What Degree Do You Need to Be an Engineer? | Coursera

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Discover more about the type of degree you need to be an engineer, the various qualifications you may need, and the majors for engineering that might best suit your career goals.
Engineering roles require different types of degrees, from a bachelor’s to a doctoral degree, depending on the employer and the specific job you’re interested in pursuing.
Typically, an electrical engineer needs a degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology, or another related field.
Most engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, focused on the area of engineering in which they aim to work.
Among the highest-paid engineering professionals are computer engineers, with a median annual salary of $161,740 [1]. Continue reading to discover the types of engineering degrees available, along with more specifics about salary and job outlook information related to different fields of engineering.
To be an engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field, and some engineering positions may require you to obtain a master’s degree or even a doctorate. The following list offers a more detailed view of several engineering positions, including the common majors and degrees you will need to be eligible for these jobs.
Median annual salary: $100,840 [2]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 6 percent; faster than average [2]
Degree needed to be a civil engineer: To become a civil engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or a related field.
Civil engineers are vital in building the structures integral to a functioning society. If you plan to become a civil engineer, you will design and build bridges, tunnels, roads, buildings, sewer systems, and other relevant infrastructure. Designing and solving problems with civil infrastructure will be your primary responsibility, and you might find yourself working in both an office and on construction sites in the public and private sectors.
You may need a Professional Engineer (PE) license to provide public services. You may also earn a certification in geotechnical engineering from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Finally, some employers may require you to have a master’s or a doctorate.
Read more: What Is the NCEES PE Exam?
Median annual salary: $104,110 [3]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 11 percent, much faster than average [3]
Degree needed to be a mechanical engineer: To be a mechanical engineer, you must get a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, robotics, electrical engineering, or another relevant field.
Mechanical engineering is a broad field encompassing research, design, manufacturing, testing of devices, and more. For this reason, you’ll want to acquire extensive math and science knowledge. As the widest-ranging engineering category, mechanical engineering allows you to work on many mechanical devices, from home appliances and electrical generators to robots and power plants. As a mechanical engineer, you will be qualified to work on various projects and should be an excellent problem-solver.
If you apply for higher-up positions, some employers may require a master’s or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or project management.
Median annual salary: $161,740 [4]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 9 percent; much faster than average [4]
Degree needed to be a computer engineer: You will need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information technology, or a relevant field from an accredited program to become a computer engineer.
Computer engineers work with computer systems, designing and building their components and the systems themselves. You’ll apply this creative skill set to construct sensors, networks, and storage devices. As a computer engineer, you will work with software, hardware, circuit boards, networks, and routers to keep things running smoothly in products such as phones, cars, appliances, and airplanes. You may also research computer systems to stay updated with advancing technologies.
Within the field of computer engineering, you may choose to specialize in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, or computer science. If you work for a more prominent firm, you may also need a master’s in computer engineering or business administration.
Median annual salary: $125,040 [5]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 8 percent; much faster than average [5]
Degree needed to be an electrical engineer: To become an electrical engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology, or another related field.
Electrical engineers develop, build, and test electrical systems. As an electrical engineer, you will work with communication systems, motors, power grids, and electronics. You will test electronics and implement them within different industries, including telecommunications, research, manufacturing, or architecture.
Employers will also take note if you have practical or internship experience in electrical engineering. You can earn a master’s or doctorate to gain advanced knowledge, but employers don’t typically require them.
Median annual salary: $125,040 [6]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 5 percent; faster than average [6]
Degree needed to be a chemical engineer: If you want to become a chemical engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
As a chemical engineer, you will conduct research to develop and study manufacturing processes, establish and maintain safety regulations, and design processes for chemical production. You will be in charge of the methods for producing food, fuel, chemicals, biologicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. Chemical e