Engineering Degree Types
Engineering degrees range from a two-year associate degree in engineering technology to a research doctorate. This guide explains each degree level — how long it takes and where it leads — followed by the twelve most common discipline-specific engineering degrees with typical coursework and career paths.
Degree Levels
- Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (AS, AAS, AET) — 2 years. A two-year degree from a community or technical college, usually in engineering technology rather than engineering itself. It focuses on hands-on, applied skills — CAD drafting, testing, field support, and equipment operation. Leads to engineering technician and technologist roles. Many graduates transfer credits into a four-year engineering program later.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BS, BSE, BEng) — 4 years. The standard entry credential for professional engineering work in the United States. An ABET-accredited bachelor's degree covers math through differential equations, physics, chemistry, and three-plus years of discipline-specific engineering coursework with lab and design work. Qualifies graduates for nearly all entry-level engineering roles and is required to sit for the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam — the first step toward a PE license.
- Master of Science / Master of Engineering (MS, MSE, MEng) — 1–2 years. A graduate degree that deepens technical expertise. An MS is usually research-oriented with a thesis; an MEng is course-based and practice-oriented. Many engineers earn one part-time while working, often with employer tuition support. Typically adds a salary premium, accelerates promotion to senior and specialist roles, and is expected in fields like structural design, semiconductor process, and machine learning.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD, DEng, ScD) — 4–6 years after bachelor's. A research doctorate built around original contribution to the field — several years of coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation. A Doctor of Engineering (DEng) is a rarer, practice-focused alternative. Required for university faculty and most corporate research positions. Common in R&D-heavy sectors: semiconductors, pharma, aerospace research, and AI/ML labs.
- Engineering Management Degrees (MEM, MSEM, MBA) — 1–2 years. Graduate programs that pair engineering with business: the Master of Engineering Management (often called the "engineer's MBA") and the traditional MBA. Coursework covers finance, operations, project management, and leadership. The most common path from senior engineer into engineering management, program management, and eventually director and VP of engineering roles.
Degrees by Engineering Discipline
- Civil Engineering (BS Civil Engineering (BSCE); MS Civil Engineering; MS Structural Engineering) — The design and construction of infrastructure — buildings, bridges, highways, water systems, and foundations. One of the most licensure-driven disciplines: most civil engineers pursue the PE. Core coursework: Statics & dynamics, Structural analysis, Geotechnical engineering, Hydraulics & hydrology, Transportation engineering. Common careers: Structural engineer, Geotechnical engineer, Transportation engineer, Water resources engineer, Construction engineer. Civil Engineering recruiting.
- Mechanical Engineering (BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME); MS Mechanical Engineering) — The broadest engineering degree, covering anything that moves or transfers energy — machines, engines, HVAC, robotics, and manufacturing equipment. Core coursework: Thermodynamics, Fluid mechanics, Machine design, Heat transfer, Materials science, Controls. Common careers: Design engineer, HVAC engineer, Manufacturing engineer, Robotics engineer, Automotive engineer. Mechanical Engineering recruiting.
- Electrical Engineering (BS Electrical Engineering (BSEE); MS Electrical Engineering; BS Computer Engineering) — Electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism — from power grids to microchips. Computer engineering is a closely related degree blending EE with computer science. Core coursework: Circuit analysis, Electromagnetics, Signal processing, Power systems, Embedded systems, Control theory. Common careers: Power systems engineer, Electronics engineer, Embedded systems engineer, RF engineer, Controls engineer. Electrical Engineering recruiting.
- Software Engineering / Computer Science (BS Computer Science (BSCS); BS Software Engineering; MS Computer Science) — The design and construction of software systems. Computer science leans theoretical (algorithms, computation); software engineering programs emphasize the engineering process — requirements, architecture, testing. Core coursework: Data structures & algorithms, Operating systems, Databases, Software architecture, Machine learning, Computer networks. Common careers: Software engineer, DevOps engineer, Machine learning engineer, Data engineer, Site reliability engineer. Software Engineering / Computer Science recruiting.
- Chemical Engineering (BS Chemical Engineering (BSChE); MS Chemical Engineering) — Turning raw materials into products at industrial scale — refining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and semiconductors all run on chemical engineers. Core coursework: Mass & energy balances, Transport phenomena, Reaction kinetics, Process design, Process control, Separations. Common careers: Process engineer, Refinery engineer, Pharmaceutical process engineer, Semiconductor process engineer, Environmental engineer. Chemical Engineering recruiting.
- Aerospace Engineering (BS Aerospace Engineering (BSAE); MS Aerospace Engineering) — Aircraft (aeronautics) and spacecraft (astronautics) design. Heavy emphasis on aerodynamics, propulsion, and lightweight structures. Core coursework: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Flight mechanics, Orbital mechanics, Aerospace structures, Avionics. Common careers: Aerodynamics engineer, Propulsion engineer, Structures engineer, Flight test engineer, Systems engineer. Aerospace Engineering recruiting.
- Industrial Engineering (BS Industrial Engineering (BSIE); MS Industrial & Systems Engineering) — Optimizing complex systems of people, machines, and material — the efficiency discipline behind manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare operations. Core coursework: Operations research, Statistics & quality control, Supply chain, Human factors, Simulation, Lean manufacturing. Common careers: Industrial engineer, Quality engineer, Supply chain engineer, Operations analyst, Manufacturing systems engineer. Industrial Engineering recruiting.
- Biomedical Engineering (BS Biomedical Engineering (BSBME); MS Biomedical Engineering) — Engineering applied to medicine and biology — medical devices, implants, imaging systems, and biomaterials. Core coursework: Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Medical instrumentation, Physiology for engineers, Medical imaging, FDA regulatory basics. Common careers: Medical device engineer, Clinical engineer, Quality/regulatory engineer, R&D engineer, Biomechanics engineer. Biomedical Engineering recruiting.
- Environmental Engineering (BS Environmental Engineering; MS Environmental Engineering) — Protecting human health and ecosystems — water and wastewater treatment, air quality, remediation, and sustainability. Often housed with civil engineering. Core coursework: Water & wastewater treatment, Air pollution control, Environmental chemistry, Hydrology, Solid & hazardous waste. Common careers: Environmental engineer, Water/wastewater engineer, Remediation engineer, Air quality engineer, Sustainability engineer.
- Petroleum Engineering (BS Petroleum Engineering; MS Petroleum Engineering) — Finding and producing oil and natural gas — drilling, reservoir behavior, and production systems. Historically among the highest starting salaries of any degree. Core coursework: Reservoir engineering, Drilling engineering, Production engineering, Well logging, Petroleum geology. Common careers: Reservoir engineer, Drilling engineer, Production engineer, Completions engineer, Facilities engineer.
- Nuclear Engineering (BS Nuclear Engineering; MS Nuclear Engineering) — Nuclear energy and radiation — reactor design, radiation protection, and medical applications. A small, specialized field with strong demand from power utilities and national labs. Core coursework: Reactor physics, Thermal hydraulics, Radiation detection, Nuclear materials, Health physics. Common careers: Reactor engineer, Radiation protection engineer, Nuclear safety analyst, Fuel cycle engineer, Medical physics roles.
- Materials Science & Engineering (BS Materials Science & Engineering; MS Materials Science) — The study of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites — how their structure determines properties, and how to engineer better ones. Critical to semiconductors, batteries, and aerospace. Core coursework: Thermodynamics of materials, Crystallography, Polymer science, Metallurgy, Materials characterization. Common careers: Materials engineer, Metallurgist, Process engineer, Failure analysis engineer, Battery/semiconductor materials roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABET accreditation and why does it matter?
ABET is the nonprofit that accredits U.S. engineering programs. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program is required by most state boards to qualify for the FE exam and eventual PE licensure, and many employers and federal agencies require it. Always confirm a program's ABET status before enrolling.
What's the difference between engineering and engineering technology degrees?
Engineering degrees are more theoretical and math-intensive, and lead to engineer titles and PE licensure. Engineering technology (BSET) degrees are more applied and hands-on, and typically lead to technologist and technician roles. Some states restrict or add requirements for BSET graduates seeking PE licensure.
Do I need a master's degree to advance as an engineer?
Not in most disciplines — experience and a PE license often matter more. But a master's is effectively expected in structural engineering, semiconductor R&D, and machine learning, and it typically adds a salary premium of 10–20% in most fields.
Which engineering degree pays the most?
Petroleum, computer/software, chemical, and electrical engineering consistently lead starting-salary surveys. But pay varies more by industry, location, and specialization than by degree name — a mechanical engineer in semiconductors can out-earn a petroleum engineer in a down cycle.
Can I become an engineer with a degree in physics or math?
Often yes, especially in software, data, and R&D roles. For PE licensure, most state boards accept non-ABET or non-engineering degrees but require additional years of documented work experience before you can sit for the exams.