Best Engineering Colleges in the U.S.

Questions About Engineering Degrees

What are the different degrees I can get in engineering?

Engineering undergrads frequently choose a specific area of study—such as chemical, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, biomedical, civil, industrial, computer, or environmental engineering— and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. Interested in the liberal arts too? Try a program such as the one at Dartmouth College. Within five years, engineering sciences majors there complete requirements for both a Bachelor of Arts degree and the professional Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Students wishing to continue their engineering education frequently pursue a Master of Science degree. Practicing engineers often choose places with a Master of Engineering program to bolster their career advancement in applied engineering or engineering management. Looking to become an entrepreneur? Combine technical knowledge with business acumen through a dual-degree program resulting in both an MS and an MBA.

What are some of the skills and experiences I will gain through engineering?

Sure, you’ll learn the science behind how roller coasters loop and how cruise control operates a car. But also be ready to roll up your sleeves. Hands-on experiences rule in most modern engineering programs. At Harvey Mudd College, for instance, Intro to Engineering Design students take apart a pencil sharpener on day one and write a report on it. And you’ll definitely gain an appreciation of the collaborative process in any 21st-century engineering program. Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills get put to the test when classes divide into groups to work together on real-life challenges, such as saving energy or purifying water. You’ll be encouraged to think outside the box and test (and adjust and retest) your novel ideas. And you’ll likely have some pretty nifty items at your disposal. Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy bring their ideas to life in an electrical engineering lab with state-of-the-art equipment valued at over $10 million dollars. The school also keeps over 1,000 electrical parts in stock so students can spend less time waiting and more time creating.

What are engineering programs seeking in their applicants?

Math, math, math. For its engineering class of 2019, the mid-50% SAT math range for students at Cornell University was 740 to 800! Outstanding scores on standardized tests definitely help you get noticed. Oh yeah, and physics too. Admissions committees like to see a high school transcript showing success in challenging courses, especially honors-level or Advanced Placement ones in science and math. Seal the deal with extracurriculars displaying leadership ability, teamwork, and passion. Your time as student council president, scoring leader at mathletes, or prized team member of the robotics club could give you an important edge.

Should I study engineering online or on a campus?

While opportunities do exist for undergrads to pursue engineering through online study, the most extensive offerings come at the graduate level. Institutions realize that practicing professionals benefit from flexible continuing-education options. In fact, 98 percent of students in the University of Southern California’s top-notch online graduate engineering program hold a job at the time of enrollment. Popular online specializations include electrical, computer, software, and mechanical engineering.

What are some cutting-edge careers in this industry?

Got a passion for protecting the planet? Environmental engineers work on issues such as waste disposal, water treatment, air pollution, and a range of other sustainability efforts that affect our world. They also earn a good deal of green – about $40 per hour.* And then there’s biomedical engineering – using engineering principles to solve health-related problems. With Baby Boomers aging, this field continues to grow because older Americans require health devices such as knee and hip replacements. Add to that the potential created by constant advances in 3D printing, and it’s an exciting time for biomedical engineers.

How do you work your way to the top in the engineering industry?

Yes, employers will be looking for an impressive college transcript. But to really turn heads, present a portfolio of projects you worked on while earning a degree. This action not only demonstrates passion, it shows that you can apply what you learned in class. For working professionals looking for promotions, an advanced degree can be helpful. Consider business classes along with your engineering studies. You’ll be looked at not only as technically proficient but also as a leader capable of negotiating, organizing, and seeing the bottom line. And do everything you can to gain a reputation as a team player. People shine when they get along with co-workers at all levels and communicate ideas effectively.

Are there scholarships or grants available to people looking to study engineering?

In 2015 the Society of Women Engineers gave out more than 200 new and renewed scholarships valued at more than $660,000. Any aspiring engineer should check out the National Society of Professional Engineers. Revamping its scholarship programs in 2016, opportunities look particularly promising for 2017. Note too that the National Science Foundation is on a mission to create a globally competitive workforce. Check directly with the group for scholarships available to students entering STEM fields. And also talk with your individual school – the NSF gives some funds directly to certain institutions to distribute as they see fit.