Is 28 Too Old for an Engineering Degree?

Engineering is a great career for individuals who enjoy using science and technology to solve problems and design innovative solutions.

Individuals who have surpassed the traditional college age may ask: Is 28 too old for engineering? No, 28 is not too old for engineering. Individuals can become engineers and have successful careers at any age.

Making a career switch or starting an engineering degree later in life can actually have several key advantages. Learn more about earning an engineering degree as an adult and succeeding as an engineer.

How to Earn an Engineering Degree as an Adult

College degrees rarely have age limits so there is no reason not to enroll in a program that will support your personal and professional aspirations.

Non-traditional students may have full-time jobs and families and may find relocating or traveling to campus difficult in some cases.

Thankfully, online degree programs have been designed to support the needs of adult students with busy lives.

Finding an engineering program that will fit your financial situation and scheduling is an important part of successfully earning an engineering degree as an adult.

Once students have identified a suitable engineering program they will need to enroll and complete all required classes to earn the degree.

Benefits of Earning an Engineering Degree Later in Life

Students who wonder: 'Is 28 too old for engineering?' should consider the benefits of studying engineering as an adult student.

Broader Perspective

Choosing a college major at 18 can be a daunting task. Young students are often unsure what the day-to-day experience of different careers would be like.

By 28, individuals have likely spent some time in the workforce and have an understanding of what roles motivate them.

If you are considering studying engineering as an adult it is likely that you have a stronger sense of what your future career would be like.

Increased Motivation

Students who begin college directly after graduating from high school sometimes carry over old attitudes from their previous educational contexts.

Adult students are more likely to understand that they are freely choosing to gain an education and consider the long-term implications of the degree.

Students who wish to complete an engineering degree at 28 are typically highly motivated to achieve a career in engineering and will apply themselves to their studies.

A college degree is situated differently in the life of an adult student. Many distractions and concerns that can create difficulties for young students will be irrelevant for adult students.

Ability to Connect with Instructors

Young students can find interactions with instructors intimidating. Being able to confidently connect with instructors is a massive advantage of earning a degree as an adult.

Adult students are often able to connect with instructors and develop relationships that may lead to future professional opportunities.

What Will I Learn in an Engineering Degree?

Engineering is a very broad field with many different sub-fields, however, the need to solve problems in a strategic fashion creates some common themes across most engineering programs.

Successful engineering requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to approach problems systematically.

Most engineering programs will include a strong foundation in mathematics and the natural sciences. More specific courses will depend on the type of engineering degree pursued.

Many engineers now interact with advanced technology and software, so some computer science and computer programming courses may be included as well.

Types of Engineering Degrees

There are many different types of engineers corresponding to the specialized skills needed to solve different kinds of problems.

Here are some common types of engineering degrees to explore:

• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering
• civil engineering
• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• industrial engineering
• aerospace engineering
• computer engineering

Identifying an engineering program in your area of interest is crucial to gaining the skills you will need in your future career.

Many engineering programs will also allow students to explore multiple areas of interest through electives and additional specializations.

Is an Engineering Degree Worth It?

Students asking is 28 too old for engineering and is an engineering degree worth it can be confident that an engineering degree is typically a sound investment at any age.

High-quality engineering graduates are always in high demand. Engineers in many different fields help solve problems and keep society running smoothly.

Engineering is a well-compensated profession that can provide financial stability and a clear path to career progression.

Find an Engineering Degree Today

Individuals wondering is 28 too old for engineering should rest assured that it is never too late to earn a degree and start a career in engineering. Find a degree program that will support your needs and get started now.