What Can I Do With an Engineering Degree?
Illinois Tech civil engineering students conduct surveying work on Mies Campus.
Engineers are innovators, and they play a vital role in society by solving the technical challenges that help industries across the spectrum create solutions.
More specifically, engineering is the area of science and technology that deals with the design, building, and operation of machines and structures—processes, machines, and structures that depend on the engineering degree that you choose to pursue.
Engineers are in demand, too. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 140,000 new engineering jobs were expected between 2016 and 2026. And engineers’ median annual salary of $91,010 is more than twice the median wage for all workers.
But what career paths are there for students with engineering degrees? That depends on what interests you most. Here’s a look at the fields and careers that you can pursue with an engineering degree:
Civil Engineering
Design, build, construct, and maintain public and private systems and facilities such as airports, bridges, roads, water supply systems, and more. Civil engineers put their complex problem solving skills to the test by applying science to the control and utilization of the environment—creating some of today’s greatest infrastructures. Potential careers besides being a civil engineer can include project engineer, consulting engineer, structure engineer, and many more.
Mechanical Engineering
Build, assess, and repair thermal and mechanical devices in the area of energy production and transfer. Mechanical engineers research and create some of today’s most necessary products and tools, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, batteries, electric generators, and more. They also work with advanced technologies such as computer-aided design and robotics to drive their creativity and create products for the modern world. People with a degree in mechanical engineering can go on to work in energy, medical, or sustainability fields.
Chemical Engineering
Design, optimize, and troubleshoot processes in the transformation of raw materials into practical and vital products. Chemical engineers apply almost every aspect of science and math into creating and maintaining sustainable and safe products that people use every day, such as pharmaceuticals, food, clothing, paper, and fuel. A big part of a chemical engineer’s job is to keep in mind the effect that their products might have on the environment. Careers with a chemical engineering degree include food engineer, pharmaceutical manufacturer, nuclear engineer, or analytical chemist, to name a few.
Computer and Cybersecurity Engineering
Research, design, develop, and test computer hardware systems and components to ensure safe and secure usage. While computer engineers work to construct systems such as computer processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and routers, cybersecurity engineers focus on implementing strong defense strategies to protect computer systems from vulnerabilities. You can use a computer or cybersecurity engineering degree to become an information technology expert, web developer, computer programmer, security architect, or application security engineer, among others.
Aerospace Engineering
Be a part of the process of designing and manufacturing aircraft, including spacecraft. Aerospace engineers acquire knowledge of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and flight mechanics and controls to create machinery giants. Aerospace engineers can seek positions as an aircraft designer, systems engineer, or flight inspector. They can also get jobs in fields that don’t necessarily deal with aircraft and pursue careers in ground and undersea transportation systems, pollution control, wind power, and the effects of wind on structures. This interdisciplinary degree assures that the sky is not the limit.
At Illinois Institute of Technology, engineering is in the fabric of the university and its role on campus dates back more than 120 years.
Armour College of Engineering is ranked #24 in the country among engineering programs for return on investment for graduates (Payscale). Armour’s academic programs also contain nine ABET-accredited undergraduate majors that ensures that our programs produce graduates who are prepared to take on the responsibilities of the field and meet the expectations of employers.