular engineering discipline. Learners may specialize in biological engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or mechanical engineering. Many engineering programs include the courses below.
Introduction to Engineering and Technology
Students typically complete this foundational course during the first semester of their engineering programs. This class offers a general overview of core engineering skills, tools, and design processes. Enrollees often complete group projects and cultivate essential engineering skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students may use computer simulations, spreadsheets, and presentation software to design, test, and evaluate engineering projects. This course is usually a prerequisite for advanced and specialized engineering courses.
Numerical Methods in Engineering
Students learn to use mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems. Enrollees become familiar with numerical analysis, modeling, and scientific computing. Learners apply foundational mathematical concepts such as linear algebra, probability, statistics, and differential equations. Students examine the relevance of mathematical techniques to chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Coursework may also explore fluid mechanics, structural vibration, heat transference, and electromagnetics.
Practices in Civil Engineering
In this course, degree-seekers typically analyze case studies to understand built-environment engineering fundamentals. Students learn about construction materials use, structural strain and stress, and structural and transportational systems design. On-campus programs may incorporate educational field trips to engineering sites. Civil engineering often appears as a major or concentration.
Computer Engineering
Usually available as an elective or concentration course, this class familiarizes students with computer hardware, electrical engineering, and computer science. Learners typically explore software design and hardware-software integration. Coursework provides fundamental knowledge for aspiring computer engineers. Degree-seekers prepare to design and monitor computer-based machines and systems, including operating systems, microprocessors and controllers, and analog sensors. Computer engineering courses usually involve hands-on projects.
Introduction to Production and Manufacturing Systems
Many engineering programs offer an elective, concentration, and major in production and manufacturing systems. This class surveys industrial engineering history and practice. Learners explore manufacturing types, integrated production systems, and material flow systems. Students also explore the duties and activities of industrial engineers, including solving problems, designing jobs, and measuring work. This course prepares students for careers as industrial engineers, construction project managers, and operations managers.
Certifications and Licensure for Engineering Majors
A bachelor's degree in engineering satisfies the education requirements for most engineering jobs. However, engineers often obtain certifications, additional training, or licensure to demonstrate specialized skills and knowledge. See below for some common licenses and certifications for engineers.
Professional Engineer License
To help protect public health, each state regulates engineering practice. State engineering boards oversee engineering licensure, which requires candidates to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination and the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. To qualify to sit for the exams, candidates typically need a four-year degree and at least four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed professional engineer.
*Board Certified Environmental Engineering
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers Certification Board offers this certification, which demonstrates competency in environmental engineering practice. Applicants need a qualifying engineering degree and a valid professional engineer license or the equivalent. Candidates must also be full-time environmental engineers and must demonstrate good professional standing and integrity.
Professional Surveyor License
State licensing boards award this credential, which qualifies holders to work as professional surveyors. Requirements vary by state but often include a bachelor's degree in surveying and at least four years of supervised experience. Candidates must typically pass two examinations.
Professional Organizations for Engineering Majors
Engineering students can access professional development resources through professional organizations in the field. Many of these organizations provide engineering education, networking, and career resources. Student members may benefit from discounted membership rates, mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and student chapters.
Committed to addressing practical challenges, ASME promotes the interests of engineers, fosters collaboration across engineering fields, and creates professional codes and standards. Founded in 1880, this nonprofit delivers continuing education classes, conferences, networking opportunities, and publications.
The only national organization serving professional engineers across all disciplines, NSPE advocates for adequate compensation and ethical practices. NSPE also works to improve public awareness of the profession. The society offers certifications, professional development resources, and networking opportunities.
The world's top chemical engineering professional organization, AIChE serves more than 60,000 members in 110 countries. Member benefits include learning opportunities and access to a large professional network. AIChE also provides technical resources, professional development opportunities, and insurance.
The leading technological advancement-focused professional organization, IEEE serves engineering and technology professionals around the world. IEEE develops industry standards, hosts conferences, publishes engineering-related materials, and offers continuing education opportunities.
Many students apply for scholarships to help cover the cost of earning an engineering degree. Nonprofits, private donors, schools, and government programs offer scholarships for students in the field. Learners can qualify for awards based on their academic performance, financial need, and membership in underrepresented groups. The list below includes a sampling of the scholarships available to engineering students.
A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: Native American undergraduate students pursuing a STEM-related degree full time can apply. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate tribal ancestry. Candidates also need active membership with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.
Amount: $1,000 for undergraduate students; $2,000 for graduate students
Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This renewable scholarship supports full-time college freshmen with at least 50% Filipino ancestry. Candidates must be enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited four-year school, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must reside in one of several designated California counties.
Amount: $5,000 per year
Google Lime Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Google offers this scholarship to support learners who are studying computer engineering and who have visible or invisible disabilities. Candidates must be full-time students in Canada or the United States. Applicants must demonstrate leadership ability, academic merit, and passion for a computer-related field.
Amount: $10,000
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship helps learners cover tuition and education-related expenses. Freshmen, sophomore, and junior women majoring in a STEM field can apply. Learners must attend an accredited North American school full time and must not have previously received the scholarship.
Amount: $7,000, plus an expenses-paid trip to the Palantir developmental workshop in Palo Alto
The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students
Who Can Apply: Male students majoring in a STEM field at an accredited U.S. college can apply. Candidates must demonstrate U.S. citizenship, financial need, and full-time enrollment. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. NAACP members and participants receive preference. Biological and biomedical engineering students do not qualify.
Amount: Up to $3,000
25 Best Value Engineering Schools 2021
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CUNY City CollegeLocation
New York, NY
Tuition$4674
The best engineering programs and schools maintain accreditation. Third-party organizations award accreditation based on the academic quality of the school or program. Through an evaluation process, accrediting organizations assess academic rigor. Attending an accredited institution helps students ensure the value of their educational investment.
Institutions can receive national or regional accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approves seven regional agencies to award accreditation to schools in specific geographic areas. Regional accreditation requires schools to meet higher standards than national accreditation and is therefore considered more prestigious. Career and religious schools often receive national accreditation. Regionally accredited schools typically only accept credits and degrees earned from other regionally accredited institutions.
Academic programs can earn accreditation from field-specialized accrediting agencies. The top engineering programs usually hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a nonprofit specializing in science, technology, and engineering education accreditation. Most ABET-accredited programs are housed within regionally accredited institutions.
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California State University-Los AngelesLocation
Los Angeles, CA
Tuition$4403
One of California's major public colleges, Cal State LA serves more than 26,000 students annually. The school's College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology ranks among the most affordable in California, offering engineering programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Cal State LA's engineering college maintains a reputation for research initiatives and community engagement.
Undergraduate degree options include electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and a minor in biomedical engineering. At the graduate level, candidates can pursue programs in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, civil engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.
Engineering students at Cal State LA gain access to an assortment of academic resources and support services. The Technician Support Office provides assistance with lab equipment, along with design and fabrication consultation.
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The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyLocation
Edinburg, TX
Tuition$4319
A major public college based in southern Texas, UTRGV serves a 150-mile area in the state's Rio Grande Valley region. The UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science maintains campus locations in Brownsville and Edinburg. The school is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, with more than 89% of its 28,000 students identifying as Hispanic.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science encompasses departments in civil engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering, along with individual bachelor's programs in computer engineering and engineering technology. UTRGV offers other programs, including information technology and engineering management, exclusively at the master's level.
Students of all levels can engage in research and other experiential learning activities at the school's Rapid Response Manufacturing Center, South Texas Industrial Assessment Center, and other facilities.
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Oklahoma State University-Main CampusLocation
Stillwater, OK
Tuition$4319
One of Oklahoma's major public colleges, OSU serves more than 24,000 students annually. The OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology hosts many of the state's top engineering programs, offering innovative education that sits at the intersection of design, sustainability, and economics.
The College of Engineering features several distinct schools, including civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering. Candidates can pursue programs in areas like biosystems engineering, chemical engineering, and fire protection and safety engineering technology.
OSU heavily emphasizes research, with many research opportunities available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students benefit from several unique research initiatives, including the Freshman Research Scholar program and the Wentz Scholar program.
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University of Washington-Seattle CampusLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$6707
One of the largest public colleges in the Pacific Northwest, UW serves more than 47,000 students annually. The UW College of Engineering enrolls around 8,000 students annually. Committed to research, innovation, diversity, and access, the college ranks first in the country among public institutions for federal research and training funding.
UW offers several engineering programs, including aeronautics and astronautics, bioengineering, chemical engineering, and industrial and systems engineering. Most departments offer degrees at all academic levels, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. UW also hosts an affiliated bachelor's program in bioresource science and engineering.
The UW campus houses major research centers in fields including aerospace, electronics and computing, materials and structures, and molecular and nano engineering. Undergraduates participate in senior capstone design projects that address real-world problems through hands-on work with industry sponsors.
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California State University-FresnoLocation
Fresno, CA
Tuition$9765
A member of the California State University system, Fresno State enrolls more than 24,000 students annually. The school's Lyles College of Engineering emphasizes engineering and construction management education for students of all backgrounds, catering to first-generation college students and other historically underserved groups.
Fresno State hosts a variety of engineering programs at both the bachelor's and master's level. The school offers seven undergraduate programs in areas such as architectural studies, computer engineering, geomatics and mechanical engineering, and construction management. Graduate students can pursue programs in areas including civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resource engineering, and electrical engineering.
Degree candidates benefit from a robust selection of support services offered through the engineering department's Pathways student resource center. Students gain access to academic advising, counseling, tutoring, career development, and mentoring programs. Pathways also hosts leadership retreats, guest speaker series, and other professional development activities.
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Harvard UniversityLocation
Cambridge, MA
Tuition$9765
One of the country's most prestigious private colleges, Harvard offers many of the world's top academic programs from its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences sits at the forefront of research and education in many engineering-related fields, such as computer science, applied computation, materials science, and bioengineering.
Harvard offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level, with bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs available in many subjects. Certain engineering programs are only available at the graduate level, including applied computation, applied physics, design engineering, and engineering sciences. The school also offers professional certificate programs in business analytics and artificial intelligence technology and policy leadership.
Harvard engineering candidates benefit from world-class facilities and services. The school's Active Learning Labs provide an environment for exploration outside the classroom, offering a variety of project-based learning experiences.
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University of FloridaLocation
Gainesville, FL
Tuition$6771
One of the country's largest public schools, UF serves more than 56,000 students annually from its campus in Gainesville. The school's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering offers several of Florida's top engineering programs, encompassing 10 departments and over 20 research centers and institutes.
Most engineering programs offer both undergraduate and graduate options, including aerospace engineering, agricultural and biological engineering, environmental engineering, and nuclear engineering. UF also offers programs in coastal and oceanographic engineering and human-centered computing, available exclusively at the graduate level.
Some of the college's many research centers include the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research, the Institute for Computational Engineering, and the Institute for Networked Autonomous Systems.
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Purdue University-Main CampusLocation
West Lafayette, IN
Tuition$4705
A major public college based in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue hosts many of the country's top engineering programs. The College of Engineering is well-known for strong programs in agricultural and biological engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Purdue also offers top-ranked programs in industrial engineering, civil engineering, and aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
Engineering candidates can pursue more than a dozen degree options, including materials engineering, ecological engineering, and multidisciplinary engineering. Purdue also offers a variety of engineering programs online, including many professional master's degrees. These degrees typically combine online and on-campus courses in an accelerated format, with some programs taking only one year to complete.
Purdue prides itself on forward-looking research, and the college serves as an incubator for several unique initiatives. Students can participate in programs focusing on topics such as data and engineering applications, engineering-medicine, and autonomous and connected systems.
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Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition$11649
A unique public college, IUPUI is a member of the Indiana University system, but the school also offers Purdue degrees. IUPUI hosts the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology on its Indianapolis campus, enabling engineering candidates to benefit from the combined expertise and resources of two major universities. The school is known for its strong research, education, and civic engagement initiatives.
IUPUI's engineering school hosts several departments, including biomedical engineering, music and arts technology, and electrical and computer engineering. Candidates can pursue engineering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level, with unique options including energy engineering, healthcare engineering technology management, interior design technology, and music therapy technology.
IUPUI's engineering students benefit from access to student services, including advising, career counseling, scholarships, and student organizations. Engineering candidates can also take advantage of extensive campus resources, including the Technical Communication Writing Center, University Library, and the 3D Print Lab.
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University of Washington-Bothell CampusLocation
Bothell, WA
Tuition$11649
Located about 20 miles northeast of downtown Seattle, UW Bothell hosts some of Washington State's top engineering programs. The school's Division of Engineering and Mathematics offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with programs fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The school's engineering programs build skills in scientific and mathematical principles, preparing graduates for an assortment of engineering careers.
At the bachelor's level, students can pursue programs in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. At the graduate level, the school offers a master's degree in electrical engineering and a graduate certificate in electrical engineering foundations. The certificate also prepares candidates to enter the master's in electrical engineering program.
UW Bothell offers a variety of career support resources for engineering candidates, including resume creation and review, cover letter writing, job search strategies, and professional portfolio review. Candidates can also take advantage of networking opportunities and internships in many professional environments.
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University of California-San DiegoLocation
La Jolla, CA
Tuition$2522
One of the country's top public colleges, UC San Diego serves as a center of education and research in California, enrolling more than 40,000 students annually. UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering ranks among the nation's best schools, featuring top engineering programs in bioengineering, computer engineering, and electrical engineering.
UC San Diego hosts programs in fields including mechanical and aerospace engineering, nanoengineering, and structural engineering. Most departments offer degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. The school also offers a hybrid master of advanced study program that caters to working engineers.
UC San Diego hosts several research institutes, including the Institute of Engineering in Medicine, the Contextual Robotics Institute, and the Center for Energy Research.
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California State University-Long BeachLocation
Long Beach, CA
Tuition$17590
One of California's largest public colleges, CSULB enrolls more than 39,000 students annually from its campus in Long Beach. The College of Engineering boasts a reputation for practical, hands-on learning coupled with strong theoretical foundations. CSULB works to accommodate students of all backgrounds, serving both traditional students and working professionals.
CSULB offers engineering programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. The school offers certain programs exclusively at the bachelor's level, including biomedical engineering and construction management. Other programs, such as chemical engineering and electrical engineering, are available at both the undergraduate and graduate level. CSULB also hosts an interdisciplinary doctorate in engineering and computational mathematics.
CSULB's Engineering Student Success Center provides a variety of resources for degree candidates of all levels, including advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, and professional development. The school also offers specialized academic support, including research and thesis assistance.
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California State University-NorthridgeLocation
Northridge, CA
Tuition$6730
Based in Los Angeles' Northridge neighborhood, CSUN serves a student body of more than 38,000, making it one of California's largest public colleges. The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers several top-rated engineering programs, emphasizing theoretical and practical education for a diverse student body.
The engineering college encompasses five distinct departments: civil engineering and construction management, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing systems engineering and management. All five departments offer programs at both the bachelor's and master's level, with several degree options available. CSUN also offers a unique online master's degree in assistive technology engineering.
Engineering students can take advantage of several funded research opportunities, including research assistantships and internships. Manufacturing systems engineering and materials engineering graduate students can participate in unique research opportunities through the Faraday Future/CSUN Project and AIMS2 Programs.
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California State University-FullertonLocation
Fullerton, CA
Tuition$11313
Enrolling more than 41,000 students annually, Cal State Fullerton is the largest member of the CSU system. Located just outside of Los Angeles, the school's respected College of Engineering and Computer Science prepares students for engineering careers in industry, government, research, and entrepreneurship. The college is home to five engineering departments: civil and environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Cal State Fullerton offers several resources for engineering students, including graduating advising, general academic advising, academic success workshops, and resume and job interview preparation. Students can also connect with a variety of professional internships.
Female undergraduates can receive support from the school's Women in Computer Science and Engineering (WiCSE) program. Serving freshmen and transfer students, WiCSE offers mentorship, tutoring, industry connections, and a support community for female engineers.
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Stanford UniversityLocation
Stanford, CA
Tuition$11313
One of the country's most prestigious private colleges, Stanford is well known for its science and engineering programs. The School of Engineering holds a reputation for world-class research and education, with close connections to Silicon Valley and many other technology organizations. Stanford faculty and students are responsible for major engineering developments in the communication, healthcare, energy, and information technology fields.
Stanford's School of Engineering encompasses nine departments, including aeronautics and astronautics, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, management science and engineering, and materials science and engineering. The school offers 16 undergraduate majors. Undergraduates can choose to design their own interdisciplinary course of study.
Stanford offers many engineering courses online, and faculty often incorporate blended learning into their classes, combining on-campus and online elements. Some courses include pre-recorded video lectures, saving classroom time for interactive learning.
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University of California-Los AngelesLocation
Los Angeles, CA
Tuition$11898
Ranked among the nation's best public colleges, UCLA hosts many top engineering programs. The Samueli School of Engineering enrolls around 5,500 students annually, offering degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. The school is home to seven academic departments, including chemical and biomolecular engineering, computer science, civil and environmental engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.
As a major public college, UCLA offers numerous research opportunities for students at all levels. The Student Research Program offers foundational research opportunities for lower-division candidates. Students can also participate in research groups and supervised individual research for upper-division course credit.
UCLA maintains connections to many business and other professional organizations, creating many opportunities for student internships. Enrollees can also access workshops, on-campus recruitment events, and online job and internship postings.
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Utah Valley UniversityLocation
Orem, UT
Tuition$9371
A public college based in Orem, UVU hosts some of Utah's top engineering programs. The school's Department of Engineering emphasizes active learning, professional preparation, engineering fundamentals, and hands-on learning activities.
At the bachelor's level, candidates can pursue programs in civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. UVU also hosts an associate of science in pre-engineering that prepares undergraduates to transfer to any bachelor's in engineering program in Utah.
Engineering students can complete internships with a variety of businesses and government organizations. Undergraduates often intern at major companies such as Amazon, Adobe, Google, and Chevron.
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Yale UniversityLocation
New Haven, CT
Tuition$8346
A member of the prestigious Ivy League, Yale ranks among the world's top colleges. Yale's School of Engineering and Applied Science emphasizes interdisciplinary study, bridging engineering, sciences, and the humanities to improve quality of life. The school maintains a reputation for top academic programs and cutting-edge research initiatives.
Yale offers engineering programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. The engineering school hosts six academic departments, including applied physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering/materials science. At the graduate level, Yale encourages interdisciplinary work across engineering departments and other academic schools.
As a nationally recognized center of research, Yale is home to significant research opportunities in many fields, such as biomedical imaging and robotics.
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University of Illinois at ChicagoLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$6025
One of Illinois' largest public colleges, UIC serves more than 33,000 students annually from its campus in Chicago along with several regional locations. The UIC College of Engineering ranks among the best in the Midwest, maintaining a reputation for affordability, diversity, and social mobility. Learners pursuing an engineering degree benefit from the resources of a major state college in a major U.S. city, including connections to internships, startup incubators, and job opportunities.
UIC hosts a guaranteed paid internship program for qualified first-year and transfer students. This unique program offers a summer internship, with most internships lasting about eight weeks. To qualify, freshman candidates must complete certain prerequisites, including courses in calculus and engineering, with a minimum 3.2 GPA. Transfer candidates must complete at least 20 credits of UIC engineering courses with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
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University of California-RiversideLocation
Riverside, CA
Tuition$13452
Ranked among the nation's top public engineering schools, UC Riverside's Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering serves around 3,800 students annually. The school's engineering programs offer small class sizes, a diverse student body, and more than 300,000 square feet dedicated to lab and research space.
The engineering school is home to departments including bioengineering, chemical and environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering. Most departments offer programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. The school also offers an online master of science in engineering with multiple specialization options.
As an internationally recognized center of engineering research, UC Riverside offers a wealth of opportunities for students. Some of the school's numerous research areas include advanced materials and nanotechnology, power systems and smart grid technology, and molecular and cellular engineering.
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University of Michigan-Ann ArborLocation
Ann Arbor, MI
Tuition$13452
One of Michigan's largest and most prestigious public colleges, U-M enrolls more than 48,000 students annually. The U-M College of Engineering ranks among the country's top engineering schools. The college features particularly strong programs in environmental engineering, industrial and operations engineering, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering.
U-M offers engineering programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Along with typical fields like mechanical and electrical engineering, U-M offers several less common areas of study, including climate and space sciences engineering, naval architecture and marine engineering, and nuclear engineering and radiologic sciences.
In addition to traditional programs offered through individual departments, U-M offers several interdisciplinary graduate programs. Graduate students can pursue unique cross-disciplinary programs in areas such as applied physics, robotics, and engineering education research.
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The University of Texas at San AntonioLocation
San Antonio, TX
Tuition$9477
A member of the prestigious University of Texas system, UTSA serves more than 34,000 students annually. The College of Engineering is a major provider of engineering education in southern Texas, enrolling more than 3,400 students annually. UTSA also ranks among the country's largest producers of Hispanic engineers.
UTSA hosts five engineering departments: biomedical, chemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and mechanical. The school offers degrees at all academic levels, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Candidates can pursue programs in areas such as biomedical technology commercialization, advanced manufacturing and enterprise engineering, and advanced materials engineering.
Undergraduate students can receive support from the Student Success Center. The center offers mentorship programs, networking events, and connections to internships and job opportunities.
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Brigham Young University-IdahoLocation
Rexburg, ID
Tuition$9292
A private college affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU - Idaho serves about 27,000 students annually. The school's College of Physical Sciences and Engineering encompasses several engineering departments, including computer science and electrical engineering, design and construction management, engineering technology, and mechanical and civil engineering.
BYU - Idaho offers engineering programs primarily at the undergraduate level, with bachelor's degrees and certificates available in a variety of subjects. Candidates can pursue degrees in fields including computer engineering, virtual design and construction, advanced vehicle systems, and welding engineering technology.
The university emphasizes a practical, experiential approach to engineering, and degree candidates often complete internships with businesses and other professional organizations. Academic advisors can help students connect to relevant internship opportunities.
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University of California-IrvineLocation
Irvine, CA
Tuition$9292
A member of the University of California system, UCI enrolls more than 37,000 students annually. The UCI Samueli School of Engineering offers some of the nation's top engineering programs, emphasizing research, fundamentals, and hands-on learning.
The engineering school contains six academic departments, including biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, civil and environmental engineering, and materials science and engineering. Along with traditional degrees, graduate candidates can pursue interdisciplinary programs offered in conjunction with other academic schools, including networked systems and computational science. UCI also offers a professional program in embedded and cyber-physical systems.
California's status as a center of business and industry creates unique advantages for UCI engineering students. The school maintains numerous corporate partnerships throughout the state, which benefit students through research support, internships, and other collaborative opportunities.
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