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Major Types of Engineering for Students

Updated on 05 May, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

There are many types of engineering that aspirants may pursue to enter a rewarding career. There are also multiple types of engineering courses that are available. While it is hard to encapsulate all types of engineering in a single brief, it can be said that engineering is itself a diverse discipline with several sub-fields and categories. Why should students pursue engineering, and what does it mean? Here are a few reasons that should suffice: 

  • Engineering is the manufacturing/production and design of various machines, structures, devices, and the like. 
  • Engineering usually has five core branches, with innumerable sub-categories and types. 
  • Those majoring in the subject can expect higher salaries globally. 
  • Engineering is also a highly coveted STEM discipline while offering various opportunities in top sectors like medicine, renewable energy, oil and gas, construction, and more. 

Here is a basic insight into the different types of engineering that you can consider for the future. 

Different Types of Engineering 

As mentioned, there are various types of engineering careers that you may pursue. Hence, it is important to know more about the different fields that you can choose from. 

Civil Engineering– 

Civil Engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, emphasizing on the design, construction, and maintenance of physical infrastructure including tunnels, roads, dams, airports, bridges, water supply systems, subway systems, and more. 

Here are the top universities for the program: 

NameSubject Ranking (QS 2022)CountryFees & Other Details
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)1USAUS sin$79,850 for a year (approx)
Delft University of Technology2Netherlands19,600 Euros per year 
National University of Singapore (NUS)3SingaporeS$ 17,650
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)4USAUS $64,397 per year (approx)
University of Cambridge 5UK£37,293 (approx)

Chemical Engineering- 

Chemical Engineering is a field that involves the design and manufacturing of products and materials with specific scientific techniques and principles. Chemical engineers find opportunities in the microorganisms, pharmaceuticals, and food sectors. 

Here are the top universities for the course: 

NameSubject Ranking (QS 2022)CountryFees & Other Details
MIT1USA$79,850 per year
Stanford University2USA$55,473 per year (undergraduate)
NUS3SingaporeS$ $53,500 per year
UCB4USA$23,944
University of Cambridge5UK£37,293

Mechanical Engineering- 

Mechanical Engineering is one of the most popular engineering types, entailing the production/manufacturing and development/design of systems, machines, and devices that are in motion. Concepts are used to create functional and usable devices and products. 

Here are the top universities for mechanical engineering: 

NameRanking (QS 2022)Country Fees & Other Details
MITUSA$79,850 per year
Stanford University2USA$55,473 per year
University of Cambridge3UK£37,293 per year
Harvard University4USA$51,143 per year
Delft University of Technology5Netherlands19,600 Euros per year 

Electrical Engineering- 

Electrical engineering was a branch that came into existence around the 19th century, emphasizing on the design, maintenance, and testing of electrical devices, equipment, and other electronics. 

Here are the top universities for the course: 

NameRanking (QS 2022)CountryFees & Other Details
MIT1USA$79,850 per year
Stanford University2USA60,273 Euros per year
UCB3USA$64,397 per year
Nanyang Technological University4SingaporeS$17,650
ETH Zurich5SwitzerlandCHF 730 per semester 

Computer Science Engineering 

Computer Science Engineering covers varied aspects like architecture, mathematics, database-based learning, digital logic, networking, hardware and software development, cryptography, machine learning, and more. 

These are the top universities for the course: 

NameRanking (QS 2022)CountryFees & Other Details
MIT1USA$79,850 per year
Stanford University2USA$13,350 quarterly
Carnegie Mellon University3USA$52,320
UCBUSA$64,397 per year
University of Oxford5UKBetween £28,950 and £44,240*

Levels of Education 

Civil Engineering- 

Bachelor of Science/BE/B.Tech at the undergraduate level and M.Sc/MEng at the master’s level. One can also do a PhD in the field. 

Chemical Engineering- 

Bachelor of Science/BE at the undergraduate level along with MS/Master of Science at the postgraduate level. One can also do a PhD or Doctorate in Chemical Engineering. 

Mechanical Engineering- 

B.Sc/BSME/B.Tech at the undergraduate level and M.Sc/MSME/M.Tech at the postgraduate level. There are PhD programs available as well. 

Electrical Engineering- 

Bachelor of Science/B.Tech/B.Sc at the undergraduate level and M.Sc/MS/M.Tech at the postgraduate level. PhD programs are the highest educational levels for this field. 

Computer Science Engineering- 

B.Tech/B.Sc programs at the undergraduate level and M.Sc/M.Tech programs at the postgraduate level. There are PhD programs available as well. 

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Top Careers in Engineering 

Now that you have a basic idea of the different types of engineering courses and fields, you should also know about some of the high-paying types of engineering jobs and their average remuneration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that engineering and architecture workers had an annual median income of $83,160 as of May, 2020. Here are the top fields and their salaries: 

  • Computer Hardware Engineer- $119,560 
  • Chemical Engineer- $108,540
  • Mechanical Engineer- $90,160
  • Civil Engineer- $88,570
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineer- $103,390

FAQs

Which type of engineering is the best?

There are several fields and types of engineering that you will discover. Some of the best ones include civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science engineering, and electrical engineering. You can also look at emerging fields like biomedical engineering and health and safety engineering. 


 

What is the hardest type of engineering?

Many regard biomedical engineering as the hardest in this field. It requires several modules in biology and chemistry


 

Which is the no. 1 engineering college in the world?

Ranked highly for almost all engineering fields and disciplines, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT, is regarded as the best engineering and technology institution in the world. 

 

 

 


 

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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