Types of Engineering Degrees

From the development of robots and programming software to manufacturing giant aircraft and constructing humongous buildings, Engineers are required in almost every sector. With excellent employment and career opportunities, it is one of the most opted degree courses after 12th Science. Though traditional types of engineering degrees like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Science are common, a wide range of new and emerging disciplines like Nanoscience, Biotechnology, Petroleum Engineering, etc are now being explored by scores of students. In this blog, we have collated a list of both, conventional as well as new Engineering fields that have opened employment avenues across sectors!

Types of Engineering Degrees: Traditional Courses

When it comes to the engineering branches, there are some, which have been opted by scores of students for ages. Thus, they still are popular choices amongst many. Enlisted are some of the traditional types of Engineering degrees. 

• Computer Science Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering 
• Civil Engineering 
• Mechanical Engineering 
• Chemical Engineering 
• Aerospace Engineering 
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering 
• Architectural Engineering

Types of Engineering Degrees: Emerging Programs

With the advent of new technologies and the growing interdependence of different sectors over each other, new and multidisciplinary engineering courses have emerged. With applications rooted in different industries, here are some of the best Engineering courses for future which you must consider:

• Engineering Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering 
• Biomedical Engineering 
• Biomechanical Engineering 
• Automotive Engineering 
• Structural Engineering 
• Mechatronics Engineering 
• Geomatics Engineering
• Robotics Engineering 
• Microelectronic Engineering 
• Materials Science Engineering 
• Agricultural Engineering 
• Paper Engineering 
• Geological Engineering 
• Marine Engineering 
• Photonics Engineering 
• Space Science Engineering
• Mining Engineering 
• Ceramics Engineering 

Also Read: Masters in Mechanical Engineering in Canada

Types of Engineering Degrees: Brief Overview

Now that you know and must have seen the above enlisted different types of engineering degrees, let us understand the salient features of some of them. 

Mechanical Engineering 

Encompassing the elements of nanotechnology, nuclear power production, manufacturing process, thermodynamics, structural analysis, material science as well as kinematics, Mechanical Engineering is a popular choice amongst students. Being a vast domain, you can also choose to specialize in sub-branches like Ceramic, Robotics, Manufacturing, and Tool and Die making. Here are some of the leading universities offering different types of engineering degrees in this field: 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Stanford University
• University of Cambridge
• Harvard University
• Delft University of Technology

Electrical Engineering 

When it comes to the types of engineering degrees, Electrical Engineering is one of the oldest and coveted options. It involves the study and development of efficient technology, electronic equipment, communication and navigation systems, power grids as well as automobiles for various applications. You can pursue this course from some of the academic institutes mentioned below: 

• California Institute of Technology 
• The University of Illinois
• Georgia Institute of Technology 
• The University of Michigan
• Carnegie Mellon University 

Civil Engineering

Not only the oldest, but Civil Engineering is one of the fastest-growing types of engineering degrees even in the modern world. Apart from Project Management, you will also be familiarized with concepts related to Earthquake Engineering, Materials, Steel and Masonry Structure, Concrete Technology, etc. Offered in the form of Certificate, Bachelor’s, Masters as well as at Doctorate, here are some of the top-notch universities offering various types of Civil Engineering courses:

• University of Cambridge
• University of California Berkeley
• The University of Sydney 
• The Polytechnic University of Milan
• University of Oxford

Architectural Engineering 

Another addition to our list of different types of engineering degrees in Architectural Engineering. Dealing with devising a blueprint of buildings and smart cities while taking parameters like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, environmental effects, earthquake protection, electrical and fire protection, etc into consideration, Architectural Engineering is an excellent choice for those who want to apply technical knowledge in designing. It is available in the form of certificate, degree, and doctorate programs by some of the universities mentioned below. 

• The University of Edinburgh
• Manchester School of Architecture
• Harvard University
• The Bartlett School of Architecture
• Delft University of Technology

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering, in its widest meaning, is a type of engineering degree or field that is primarily concerned with chemicals. These engineers create materials and products by using scientific concepts from chemistry, biology, arithmetic, and physics. They may also devise novel methods of harnessing and transforming energy. Chemical engineers work with microbes, food, medicines, and fuels, and they frequently conduct research and other activities in laboratories. Offered in the form of Certificate, Bachelor’s, Masters as well as at Doctorate, here are some of the top-notch universities offering various types of Chemical Engineering courses: 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• National University of Singapore
• University of California Berkeley
• University of Cambridge

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is another type of engineering field that integrates engineering with common business techniques to decrease costs, enhance quality, and boost efficiency. These experts are frequently employed in areas such as service, entertainment, and healthcare, among others. As an industrial engineer, you must be able to collaborate with others while emphasizing safety and productivity. The major responsibilities of industrial engineers may include developing facilities and information systems, managing inventory, supervising staff assignments, and assuring workplace safety. Here are some world-renowned universities that are offering different courses in Industrial Engineering: 

• IU International University of Applied Sciences
• University of Regina
• University of Michigan
• University of California Berkeley
• Stanford University

Aerospace Engineering 

A degree in Aerospace Engineering involves the study of air and space transport. Military aircraft design and development, as well as commercial airline design and satellite technology, may be included. Aerospace Engineering is concerned with aircraft and spacecraft that fly outside of our atmosphere. Enlisted below are some of the popular universities for Aerospace Engineering: 

• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Delft University of Technology
• University of Oxford
• Nanyang Technological University

Biomedical Engineering 

Do you want to learn about the science underlying human diseases and what causes them? Maybe you’re more interested in developing technology that leads to better diagnosis and treatment. Biomedical engineering integrates the study of medicine and biology. Biomedical engineers apply their design abilities to biological and medical sciences. They do this to assist in the improvement of healthcare treatment technologies. They create and maintain diagnostic instruments. EEGs, MRIs, and other imaging machines are examples of medical devices. These devices are used by physicians to diagnose medical issues in their patients. This is a fast-paced business that, while hard, maybe a rewarding career path to pursue. Here are top universities for Biomedical Engineering around the world: 

• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Fudan University
• National University of Singapore
• Seoul National University
• University College London

Also Read: Automotive Engineering Universities

20 Types of Engineering

Do you want to pursue a type of engineering degree that is different from the traditional ones? We are sure you haven’t heard about these unusual types of engineering degrees. Here is the list of few courses:

• Sports Engineering
• Formula One Racing Engineer
• NASA Curiosity Driver
• Entertainment Engineer
• Photonics Engineer
• Chocolate Engineer
• LEGO Designer
• Rollercoaster Engineer
• Music Machine Learning Engineer
• Skatepark Engineer
• Ceramic Engineering
• Earthquake Engineering
• Fashion Engineering
• Food Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Plastics Engineering
• Polymer Engineering
• Marine Engineering
• Paint Technology Engineering

Also Read: Engineering Scholarships

Top 7 Unique Types of Engineering Degrees

Now that you have heard about chocolate engineer and sports engineering, be prepared to read some of the engineering departments you haven’t heard of before:

• Carpet Engineering
• Mining Machinery Engineering
• Automation Engineering
• Landspace Engineering
• Photonics Engineering
• Paper Engineering
• Hydraulic Engineering

Types of Engineering Degrees in India

When it comes to the different types of engineering degrees, it is important to note that many fields are interdisciplinary and hence, some fall within the bracket of one type while also sharing applications in the other types. Tabulated below is a list of Engineering fields with their sub-branches that will make things clear. 

Engineering Disciplines	Sub-branches
Civil Engineering	Structural Engineering Transportation Engineering Water Engineering Forensic Engineering Geotechnical Engineering
Chemical Engineering	Paper and Pulp Engineering Biochemical Engineering Material Science Engineering Nuclear Engineering
Mechanical Engineering	Manufacturing Engineering Thermal Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Aerospace Engineering Railway Engineering Acoustical Engineering
Electrical Engineering	Robotics and Automation Engineering Microelectronic Engineering Power Engineering Telecommunications Engineering Satellite Engineering Photonics Engineering
Computer/Software Engineering	Bioinformatics Engineering Computer Software/Hardware Engineering Software and Data Engineering Data Engineering

Types of Engineering Degrees and Salaries

Engineering is a vast area of study and there are different types of engineering, but when it comes down to the basics, engineering is all about using specialized bases of knowledge to solve a critical problem. Since we witness a wide variety of problems, we have an equally wide range of engineering jobs. The salary varies for different types of engineering as well. However, the average salary of an Engineering graduate in India is INR 2,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum.

FAQs

Hence, when it comes to different types of engineering degrees, there is a wide range of options to choose from! Want to pursue engineering from a  globally acclaimed university? The admission process seems daunting? Then reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu through an e-meeting and get assistance right from completing admission formalities to writing an impressive SOP!