Learn engineering

Benefits of learning engineering

• Engineers earn higher-than-average salaries: May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) placed their median income at $106,070 per year.
• According to the BLS, 2023–33 job growth for engineers could reach as high as 12.2%, depending on specialization.
• Engineering degrees are versatile, offering excellent cross-industry transferability and global relevance.

How to learn engineering

Before enrolling in engineering courses, it's wise to spend some time laying the groundwork for academic and professional success. These considerations can help you prepare:

1. Discover which branches of engineering interest you

Engineering is a broad field, and you can pursue many branches and specializations. Examples include civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, among others.

Some specializations may appeal to you more than others, so start by familiarizing yourself with the various paths your studies can take. You may find your calling, which can help you identify academic programs that best match your interests.

2. Strengthen your math and science skills

As both an academic discipline and a professional field, engineering deeply engages both mathematics and the physical sciences.

Branches of mathematics that intersect with engineering include:

• Calculus
• Geometry
• Probability and statistics
• Trigonometry

Engineering also draws heavily on physics, and some specializations may deal with chemistry and biology.

If you've been out of school for a while, or if you want to improve your background knowledge in these areas, consider taking standalone science or math courses.

3. Pursue an engineering degree

Many engineering specializations require a license, and you'll need a degree to qualify for yours. Even if a license isn't strictly required in your preferred engineering specialization, chances are you'll need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the field.

Advanced degrees can help expedite your path to licensure and improve your professional prospects. As such, you may want to consider a master's degree in engineering. Graduate-level credentials may enhance your appeal to employers, and they can also lead to higher pay and more opportunities for advancement.

4. Participate in hands-on experience

Academic credentials can support career entry and advancement, but sometimes they don't tell the whole story. Enhancing your portfolio with hands-on projects showcases your abilities to potential employers while sharpening your skills and expanding your professional network.

As a learner, you can participate in internships, practicums, and work-study placements with businesses. You can also seek out opportunities through student competitions, robotics clubs, or personal projects.

How long does it take to learn engineering?

Engineering is a complex field that involves lifelong learning, and successful professionals often display a strong commitment to ongoing career development.

Timelines to become an engineer vary, depending on how you'd like to balance classroom training with on-the-job learning. In general, it takes about four years to earn a bachelor's degree. Transfer credits can reduce this timeline by as many as three years.

Adding a master's degree usually requires 1-2 additional years of full-time study. However, some schools offer accelerated bachelor's-to-master's engineering programs, which confer undergraduate and graduate degrees in about five years.

Careers in engineering

Engineering knowledge can open up new career opportunities. The functions that you will perform depend on the type of engineering that you pursue.

Engineers in every specialization need strong problem-solving abilities and working knowledge of data modeling, structural analysis, and computer science. Whether you have a creative or analytical personality, engineering can engage your mind and challenge you professionally.

Note that some careers may require additional training, certifications, or licensure. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with advanced degrees.

Explore common engineering roles along with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Curriculum

Because engineering encompasses so many disciplines, coursework may vary depending on your chosen path.

The core courses in a general engineering program typically cover scientific, mathematical, and technical concepts.

General engineering courses

• Control systems
• Data science
• Energy systems
• Fluid mechanics
• Machine learning
• Manufacturing processes
• MATLAB and other programming languages
• Optimization problems
• Sustainable engineering design
• Systems engineering
• Thermodynamics

If you want to study engineering online, there are many options available. For example, edX offers a wide selection of online engineering courses, certificates, and degree programs.

This comprehensive, diverse suite of learning opportunities covers topics such as:

• Applied artificial intelligence
• Engineering project management
• Energy efficiency and sustainability
• Computational science and engineering
• Data engineering
• Mathematical techniques for engineering
• Software engineering
• Structural engineering

Learn engineering on edX

Whether you're interested in becoming an automotive engineer, an engineering project manager, or a supply chain engineer, gaining the requisite skills is the first step.

Start your learning journey and prepare for an exciting career in engineering. Explore the learning opportunities that edX offers, which include everything from shorter, intensive boot camps to full graduate degrees.