What Degree Do You Need to Be an Engineer?

Engineers are like modern-day superheroes, of sorts, using physics and mathematics to solve everyday problems and innovate solutions. If you have a natural curiosity for how things work and an urge to design and create new things, engineering may be your right career path. Becoming an engineer will involve testing new technologies, working collaboratively within teams, setting goals, and demonstrating your theories. Additionally, since several engineering degrees—civil, mechanical, computer, electrical, and chemical—are available, you can choose which specialty to pursue, opening a world of career options. 

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. Read further to 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: $89,940 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 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 doctorate. 

Mechanical engineers

Median annual salary: $96,310 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 10 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 doctorate in mechanical engineering or project management.

Computer engineers

Median annual salary: $132,360 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent; 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: $104,610 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent; 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: $106,260 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 8 percent; faster than 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).

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 2022 and 2032, with about 188,000 openings projected each year and a median annual salary of $83,700 [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.

Learn more with Coursera

Engineering is a diverse field with an equally diverse educational background required depending on your unique focus. On Coursera, you can find courses to prepare you to enter the engineering world. Courses like Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design or Introduction to Engineering Mechanics are great introductions to the engineering world, where you can learn more about the engineering design process, gain basic digital skills, and practice solving engineering mechanical problems.