The various fields of engineering contain many career opportunities. If you have a passion for building and fixing things, or are just really good at math, you are probably considering a career in engineering. The first step to becoming an engineer is to explore Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering.
There are many areas of engineering, so it may be confusing to decide what the best engineering bachelor’s degrees are. In this article, you’ll learn about engineering, the various engineering bachelor’s degree programs, top engineering schools, career paths, salaries, and some frequently asked questions to help you find the right educational pathway.
What Is Engineering?
Engineering is a scientific field that applies the understanding of science and math to solve problems and achieve practical goals. It involves the invention, design, and construction of things that make life easier and advance the world. Some of the things that engineers invent and design are roads, bridges, high-rise buildings, and much more.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
The best colleges where you can get a bachelor’s degree are Purdue University, Stanford University, the University of California Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. These highly-rated colleges offer varying types of engineering degrees, depending on the area of engineering you want to specialize in, such as nuclear, civil, or chemical engineering.
What Schools Offer the Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Massachusetts College of Technology
- Purdue University
- Stanford University
- University of California Berkeley
- University of Michigan
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering typically include a high school diploma or equivalent. Students will also be expected to have a strong background in math and science.
Other requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering may include prerequisite credits, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, ACT or SAT scores, official transcripts, or a resume. These requirements will vary according to each program.
Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Math and science prerequisite credits
- GPA of 3.0
- ACT or SAT scores
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering by enrolling in the program of your choice and completing the graduation requirements. The best way to get an engineering bachelor’s degree is to maintain a high GPA and ensure you complete all of the core classes and general education requirements.
Having prior knowledge of advanced math and science is important for a Bachelor’s in Engineering. Some schools may require students to have taken these classes in high school and the grades earned in these areas may be used to place students into particular college classes.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
You need a minimum of 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. This number will vary from school to school and students who have the time and money can enroll in extra classes. It is recommended you take 15 credits/semester to complete your degree within four years.
Engineering Degree Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.0
- Minimum 120 credits
- Complete core, elective, and general education credits
- Capstone project or internship program may be required
- Choose a specialization or concentration path
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA) |
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| University of California, Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Science in Agricultural & Biological Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| University of Michigan | Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Computer Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Bachelor of Geoengineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Best Schools for Engineering: Top Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for engineering bachelor’s degree programs are accredited, highly rated, and affordable. Top engineering bachelor’s degree programs should cover the fundamental skills needed for a career in engineering. You should also select a program that focuses on the area of engineering that interests you the most, such as civil engineering or nuclear engineering.
The best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering are universities or institutions that offer flexible learning, such as online, in-person, or hybrid classes. Continue reading for our list of the best undergraduate engineering programs.
Best Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Eastern New Mexico University | Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology, Emphasis in Renewable Energy | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Ferris State University | Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Stony Brook University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| University of Arizona | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Electrical | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| University of North Dakota | Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Best Colleges for Engineering: Top Online Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
For those who would like to earn a degree from the comfort of their homes or while working, some schools offer online Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering. The best of these online engineering programs are listed in detail below.
What Is an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
An engineering bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that provides students with fundamental training to prepare them for a career in the engineering field. The program focuses on the application of science and math to structures, machines, systems, and processes. Students can expect the coursework to cover science, math, and general engineering.
There are various engineering fields that prospective students can choose from, including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, petroleum, civil, environmental, and computer engineering. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering takes four to five years. It is a great career path for those with an interest in science, math, and, of course, engineering.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is very important if you are looking for a broad education in the field of engineering and want a qualification for entry-level engineering jobs. Other reasons why an engineering bachelor’s degree is important include:
- Pathway to graduate school
- Foundational math and science knowledge
- Preparation for a wide variety of industries and careers
- Access to alumni network
- Hands-on learning through labs
- Multiple learning paths
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Engineering?
You can get the following types of Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering
- Bachelor of Applied Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Engineering
A Bachelor of Science in Engineering is the most common type of engineering bachelor’s degree. Very few colleges offer a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering. A Bachelor of Science is more focused on math and science. These are core subjects when it comes to engineering.
Students who want a broader education or who do not know what area they want to specialize in may opt for a Bachelor of Arts. While this type of degree will cover similar core topics, there will be more of a focus on fine arts, humanities, and social sciences. Employers would usually seek a Bachelor of Science when it comes to engineering jobs.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Engineering because it focuses on math and science. A Bachelor of Science is geared toward logic, reasoning, and problem-solving. These skills are key to any engineering job, no matter what type of engineering you specialize in.
A Bachelor of Science in Engineering is better for getting you a job because employers will often specify this type of degree for engineering jobs. Employers prefer to hire people who have advanced knowledge of math and science as well as logic and reasoning skills.
The main difference between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering is the focus of the coursework. A Bachelor of Arts will provide fundamental engineering classes and studies, but the general education and electives will focus more on the arts, social sciences, and humanities. It will also give students a wider range of classes to explore, whereas a Bachelor of Science is more focused and specialized.
What Is the Difference Between an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree and an Engineering Certificate?
The main difference between an engineering bachelor’s degree and a certificate in engineering is employability. While an engineering certificate may qualify you for an entry-level job, most employers will want a bachelor’s degree level of education, at minimum.
An engineering bachelor’s degree takes more time to complete and costs more money. However, it provides a much broader level of education, and unlike a certificate, it doesn’t just focus on one specialized area of engineering. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, a certificate in engineering is an ideal qualification to seek to boost your resume, increase your earnings, and widen your job search.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
The average annual cost of attending a four-year institution is around $28,775, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Public institutions are cheaper and cost around $21,035. The average cost of non-profit private institutions is $48,965 and the tuition for a for-profit, private institution costs $27,696. These costs include tuition, fees, room, and board.
Costs vary between universities and most offer a tuition calculator on their website to give students a full understanding of how much they will owe. Students can apply for federal aid, such as FAFSA, to help cover Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering costs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
It takes four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits to get a bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering length is determined by how many credits you take per semester.
Furthermore, if you are transferring credits from an associate degree or you enroll in an accelerated program, you can complete your bachelor’s degree within two years. If you take a self-paced online program or study part-time, it may take up to six years to graduate.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
It is not hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering because there is a wide variety of disciplines and paths you can take within engineering. For example, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Computer Engineering. This range means that you can choose a path that suits your strengths, interests, and career goals.
Engineering bachelor’s degree programs provide foundational courses. For the first two years of an engineering bachelor’s degree program, students will take lower-level and introductory classes. While a strong background in math and science is advisable, prior knowledge of engineering principles is not required and students will learn their discipline from the ground up.
Why Should You Get an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering are:
- Access to higher education such as a master’s degree or professional certification
- In-demand skills training
- Hands-on training with labs and collaborative projects
- Qualify for high paying and fast-growing entry-level and mid-level engineering jobs
- Multiple career opportunities
The benefits of getting a second Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering are to explore and learn new areas of engineering. For example, the education you receive in a computer engineering program will greatly differ from a nuclear engineering program. If you have been employed as an engineer for a long period of time, a second bachelor’s degree will be useful to learn up-to-date practices and widen your network.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Engineering?
The required courses for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering cover core topics specific to the type of engineering degree you chose. Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering courses also include advanced math and science classes. A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering course list will often include specializations or concentrations, as well as free electives to allow students to explore various engineering concepts.
Fluid Mechanics
This course focuses on teaching the behavior of various fluids such as liquid, gas, and plasmas. Students will use labs for experiments with technical reports. Students will learn how to use Matlab to conduct computational techniques and flow visualization. Fluid mechanics is widely used in mechanical, chemical, nuclear, and aerospace engineering.
Solid Mechanics
This class teaches the concepts of displacement, stress, and strain. Students will learn about the theory of linear elasticity, equilibrium equations within a continuum, solutions for elementary problems with elasticity, and review equilibrium for rigid bodies and particles.
Structural Engineering
Students will be introduced to the design and analysis of structural systems. This will cover different types of structural materials such as steel, concrete, and timber. Concepts like dynamic load, structural application, and structural analysis theory are also covered.
Environmental Engineering
This class will introduce students to the chemical, physical, and biological processes in the environment. The course will cover the environmental impacts of human and industrial activities, the basic processes of air, land, and water quality, hazardous waste management, and the application of fundamental environmental engineering principles.
Thermodynamics
The basic laws of thermodynamics will be covered in this class. This includes thermodynamic properties, energy and mass conservation, entropy, and second-law analysis of thermodynamics systems and gas and vapor cycles.
Continuing Education Paths for Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best continuing education path to take for engineering bachelor’s degree graduates is to enroll in graduate school and get a master’s degree in an engineering field. For example, you could earn a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. While a master’s degree will require a further two years of study and tuition, having a Master’s in Engineering will increase your salary and job opportunities.
Related Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best engineering bachelor’s degree programs are accredited, have excellent reviews, and have a comprehensive curriculum for students coming straight out of high school. You can expect laboratory experiments, hands-on training, and classes covering advanced science and math from an engineering bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation
You must enroll in a program that is accredited by a recognized body. This will ensure you receive the best education possible and stand out to future employees. Accreditation also gives you the reassurance that the program is constantly updated and reviewed and maintains the highest quality.
Faculty Credentials
Students entering the competitive field of engineering must receive industry-relevant education and training. Having faculty who are experienced professionals is vital. Students can research faculty credentials using the school’s website or by reading reviews.
Career Services
Students who want to earn their bachelor’s degree and go straight into the workforce should pick a college with a top career services team. Career services provide job placement assistance both during your studies and after graduation. This includes portfolio building, mock interviews, resume writing, and networking opportunities.
Cost
If you want to study at the best colleges you may have to pay higher tuition and fees. Consider options within your budget and weigh up the benefits of the program you are taking. It might be worth paying higher tuition to receive an education from a highly-rated school as your chances of high-salary employment will be better.
Curricular Content
When it comes to an engineering degree, you must pick a program that fits your career goals and educational requirements. Engineering covers a vast range of industries and areas of study. It is paramount you find a school that is known for the particular type of engineering that interests you.
What Is the Most Affordable Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is the Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering offered by Purdue University. This program costs just $9,992 per year for tuition and fees for in-state students.
For out-of-state students, the most affordable engineering bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering offered by the University of California, Berkeley. Tuition and fees for this program are $14,254 per year for all students.
Salary and Job Outlook for Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Students will have a wide variety of engineering bachelor’s degree jobs available to them when they complete their program. A Bachelor’s in Engineering salary is high, even for entry-level jobs and engineering is a secure career as engineers are in high demand.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering jobs are available across a multitude of industries, such as tech, healthcare, architecture, and science. Continue reading to learn more about the best Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering jobs and what salary you can expect with an engineering bachelor’s degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It is easy to get a job with an engineering bachelor’s degree because there are a wide variety of career opportunities available to degree holders. For example, a student interested in sustainability and climate change can enter into a career as an environmental engineer. Students with a technical background and strong problem-solving skills can seek computer engineering jobs.
What’s the Average Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is $91,000 per year, according to PayScale. While this is a typical salary for an engineering graduate, the salary will depend on your area of specialization.
The highest-paid professional engineers are petroleum engineers with an average salary of $137,330 per annum, whereas the lowest-paid engineers are agricultural engineers with an average annual salary of $84,410, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an engineering bachelor’s degree include civil engineer, petroleum engineer, aerospace engineer, chemical engineer, and computer hardware engineer. A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering will qualify you for entry-level jobs in these fields, depending on what area of specialization you choose with your degree.
Engineering Degree Jobs
- Environmental engineer
- Computer engineer
- Marine engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Civil engineer
Potential Careers With an Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
You can make between $45,000 and $202,000 per year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. This salary depends on your location, job title, and years of experience. Earning additional qualifications, such as a master’s degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate, or professional certification can increase your average salary.
Highest-Paying Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | $130,850 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $128,170 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $122,270 |
| Nuclear Engineer | $120,380 |
| Chemical Engineer | $105,550 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineer | $100,420 |
| Construction Manager | $98,890 |
| Materials Engineer | $98,300 |
| Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer | $97,410 |
| Marine Engineer | $93,370 |
Best Jobs for Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for engineering bachelor’s degree grads are specialized engineering roles, such as computer engineers or aerospace engineers. These jobs require students to take a certain concentration path during their studies. By focusing on a particular field of engineering, you can increase your salary and career prospects.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Engineering Bootcamp vs Engineering Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is better than an engineering bootcamp. However, there are benefits to earning an engineering program at a bootcamp. You can decide whether a college degree or coding bootcamp is best for you by looking at the benefits of each educational pathway.
Benefits of an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
- Higher earning potential. College degrees are highly valued by employers in the industry, which makes the salaries of college graduates higher than those of people without degrees.
- More career opportunities. Earning a bachelor’s degree means getting a broad knowledge of the field. After graduation, you have a range of career opportunities available to you within your chosen engineering field.
- Increased employability. A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering can increase your employability. The degree makes you stand out as an expert in the field and gives you a competitive advantage.
- More networking opportunities. College is a good place to start building your professional network. Through engineering student organizations, professional societies, extracurricular activities, and faculty connections, you can meet people from different areas of specialization and expertise.
- Better personal development. Bachelor’s degree programs include general education requirements. This can help you find out what else you love and what else you are good at, making it easy to choose an exciting career path.
Benefits of an Engineering Bootcamp
- More affordable. Coding bootcamps are more affordable than four-year college degrees, which makes them more accessible for more types of students.
- Shorter. Bootcamps range in length from three months to nine months, depending on the school, program, and learning format of your choice.
- More hands-on training. Coding bootcamps focus on training students with hands-on experiences and projects. Students get to solve real-world problems and work on projects for their portfolios.
- Better career services. The majority of engineering bootcamps offer career services to prepare students for real jobs. The services include things like mock interviews, resume coaching, and online profile building.
- More up-to-date curricula. The curricula of most bootcamps is focused on current in-demand skills in the labor market, increasing the students’ employability, and giving them a competitive advantage.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is worth it if you are looking for an exciting career, have an interest in math and science, and you enjoy designing new things. The field of engineering is broad, with many career opportunities for experts in the field. The majority of the jobs are also high-paying jobs with stable job growth rates.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Engineering Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
The bachelor’s degree that is best for engineering could be in fields such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, or aerospace engineering depending on what branch you want to go into. There are different areas of engineering and you have to choose the degree that aligns with your interests and your dream career path.
Some of the jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering are petroleum engineer, chemical engineer, civil engineer, construction manager, and aerospace engineer. The job you get depends on what degree program you specialize in.
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is worth it because it increases your employability and creates career opportunities as bachelor’s degrees are more attractive to employers. Additionally, an engineering bachelor’s degree can be a pathway to graduate school, where you can further specialize and earn a master’s degree and then a doctoral degree.
The difference between BE and BTech programs is that a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) has a more theoretical curriculum whereas a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) is more practical.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
