Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Architecture. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Mechanical Engineering
Designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields.
Skills: Engineering analysis, CAD and simulation, Problem solving, and Technical writing. Pairs well with: Business, Mathematics, Computer Science.
Electrical Engineering
Designs electrical systems, electronics, power and communications equipment. Electrical engineering majors study circuits, electronics, signals, electromagnetics, power systems and digital systems.
Skills: Circuit design, Testing and measurement, Programming, and Problem solving. Pairs well with: Computer Science, Mathematics, Business.
Civil Engineering
Designs roads, bridges, buildings, water systems and other infrastructure. Civil engineering majors study structures, geotechnics, transportation, water resources and construction.
Skills: Structural design, Engineering software, Project planning, and Codes and standards. Pairs well with: Construction Management, Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Improves how people, machines, materials and information work together. Industrial engineering majors study operations research, statistics, quality control, ergonomics, supply chains and manufacturing processes.
Skills: Process improvement, Data analysis, Quality methods, and Simulation. Pairs well with: Business, Supply Chain Management, Occupational Safety.
Chemical Engineering
Designs processes that turn raw materials into fuels, chemicals, medicines and products. Chemical engineering majors study chemistry, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering and process design.
Skills: Process analysis, Laboratory skills, Process safety, and Mathematical modeling. Pairs well with: Occupational Safety, Business, Environmental Studies.
Aerospace Engineering
Designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. Aerospace engineering majors study aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, flight mechanics and control systems.
Skills: Engineering analysis, CAD and simulation, Testing, and Programming. Pairs well with: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics.
Biomedical Engineering
Applies engineering to medicine: devices, implants, imaging and diagnostics. Biomedical engineering majors combine engineering with biology and physiology to design medical devices, prosthetics, imaging systems and lab equipment.
Skills: Device design, Lab testing, Regulatory awareness, and Data analysis. Pairs well with: Biology, Business, Chemistry.
Computer Engineering
Designs computer hardware and the software that runs closest to it. Computer engineering blends electrical engineering and computer science.
Skills: Hardware design, Embedded programming, Testing and debugging, and Systems thinking. Pairs well with: Computer Science, Mathematics, Cybersecurity.
Environmental Engineering
Designs systems that protect air, water and land from pollution. Environmental engineering majors study water and wastewater treatment, air quality, hazardous waste, environmental chemistry and regulations.
Skills: Environmental sampling, Regulatory compliance, Engineering design, and Data analysis. Pairs well with: Sustainability, Occupational Safety, Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Engineering Technology
An applied, hands-on engineering degree focused on building, testing and maintaining systems. Engineering technology programs emphasize applying engineering principles more than theory.
Skills: CAD, Testing and measurement, Troubleshooting, and Reading technical drawings. Pairs well with: Business, Occupational Safety, Project Management.
Architecture
Designs buildings and spaces that are useful, safe and beautiful. Architecture programs teach design studio, building technology, structures, history and theory, and digital design tools.
Skills: Design, 3D modeling and CAD, Sketching, and Building codes. Pairs well with: Construction Management, Sustainability, Business.
Practical training for engineering and architecture careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
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: Connected to your Mechanical Engineering major
A self-paced online course on what electronics technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: circuit theory, soldering and rework, and oscilloscopes and multimeters
Why it fits: Connected to your Electrical Engineering major
A self-paced online course on what CAD drafters do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: autoCAD, revit and BIM, and civil 3D
Why it fits: Connected to your Mechanical Engineering major
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: Connected to your Civil Engineering major
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: Connected to your Electrical Engineering major
A self-paced online course on what electronics engineers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: circuit design, PCB layout, and simulation
Why it fits: Connected to your Electrical Engineering major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Engineering and Architecture majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best engineering and architecture majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many engineering and architecture majors are there?
This guide covers 11 majors in engineering and architecture: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Architecture. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a engineering and architecture major?
Careers connected to these majors include mechanical engineer, mechanical engineering technician, electrical engineer, electronics engineer, civil engineer, civil engineering technician, industrial engineer, and industrial engineering technician. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which engineering and architecture majors are offered at the most colleges?
Engineering Technology (862 colleges), Electrical Engineering (423 colleges), Mechanical Engineering (422 colleges), and Civil Engineering (313 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which engineering and architecture programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Engineering Technology are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do engineering and architecture majors build?
Common skills include engineering analysis, CAD and simulation, circuit design, testing and measurement, structural design, engineering software, process improvement, and data analysis.
Can I study engineering and architecture online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a engineering and architecture career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.