by our College Data Analytics TeamEngineering Science is a major you can develop around your interests while building a base of advanced mathematics and scientific principles. You will analyze and evaluate engineering problems while using applied research in human behavior, statistics, biology, chemistry, meteorology, computer applications, and various other topics. As you can tell, this major is flexible and interdisciplinary. That means you have the power to study what interests you. However, the courses you select with your advisor must follow a specific path of your choosing so that they can be grouped in a meaningful way that will allow you to achieve career-driven goals.
Even though every program will be unique, these are some courses that you can expect to take in any Engineering program: applied mathematics and physics, engineering design, cell and molecular biology for engineers, quantum electronics, Nano engineering, thermodynamics, and writing in engineering science.
A degree in Engineering Science covers Engineering Science. Continue reading for the key facts every engineering science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering engineering science programs.
In the U.S., engineering science draws strong interest, with 1,348 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Engineering Science Schools ranking analyzes these 85 schools to determine the best overall colleges for engineering science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of engineering science programs later in this article.
Studies in Engineering Science develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations engineering science graduates commonly enter.
This major appeals to diverse and flexible thinkers. You will be asked to make connections between different fields as you take courses in a variety of subjects. You will then have the chance to use what you've learned in class and apply it to projects. This will bridge the gap between memorizing and utilizing the information you come across.
Engineering is a great field for creative and curious minds who want to learn how to build and design projects. Engineers have a hand in designing everything from mine detectors, Nano robots, muffin makers and voice activated electronics. Communication skills are important as you will be doing a lot of group work and writing reports on your projects.
Skills built by a engineering science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a engineering science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several engineering science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 319 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 521 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 369 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 139 |
People currently working in careers related to engineering science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 30.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 29.6% |
| Master’s degree | 11.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 7.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.1% |
| Some college courses | 1.6% |
| First professional degree | 1.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.7% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.3% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in engineering science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
This major will allow you to choose a career path that really interests you. These careers will vary widely depending on what discipline you focus on in school. You may decide to get a career in engineering, marketing or sales with engineering, or even build a professional career through the use of analytical and problem solving skills you learned while at school. There is a wide array of careers you can have and your college will help guide you to that career path.
A degree in engineering science opens doors to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to engineering science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of engineering science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $80,132 |
| 4 years | $77,602 |
| 5 years | $85,312 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for engineering science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers engineering science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Photonics Engineers | $84,667 |
With 85 different engineering science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased engineering science school rankings to help you.
Those considering engineering science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering Science | 1,348 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
