Is an Engineering Degree Worth It?

In science and technology, engineering stands out as an innovation and practical problem-solving area. A career in this field typically pays well above the median annual wage for other jobs, which makes earning a degree in this industry an exciting prospect. Whether designing the next generation of smartphones, medical devices for global health environments, or developing artificial intelligence, engineers play a role in shaping our current and future world. 

When considering whether this career is right for you and how to start it, you might wonder whether an engineering degree is worth it. Let’s explore the necessity of an engineering degree to enter the profession, the types of degrees available, and the costs, duration, and benefits they offer.

Do I need a degree to work in engineering?

For most engineering positions, a degree is a requirement. This standard ensures that you, as a professional, have a foundational knowledge of engineering principles and the specialized skills required in your field. However, degree requirements can vary depending on your focus area. For example, electrical engineering is often considered one of the easier engineering fields to break into without a degree, and many people start to enter this field through extensive self-study, hard work, and some formal training.

To become an engineer without a degree, you can start in roles that often don’t require degrees, such as electrical technician, junior-level computer programmer, or CAD technician roles. You gain relevant skills in these positions while working toward qualifications to enter an engineering career.

Types of engineering degrees

You can choose from types of engineering degrees—associate, bachelor’s, and master’s—and various engineering degree majors such as mechanical, chemical, and civil. Each of the following degree types offers specific benefits for learners. Understanding your learning preferences, intended career, and resources can help you choose the right one.

Associate degree

An associate degree in engineering or engineering technology can be a first step toward work in the field. It can lead you to entry-level technician roles and help you enter a four-year degree program. These degrees typically cost less than bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and many courses may transfer to another institution. It’s important to note that you can’t earn a full Professional Engineering (PE) license with this degree. 

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE)

A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the standard requirement for most engineering jobs. It offers comprehensive knowledge and practical skills across various engineering aspects, allowing you to enter a career as a professional engineer. When pursuing this option, you can typically choose between different types of engineering, such as mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, and more. 

Master of Engineering (MEng)

If you’re seeking an advanced position or specialized knowledge in a particular engineering area, a master’s degree often opens the door to more senior positions within engineering, including those with higher salaries and leadership roles.

Doctorate

You can pursue career opportunities related to research with a Doctor of Engineering degree or PhD in engineering, including academic research, practical application, and tool development, which is often sought after in certain industries. Advanced degrees such as PhDs also tend to garner respect within the field, which can open higher-level leadership positions for you.

Possible engineering degree majors

Engineering encompasses a broad range of disciplines, each focusing on different aspects of technology and design. Some popular engineering degree majors include:

• Mechanical engineering

• Construction engineering

• Aerospace engineering

• Chemical engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Computer engineering

• Civil engineering

• Biomedical engineering

• Nuclear engineering

• Industrial engineering

• Naval engineering

Each major caters to specific interests and career paths. When deciding the right path for you, start off with a few general courses in engineering and see what stands out. If your interests and strengths align with health, medicine, and human biology, biomedical engineering could be a good fit. If you want to explore the design of aircrafts, aerospace engineering might offer exciting opportunities. Throughout your journey, speak with advisors, reflect on your interests, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Is an engineering degree worth it?

An engineering degree is a significant investment in your future that can open a wide range of career paths and growth opportunities. Most engineering professions require at least a bachelor’s degree, with more specialized roles often requiring a master’s or doctoral degree. When considering whether to pursue an engineering degree, it’s important to weigh your options by investigating potential career opportunities, the time commitment involved, and the cost of obtaining the degree.

What does an engineering degree cost?

On average, tuition fees for an engineering program can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands per year, depending on the degree earned and institution. The cost of an engineering degree can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of institution (public versus private), location, and the level of degree pursued (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate). 

Additionally, you will likely have costs beyond tuition, including books, supplies, and living expenses, which can significantly increase the total investment. Financial aid, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities can help offset these costs.

How long does it take to get an engineering degree?

Earning an engineering degree can take between two and seven years to complete. How long you will spend getting your engineering degree depends on the type of degree you pursue and whether you choose full-time, part-time, or online study. For full-time options:

• Associate degree: Typically takes two years of full-time study. 

• Bachelor’s degree: Typically takes four years of full-time study. 

• Master’s degree: Usually takes one to two years of full-time study (after completing your bachelor’s degree). 

• Doctorate degree: Usually takes three or more years of study, depending on your discipline (after completing your master’s or bachelor’s degree).

For those unable to commit to full-time study, part-time and online degree options provide flexibility, allowing learners to work and study simultaneously. However, these options may extend the required time to complete the degree and will be highly dependent on your lifestyle, commitment, and specific program.

Benefits of an engineering degree

Earning an engineering degree comes with additional benefits beyond entry into the field. Consider the following advantages of an engineering degree.

• Higher pay: Engineering is among the highest-paying fields, with engineers often starting at salaries significantly above the average for all occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for engineers in 2023 was $118,359[1].

• More career options: Engineering degrees are in demand, with the BLS stating that in 2021 the economy could support 5,157,500 jobs in this industry [2]. Also, if you have a higher-level degree—master’s or doctorate—you will typically earn more.

• Quicker to advance: The engineering field is constantly evolving, giving you opportunities to learn new skills and advance into new areas of the field.

• Learn new skills: Pursuing a degree in engineering allows you to continue learning more in your area, making you an expert in your field and allowing you to expand your skill set into other subcategories within your discipline. For example, if you become a chemical engineer, you can also learn about biomedical engineering, increasing your abilities and making you more competitive in the job market.

• Network: Continuing your education in engineering after graduation offers you the chance to connect with others in the field and build a professional network that can help you with insights, job opportunities, support, and more.

4 popular engineering careers

If you’re considering a career in engineering, US News claims that biomedical, civil, environmental, and mechanical engineering are the most popular options [3]. According to Lightcast™ Analyst, these are the annual salaries:

• Mechanical engineer: $102,842 average salary [4]

• Environmental engineer: $101,670, average salary [5]

• Biomedical engineer: $108,056, average salary [6]

• Civil engineer: $100,992, average salary [7]

Get started in engineering with Coursera

If you plan to pursue a career in engineering, earning an engineering degree may be worth the effort. You'll learn new skills and may be able to earn more money or win a promotion. You can build skills related to engineering with exciting courses on the Coursera learning platform. To explore a general overview and see if formal study in this area might suit you, consider taking the Engineering Project Management Specialization offered by Rice University, the Fundamental Skills in Engineering Designcourse offered by the University of Leeds, or Introduction to Engineering Mechanics offered by Georgia Tech.