[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Engineering degrees can lead to in-demand jobs, along with opportunities for continued study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Engineering degrees combine classes in general engineering and advanced topics with practical experience, preparing students for successful careers. Aspiring engineers can pursue many different specializations, including biomedical, civil, computer and software, and electrical and electronics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the right information, you can find an engineering degree that meets your personal and professional goals, whether you attend an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online college[/hen-ui-link] or a traditional brick-and-mortar school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”deciding”]Deciding to Pursue an Engineering Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The many engineering degree options can seem overwhelming. We’ve created some resources to help you along the way. Whether you need help [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]choosing the right major[/hen-ui-link] or simply want to research [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]types of engineering jobs[/hen-ui-link] available after graduation, TheBestSchools has you covered.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s important to understand the different types of engineering and how they differ. For example, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]computer engineering[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link] share many similarities, and electrical and mechanical engineering overlap, too. If you’re confused or simply curious about what engineering has to offer, these resources can help.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]What Is a Computer Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]How to Choose Your College Major[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”selecting”]Selecting an Engineering Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]Undergraduate and graduate degrees[/hen-ui-link] in engineering vary in length, skill level, content, and graduation requirements. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]Picking the right program[/hen-ui-link] can be tricky. Bachelor’s degrees in engineering are ideal for those pursuing entry-level careers. Master’s degrees in engineering can help engineering professionals advance their careers or pursue new roles in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of the most popular online colleges offer engineering degrees. Our rankings of the best programs can help you find your ideal school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]How to Pick a College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Rankings: How to Use Them[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Different Types of Engineering Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Engineering includes hundreds of specialized areas of study, but there are five classic engineering categories:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mechanical engineering emphasizes the development and production of objects in motion, especially mechanical systems. Chemical engineering focuses on the chemical manufacturing process, while civil engineering explores the design, construction, and maintenance of physical structures.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineering concentrates on electrical equipment, and industrial engineering integrates business practices with engineering to optimize efficiency.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Within each branch of engineering, students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Associate degrees prepare learners to enter bachelor’s programs, which are usually the minimum requirement for an engineering career. Master’s degrees and doctoral programs are more specialized in particular areas of engineering or research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”biomedical”]Biomedical Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This sector blends engineering principles with biology to develop solutions in medical science. Biomedical engineers design equipment to manage health-related issues and perform research into medicine and science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leading research institutions across the United States offer the top biomedical engineering programs. Some bachelor’s degrees in engineering offer biology or biomedical concentrations, but most biomedical engineers earn a graduate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our ranking guides you through the best biomedical engineering master’s degrees, with additional information about how to choose the right program for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Biomedical Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”civil-engineering”]Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil engineering unites engineering principles and practices with materials, environmental, and construction science. Civil engineers work in both military and non-military environments. With a degree in civil engineering, you can design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This field of engineering is constantly developing, with innovations emerging daily. A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-civil-engineering/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] can lead to entry-level work as a civil engineer, while graduate programs in civil engineering provide advanced knowledge and skills for leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-civil-engineering/”]Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”computer-engineering”]Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]Computer engineering[/hen-ui-link] shares many similarities with [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link] and information technology. Navigating the differences between those majors can be challenging, so it’s important to do your research before choosing a major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Within computer engineering, you can explore specialties like software engineering, hardware engineering, robotics, and networking. Readers can use our guides to computer engineering programs to learn about common coursework and professional pathways after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]What Is a Computer Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Computer Engineering Degrees[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Software Engineering Degrees [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”electrical”]Electrical and Electronics Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical and electronics engineering focuses on power systems, electric generation and distribution, and electronic signal processing. Electrical engineering is the broader field of the two. It emphasizes large-scale production and transmission of electric power. Electronics engineering is about the design and development of smaller electronics devices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-electrical-engineering/”]Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering[/hen-ui-link] and electronics engineering programs overlap in many ways, but aspiring engineers should note the differences when considering career trajectory. Master’s degrees in electrical engineering also cover similar material, though in more depth — especially programs that offer concentrations in electronics. These guides can help you navigate your options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-electrical-engineering/”]Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Electrical Engineering [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”management”]Engineering Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals looking to work in administration, organization, and planning related to engineering should consider an engineering management degree. Engineering managers generally need master’s degrees, which build on an undergraduate education in general engineering and add administrative or leadership skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With so many different engineering fields, choosing the best master’s in engineering management for you requires careful consideration. Interested students should consider coursework, program length, and cost — especially if they are engineering professionals looking to advance in their current roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Engineering Management[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”associate”]Associate Degrees in Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degree[/hen-ui-link] in engineering includes two years of coursework and prepares students to continue into bachelor’s programs. Most engineering positions require a bachelor’s degree, but an associate can be a great way to finish prerequisites and familiarize yourself with the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate enrollees commonly engage with courses in [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link], biology, and chemistry. Associate degrees can be a stepping stone toward pursuing some of the best engineering degrees in the world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]What Is an Associate Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Best Engineering Programs in the World Today[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”bachelors”]Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] in engineering can lead to employment or continued study. Engineering bachelor’s degrees can offer a broad education or focus on specific branches of the discipline. Finding the right engineering program for your career goals requires careful exploration of each institution’s curriculum and student outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-civil-engineering/”]Civil engineering bachelor’s degrees[/hen-ui-link] prepare graduates to design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems, while electronics and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-electrical-engineering/”]electrical engineering[/hen-ui-link] programs focus on the production, distribution, and optimization of electricity. Electronic and electrical engineering have some significant differences, however, much like between computer and software engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]Online Bachelor’s Degree Guide [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-civil-engineering/”]Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-electrical-engineering/”]Electrical Engineering[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Electronics Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Software Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”masters”]Master’s Degrees in Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree in engineering can advance your engineering career and boost your earning potential. Master’s degrees include coursework that builds on the training, research skills, and overall expertise gained through a bachelor’s in engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools offer engineering master’s degrees entirely online. This allows for accelerated and part-time options, which working professionals often prefer. Whether you’re a civil engineer looking to enter a managerial role, an electrical engineer looking to hone your craft, or a degree-holder interested in biomedical engineering, we can help you decide which master’s degree aligns best with your professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]Online Master’s Programs Guide [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Biomedical Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Electrical Engineering [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Engineering Management [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Engineering Programs [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”doctoral”]Doctoral Degrees in Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in engineering can lead to teaching and administrative positions in higher education or pave the way to leadership roles in the public and private sectors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are two types of engineering [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/”]doctoral degrees[/hen-ui-link]. A Ph.D. explores engineering theory and practice with an emphasis on research and scholarship. An Eng.Sc.D. focuses on engineering practice and application.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should research the engineering programs that best meet their needs. Coursework, graduation requirements, cost, and program length are all important factors to research. A Ph.D. typically includes five years of coursework, but you can earn an Eng.Sc.D. in as little as three years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/”]Online Ph.D. Programs Guide[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Best Engineering Programs in the World Today[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for an Engineering Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paying for college can seem daunting. Tuition, fees, and program-related expenses alone can add up, but you also have living expenses, commuting, and even some unexpected costs along the way. Whether you’re entering a bachelor’s degree as a recent high school graduate or pursuing a master’s degree while working full time, we can help.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students have several avenues to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]help fund[/hen-ui-link] an engineering degree. Our resources can help you [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]find scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and navigate [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link]. Learn about what college expenses to expect, ways to pay for your education, and how to optimize your finances.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]TheBestSchools’ College Finances Guide[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]How to Find Scholarships for College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]What You Should Know About Student Loans[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]How Much Does College Really Cost?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Engineering Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an engineering degree, graduates are ready for the next step on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]their engineering career journeys[/hen-ui-link]. Our guides can help you pursue software, mechanical, and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/electrical-engineering/”]electrical engineering[/hen-ui-link] roles after you leave school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s important to understand expectations going into the job market. Many engineering positions require advanced degrees and additional training or certification. Our guides to the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]engineering field[/hen-ui-link] in general, specific focus areas, and engineering management can all offer insight for your career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]Overview of Engineering Careers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Engineering Management Careers[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Best Software Engineer Careers[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]How to Become a Computer Engineer[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Working As a Software Engineer[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/electrical-engineering/”]What Can You Do With an Electrical Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]What Does a Mechanical Engineering Career Look Like?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”latest”]Latest News for Engineering Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in earning a college degree, exploring career options, and keeping up with new development, TheBestSchools offers a magazine full of the latest occupational and educational news. The magazine provides many helpful resources for aspiring engineers, including articles about in-demand engineering fields and what engineers [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]wish they would have known[/hen-ui-link] before entering the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]How to Choose the Right Engineering Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Engineer[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Engineering Accreditation – A Quick Guide[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When considering options for engineering degrees, be sure to look into accreditation. Accreditation indicates whether an institution’s programs meet academic standards. For engineering, regional accreditation is required for graduates to pursue employment and licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Departments and programs can also receive programmatic accreditation. The main body for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abet.org/”]accrediting engineering programs is ABET[/hen-ui-link]. ABET is the gold standard in engineering accreditation, demonstrating to peers and future employers the high quality of your engineering degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]All You Need to Know About Accreditation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Best Degree for Engineering?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree is the best degree for entering the engineering workforce. However, advancing within the field of engineering often requires a graduate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Which Engineering Is Most in Demand?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data science and machine learning, automation and robotics engineering, and civil engineering rank among the most in-demand fields, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://newengineer.com/advice/8-of-the-most-in-demand-engineering-jobs-for-2021-1126177/”]employment trends and growth[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Which Engineering Degree Is the Toughest?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical, civil, and aeronautical engineering rank among the toughest sectors of the field. However, engineering is a challenging discipline across the board.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: svetikd | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1058,7570,7570″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]