7 Engineering Degree Areas of Study | Coursera

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Engineering is a broad field of study offering many options. Learn about the different engineering degrees available to earn.
An engineering degree includes many specialized fields of study, such as computer, mechanical, and chemical engineering.
Engineering degree programs are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels, with an associate degree serving as an entry point into a bachelor’s program.
Explore various engineering programs, such as chemical, civil, mechanical, or geotechnical engineering or engineering management, based on your areas of interest.
You can earn a computer engineering degree, which blends electrical engineering and computer science, or an electrical engineering degree, which may be ideal if you enjoy math and physics.
Learn more about the different areas of engineering you can study, as well as the academic degree levels available to earn.
Engineering is a broad field containing several areas. Learn more about the types of engineering degrees you can earn.
A computer engineering degree combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science. It typically requires students to master advanced mathematics, multiple programming languages, computer architecture, circuit analysis, operating systems, and more. To be successful in computer engineering, you'll usually need strong mathematical ability, logical thinking, attention to detail, and an interest in both hardware and software components.
Learn more: Advancing Her Technical Prowess: Meet Dartmouth MEng Student Emily Marciniak
If you enjoy math and physics, you may want to consider an electrical engineering degree. Electrical engineering (EE) can involve designing, creating, and testing electrical equipment or robotics. Electrical engineers work for manufacturing and telecommunication companies and sometimes for the federal government.
Chemical engineering deals with converting materials into products through chemical processes. Earning a degree in chemical engineering could lead to a career in medicine, energy, manufacturing, biotechnology, or environmental sustainability, among others. Niche degrees in chemical engineering include:
Environmental engineering
Agricultural engineering
Materials engineering
Biomedical engineering
This degree program is a step toward becoming a civil engineer, where you'll design things that involve infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems, and ensure they're safe for public use. You can work for governments, private companies, or non-profit companies in this position. Other fields of civil engineering you might study include:
Structural engineering
Architectural engineering
Transportation engineering
Construction engineering
In a mechanical engineering degree program, you'll learn how to design and build machines, ranging from generators and engines to elevators and air conditioners. It's a broad field with job opportunities across a variety of industries. More specialized types of mechanical engineering degrees include:
Aerospace engineering
Biomechanical engineering
Automotive engineering
Mechatronics engineering
If you're interested in pursuing a leadership role in the world of technology, it may be worth pursuing an engineering management degree. This multidisciplinary degree combines engineering science, business administration, and organizational management coursework. Related multidisciplinary degrees include:
Industrial engineering
Geotechnical engineering is sometimes considered a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the mechanics and properties of soil, rocks, and groundwater (and their interaction with human-made structures and materials). Some subfields of geotechnical engineering include:
Petroleum engineering
Ceramics engineering
Geomatics engineering
Geological engineering
If you enjoy problem-solving and want to have a positive impact on the lives of others, a career in engineering can be rewarding. As an engineer, you'll get to think creatively to solve real-world problems and, in doing so, make the world a better place. Engineers typically enjoy high starting salaries and levels of job satisfaction, low unemployment rates, and the ability to specialize in various fascinating fields.
It's possible to earn an engineering degree at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, depending on your career goals. Let's take a closer look at why you might pursue each type:
Associate degree: Many engineering positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but you could transition into a bachelor's program with your associate degree. An associate degree allows you to complete general education requirements and take some engineering courses, often at a lower cost than a traditional four-year program.
Bachelor's degree: Most engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree and passage of a licensing exam. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Check to make sure the school you attend meets the requirements for your state. This is especially important if you attend a school in a state different from where you'll be licensed.
Master's degree: If you're seeking to advance your career, a master’s degree can be beneficial. While a master's degree is not typically required to sit for an engineering licensure exam, earning one may enhance your resume and expertise. You may have the option of earning a Master of Engineering (ME) or a Master of Science (MS) in Engineering. Generally, an ME is likely the better option if you are interested in an engineering career and want to develop your technical knowledge, leadership, and project management skills. However, if you’re interested in pursuing your PhD or a career in engineering research, an MS is likely the better choice.
Doctoral degree: The field of engineering offers two types of doctoral degrees. If your career goal is to teach engineering, you may need a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in engineering to qu