Engineering Degree

Types of Engineering Degrees

Engineering is a vast discipline with many specialized categories, allowing engineers to specialize in specific industry sectors and pursue various job prospects. While Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering are the major sub-disciplines, students can also specialize in many other areas. Here is a list of some engineering courses and their average salaries in the United States:

• Aerospace Engineering: Engineers in this field work on aircraft and spacecraft. On average, they earn around $104,626 per year.
• Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineers focus on healthcare technology and devices, with an average annual salary of approximately $85,606.
• Electrical Engineering: These engineers deal with electrical systems and earn an average of $90,915 per year.
• Materials engineering: Engineers who specialize in materials work with substances like metals and polymers and earn an average of $93,289 annually.
• Petroleum Engineering: Petroleum engineers work in the oil and gas industry and earn an average annual salary of about $96,449.
• Software Engineering: Software engineers create computer programs and applications with an average salary of $119,960 per year.
• Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineers focus on machines and systems, with an average annual salary of approximately $82,114.
• Chemical Engineering: These engineers work with chemicals and processes, earning an average of $83,682 per year.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in engineering equip students with a firm foundation in core principles and practical skills. In order to establish a solid scientific foundation during this two-year degree, students often study courses like mathematics, physics, and chemistry. They study engineering-specific subjects such as computer-aided design (CAD), engineering graphics, and materials science. These degrees introduce students to a variety of engineering disciplines, allowing them to make intelligent choices while pursuing higher-level study or joining the workforce. Although associate degrees are not as specific as bachelor’s degrees, they provide a vital foundation for a future engineering job.

• Course Duration: 2 years
• Course Fees: $6,000 to $20,000 per year
• Entry Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for associate degree programs in engineering in the USA.

Bachelor’s in Engineering

A bachelor’s degree in engineering is a four-year program that delves deeper into specialized subjects. Students study advanced mathematics and physics alongside engineering-specific courses like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electrical circuits. They also explore computer programming, engineering design, and materials science. Laboratory work and hands-on projects become more intensive, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Students often choose a specific engineering discipline, such as mechanical, civil, or electrical, to focus on during their studies. This degree equips them with in-depth expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work on complex engineering projects, preparing them for various roles in the field.

• Course Duration: 4-year course
• Course Fees: $20,000 to $40,000 per year
• Entry Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and meeting specific GPA requirements are typical entry requirements.

Master’s in Engineering

A master’s in engineering is an advanced class, and depending on their interests, they take specialized courses like renewable energy or robotics. They also do research projects and either write a big paper or take a big test at the end. These programs prepare students to be leaders in engineering and research. Classes focus on their chosen area of engineering, so they become experts in that field.

• Course Duration: 1-2 Years
• Course Fees: $20,000 to $45,000 per year
• Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; satisfactory GRE scores; letters of recommendation; a statement of purpose; and English language proficiency for international students

Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees in engineering, spanning three to five years, focus intensely on advanced research and specialization. Students engage in in-depth study of highly specialized topics within their chosen engineering discipline, conducting original research to contribute to the field’s knowledge. Advanced coursework covers advanced mathematics, complex scientific principles, and specialized engineering subjects. Doctoral candidates work closely with advisors, collaborating on research projects and publishing findings in academic journals.

• Duration: 3-5 Years
• Fees: $28,000 and $55,000 per year
• Entry Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and sometimes GRE scores are required.

Engineering Jobs and Careers

Engineering graduates can work in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and technology. Some become civil engineers, designing infrastructure like bridges and buildings, while others become software engineers, developing computer programs. Mechanical engineers design machinery, and biomedical engineers create medical devices. Electrical engineers work on electronics and power systems, while chemical engineers delve into chemical processes. Environmental engineers focus on sustainability, and petroleum engineers tackle oil and gas extraction.

Additionally, engineering professionals can explore management roles or research positions—the versatile skills acquired in engineering open doors to a wide array of fulfilling and well-paying careers.

Engineering Salary

You may make around $60,000 to $80,000 each year at the start of your career. But as you gain experience, your salary can go even higher—maybe over $100,000 annually. The exact amount can depend on your engineering type, where you work, and how much experience you have. For example, software engineers and petroleum engineers often make more money than some other types of engineers. So, engineering jobs can offer you a chance to earn a solid income and have job security in the long run.

Where can I study Engineering in the USA?

To learn more about the best engineering courses in the USA, find details on the top ten ranking Engineering universities in the U.S. News University Guide 2024 below:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. University of California, Berkeley
4. Purdue University
5. Carnegie Mellon University
6. Georgia Institute of Technology
7. California Institute of Technology
8. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
9. University of Texas Austin
10. Texas A&M University

Engineering Degree FAQ

Which university is best for engineering in the USA?

MIT, Stanford, and Caltech are among the best engineering universities in the USA.

How can I get admission to engineering colleges in the USA?

To secure admission to US engineering colleges, start with test preparation, maintain strong academics, complete applications, explore financial aid, and obtain the necessary visa if you’re an international student.

What is the average cost of studying engineering in the USA?

The average cost of studying engineering in the USA varies greatly. Public universities may charge $10,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students and over $20,000 for out-of-state or international students. Private universities often exceed $50,000 per year, excluding living expenses.

Which cities are the highest-paying for engineers in the USA?

Engineering salaries vary by location, but cities with higher-paying opportunities include San Francisco, San Jose (Silicon Valley), Seattle, Houston, and Washington, D.C.