What Engineering Degree Should You Get? A Guide to Your Options

Engineering is one of the broadest and highest-paying career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineering occupations are projected to grow faster than average through 2034, with approximately 186,500 openings each year. Glassdoor salary estimates show that most engineers earn well into six figures, with typical pay ranges from roughly $83,000 to over $156,000 depending on the discipline.

But “engineering” isn’t a single career. It’s a collection of specialized disciplines, each with its own coursework, skill set and professional trajectory. Mechanical engineers design physical systems. Civil engineers plan infrastructure. Biomedical engineers develop medical devices. Computer scientists build the software and systems that power modern life.

If you’re a high school student exploring STEM programs or a first-year college student weighing your options, the decision of which engineering degree to pursue can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through the different types of engineering degrees, what each discipline involves academically and professionally and how to align your strengths and interests with the right field.

Why Choosing the Right Engineering Major Matters

It’s tempting to choose an engineering major based on salary alone. And while compensation matters, it’s rarely the full picture. The engineering students who thrive are the ones whose coursework connects to something they genuinely find interesting.

Each engineering discipline has its own rhythm. Some are hands-on and physical, others are analytical and software-driven. Some involve fieldwork and construction sites, others center on lab research or digital modeling. Choosing the right fit means thinking beyond starting salaries and considering how you want to spend your days.

Here are a few questions worth asking yourself before you commit:

• Do you prefer building physical things, or do you gravitate toward writing code and solving abstract problems?
• Are you drawn to healthcare, infrastructure, energy, technology or manufacturing?
• Do you enjoy lab work, fieldwork, office-based analysis or some combination?
• Would you rather work independently on a focused project or collaborate across teams?

Your answers won’t point to a single “correct” major, but they’ll help narrow your search. And as you’ll see, many engineering programs share foundational coursework in math, physics and general engineering, so you’ll often have time to explore before locking in a specialization.

Types of Engineering Degrees (And What Each One Involves)

Engineering programs vary in their focus, but they share a common foundation in mathematics, physics and problem-solving. At Marshall University, all engineering students begin with shared introductory courses, including Engineering Computations (ENGR 111), Introduction to CAD (ENGR 102) and foundational math and science sequences. From there, each discipline branches into its own specialized coursework, lab experiences and capstone projects.

Here’s a closer look at the engineering degree programs available through Marshall’s College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and longest-established engineering disciplines. It focuses on the design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical and thermal systems. If you’ve ever wondered how an engine works, how a robotic arm moves or how a heating system keeps a building comfortable, you’re thinking about the types of problems mechanical engineers solve.

What You’ll Study

Through the Weisberg Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Marshall’s mechanical engineering students take courses in statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science and mechanical design. Upper-level coursework covers topics such as heat transfer, machine design, control systems and manufacturing processes.

Students also complete a senior capstone design project (ENGR 473) that addresses a real-world engineering challenge. The department also offers programs in Industrial Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health for students interested in those related fields.

You Might Enjoy Mechanical Engineering if You…

Like understanding how machines and devices work from the inside out
Enjoy hands-on building, prototyping and testing
Are interested in fields such as automotive systems, robotics, aerospace, energy or manufacturing
Want a degree with wide-ranging career applications across industries

Career Snapshot

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a mechanical engineer in the United States is approximately $123,000 per year, with a typical range of $98,000 to $156,000. The BLS projects 9% employment growth in this field by 2034, with approximately 18,100 openings each year. Mechanical engineers work in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy and research settings, among others.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering centers on the design, construction and maintenance of the physical infrastructure that communities depend on: roads, bridges, water systems, buildings and more. It’s one of the oldest engineering disciplines and one of the most directly connected to public safety and quality of life.

What You’ll Study

Marshall’s civil engineering program includes coursework in structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, hydraulics, environmental engineering and construction management. Students work through design projects that simulate real infrastructure challenges, and they have access to an advanced materials testing lab, one of the few of its kind in the region.

At the graduate level, Marshall offers an M.S.E. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an online M.S.E. in Engineering Management.

You Might Enjoy Civil Engineering if You…

• Are interested in how buildings, roads and bridges are designed and built
• Like the idea of working on projects that directly impact your community
• Enjoy a mix of office-based design work and on-site fieldwork
• Want to pursue professional licensure (PE) and build a long-term engineering career

Career Snapshot

Glassdoor estimates the average salary for a civil engineer at approximately $107,000 per year, with a typical range of $83,000 to $139,000. The BLS projects 5% employment growth by 2034, with approximately 23,600 openings per year. Civil engineers work in engineering services, government agencies, construction firms and infrastructure planning organizations.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and computer engineering covers the design, development and testing of electrical systems and computing hardware. This discipline spans applications in power generation, telecommunications, semiconductors, embedded systems and signal processing.

What You’ll Study

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (B.S.E.E.) program, housed within Marshall’s Department of Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, includes coursework in circuits, electronics, digital systems, signal processing, control systems and computer architecture. Students develop skills in both hardware design and software integration through lab-intensive courses and applied projects. Upper-level students may focus on areas such as communications, power systems or embedded computing.

You Might Enjoy Electrical and Computer Engineering if You…

• Are fascinated by electronics, circuits and how electrical systems operate
• Like working at the intersection of hardware and software
• Are interested in power systems, telecommunications, robotics or semiconductor technology
• Prefer a strong mathematical foundation combined with hands-on lab work

Career Snapshot

Electrical engineers earn an average of approximately $120,000 per year, with a typical range of $93,000 to $156,000, according to Glassdoor. The BLS projects 7% employment growth in electrical and electronics engineering by 2034, with about 17,500 openings per year. These engineers work in manufacturing, research and development, telecommunications and government.

Computer Science

Computer science focuses on computation, algorithms, data structures, software development and the theory behind how computers process information. While it shares some overlap with computer engineering, computer science leans further into software design, programming and the mathematical foundations of computing.

What You’ll Study

At Marshall, computer science students take courses in programming (typically starting with languages like C++ or Java), data structures, algorithms, database systems, operating systems, software engineering and computer networks. Elective options allow students to explore areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science. Marshall also offers graduate programs in computer science, cybersecurity and data science for students who want to specialize further.

You Might Enjoy Computer Science if You…

• Love solving problems through logic and code
• Are interested in software development, AI, cybersecurity or data analytics
• Prefer working with software systems rather than physical hardware
• Want access to a wide range of industries, from tech and finance to healthcare and government

Career Snapshot

Computer science graduates enter one of the fastest-growing career fields. The BLS projects 15% job growth for software developers by 2034. Glassdoor estimates place the average software developer salary at approximately $122,000 per year, with a typical range of $96,000 to $156,000. Software engineers with deeper experience or specialization tend to earn more, averaging around $149,000. Information security analysts are also in high demand, with 29% projected growth.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to healthcare and biology. Biomedical engineers design and improve medical devices, develop diagnostic equipment, create biomaterials and contribute to research that bridges engineering and medicine.

What You’ll Study

Marshall’s biomedical engineering program, housed within the Department of Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, combines courses in biology, chemistry and engineering. Students study biomechanics, biomaterials, medical instrumentation, tissue engineering and bioelectric phenomena. The program emphasizes collaboration with Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, offering students unique access to clinical perspectives and real-world healthcare applications.

You Might Enjoy Biomedical Engineering if You…

• Are drawn to both engineering and the life sciences
• Want to work on technology that directly improves patient outcomes
• Are interested in medical devices, prosthetics, tissue engineering or healthcare technology
• Enjoy interdisciplinary work that combines multiple scientific fields

Career Snapshot

Glassdoor data puts the average biomedical engineer salary at approximately $128,000 per year, with a typical range of $105,000 to $160,000. The BLS projects 5% employment growth by 2034. Biomedical engineers work in research and development, medical equipment manufacturing, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. The growing demand for medical devices and healthcare technology continues to create opportunities in this field.

Engineering Degrees at a Glance

The following table provides a quick comparison of the five engineering and computer science disciplines covered in this guide. Use it as a starting point to match your interests and strengths with a field that fits.

Which Engineering Degree Is Right for You?

There’s no universal answer to the question of which engineering degree is “best.” The strongest choice is the one that connects your strengths, interests and long-term goals. Here are some practical ways to narrow the field.

Match Your Interests to a Discipline

Think about the subjects and activities that hold your attention. The following pairings can serve as a starting point:

Consider How You Like to Work

Your preferred work style matters as much as the subject matter itself. If you thrive in fieldwork and outdoor settings, civil engineering may be a natural fit. If you prefer working in a lab environment where you can test and refine designs, mechanical or biomedical engineering might align well. Students who gravitate toward screen-based, analytical work often find a strong match in computer science or electrical engineering.

Factor In Career Goals and Industry Demand

Some disciplines offer wider employment flexibility than others. Computer science, for example, opens doors across nearly every industry, from tech startups to financial institutions to healthcare systems. Mechanical engineering is similarly versatile, with applications in manufacturing, automotive, energy and aerospace. Civil engineering tends to be more geographically tied to where infrastructure projects are underway, while biomedical engineering often concentrates in regions with strong healthcare and research ecosystems.

All five disciplines covered in this guide offer salaries well above the national average and positive employment outlooks through 2034, so your earning potential remains strong regardless of which path you choose.

How Marshall University Helps You Find Your Path

Choosing an engineering major is a significant decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Marshall University’s College of Engineering and Computer Sciences (CECS) is designed to help students explore, choose and succeed in the field that fits them.

Hands-On Learning From Day One

CECS students begin working with real engineering tools and concepts during their first year. Introductory courses such as First-Year Engineering Seminar (ENGR 103) and The Engineering Profession (ENGR 104) expose students to practicing engineers and the range of disciplines available. These seminars help students make informed decisions before they specialize.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The Arthur Weisberg Family Applied Engineering Complex and its accompanying Engineering Laboratories house the classrooms, faculty offices, research labs and collaboration stations where CECS students learn. Collaboration stations are integrated with technology designed to promote student and faculty interaction, so group work and mentorship happen naturally throughout the day. The complex also includes one of the few advanced materials testing labs in the region, giving students access to specialized equipment.

Faculty Who Know You by Name

With an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and average undergraduate class sizes of about 25 students, Marshall offers a level of individual attention that larger programs often cannot match. CECS faculty members are working professionals who make themselves available for questions, discussions and long-term mentorship. 85% of Marshall’s faculty hold a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field.

Research That Starts at the Undergraduate Level

Marshall’s CECS faculty lead research projects across a wide range of specializations, from cybersecurity resilience and railway infrastructure monitoring to biomedical device fabrication and forest biomass estimation using AI-powered drone imagery. Undergraduate students have opportunities to participate in these projects through independent study and collaborative research courses, building real-world experience before graduation.

Dedicated Advising & Career Support

CECS offers academic advising to help students plan their course sequences, explore concentrations and stay on track. The Engineering Career Preparation course (ENGR 217) guides students through professional communication, networking, interview preparation, ethics and licensure, so they’re ready to enter the workforce or continue to graduate school. Marshall’s co-op program (ENGR 350) provides supervised work experience with employers in students’ fields of study.

Graduate Programs for Continued Growth

For students who want to go further, Marshall offers graduate degrees including an M.S. in Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Data Science, an M.S.E.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, an M.S.E. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, an M.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Engineering with concentrations across all CECS departments. Many of these programs are available online. Several accelerated program options allow eligible undergraduates to begin earning graduate credits before completing their bachelor’s degree.