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 will require extra work from the individual to do well in these classes. However, there are several different types of engineering majors that students need to know about, and each one teaches different skill sets that are required for various jobs.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the information you need to know about majoring in engineering, including the different types of studies available, and the job outlooks for these careers.
10 Different Types of Engineering 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 here learn about chemical processes, kinetic systems, analysis of chemical problems, operational evaluation of systems, and more.
The best college in 2024 for chemical engineering is the Colorado School of Mines.
2. Aerospace Engineering
If you’re interested in airplanes or other machines that fly, aerospace engineering is the perfect major for you. Also known as Aeronautical Engineering, you’ll learn how to build these machines and develop ways to make them better. Those in this area of study will learn about manufacturing aircraft, developing spacecraft, prototyping, inspection procedures, maintenance procedures, reporting, and more.
In 2024, the best school for Aerospace Engineering was Purdue University.
3. Biomedical Engineering
With a lot of courses focused on chemistry and biology, Biomedical Engineering ranks as one of the hardest engineering majors there is. Also known as simply bioengineering, students will 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, care delivery systems, and more.
At the moment, the best college in the United States for Biomedical Engineering is John Hopkins University.
4. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a common engineering major for college students, but it is still considered a tough major. It is specifically the study of the application of electricity and courses will cover mathematical and scientific principles, electronic systems, problem analysis, energy storage, technical writing, product design, and more.
Carnegie Mellon University is the best school for Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2024.
5. Computer Engineering
Computer science is a vast field, and Computer Engineering is one part that may interest you. The major covers design of hardware and software systems, development of computer applications, analysis of problems, and more. Computer engineers can also work with robotics, networks, and similar systems.
In 2024, the Georgia Institute of Technology is the top school for Computer Engineering.
6. Civil Engineering
Civil engineers focus on the construction and maintenance of transportation projects such as roads, waterways, buildings, railroads, highways, harbors, and more for governments and organizations. Courses specifically cover the design, development, and operational evaluation of these structures.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is the top institution for Civil Engineering in 2024.
7. Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering is similar to Biomedical Engineering, but not quite the same. This particular area of study focuses on all biochemical processes in living organisms, not just humans. Students will also learn about the properties of biological materials, biochemical agents, thermodynamics, bioprocesses, chemical engineering, and fluid dynamics, among other subjects.
University of Colorado Boulder is one of the best colleges in the United States for Biochemical Engineering.
8. General Engineering
General Engineering majors learn about the design, production, use, and maintenance of various engines and machines instead of the focus on one particular area of engineering. Math and science and the use of these principles to solve problems are at the core of this subject. This can be a great subject for a student who loves engineering but isn’t quite sure about what area of engineering they’d like to focus on just yet.
Harvey Mudd College is the top rated school for General Engineering in the United States in 2024.
9. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is the particular focus on the science behind machines, energy, and how they both work. Courses will cover the mathematical and scientifical principals of physical systems, systems for controlling movement, integration of computers with operating systems, and more. 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 Georgia Institute of Technology, the top rated college for this major in 2024.
10. Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineering majors focus on the study of efficiency for production and the various factors that go into effectiveness such as materials, machines, energy, people, data, and more. Courses cover mathematics, physical sciences, engineering analysis, systems design, computer applications, social sciences, and other related topics.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is the best college in the United States for Industrial Engineering this year.
Job Outlooks For Different Types of Engineering Majors
| Engineering Major | Engineering Job | Minimal Degree Required | Job Outlook to 2030 | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | Chemical Engineers | Bachelor's | 9% | $106,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | Aerospace Engineering Technician | High School Diploma | 8.40% | $74,000 |
| Biomedical Engineering | Biomedical Engineer | Bachelor’s | 6.20% | $99,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s | 1.70% | $132,000 |
| Computer Engineering | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Bachelor’s | 5.40% | $126,000 |
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineers | Bachelor’s | 8.20% | $89,000 |
| Biochemical Engineering | Mechatronics Engineer | Bachelor’s | 2.70% | $104,000 |
| General Engineering | Engineering Teacher | Doctorate | 12.50% | $103,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s | 7% | $96,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | Industrial Engineer | Bachelor’s | 13.70% | $96,000 |
* 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 skills
- Organization
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Leadership
- Technical writing
- Presentation skills
- And more
Engineering can be a rewarding path for students and an extremely rewarding career. If you’re thinking about majoring in this particular field, it’s important to have strong math and science skills and a general interest in available careers. This major requires dedication in order to excel.
Finding 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!
