What are the Requirements for Becoming an Engineer in the U.S.?

<h3 id="section---HowToBecomeAnEngineer">How to Become an Engineer</h3> <p>The requirements to become an engineer typically include a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. These may include areas like <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biomedical_Engineering_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Biomedical_Engineer.html">biomedical engineering</a>, computer engineering, or mechanical engineering degree. A master's degree may be needed for advancement in some fields. Engineers who wish to become licensed to work with the public must complete a program that is accredited by ABET (formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) and meet the state requirements for licensure. </p> <h3 id="section---EngineerEducationRequirements">Engineer Education Requirements</h3> <p>Bachelor of Science programs are available in a variety of disciplines, but all typically include the education and training needed to perform general engineering practices in the field of your choice. Programs typically include a combination of math and science courses, along with coursework specific to the area of study, such as a mechanical engineering degree. B.S. degree programs are available in areas such as the following: </p> <ul><li>Aerospace engineering </li><li>Agricultural engineering </li><li>Biomedical engineering </li><li>Chemical engineering </li><li>Civil engineering </li><li>Computer engineering </li><li>Conservation engineering </li><li>Electrical engineering </li><li>Environmental engineering </li><li>Health and safety engineering </li><li>Industrial engineering </li><li>Material engineering </li><li>Nuclear engineering </li><li>Mechanical engineering </li></ul><h3 id="section---EngineerRequirementsForLicensing">Engineer Requirements for Licensing</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many entry-level engineering positions do not require state licensure. However, earning the credential increases opportunities, particularly in leadership and management. After you earn an undergraduate degree accredited by ABET, you'll then need to complete a two-part state licensure examination. After passing the first part of the test, you'll need to build some experience through an internship or supervised training. Following that, you may take the second part of the test to become a Professional Engineer (PE). Most states require continuing education for license renewal. </p> <h3 id="section---EngineeringQualifications">Engineering Qualifications</h3> <p>The skills required of an engineer differ by discipline, but, in general, engineers design, test, or build materials, equipment, or systems. Electrical engineers may develop or test electrical equipment, while civil engineers may oversee the design and construction of bridges, airports or roads. Chemical engineers design equipment or processes related to the production of food, chemicals and other products, and mechanical engineers are responsible for developing, testing and manufacturing mechanical devices. All engineers may benefit from organizational, math and leadership skills. </p> <h3 id="section---EngineeringJobOutlookAndSalary">Engineering Job Outlook and Salary</h3> <p>As with degrees, there is a wide range of career options in the engineering industry. These include civil engineering, electronics engineering, chemical engineering, and industrial engineering jobs. The BLS notes positive growth in employment for this field, with nearly 140,000 jobs predicted to emerge between 2016 and 2026. </p> <p>Salaries can also vary greatly, depending on the job title. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Civil_Engineering_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Civil_Engineer.html">Civil engineers</a>, for example, earned a median wage of $86,640. Electrical engineers earned a median wage of $96,640, while chemical engineers earned a median wage of $104,910. This is all according to 2018 BLS statistics. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutEngineers">Important Facts About Engineers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2018) </td><td> $93,080 (for all engineers)</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2018-2028)</td><td>5% (for all engineers)</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Strong mathematical foundation, critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, observation, clear communication, good judgment and decision making</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Primarily full-time with extra hours needed to ensure project success</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Architects; cartographers; photogrammetrists; drafters; electro-mechanical technicians; landscape architects; surveyors</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i></p>