With an engineering degree, you could pursue any number of engineering-related careers. Depending on the specific degree you choose, you might consider becoming an aerospace engineer, electrical and electronics engineer, industrial engineer or bioengineer. There are plenty of possibilities, so it’s likely you’ll find an engineering specialization that aligns with your interests and strengths.

You’ll find engineers working on projects that touch upon virtually every industry and sector. They design everything from manufacturing machinery to spacecraft, and they work on problems ranging from meeting the world’s need for clean drinking water to safeguarding the environment for future generations.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

What can you do with an engineering degree in different specializations? First, learn more about what engineering is and what engineering programs teach, and then explore the various careers for engineering majors. 

Engineering programs teach how to solve practical problems by applying the principles of mathematics and physical and/or life sciences. Engineering is a continually evolving field that presents a world of possibilities for those who are curious about how things work. An engineering degree program is designed to empower you to make positive contributions to the field that improve society in some way.

What do you learn in engineering specialties? The engineering specializations explore specific industries or applications. For example, aerospace engineering focuses on engineering related to aircraft and spacecraft, whereas electrical and electronics engineering focuses on developing new electrical systems or products.

There are many great reasons to earn an engineering degree. Job growth is one of them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 186,500 new jobs are projected to open for architecture and engineering fields each year from 2024 to 2034.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

According to the BLS, the following are the median annual wages for different types of engineers as of May 2024:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• Mechanical engineers: $102,320
• Industrial engineers: $101,140
• Electrical and electronics engineers: $118,780
• Environmental engineers: $104,170

Of course, there are many other great reasons to consider earning an engineering degree. Some engineers chose the field because they enjoy the technical challenges.

Other professionals might choose engineering because they may have the opportunity to develop innovations that affect people’s daily lives. Engineers can help solve water infrastructure problems, ensuring that communities have enough clean drinking water, for example.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}As an engineer, you can take pride in what you accomplish.

There are many engineering specialties and subspecialties that students can explore. Here are a few options.

• Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineers work on the design, development and improvement of machines and tools, often for use in manufacturing and other industrial applications.
• Electrical engineering: Electrical engineers design new electrical systems and equipment.
• Biomedical engineering: Biomedical engineers design medical equipment, ranging from prosthetic limbs to artificial internal organs.
• Robotics engineering: Robotic engineers develop automated machines and systems, such as robots and robotic systems (e.g., Mars rovers and robotic surgical platforms).
• Software engineering: Software engineers design and build software systems, including developing the architecture of a software system. 

Within those broad categories, there are also subspecialties to consider pursuing, such as mechatronics, power systems, aerospace and project management.

Engineers typically work in an office setting, although many make frequent trips out into the field to test their equipment and assess its function.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Engineers work across a range of industries, depending on their area of specialization (e.g., aerospace or electronics).

For example, mechanical engineers may work in the following industries:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

• Architectural and engineering firms
• Machinery manufacturing
• Transportation equipment manufacturing
• Scientific research and development services
• Computer and electronics products manufacturing

While many engineers work for private companies, some may work for the public sector. For example, aerospace engineers may work for the federal government.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

There is a world of possibilities out there for those wondering what jobs you can get with an engineering degree. With a solid framework of engineering-related competencies, you could pursue the following types of careers for engineering majors (depending on your degree concentration):

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design and develop spacecraft, aircraft, satellites and missiles. They also evaluate malfunctioning components of these machines to identify the cause of problems and figure out how to fix them. Some aerospace engineers may have a subspecialty. For example, some may specialize in navigation and control systems, while others specialize in propulsion and combustion. 

According to the BLS, about 37% of these engineers work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing, while others work on navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing.^{(See disclaimer 5)} About 15% of aerospace engineers work for the federal government.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Electrical and Electronics Engineer

If you choose an electrical engineering degree program and enjoy using electronic equipment, a career as an electrical and electronics engineer may be ideal for you.

Electronics engineers design and improve electronic parts and systems intended for consumer, scientific, industrial or military use. These engineers may work on anything from satellites to communications equipment to radar and sonar systems. From small electronic devices to large electricity systems and power grids, electrical engineering is a specialization that offers variety. 

Industrial Engineer

Industrial engineering is a unique specialization within the engineering field. Rather than designing new products, industrial engineers design and improve processes, procedures and systems. Their goal is to improve efficiency while reducing time, money and energy expenditures. While making systems and processes more efficient, industrial engineers also look to improve quality. 

An industrial engineering degree may be the right choice for you if you enjoy using both creativity and critical thinking skills to solve problems. Industrial engineers also need communication skills and interpersonal skills, along with hard skills like math and computer literacy.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Architectural and Engineering Manager

Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for overseeing various engineering activities and projects. This is a leadership role that involves tasks such as developing plans for new products, processes or designs, making budgets, hiring and supervising staff and coordinating work activities. Architectural and engineering managers may also ensure that the completed designs and products meet technical and regulatory requirements.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work in a support role to assist mechanical engineers with designing, testing and implementing mechanical systems, devices or products. These professionals may develop rough sketches or plans, review blueprints, produce mechanical parts and conduct testing of components, recording the results. Technologists and technicians do hands-on work while collaborating with other professionals.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work at the intersection of engineering and the medical field. They design biomedical equipment and devices, such as prosthetic devices and artificial internal organs, with a focus on patient safety. These engineers may also install or maintain biomedical equipment and train clinicians on the proper usage of that equipment. 

A biomedical engineering degree may be right for you if you enjoy the idea of creating medical devices that have the potential to improve quality of life for patients.

Careers With an Engineering Degree in Tech

Are you interested in computers and software? Does the way computers and technology function interest you? If so, then GCU’s software engineering program may be a good fit for you. 

This program teaches students how to use computer science practices and technologies to find solutions to software systems. As a software engineer, you could pursue employment across a wide range of industries. Careers with an engineering degree that focus on software can be found in:^{(See disclaimer 7 )}

• Retail
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• Gaming
• Automotive
• Finance
• Government

Other possible careers for engineering majors could include the following:

• Software developer: Software developers design, build, test and improve software systems and applications. They work throughout the entire lifecycle of software development.
• Computer network architect: Computer network architects are responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining the computer networks at an organization. These computer engineering professionals must ensure that the computer network meets the organization’s needs.
• Computer hardware engineer: Computer hardware engineering involves designing, developing and testing computer hardware components and systems, such as routers, circuit boards and chips.

Grand Canyon University invites prospective students to explore the possibilities at the College of Engineering and Technology. Our engineering degrees offer multiple specializations ranging from biomedical engineering to mechanical engineering to aerospace engineering and more. Fill out the form on this page to connect with a university counselor to explore the opportunities at our private Christian university.