Key Takeaways:
- Engineering is typically seen as a difficult major as it requires math, science, and problem solving skills with a heavy course load.
- Some types of engineering majors include Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Students should consider their strengths, interests and career goals when choosing between these fields of study.
Engineering is regularly noted as a “difficult” major for college students, and for good reason! These studies are not for the faint of heart and require foundations in math and science with problem solving, organization, and critical thinking skills. However, engineering is actually a term for a variety of majors, from chemical to civil engineering. We cover 10 types of engineering majors below, plus give you some insight into job outlooks for careers in these fields.
Why is Engineering a difficult major?
Engineering is typically seen as one of the tougher areas of study as it requires a solid foundation in math and science. Advanced classes build on those foundations with calculus, physics, labs, and major projects. Students also need top notch problem solving and time management skills, as well as the ability to work with the abstract.
Engineering focuses much more on critical thinking than memorization. Those in this major can expect heavy workloads, group projects, lab reports, and complex assignments.
10 types of Engineering majors
Many engineering students study these popular 10 majors.
1. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Majoring in Chemical Engineering is considered one of the hardest areas of study for undergraduates. Chemistry is a tough subject to master especially when it’s mixed with engineering. Students learn about chemical processes, kinetic systems, analysis of chemical problems, operational evaluation of systems, and more.
One of the best colleges for chemical engineering is Johns Hopkins University.
2. AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Also known as Aeronautical Engineering, you’ll learn all about the various types of aircraft in Aerospace Engineering. Students study manufacturing aircraft, developing spacecraft, prototyping, inspection procedures, maintenance procedures, reporting, and similar. Courses do a deep dive into calculus, physics, simulations, and mechanics.
Purdue University is a top choice for Aerospace Engineering.
3. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
With courses focused on chemistry and biology, Biomedical Engineering ranks as one of the hardest engineering majors there is. Also known as simply Bioengineering, students focus on health-related topics and health directives, helping to develop new equipment and devices for human health. Classes can cover health systems, biomedical systems, artificial organs, health management, and care delivery systems.
John Hopkins University is a popular option for Biomedical Engineering majors.
4. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Electrical engineering is a common engineering major for college students, but it’s still a tough one. It includes the study of electricity, electronics, and related systems, with classes teaching mathematical and scientific principles, electronic systems, problem analysis, energy storage, technical writing, and product design.
A great school for Electrical and Electronics Engineering is Carnegie Mellon University.
5. COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Computer science is a vast field, and Computer Engineering is one part Computer Science, one part Electrical Engineering. Programs cover design of hardware and software systems, development of computer applications, analysis of problems, robotics, networks, and similar topics, depending on the student’s goals after graduation and the college.
Duke University is a top college for Computer Engineering.
6. CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil engineers focus on the construction and maintenance of transportation projects such as roads, waterways, buildings, railroads, highways, and harbors for governments and organizations. Courses in Civil Engineering specifically cover the design, development, and operational evaluation of these structures.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology ranks high for its Civil Engineering.
7. Biochemical Engineering
Students in Biochemical Engineering learn about biochemical processes in living organisms, including biological materials, biochemical agents, thermodynamics, bioprocesses, chemical engineering, and fluid dynamics. In labs, you’ll study fermentation, cell culture, and process simulation.
University of Colorado Boulder is one of the best colleges in the United States for Biochemical Engineering.
8. General Engineering
General Engineering covers a breadth of knowledge in the field, rather than focusing on one particular area. Students attend courses that include the math and science foundation, and may be able to choose a specific specialization from another type of engineering. Classes can also include technical writing, project management, and entrepreneurship.
Harvey Mudd College is a top rated school for General Engineering.
9. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is another broad subject, with classes on physics, machines, motion, energy, materials. Depending on the program, students learn about manufacturing processes, CNC machining, quality control, aerospace, robotics, biomechanics, and product design. Those with degrees in this subject can go on to work in a number of various engineering positions.
Students interested in Mechanical Engineering should consider studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
10. INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
As with General Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering covers a lot of ground. You’ll focus on the study of efficiency for production and the various factors that go into effectiveness, such as materials, machines, energy, people, and data. Courses cover mathematics, physical sciences, engineering analysis, systems design, computer applications, social sciences, and other related topics.
A top choice for Industrial Engineering is the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Job outlooks for different types of Engineering majors
In this table, we’ve highlighted some example jobs across the different facets of engineering, including median salaries and their projected job outlooks between 2024 and 2034.
| Engineering Major | Engineering Job | Minimal Degree Required | Job Outlook to 2034 | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | Chemical Engineers | Bachelor's | 2.60% | $121,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | Aerospace Engineering Technician | High School Diploma | 8.10% | $79,000 |
| Biomedical Engineering | Biomedical Engineer | Bachelor’s | 5.20% | $106,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s | 7.30% | $155,000 |
| Computer Engineering | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Bachelor’s | 11.90% | $130,000 |
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineers | Bachelor’s | 5% | $99,000 |
| Biochemical Engineering | Mechatronics Engineer | Bachelor’s | 2.10% | $117,000 |
| General Engineering | Engineering Teacher | Doctorate | 8.10% | $106,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s | 9.10% | $102,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | Industrial Engineer | Bachelor’s | 11% | $101,000 |
* Source for salaries: https://www.bls.gov/
Should you major in Engineering?
There’s no denying it – engineering is a tough major. Many colleges and universities have separate application requirements if you plan on pursuing a degree in engineering, and spots are extremely competitive.
Future engineering students will need to have a solid foundation and understanding of math and science and have several other skills including:
- Analytical
- Organization
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Leadership
- Technical writing
- Presentation
The right school is also necessary for success in engineering. Finding your right match is easy, too, with College Raptor. Simply sign up for College Match to get started!
