47 Best Engineering Schools | 2024 Rankings (2024)

Chemical engineers explore the practical applications of chemistry. They examine the chemical and mechanical processes behind production and use their knowledge to create new procedures and substances (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer products, etc.).

Branches of this discipline include:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Biomolecular Engineering
• Materials Science Engineering
• Molecular Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Sustainable Design Engineering

Civil engineers design, build and maintain the infrastructures we rely on – railways, bridges, roads and buildings. They review safety measures, estimate project costs and liaison with private and public partners. Civil engineers also consider the best ways to improve or protect natural and man-made environments.

Branches of this discipline include:

• Architectural Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transport Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering

Electrical engineers harness the power of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism and put it to practical use. They design components for computers and electrical utility systems for cities. They build technologies for cars, robots, green power, communication systems and much, much more.

Branches of this discipline include:

• Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Power Engineering

Sometimes viewed as a branch of civil engineering, geotechnical engineering focuses on the behavior of geological materials during engineering projects. Petroleum and mining engineering are the most famous examples of this discipline, but there are plenty of others.

Branches of this discipline include:

• Geological Engineering
• Geomatics Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering

The engineers in this catchall category are concerned with designing, developing and improving systems. Systems engineers manage complicated engineering projects more efficiently; industrial engineers increase productivity and reduce waste; manufacturing engineers refine manufacturing processes and machines.

Branches of this discipline include:

• Engineering Management
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Using principles of thermodynamics, structural analysis and mechanical power, mechanical engineers create complex engines and machines. They build MRIs and space shuttles, turbines and internal combustion engines.

Branches of this discipline include:

• Acoustical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Thermal Engineering

An associate’s degree in engineering is a 2-year program that can be used to become an engineering technician, as the basis for a bachelor’s degree or as a way for non-engineers to transition into the field. Depending on your goals, there are two paths you can choose to take:

Academic

• Associate of Arts (AA) in Engineering: Includes humanities courses.
• Associate of Science (AS) in Engineering: Has a science and math focus.

Core courses will cover important engineering principles, math, calculus, physics and computer science. Hands-on instruction is given in labs. Both of these degrees are acceptable if you’re thinking about earning a bachelor’s degree down the track.

Professional

• Associate of Technical Arts (ATA)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Engineering

In addition to subjects covered in the AA/AS, these degrees incorporate technical courses you might need to become an engineering technician (e.g. CAD, electrical circuits, computer programming, etc.). If you’d like to start work straight after graduation, choose one of these.

Working as an Engineering Technician

An associate’s degree is a typical requirement for engineering technician jobs. However, only a bachelor’s degree can qualify you to work as an engineer. Around 1/3 of engineering technicians work in electrical engineering; the remainder find jobs in construction, manufacturing, sales and other fields.

Once you have some experience under your belt, you might choose to seek certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

A bachelor’s degree in engineering is a 4-year program that covers the theory and practical applications of engineering. This is the common starting point for working engineers and a prerequisite if you’re thinking of becoming an EIT and PE.

With a good degree, you can go far. In a 2015 report, the National Association of Colleges and Employers predicted engineering majors to be the top-paid bachelor’s degree graduates.

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Engineering: Includes liberal arts courses (e.g. foreign language, social science, etc.).
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering: Includes courses that help build a strong technical foundation. A good choice for those wishing to become engineers straight after graduation.

Coursework

Core courses for both degrees generally include an engineering “core” (e.g. mechanics, materials science, physics, etc.), natural science and higher math (e.g. calculus, algebra, etc.). Hands-on labs are usually required.

At this level, most students choose to specialize in a discipline, which has an impact on the curriculum. For example, in addition to engineering classes, chemical engineers would take biochemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.

What to Look For

Employers want to see practical skills on your résumé. To improve your chances of landing a job, seek out programs that provide internships, co-ops and real-world experience. Thinking about thePE license? Your degree must have ABET accreditation.

A master’s degree in engineering is a 2-3 year program focused on advanced engineering skills. It’s intended for BS or BA graduates who want to qualify for senior technical positions, move into leadership roles, expand their opportunities and deepen their learning. Degrees are available with a practical or theoretical focus.

If you earn an accredited degree, the money and time will be worth it. 4 of the degrees in Monster.com’s list of 10 Best-Paying Master’s Degrees are in engineering. To give themselves even more career flexibility, some engineers also choose to earn their master’s in tandem with a PE license.

Degree Options

• Master of Science (MS) in Engineering: Research-based degree focused on engineering, math and science. A common choice for those who wish to work in advanced technical positions or earn a PhD.
• Master of Engineering (MEng): Practical degree designed for working professionals who wish to apply their knowledge to the field.
• Master of Engineering Management (MEM): Combines applied engineering and business/MBA principles. A popular pick for engineers who need to manage engineering teams and operations.
• MBA with a Technology Focus: Alternative to the MEM.

Coursework

Coursework will depend on your chosen discipline. In addition to courses in your area of specialization, you may be required to earn general engineering credits (e.g. statistics, computer science, advanced mathematics, etc.).

Depending on the program’s focus, you may also have to complete a research thesis, capstone project and/or internship. However, since many master’s candidates often have solid real-world experience, 100% online programs are becoming more and more common.

What to Look For

Want to narrow your choices? Look for programs with ABET accreditation, a strong investment in research projects and faculty with expertise in your specialization. Good schools will help arrange valuable internships or co-ops.

A doctorate in engineering is a 3-6 year program designed for engineers who are deeply interested in advanced research and leadership. Graduates teach at the university level, act as government policy advisors or work as high-level consultants. Engineers interested in management positions may choose to earn a doctoral degree in business in order to vary their skill-set.

Engineering Options

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering: Research-based. Students complete original research in their field and write a dissertation detailing their discoveries. A good choice for engineers interested in academia and research.
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng): Equivalent in rigor to the PhD, but more focused on applied research than original research. A common choice for mid-career engineers tackling specific problems in their discipline.

Management Options

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Project Management
• Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)
  

What to Look For

Strong doctoral programs will have award-winning faculty and a great reputation for research (e.g. high funding numbers, well-known research centers, government and business partnerships, etc.). Check if the undergraduate or master’s level programs have ABET accreditation. Although ABET does not accredit doctoral programs, this tells you the school is serious about standards.

A certificate in engineering is a non-degree, academic program that takes around 6 months-1 year to complete. Online programs are particularly popular with working professionals.

Engineers obtain certificates to fulfill continuing education credits, earn course credits for a degree,specialize in a field (e.g. engineering management, transportation engineering, etc.) and/or hone their skills in research or management.

Certificate Options

• Undergraduate Certificates: Students earn these to gain experience in a certain area or qualify as engineering technician or specialist. They can be very hands-on (e.g. aviation mechanics).
• Graduate Certificates: BA or BS graduates earn these to specialize in their field, earn credits, open up new job opportunities or advance to management positions.

Certificate vs. Certification

One thing to note – a certificate in engineering is different from professional certification. Certificates are academic qualifications; certifications are granted by trade organizations and other bodies as a recognition of your professional expertise.

Whichever engineering discipline you choose, we recommend you attend a regionally accredited college or university. Regional accreditation is a “seal of approval” granted to institutions by one of 6 regional accrediting bodies (e.g. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).

You can learn more about the difference between national accreditation and regional accreditation in: Accreditation: Understanding the Difference Between Real Schools and Diploma Mills.

Benefits of Regional Accreditation

By attending a regionally accredited school, you will find it easier to:

• Transfer credits (many regionally accredited schools don’t accept credits from nationally accredited institutions)
• Qualify for scholarships, funding, student loan and tuition reimbursem*nt
• Apply for respected graduate schools

Regional accreditation is given to the overall institution. To see if an engineering program is any good, look for ABET accreditation.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) accredits engineering, computer science and other applied science degree programs. Regional accrediting boards accredit the entire college or university.

A degree with ABET accreditation is highly regarded in the field of engineering. ABET accredits online and on-campus programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, but it does not accredit doctoral programs.

ABET Accreditation Commissions

ABET has 4 accreditation commissions. Each deals with different disciplines:

• Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC): Accredits applied science programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree level.
• Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC): Accredits computing programs at thebachelor’s degree level only.
• Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC): Accredits engineering programs at thebachelor’sor master’s degree level.
• Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC): Accredits engineeringtechnology programs at the associate’sorbachelor’s degree levels.

Benefits of ABET Accreditation

Attending an ABET-accredited program is very important if you’re thinking about becoming a civil engineer or a PE. It may not be as relevant for computer scientists or computer engineers.

By attending an ABET-accredited program, you will be able to:

• Earn the PE License and practice as an engineer
• Apply for a wide range of jobs (the federal government and many employers specify that engineers in certain fields must have an ABET-accredited degree)
• Qualify for student loans, grants, scholarships and funding
• Better your chances of being accepted to graduate school
• Transfer credits to another ABET-accredited school
• Apply for overseas engineering positions

Find an ABET-accredited program.

Becoming an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) is the first step towards earning a Professional Engineer license. Make no mistake – EITs are bona fide engineers. But they cannot offer PE services (e.g. bid for government contracts, stamp and sign drawings, etc.) without finishing the licensing procedure.

Steps to Becoming an EIT

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
2. Pass the FE Exam

Once you have passed the FE exam, the real work begins. Although each State Licensing Board has its own specific requirements, EITs must usually complete a 4-year work apprenticeship under the supervision of a PE in order to earn their PE License.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

The FE Exam is also known as the Engineer in Training (EIT) Exam. It is the first of two exams you must pass to become a PE. It is:

• Designed for recent graduates or students close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree
• Computer-based; 110 multiple choice questions; 6 hours long
• Offered in 7 disciplines (6 main disciplines + other disciplines)

In addition:

• Some states allow you to take the exam prior to final year in college/university
• Some states allow those with a number of years of experience to take the exam, even if they haven’t attended an ABET-accredited program

The FE Exam is administered by the NCEES and its website tells you everything you need to know about taking the FE exam.

You must have a PE license if you wish to hold the title of “professional engineer”. PEs can:

• Offer services to the public
• Bid for government contracts
• Become the principal of a firm
• Act as an engineering consultant
• Stamp and sign engineering drawings and calculations

Steps to Becoming a PE

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
2. Pass the FE Exam
3. Complete 4 years of professional work experience (usually under the supervision of a licensed PE)
4. Pass the PE Exam in the appropriate discipline
5. Meet any other state eligibility requirements

Since every state has slightly different prerequisites for PE licensure, please check with your State Licensing Board for exact details.

Principles and Practice of Engineering(PE) Exam

The PE Exam is the second of two exams (the first is the FE Exam) that you must pass to become a PE. It is:

• 8 hours long, with morning and afternoon sessions
• Predominantly multiple choice
• Offered twice a year (April and October)
• Targeted towards your chosen discipline

The PE Exam is administered by the NCEES and its website tells you everything you need to know about taking the PE exam.

Land surveyors must hold a professional surveying license from the state. We provide general details below, but please check with your individual State Licensing Board for precise requirements.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Surveyor

1. Complete a state-approved level of education (some states will accept a high school diploma; others want a degree from an ABET-accredited surveying program)
2. Pass the Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FS) Exam (6 hours; 110 multiple choice questions)
3. Complete 4 years of professional work experience (usually under the supervision of a licensed surveyor)
4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying (PS) Exam (6 hours; 100 multiple choice questions)

FS and PS Exams are administered by the NCEES and its website tells you everything you need to know about surveying licensure.

Professional certifications are issued by trade organizations, professional groups and universities to working engineers. These groups normally expect you to take an exam and complete a certain amount of continued professional development hours each year. The Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) assesses certification programs for quality.

Professional certifications can help you:

• Provide proof of specialist knowledge
• Enhance your job opportunities and marketability
• Impress potential employers
• Forge a professional network

Unlike earning a license, obtaining certifications is a voluntary step – it tends to happen naturally as you progress up the engineering ranks. Ask your supervisor, professors and/or peers whether certification is worth pursuing at this stage in your career.

• American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• National Academy of Engineers (NAE)
• National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

<!- mfunc feat_school ->