Engineering Degrees: 7 Areas of Study

An engineering degree is a broad term encompassing many specialized fields of study, including computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. If you are naturally curious about how things work and possess a genuine interest in using technology and science to solve real-world problems, then earning your degree in engineering may be a worthwhile investment in your career.

Learn more about the different areas of engineering you can study, as well as the academic degree levels available to earn. Afterward, explore flexible engineering degree programs available with esteemed university partners on Coursera.

Engineering degrees: 7 areas of study

Engineering is a broad field containing several areas. Learn more about the types of engineering degrees you can earn.

1. Computer engineering

A computer engineering degree combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science. It typically requires students to master advanced mathematics, multiple programming languages, computer architecture, circuit analysis, operating systems, and more. To be successful in computer engineering, you'll usually need strong mathematical ability, logical thinking, attention to detail, and an interest in both hardware and software components.

Learn more: Advancing Her Technical Prowess: Meet Dartmouth MEng Student Emily Marciniak

2. Electrical engineering

If you enjoy math and physics, you may want to consider an electrical engineering degree. Electrical engineering (EE) can involve designing, creating, and testing electrical equipment or robotics. Electrical engineers work for manufacturing and telecommunication companies and sometimes for the federal government.

3. Chemical engineering

Chemical engineering deals with converting materials into products through chemical processes. Earning a degree in chemical engineering could lead to a career in medicine, energy, manufacturing, biotechnology, or environmental sustainability, among others. Niche degrees in chemical engineering include:

• Environmental engineering

• Agricultural engineering

• Materials engineering

• Biomedical engineering

4. Civil engineering

This degree program is a step toward becoming a civil engineer, where you'll design things that involve infrastructures like roads, bridges, and water systems and ensure they're safe for public use. You can work for governments, private companies, or non-profit companies in this position. Other fields of civil engineering you might study include: 

• Structural engineering

• Architectural engineering

• Marine engineering

• Transportation engineering

• Construction engineering

5. Mechanical engineering

In a mechanical engineering degree program, you'll learn how to design and build machines–everything from generators and engines to elevators and air conditioners. It's a broad field with job opportunities across a variety of industries. More specialized types of mechanical engineering degrees include:

• Aerospace engineering

• Biomechanical engineering

• Automotive engineering

• Mechatronics engineering

6. Engineering management

If you're interested in pursuing a leadership role in the world of technology, it may be worth pursuing an engineering management degree. This multidisciplinary degree combines engineering science, business administration, and organizational management coursework. Related multidisciplinary degrees include:

• Industrial engineering

• Systems engineering

7. Geotechnical engineering 

Geotechnical engineering is sometimes considered a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the mechanics and properties of soil, rocks, and groundwater (and their interaction with human-made structures and materials). Some subfields of geotechnical engineering include:

• Petroleum engineering

• Nuclear engineering

• Mining engineering

• Ceramics engineering

• Geomatics engineering

• Geological engineering

Why study engineering?

If you enjoy problem-solving and want to have a positive impact on the lives of others, a career in engineering can be rewarding. As an engineer, you'll get to think creatively to solve real-world problems and, in doing so, make the world a better place. Engineers typically enjoy high starting salaries and levels of job satisfaction, low unemployment rates, and the ability to specialize in various fascinating fields. 

Engineering: academic degrees by level

It's possible to earn an engineering degree at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, depending on your career goals. Let's take a closer look at why you might pursue each type:

• Associate degree: Many engineering positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but you could transition into a bachelor's program with your associate degree. An associate degree allows you to complete general education requirements and take some engineering courses, often at a lower cost than a traditional four-year program.

• Bachelor's degree: Most engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree and passage of a licensing exam. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Check to make sure the school you attend meets the requirements for your state. This is especially important if you attend a school in a state different than where you'll be licensed.

• Master's degree: If you're seeking to advance your career, a master’s degree can be beneficial. While a master's degree is not typically required to sit for an engineering licensure exam, earning one may enhance your resume and expertise. You may have the option of earning a Master of Engineering (ME) or a Master of Science (MS) in Engineering. Generally, an ME is likely the better option if you are interested in an engineering career and want to develop your technical knowledge, leadership, and project management skills. However, if you’re interested in pursuing your PhD or a career in engineering research, an MS is likely the better choice.

• Doctoral degree: The field of engineering offers two types of doctoral degrees. If your career goal is to teach engineering, you may need a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in engineering to qualify for higher education positions. This degree typically takes about five years to complete. With a Doctor of Science in Engineering (EngScD), you can prepare for career advancement and leadership roles in engineering. This degree typically takes three years.

Learn more: Is an Engineering Degree Worth It?

Earn your engineering degree on Coursera

There are several engineering degrees available to earn through Coursera. Work with esteemed university partners, enjoy flexible learning, and gain real-world experience with the Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Dartmouth College or the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. Request more information to learn about your options.