Careers: mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, industrial engineer, and mechanical engineering technician. Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and Engineering Technology.
College majors for engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems.
Electrical Engineering
Designs electrical systems, electronics, power and communications equipment.
Civil Engineering
Designs roads, bridges, buildings, water systems and other infrastructure.
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Improves how people, machines, materials and information work together.
Engineering Technology
An applied, hands-on engineering degree focused on building, testing and maintaining systems.
Chemical Engineering
Designs processes that turn raw materials into fuels, chemicals, medicines and products.
Aerospace Engineering
Designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.
Biomedical Engineering
Applies engineering to medicine: devices, implants, imaging and diagnostics.
Computer Engineering
Designs computer hardware and the software that runs closest to it.
Careers in engineering
Mechanical Engineer
Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.
- Typical training: 4 years
Electrical Engineer
Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.
- Typical training: 4 years
Civil Engineer
Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.
- Typical training: 4 years + PE path
Industrial Engineer
Design better ways to make products and deliver services with less waste.
- Typical training: 4-year engineering degree
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Build, test and improve machines and mechanical products with engineers.
- Typical training: 2 years
Civil Engineering Technician
Help civil engineers plan, design and test roads, bridges and infrastructure.
- Typical training: 2 years
CAD Drafter
Turn engineers’ and architects’ designs into detailed technical drawings.
- Typical training: 1–2 years
Electronics Technician
Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
- Typical training: 2 years
Skills these careers use
- CAD
- FEA
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Circuit design
- Power systems
Minors that fit this interest
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Adds mapping and spatial data analysis skills.
- Physics: Adds a deeper understanding of matter, energy and motion.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what mechanical engineers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: CAD, FEA, and thermodynamics
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Engineering
A self-paced online course on what electrical engineers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: circuit design, power systems, and control systems
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Engineering
A self-paced online course on what civil engineers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: structural analysis, hydraulics, and geotechnical engineering
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Engineering
Engineering: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in engineering?
Careers connected to engineering include mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, industrial engineer, mechanical engineering technician, civil engineering technician, CAD drafter, and electronics technician.
What should I major in if I am interested in engineering?
Majors connected to engineering include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Chemical Engineering. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What engineering careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include mechanical engineering technician, civil engineering technician, CAD drafter, and electronics technician. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which engineering careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, and industrial engineer. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in engineering?
Skills that come up often in these careers include CAD, FEA, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, circuit design, and power systems, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in engineering?
Minors connected to engineering include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Physics.
How do I start a career in engineering?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore engineering careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in engineering involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to engineering?
Yes. Related online trainings include Mechanical Engineer Training, Electrical Engineer Training, and Civil Engineer Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to engineering?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.