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Which engineering degree is the hardest to obtain?
I'm interested in getting some sort of engineering degree. I do not mind the difficulties of obtaining a certain one, I am just curious.
11 answers
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Steven,
What a person finds difficult or easy is highly individual. So, I don't think there is a general answer to your question.
Consider a couple of questions:
What attracts you to the engineering field?
What are you good at?
What kind of problems would you like to work on? What interests you?
What kind of work environment do you prefer?
Look for opportunities to job shadow or for internships. You have universities, colleges and National Labs in the bay area. Check out open days and programs for high-school students.
If you are not quite sure yet, that's fine. Look for an engineering school/college that offers a wide variety of degree options. Get some of the fundamentals and gen ed requirements under your belt. Use your first year to visit the different specialties, attend some intro lectures and talk to professors. You'll find something you love!
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-choose-type-of-engineering-degree
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/engineering-qualifications
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-engineering-careers
What a person finds difficult or easy is highly individual. So, I don't think there is a general answer to your question.
Consider a couple of questions:
What attracts you to the engineering field?
What are you good at?
What kind of problems would you like to work on? What interests you?
What kind of work environment do you prefer?
Look for opportunities to job shadow or for internships. You have universities, colleges and National Labs in the bay area. Check out open days and programs for high-school students.
If you are not quite sure yet, that's fine. Look for an engineering school/college that offers a wide variety of degree options. Get some of the fundamentals and gen ed requirements under your belt. Use your first year to visit the different specialties, attend some intro lectures and talk to professors. You'll find something you love!
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Steven, achieving an engineering degree is no easy task. It requires a lot of technical prowess, a robust foundation in mathematics and science, and a strong work ethic to tackle the challenging curriculum.
WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS
Don’t become a chemical engineer if you hated AP Chemistry. Definitely think about aerospace engineering if concepts like aerodynamics and thermodynamics come easily to you. The great thing about each of the engineering disciplines is that they are specific enough that you should be able to tailor your major to study what you are good at, with minimal interaction with subjects you don’t excel at.
• TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: A strong foundation in engineering fundamentals remains crucial. This includes profoundly understanding relevant scientific principles, mathematics, and engineering concepts specific to your chosen field. Proficiency in specialized software programs commonly used in your engineering discipline is also essential.
• PROBLEM-SOLVING PROWESS: Engineering is all about tackling complex challenges and finding practical solutions. Employers seek engineers with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills involve the ability to break down problems, identify root causes, and develop creative solutions that are both innovative and feasible.
• ADAPTABILITY AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Engineering evolves with new technologies and advancements. Employers value engineers who are adaptable and lifelong learners. This includes learning new skills, staying updated on industry trends, and embracing new technologies.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS
While each engineering major has a strong basis in mathematics and physics, the rest of the course load tends to vary based on the major. It’s worth your time to take a look at the sample curriculum of each engineering major and see which one has courses that you would be most interested in.
💡 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERINGS
Electrical engineers are primarily focused on the physics and mathematics of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. They use this skill set to work on and improve every kind of electrical hardware there is. Students consider electrical engineering to be the toughest major mostly because of the abstract thinking involved. With majors like civil engineering, you can visually see the effect of what you’re designing. However, you can’t physically see electrical currents and circuits, so an electrical engineer’s job involves a lot of creative thinking and theoretical application. Furthermore, electrical engineering involves heavy use of abstract mathematical concepts like partial differential equations. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys discrete mathematics, electrical engineering concepts may prove challenging for you.
⚗️ CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
The difficult thing about chemical engineering is that it takes complex engineering fundamentals and applies them to chemistry concepts, a completely different field—making it truly a multidisciplinary major. Chemical engineers are the link between manufacturing and science. They are the experts at transforming raw materials into the goods that we use in our everyday lives. You’ll often see chemical engineers take on the role of Chemical Technologist, Pharmaceutical Engineer, and Plant or Chemical Process Engineer. Overall, chemical engineering is a very lucrative major, but it becomes complex extremely quickly as it is at the intersection of chemistry, mathematics, and physics. If you feel this is the major for you, be prepared to spend several hours studying a wide array of subjects.
⚙️ MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mechanical engineering involves the testing, design, and development of mechanical systems and machinery. It is one of the broadest engineering fields, dealing with almost anything of mobility. Mechanical engineers apply their skills in all kinds of mechanical systems that involve moving parts, hydraulic systems, and the physical parts that do the work of making cars, planes, ships, robots and other kinds of machinery move, heat up or cool down, rotate or spin, stop or start, open or close, and so on.
Courses and concepts they study include thermodynamics, solid and fluid mechanics, systems and controls, heat dynamics, design and manufacturing, and computational simulation. Mechanical engineering has some significant challenges for students and professionals alike. It requires designing and developing complex machines and the use of many kinds of materials and moving components. The machines, when operating, will typically need to meet demanding performance specifications as well!
🚀 AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Aerospace engineering is very similar to mechanical engineering in terms of the concepts it covers; however, aerospace engineers put a special emphasis on designing and maintaining machines that fly. This type of major is well suited for someone who wants to work in the national defense industry or for NASA, though aerospace engineers are also useful in the private sector, particularly in automotive manufacturing. Aerospace engineers have a heavy course load with a lot of mathematics classes, and with many complex concepts that you will have to call upon quickly and often. Moreover, aerospace engineers need to learn the complex concept of fluid dynamics, a branch of science that deals with the study of liquids and gases.
📀 COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Computer engineering focuses on the intersection of computer science and electrical engineering. It involves the design and development of computer hardware and software systems. Because computer engineering involves highly specialized knowledge related to computer hardware, electronic systems, and computer processing, software, and coding, it is a difficult major, and many computer engineers work within more specialized sub-branches of computer science. Computer engineers study electronics, telecommunications, and computer processing, programming, and architecture. Computer engineers, depending on their specializations, may help design and develop a wide range of computer systems and devices or play lead or support roles across larger IT teams in the private or public sectors, including cybersecurity or cyberwarfare applications.
CONCLUSION
While some paths may prove more difficult than others, discipline, passion, and academic ability combined are likely to be key to your success. It makes sense to be diligent in exploring your interests and important factors related to the many pathways engineering offers.
WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS
Don’t become a chemical engineer if you hated AP Chemistry. Definitely think about aerospace engineering if concepts like aerodynamics and thermodynamics come easily to you. The great thing about each of the engineering disciplines is that they are specific enough that you should be able to tailor your major to study what you are good at, with minimal interaction with subjects you don’t excel at.
• TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: A strong foundation in engineering fundamentals remains crucial. This includes profoundly understanding relevant scientific principles, mathematics, and engineering concepts specific to your chosen field. Proficiency in specialized software programs commonly used in your engineering discipline is also essential.
• PROBLEM-SOLVING PROWESS: Engineering is all about tackling complex challenges and finding practical solutions. Employers seek engineers with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills involve the ability to break down problems, identify root causes, and develop creative solutions that are both innovative and feasible.
• ADAPTABILITY AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Engineering evolves with new technologies and advancements. Employers value engineers who are adaptable and lifelong learners. This includes learning new skills, staying updated on industry trends, and embracing new technologies.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS
While each engineering major has a strong basis in mathematics and physics, the rest of the course load tends to vary based on the major. It’s worth your time to take a look at the sample curriculum of each engineering major and see which one has courses that you would be most interested in.
💡 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERINGS
Electrical engineers are primarily focused on the physics and mathematics of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. They use this skill set to work on and improve every kind of electrical hardware there is. Students consider electrical engineering to be the toughest major mostly because of the abstract thinking involved. With majors like civil engineering, you can visually see the effect of what you’re designing. However, you can’t physically see electrical currents and circuits, so an electrical engineer’s job involves a lot of creative thinking and theoretical application. Furthermore, electrical engineering involves heavy use of abstract mathematical concepts like partial differential equations. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys discrete mathematics, electrical engineering concepts may prove challenging for you.
⚗️ CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
The difficult thing about chemical engineering is that it takes complex engineering fundamentals and applies them to chemistry concepts, a completely different field—making it truly a multidisciplinary major. Chemical engineers are the link between manufacturing and science. They are the experts at transforming raw materials into the goods that we use in our everyday lives. You’ll often see chemical engineers take on the role of Chemical Technologist, Pharmaceutical Engineer, and Plant or Chemical Process Engineer. Overall, chemical engineering is a very lucrative major, but it becomes complex extremely quickly as it is at the intersection of chemistry, mathematics, and physics. If you feel this is the major for you, be prepared to spend several hours studying a wide array of subjects.
⚙️ MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mechanical engineering involves the testing, design, and development of mechanical systems and machinery. It is one of the broadest engineering fields, dealing with almost anything of mobility. Mechanical engineers apply their skills in all kinds of mechanical systems that involve moving parts, hydraulic systems, and the physical parts that do the work of making cars, planes, ships, robots and other kinds of machinery move, heat up or cool down, rotate or spin, stop or start, open or close, and so on.
Courses and concepts they study include thermodynamics, solid and fluid mechanics, systems and controls, heat dynamics, design and manufacturing, and computational simulation. Mechanical engineering has some significant challenges for students and professionals alike. It requires designing and developing complex machines and the use of many kinds of materials and moving components. The machines, when operating, will typically need to meet demanding performance specifications as well!
🚀 AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Aerospace engineering is very similar to mechanical engineering in terms of the concepts it covers; however, aerospace engineers put a special emphasis on designing and maintaining machines that fly. This type of major is well suited for someone who wants to work in the national defense industry or for NASA, though aerospace engineers are also useful in the private sector, particularly in automotive manufacturing. Aerospace engineers have a heavy course load with a lot of mathematics classes, and with many complex concepts that you will have to call upon quickly and often. Moreover, aerospace engineers need to learn the complex concept of fluid dynamics, a branch of science that deals with the study of liquids and gases.
📀 COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Computer engineering focuses on the intersection of computer science and electrical engineering. It involves the design and development of computer hardware and software systems. Because computer engineering involves highly specialized knowledge related to computer hardware, electronic systems, and computer processing, software, and coding, it is a difficult major, and many computer engineers work within more specialized sub-branches of computer science. Computer engineers study electronics, telecommunications, and computer processing, programming, and architecture. Computer engineers, depending on their specializations, may help design and develop a wide range of computer systems and devices or play lead or support roles across larger IT teams in the private or public sectors, including cybersecurity or cyberwarfare applications.
CONCLUSION
While some paths may prove more difficult than others, discipline, passion, and academic ability combined are likely to be key to your success. It makes sense to be diligent in exploring your interests and important factors related to the many pathways engineering offers.
Updated
Dale’s Answer
Your interest in engineering will serve you well. Others have shared constructive thoughts. Assuming a next step will be selecting a university, it will be important to learn the focus of the various engineering programs. There are a wide variation in each engineering discipline and it will be important to consider this in selecting your study path. The interests and publications of the program faculty represents one metric (some will be focused on fundamental research, some will be addressing commercial application issues, etc.). The focus of the specific engineering program and the university will be important. There is a need for the breadth of choices; it will be important to align your interests with the engineering program.
The best.
The best.
Updated
Olatunde’s Answer
Hi Steven, this is a really good question, and in my professional experience, curiosity is a very useful quality when it comes to analyzing a choice, so in that regard, you are already a step ahead in figuring out the answer.
If this was a younger me asking this question and I had to answer given all I know now, I would say don't fixate too much about the "hardest" or "easiest" if you can, figure out what you are most interested in, why and what the downstream value is for the community. Healthy Tip: every engineering degree has value in modern society.
Where there is sufficient interest and a genuine desire, the "right" path typically unfolds.
Hope this helps and good luck :)
If this was a younger me asking this question and I had to answer given all I know now, I would say don't fixate too much about the "hardest" or "easiest" if you can, figure out what you are most interested in, why and what the downstream value is for the community. Healthy Tip: every engineering degree has value in modern society.
Where there is sufficient interest and a genuine desire, the "right" path typically unfolds.
Hope this helps and good luck :)
Updated
Rui’s Answer
Obtaining an engineering degree is challenging across the board due to the challenging mix of mathematics, science, and practical problem-solving involved. However, some disciplines are widely regarded as more demanding because of their breadth, depth, and complexity. While many people consider degrees such as chemical engineering and aerospace engineering to be particularly difficult, the level of challenge largely depends on your learning styles, natural abilities, and personal interests.
To choose an engineering field, start by identifying your interests—whether in machines, electronics, coding, biology, or construction. Align these interests with your strengths in subjects like math, physics, or chemistry. Research career prospects, salary expectations, and industry demand. Review sample curricula and speak with professionals or students in those fields. Gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, or extracurricular clubs.
To choose an engineering field, start by identifying your interests—whether in machines, electronics, coding, biology, or construction. Align these interests with your strengths in subjects like math, physics, or chemistry. Research career prospects, salary expectations, and industry demand. Review sample curricula and speak with professionals or students in those fields. Gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, or extracurricular clubs.
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Choosing the hardest engineering degree can vary from a person to person. For those who find Organic Chemistry challenging, Chemical Engineering might seem the toughest, but it also offers some of the highest salaries.
If you excel in analytical skills and math, Computer and Electrical Engineering could be a great fit. Although not everyone has the skills for these fields, they are very rewarding. Today, AI skills are important, as basic programming is often handled by AI.
Civil, Architecture, and Mechanical Engineering need a mix of analytical talent, mathematical ability, and creativity. These fields thrive on innovation.
Robotics, Aeronautics, and Nuclear Engineering are specialized areas that require a strong background in Physics, Math, and Chemistry.
If you're strong in Math, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Programming, you'll find plenty of opportunities in any engineering field.
If you excel in analytical skills and math, Computer and Electrical Engineering could be a great fit. Although not everyone has the skills for these fields, they are very rewarding. Today, AI skills are important, as basic programming is often handled by AI.
Civil, Architecture, and Mechanical Engineering need a mix of analytical talent, mathematical ability, and creativity. These fields thrive on innovation.
Robotics, Aeronautics, and Nuclear Engineering are specialized areas that require a strong background in Physics, Math, and Chemistry.
If you're strong in Math, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Programming, you'll find plenty of opportunities in any engineering field.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
In my experience at university, nuclear, chemical, and electrical engineering degrees seem harder than civil and mechanical engineering degrees. I found this out while taking many advanced courses outside my mechanical engineering major, which were needed to graduate.
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Steven,
Choosing an engineering degree that matches your interests, skills, and career goals is important. Try exploring different fields, chatting with professionals, and taking some intro courses to find what you enjoy most. Here are a few engineering fields to consider:
Computer Engineering: Combines software and hardware, with great job options in software development, hardware design, and robotics.
Mechanical Engineering: Involves designing and building machines and mechanical systems.
Electrical Engineering: Focuses on creating and maintaining electrical systems.
Civil Engineering: Involves designing and building infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
Chemical Engineering: Uses chemistry and engineering to improve processes in the chemical industry.
Hope this helps!
Choosing an engineering degree that matches your interests, skills, and career goals is important. Try exploring different fields, chatting with professionals, and taking some intro courses to find what you enjoy most. Here are a few engineering fields to consider:
Computer Engineering: Combines software and hardware, with great job options in software development, hardware design, and robotics.
Mechanical Engineering: Involves designing and building machines and mechanical systems.
Electrical Engineering: Focuses on creating and maintaining electrical systems.
Civil Engineering: Involves designing and building infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
Chemical Engineering: Uses chemistry and engineering to improve processes in the chemical industry.
Hope this helps!
Updated
JM’s Answer
Hi Steven! This is a very interesting question and it looks like you already got a lot of great advice on some of the most challenging engineering degrees. I won't necessarily add to the list that you already got from other folks, but I will add that I think it's important for you to pursue a degree that you can and will enjoy.
Your bachelors degree will not be the end-all be-all for the rest of your career, however, it will be pivotal in starting your career out strong and giving you the foundation to make great achievements in the future. As someone who did engineering for both my bachelors and masters, I learned that if you're actually interested in what you're studying, the long nights and hard tests are that much easier :) I would say, follow your gut on which degree speaks to you more, rather than focusing on which one is the "hardest". I hope this helps!
Your bachelors degree will not be the end-all be-all for the rest of your career, however, it will be pivotal in starting your career out strong and giving you the foundation to make great achievements in the future. As someone who did engineering for both my bachelors and masters, I learned that if you're actually interested in what you're studying, the long nights and hard tests are that much easier :) I would say, follow your gut on which degree speaks to you more, rather than focusing on which one is the "hardest". I hope this helps!
Updated
Abhishek’s Answer
Hi Steven,
There is so much changing in the industry these days that a lot of boundaries are being broken and new opportunities are coming up. What's most important for any career is passion for the field, driven by learning and actual problem solving. As other answers indicate, there are a lot of options and difficulty is very individual - i feel its largely driven by peoples interests.
Hope it helps. Good luck!
Abhishek
There is so much changing in the industry these days that a lot of boundaries are being broken and new opportunities are coming up. What's most important for any career is passion for the field, driven by learning and actual problem solving. As other answers indicate, there are a lot of options and difficulty is very individual - i feel its largely driven by peoples interests.
Hope it helps. Good luck!
Abhishek
Updated
Don’s Answer
Steven - The "hardest" engineering degree can be subjective, depending on a student's strengths, interests and academic background. However, based on overall curriculum difficulty, workload, and required mathematical rigor, the following engineering degrees are often considered the most challenging:
1. Electrical Engineering (EE): Why it's hard: Heavy on advanced mathematics (linear algebra, differential equations) Requires: Deep understanding of both theory and practical lab work.
2. Mechanical Engineering: Why it's hard: Combines physics, mathematics, thermodynamics, mechanics, materials science, and design. Requires: Strong problem solving skills across broad topics, plus hands-on lab and project work.
3. Aerospace Engineering: Why it's hard: Builds on mechanical engineering and adds complex aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics and orbital mechanics. Requires: High-level understanding of fluid dynamics and control systems; small errors can have massive consequences in real applications.
If I had to pick, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering are often cited as the hardest due to the combination of abstract math, physics, and real-world complexity. However, the hardest degree is the one that doesn't align well with your interests or strengths.
1. Electrical Engineering (EE): Why it's hard: Heavy on advanced mathematics (linear algebra, differential equations) Requires: Deep understanding of both theory and practical lab work.
2. Mechanical Engineering: Why it's hard: Combines physics, mathematics, thermodynamics, mechanics, materials science, and design. Requires: Strong problem solving skills across broad topics, plus hands-on lab and project work.
3. Aerospace Engineering: Why it's hard: Builds on mechanical engineering and adds complex aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics and orbital mechanics. Requires: High-level understanding of fluid dynamics and control systems; small errors can have massive consequences in real applications.
If I had to pick, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering are often cited as the hardest due to the combination of abstract math, physics, and real-world complexity. However, the hardest degree is the one that doesn't align well with your interests or strengths.
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