Key Takeaways

• The common categories of engineering include chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
• The top 20 universities known for engineering are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California - Berkley, Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University - West Lafayette, University of Texas - Austin, California Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Texas A&M University, University of California - San Diego, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Columbia University (Fu Foundation), Cornell University, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Harvard University, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin - Madison.
• Mechanical engineering is the "most popular engineering degree." About 50,000 undergraduate degrees are awarded each year. " Popular universities for mechanical engineering majors include University of Michigan and Stanford University.

Introduction

Categories of Engineering (chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical) or other ways engineering is categorized and why

Summary

• According to Zippia, there are 20 categories of engineering.
• The common categories of engineering include chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
• Examples of other categories and sub-fields of engineering include aerospace, agricultural, architectural, biomedical, computer, petroleum, environmental, and industrial.

Analysis: The Major Types of Engineering

Chemical Engineering

• Chemical engineering leverages sciences, such as maths, physics, and chemistry to solve problems in the production and use of drugs, foods, and chemicals.
• Most chemical engineers work in laboratories and offices.  
• "Chemical engineers use their knowledge in the sciences as well as manufacturing to bring chemical processes developed in a laboratory to a commercial or industrial process to create products and then evaluate and improve those processes."
•  Sub-fields of chemical engineering include materials engineering and biomedical engineering.
• Chemical engineers are mostly employed by manufacturing plants to improve product quality and production.
• According to Zippia, the average annual salary of a chemical engineer is $89,000.  

Civil Engineering

• Civil engineering focuses on solving infrastructure problems.  
• Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, sewer and water systems, and dams. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, examples of historic landmarks include Acequias of San Antonio, Bailey Island Bridge, Cabin John Aqueduct, Davis Island Lock & Dam, and Eads Bridge.
• According to Zippia, the average annual salary of a civil engineer is $70,000. 
• Sub-fields of civil engineering include environmental engineering, structural engineering, and geological engineering.
• Civil engineers require a bachelor's degree to practice. In addition, the might require licensure to be promoted to senior positions.
• Civil engineers can specialize in technical areas, such as architectural, construction, geotechnical, surveying, and utility engineering.

 

Source

 

Electrical Engineering

• Electrical engineering focuses on the "design, testing and manufacturing of electrical components, such as motors, navigation, communications systems and power generation."
• Electrical engineering is a broad field and includes computer design and manufacturing. In addition, electrical engineers are credit for inventions, such as the radio, induction motor, and television.
• Sub-fields of electrical engineering include data engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and electronics and communications engineering.
• According to Zippia, the average annual salary of an electrical engineer is $74,000.  
• Electrical engineers applied principles of physics, maths, and technology to solve problems.

Mechanical Engineering

• Mechanical engineering focuses on the design and development of "mechanical and thermal sensing devices" such as machines, tools, and engines.
• Mechanical engineers work with robots, generators, air conditioning systems, and more. In addition, they investigate equipment failure and determine the parts that need repair.
• Sub-fields of mechanical engineering include aerospace engineering and automotive engineering.
• According to Zippia, the average annual salary of a mechanical engineer is $72,000.  
• Mechanical engineers require a bachelor's degree to practice.

Conclusion

• The major types of engineering are chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
• The average annual salary of chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers ranges from $70,000 to $89,000.  
• Engineers mostly apply principles of maths and physics to solve problems.
• There are approximately 20 categories s of engineering.

Who are the top 20 Universities known for engineering?

Summary

• The top 20 universities known for engineering are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California - Berkley, Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University - West Lafayette, University of Texas - Austin, California Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Texas A&M University, University of California - San Diego, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Columbia University (Fu Foundation), Cornell University, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Harvard University, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Analysis

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked the top university known for engineering. It had an acceptance rate of 6.7% in 2021. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is approximately $55,510 per year.
• Stanford University is ranked the second best university known for engineering. The university's acceptance rate in 2021 was 4.3%. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is about $57,861 per year.
• The University of Cambridge is ranked the third best university known for engineering. The university's acceptance rate in 2021 was 21%.
• ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology is ranked the fourth-best university known for engineering. It had an acceptance rate of 27% in 2021.
• University of California Berkley is ranked among the top universities known for engineering. It has an acceptance rate of 16.3%. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is about $11,442 per year.
• The California Institute of Technology had an acceptance rate of 6.4% in 2021. On the other hand, Princeton University had an acceptance rate of 5.8% in 2021.
• In addition, Columbia University had an acceptance rate of 5.4% in 2021. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is approximately $54,528 per year.
• Cornell University had an acceptance rate of 10.9% in 2021. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is approximately $29,500 per year.
• Harvard University had an acceptance rate of 4.6% in 2021. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is approximately $58,224 per year. Conversely,
• The University of Wisconsin - Madison had an acceptance rate of 54.4% in 2021. The tuition fees for a master's degree program is approximately $10,728 per year.

Conclusion

•  Massachusetts Institute of Technology is considered the top university known for engineering.
• The tuition fees for a master's degree program in the top 20 universities range from $10,554 to $58,224 per year.
• The acceptance rate for the top engineering universities in 2021 was between 4.3% and 54.4%.

What are the fields of study at university (majors, emphasis)

Summary

• Engineering has a wide range of specializations ranging from chemical engineering to environmental engineering.
• According to Interesting Engineering, the most popular engineering majors in the United States are mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, general engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace and aeronautical engineering, and petroleum engineering.

Analysis

• Mechanical engineering is the "most popular engineering degree." About 50,000 undergraduate degrees are awarded each year. " Popular universities for mechanical engineering majors include University of Michigan and Stanford University.
• Electrical engineering is the second most popular engineering degree. Over 31,000 undergraduate degrees are awarded annually. Popular universities for electrical engineering majors include the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of Texas, and University of California - Berkeley.
• Civil engineering is among the most popular engineering degrees in the US with approximately 22,000 students graduating annually. Popular universities for civil engineering majors include University of California - Berkeley and the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign.
• Computer engineering is the fourth most popular engineering degree with more than 15,000 graduates annually. Popular universities for computer engineering majors include Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• More than 14,000 undergraduates are awarded chemical engineering degrees annually. Popular universities for chemical engineering majors include, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of California - Berkeley.
• Approximately 12,000 students graduate with biomedical degrees each year. Popular universities for biomedical engineering majors include Boston University and Arizona State University.
• About 12,000 students are awarded general engineering degrees annually. Popular universities for general engineering majors include East Carolina University, University of California-Davis, and Arizona State University-Polytechnic.
• About 10,000 students graduate with industrial engineering degrees annually. Popular universities associated with industrial engineering include Purdue University, University of Michigan, and Georgia Institute of Technology.
• Approximately 7,000 students are awarded aerospace and aeronautical engineering degrees annually. Popular schools in the United States for aerospace and electrical engineering include Purdue University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
• Petroleum engineering is a popular engineering major in the US with 2,200 students graduating each year. Popular schools for petroleum engineering include Pennsylvania State University, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, and Colorado School of Mines.

Conclusion

• The top five most popular engineering majors in the US are mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, and chemical engineering.
•  Mechanical engineering is the most popular engineering major in the United States.

What are the enrollment numbers in those fields (general and by gender)

Summary

• Mechanical engineering had the highest enrollment in 2020.
• Computer science and electrical engineer also had high enrollments in 2020.
• Majority of engineering students in the US are male. 

Analysis

• According to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 130,013 undergraduate students in the US enrolled for mechanical engineering in the US in 2020.
• In addition, 104,949 enrolled for computer science, which is a category of engineering.
• In the same year, 48,170 students enrolled for electrical engineering.
• Furthermore, 50,375 students enrolled for civil engineering in 2020.
• The ASEE reported that 37,560 undergraduate students enrolled for chemical engineering in 2020.
• In the same year, 34,538 students enrolled for biomedical engineering.
• Also, 21,218 students enrolled for general engineering.
• On the other hand, 20,588 students enrolled for industrial engineering.
• Additionally, 24,943 students enrolled for aerospace engineering.
• In 2020, 2,751 students enrolled for petroleum engineering.
• In 2020, males made up 75.5% of engineering students in the United States. Females made up 24.5%.

Conclusion

• Majority of engineering students in the US major in mechanical engineering.  
• Other popular fields that engineering students specialize in include computer science and electrical engineering.
• Women make up 24.5% of engineering students in the US.

What are the main engineering career applications

Summary

• According to Zippia, the "15 types of engineering jobs" that are common are aerospace, agriculture, architectural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, environmental-safety-health, industrial, marine, mechanical, nuclear, and petroleum engineering.

Analysis

• The average annual salaries for the main engineering career applications are as follows:
• Aerospace Engineer - $85,000. 
• Agricultural Engineer - $74,000. 
• Architectural Engineer - $83,000. 
• Biomedical Engineer - $76,000. 
• Chemical Engineer - $89,000. 
• Civil Engineer - $70,000 
• Computer Engineer - $83,000. 
• Electrical Engineer - $74,000. 
• Environmental Engineer - $66,000. 
• Environmental Safety Health Engineer - $70,000. 
• Industrial Engineer - $73,000.  
• Marine Engineer - $84,000. 
• Mechanical Engineer - $72,000. 
• Nuclear Engineer - $85,000.  
• Petroleum Engineer - $109,000.  

Conclusion

• Petroleum engineers have the highest annual average salary at $109,000.
• The average annual salary of a chemical engineer is $89,000.
• The main engineering jobs pay between $60,000 and $109,000 annually.

Categories of engineers, titles, education required

Summary

• There are 15 main categories of engineers. They include aerospace, agriculture, architectural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, environmental-safety-health, industrial, marine, mechanical, nuclear, and petroleum engineers.

Analysis

• "Some of the desired skills and qualifications for an aerospace engineer include a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/aerospace engineering, security clearance, C++, project management, and SolidWorks."
• Many employers looking for agricultural engineers do not request for a specialized degree. They may accept any engineering degree or a bachelor's related to earth sciences and soil chemistry.
• Architectural engineers require a degree in architecture or architectural engineering. In addition, top skills required include project management, Jave, C++, and Python.
• A biomedical engineering or electrical engineering degree is required for one to be employed as a biomedical engineer.
• Chemical engineer jobs require most candidates to have a bachelor's in chemical engineering.  
• A majority of civil engineers have a bachelor's or master's in civil engineering.  
• Computer engineering jobs require degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering.
• Most environmental engineers either have a degree in environmental or civil engineering. 
• Electrical, petroleum, nuclear, mechanical, and marine engineering jobs require candidates to have bachelor's degrees in their respective areas of specialty.
• Most environmental-safety-health engineers do not require an engineering degree. A bachelor's degree in related fields such as occupational safety and health and environmental science is common among these professionals.
• In addition, industrial engineers are not required to have a degree in industrial engineering. However, a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, engineering, or similar is required.

Conclusion

• All engineers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree. 
• Some engineers, such as environmental and industrial engineers are not required to have bachelor's degrees in their area of specialty. However, they are required to have bachelor's degrees in related fields such as supply chain management.  

How many and/or percentage of each type, title (general and by gender)

Summary

• There are more male engineers than female engineers in the United States.  
• The engineering category that has employed the most engineers is mechanical engineering.

Analysis

• There are more than 5,292 employed aerospace engineers in the United States. "11.2% of all Aerospace Engineers are women, while 88.8% are men." 
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1,500 employed agriculture engineers in the US. About 82.2% of agriculture engineers are male while 17.8% are female.
• There are more than 13,402 employed biomedical engineers in the United States. Out of these, 75% are men while 25% are women.
• There are over 20,103 employed chemical engineers in the US out of which 74.1% are men and 25.9% are women.
• There are more than 110,559 employed civil engineers in the US out of which 83.6% are men and 16.4% are women.
• There are about 21,405 employed computer engineers in the US out of which 86.3% are men and 13.7% are women.
• According to Zippia, there are more than 96,678 employed electrical engineers in the US out of which 90% are men and 10% are women.
• There are approximately more than 56,037 employed environmental engineers in the US out of which 70.5% are men and 29.5% are women. On the other hand, "there are over 6,352 Environmental, Safety, & Health Engineers currently employed in the United States" out of which 72.3% are men and 27.7% are women. Additionally, there are about 122,275 employed industrial engineers in the United States out of which 80.2% are men and 19.8% are women.
• There are more than 140,586 mechanical engineers in the United States out of which 90.6% are men and 9.4% are women. On the other hand, according to BLS, there are 17,200 engineering jobs.
• There are more than 2,736 petroleum engineers in the United States out of which 88.1% are men and 11.9% are women.

Conclusion

• There are more male mechanical engineers in the US than female mechanical engineers.  
• Women are more represented in environmental engineering compared to any other top engineering category.

How many open jobs of each type?

Summary

• According to Glassdoor, computer engineering has the most open jobs.  
•  Agriculture has the least number of open jobs on Glassdoor.

Analysis

• The number of open jobs in the US for each of the main 15 engineering category/types on Glassdoor has been provided below.
•  Aerospace - 4,235.
•  Agriculture - 84.
•   Architectural - 5,493.
• Biomedical - 1,676.
• Chemical - 5,669.
• Civil - 15,834.
• Computer - 85,429. 
• Electrical - 25,043.
• Environmental - 4,275.
• Industrial - 18,320
• Marine - 1,779.
• Mechanical - 17,086. 
• Nuclear - 271.
• Petroleum engineers - 620.

Conclusion

• Categories or types of engineering with the most open jobs on Glassdoor include computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.

What are the most placed entry level job titles for engineering majors and by category?

Summary

• According to Indeed, the most place entry level job title for engineering majors is computer engineering.
• Other regularly placed entry level job titles are electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering.

Analysis

•  Details regarding the most placed entry level job titles for engineering majors and by category according to Indeed have been provided below.  
•  Mechanical - 4,973.  
•  Aerospace - 1,172.  
•  Agriculture - 342.   
•  Architectural - 1,928. 
•  Biomedical- 2,514. 
•  Chemical - 1,437. 
•  Civil - 7,032.
• Computer - 27,447.
• Electrical - 7,917.  
• Environmental - 1,516.
• Industrial - 5,229.
• Marine - 498.
• Nuclear - 152.
• Petroleum - 144.

Conclusion

• The most placed entry level job titles are computer engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering.
• The least placed entry level job titles in the top 15 main categories are petroleum, nuclear, marine, and agriculture engineering.

Research Strategy