What Degree Do You Need to Be an Engineer?

Key takeaways

Engineering roles require different types of degrees depending on the job and employer, ranging from a bachelor’s to a doctoral degree.

• Engineering salaries vary based on roles. For example, a civil engineer makes a median salary of $99,590, compared to a mechanical engineer who earns $102,320 [1, 2]

• Engineering degrees may lead to roles such as electrical engineers, computer engineers, and chemical engineers.

• You can begin a career in engineering by exploring bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in subjects such as computer science, engineering, and robotics.

Engineers work in diverse environments and conduct real, meaningful work that impacts people’s lives. Before starting on your career path, it’s helpful to decide on the specific field of engineering you want to pursue and ensure that you are on the right path both academically and professionally to achieve your career goals. Discover the types of engineering degrees available and the salaries and job outlook information.

What degree do you need to be an engineer? 

To be an engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field, and some engineering positions may require you to obtain a master’s degree or even a doctorate. The following list offers a more detailed view of several engineering positions, including the common majors and degrees you will need to be eligible for these jobs.

Civil engineers

Median annual salary: $99,590 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 5 percent; faster than average [1]

Degree needed to be a civil engineer: To become a civil engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or a related field. 

Civil engineers are vital in building the structures integral to a functioning society. If you plan to become a civil engineer, you will design and build bridges, tunnels, roads, buildings, sewer systems, and other relevant infrastructure. Designing and solving problems with civil infrastructure will be your primary responsibility, and you might find yourself working in both an office and on construction sites in the public and private sectors.

You may need a Professional Engineer (PE) license to provide public services. You may also earn a certification in geotechnical engineering from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Finally, some employers may require you to have a master’s or a doctorate. 

Read more: What Is the NCEES PE Exam?

Mechanical engineers

Median annual salary: $102,320 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 9 percent, significantly faster than average [2]

Degree needed to be a mechanical engineer: To be a mechanical engineer, you must get a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, robotics, electrical engineering, or another relevant field. 

Mechanical engineering is a broad field encompassing research, design, manufacturing, testing of devices, and more. For this reason, you’ll want to acquire extensive math and science knowledge. As the widest-ranging engineering category, mechanical engineering allows you to work on many mechanical devices, from home appliances and electrical generators to robots and power plants. As a mechanical engineer, you will be qualified to work on various projects and should be an excellent problem-solver.

If you apply for higher-up positions, some employers may require a master’s or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or project management.

Computer engineers

Median annual salary: $155,020 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent; much faster than average [3] 

Degree needed to be a computer engineer: You will need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information technology, or a relevant field from an accredited program to become a computer engineer. 

Computer engineers work with computer systems, designing and building their components and the systems themselves. You’ll apply this creative skill set to construct sensors, networks, and storage devices. As a computer engineer, you will work with software, hardware, circuit boards, networks, and routers to keep things running smoothly in products such as phones, cars, appliances, and airplanes. You may also research computer systems to stay updated with advancing technologies. 

Within the field of computer engineering, you may choose to specialize in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, or computer science. If you work for a more prominent firm, you may also need a master’s in computer engineering or business administration. 

Electrical engineers

Median annual salary: $118,780 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent; much faster than average [4]

Degree needed to be an electrical engineer: To become an electrical engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology, or another related field. 

Electrical engineers develop, build, and test electrical systems. As an electrical engineer, you will work with communication systems, motors, power grids, and electronics. You will test electronics and implement them within different industries, including telecommunications, research, manufacturing, or architecture.

Employers will also take note if you have practical or internship experience in electrical engineering. You can earn a master’s or doctorate to gain advanced knowledge, but employers don’t typically require them. 

Chemical engineers

Median annual salary: $121,860 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent; as fast as average [5]

Degree needed to be a chemical engineer: If you want to become a chemical engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field.

As a chemical engineer, you will conduct research to develop and study manufacturing processes, establish and maintain safety regulations, and design processes for chemical production. You will be in charge of the methods for producing food, fuel, chemicals, biologicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. Chemical engineers also troubleshoot these processes and work on solutions to diminish pollution or inefficient energy practices. Additionally, to create your products, like many chemical engineers, you might use computer-aided design (CAD) software. Finally, you must develop excellent communication and collaboration skills to make all this happen.

When evaluating degree programs, ensure the curriculum provides opportunities to gain a deep understanding of chemistry, physics, biology, and math. Employers will also likely want you to have a degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

What degree is best to become an engineer?

To become an engineer, you may consider earning your degree by studying a subject that captivates your interest, as you can explore various industries within engineering. For example, if you want to know more about how electronics work, you may consider a degree in electrical engineering. Those interested in infrastructure and transportation may study civil engineering.

Is an engineering degree worth it? 

Overall, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment in architecture and engineering occupations will grow at an above-average rate in the decade between 2024 and 2034, with about 186,500 openings projected each year and a median annual salary of $97,310 [6]. Along with a positive job outlook and potentially high earnings, as an engineer, you can work creatively and solve problems and challenges using your designs and innovations. You can help communities, develop new infrastructure methods, and modify energy processes to combat climate change. Earning a degree in this field of study can lead you to a fulfilling career that promotes real-world change.

Explore bite-sized ideas for meaningful growth

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends to advance in your engineering career. Then, explore free, digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Software Engineering Roadmap for Beginners (With NO Experience)

• Find a course: Which Prompt Engineering Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Learn from experts: Mastering the Future: Andrew Femrite’s Vision for Engineering

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