Engineering Degree Requirements: What You Need to Know
Embarking on an engineering career path requires careful consideration of academic requirements and program specifications. Whether you’re a high school student planning your future or a professional seeking advancement, understanding these requirements is essential for making informed decisions about your engineering education.
Understanding Engineering Degree Requirements
Most undergraduate engineering programs have specific academic prerequisites that include:
- Competitive GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Strong standardized test scores (ACT/SAT)
- Solid foundation in mathematics and sciences
- For UK programs: 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 and relevant A-levels
Engineering degrees typically require 4-5 years of full-time study for bachelor’s programs, while master’s programs demand an existing bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
Overview of Bachelor of Science in Engineering
A Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) requires 120-128 credit hours covering:
- Mathematics and natural sciences fundamentals
- Core engineering principles
- Specialized engineering coursework
- General education requirements
- Laboratory work and design projects
- Potential internships or co-op experiences
Importance of ABET Accreditation
ABET accreditation represents the industry standard for engineering program quality, involving evaluation by over 2,200 industry experts. Programs must meet specific requirements including:
| Component | Duration/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and Sciences | One year with experimental components |
| Engineering Topics | One and a half years covering theory and design |
| General Education | Complementary technical content |
Core Curriculum for Engineering Degrees
Engineering programs follow a structured curriculum comprising 120-130 credit hours, with approximately 60% dedicated to technical courses. The curriculum progresses from foundational to specialized courses over four years.
Mathematics and Science Requirements
Mathematical coursework (24-32 credit hours) includes:
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Differential equations
- Linear algebra
- Statistics (specialty-dependent)
- Numerical methods
Science requirements (16-24 credit hours) encompass:
- Physics (mechanics, electricity, magnetism)
- Chemistry fundamentals
- Laboratory components
- Specialized science courses based on discipline
Engineering and Computing Courses
Core engineering fundamentals include:
- Engineering mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Materials science
- Electrical circuits
- Engineering design
- Technical communication
- Engineering ethics
Computing requirements (6-12 credits) cover programming languages like Python, MATLAB, or C++, with additional specialized software applications based on the chosen engineering field.
Liberal Studies and Humanities
Engineering programs incorporate 18-24 credits in liberal studies and humanities to develop well-rounded professionals. The curriculum focuses on essential communication skills through courses in:
- Composition and technical writing
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Professional communication strategies
- Documentation and reporting methods
The humanities component extends beyond communication to include courses that broaden engineers’ perspectives:
- Engineering ethics and professional responsibility
- Economics and social sciences
- History of technology
- Philosophy of science
- Environmental impact studies
Additional Requirements for Graduation
| Requirement Type | Typical Standards |
|---|---|
| Overall GPA | 2.0-3.0 |
| Technical GPA | 2.5 or higher |
| Total Credits | 120-135 hours |
| Residency Credits | 30-60 credits |
Credit and GPA Requirements
Engineering programs maintain rigorous academic standards through a tiered GPA system:
- Cumulative GPA: 2.0-2.5 for good academic standing
- Technical GPA: 2.5-3.0 for engineering courses
- Honors track requirements: 3.2-3.5 GPA
- Foundation courses: Minimum grade of C required
- Degree completion timeframe: 150% of standard duration
Physical Education and Electives
Physical education requirements typically comprise 1-4 credits, focusing on fitness, health education, and wellness management for career longevity.
The elective structure includes:
- Technical electives: 9-15 credits in specialized engineering topics
- Free electives: 6-12 credits for complementary fields
- Specialized areas: Robotics, renewable energy, advanced materials
- Interdisciplinary options: Business, computer science, sustainability
Path to Engineering Licensure
Professional engineering licensure follows a structured pathway requiring:
- Four-year degree from an ABET-accredited program
- Fundamentals of Engineering exam completion
- Supervised work experience under licensed professionals
- Successful completion of Principles and Practice of Engineering exam
- State licensing board approval
Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) gain expanded career opportunities, higher earning potential, and legal authority to approve engineering plans and designs.
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam represents the initial step toward engineering licensure. Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), this computer-based assessment evaluates fundamental engineering concepts from undergraduate studies.
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Questions | 110 multiple-choice |
| First-time Pass Rate | 65-85% (discipline dependent) |
The exam offers seven specialized versions:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Other Disciplines
Upon successful completion, candidates receive an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) designation, depending on state requirements.
Professional Engineer License
The Professional Engineer (PE) license marks the pinnacle of engineering credentials, signifying full professional status. Qualifying requirements include:
- Four years of documented engineering experience under licensed PE supervision
- Progressive responsibility demonstration in engineering projects
- Detailed documentation of professional accomplishments
- Verification from professional references
- Successful completion of an 8-hour comprehensive discipline-specific exam
Licensed PEs must maintain their credentials through continuing education, typically requiring 15-30 professional development hours annually. State reciprocity agreements facilitate license mobility, though additional requirements may apply when changing jurisdictions. This ongoing professional development ensures engineers stay current with emerging technologies and industry standards throughout their careers.
