Engineering Major

What does an engineering major do?

An engineering major uses mathematics, science and technical skills to design, create and fix today’s structures, products and systems.

What types of jobs do engineering majors take after graduation?

• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

What degrees do engineering majors pursue?

Most engineers pursue at least a Bachelor’s Degree of Engineering, and may go on to pursue a Master’s Degree of Engineering. Your school may offer a degree program for your engineering specialty (Aerospace, Mechanical, etc.), or you may simply choose a major as part of a broad engineering degree program. Because many engineers also deal with various aspects of business, such as the marketing, distribution and production of a product, some engineers may also decide to purse a Master’s of Business Administration.

Are there any required exams or certifications for engineering majors?

Engineers who work on public projects are required to obtain certification and licensure. Each state has its own requirements, but you will likely be required to pass a state mandated exam and have a certain amount of supervised engineering experience.

How much does an engineering program cost?

School costs vary widely, depending on the type of school you choose and what type of program you are pursing. You can find average school costs for public engineering colleges and private engineering colleges in our compare colleges section.

How do I pay for an engineering program?

Whether you are paying for an undergraduate or graduate engineering program, it’s important that you complete the FAFSA and review your financial aid options. You should start by trying to obtain college scholarships and college grants (free money) to pay for your Engineering program. Then use federal student loans, such as the Federal Stafford Loan. If free money and federal loans are not enough to pay for your Engineering program, you can begin to research private student loans to cover the remainder of your school costs.

What is the average entry-level salary for engineering majors?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the entry-level salary for new engineering graduates in July 2009 was as follows¹:

An engineering major probably performs well in or enjoys the following subjects:

• Math (including Calculus)
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science