Easiest Engineering Degrees

There is a great demand for engineers in the workforce today. Jobs for engineers overall is supposed to grow four percent during the 2014-2024 decade, with some engineering types experiencing even higher employment growth. With that said, many individuals are choosing engineering degree programs so that they can join this growing field. Below are some colleges that offer the easiest engineering degrees as well as a little information on their programs.

Description of Engineering

Engineering is the implementation and collaboration of math and science to solve problems. While society, in general, enjoys the many innovations available to advance the world, it’s usually the engineers who are responsible for making these innovations available to everyone.

Engineers design, analyze, create, test, modify, install and maintain various systems and products. Almost everything we can think of in the world that was designed or created was probably the result of some type of engineer. Engineers also supervise construction and manufacturing while also providing consulting services to schools and colleges.

Engineering is one of the foundations of STEM education. STEM education is a multidisciplinary curriculum aimed at getting students to become interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To be successful as an engineer, the candidate must have a strong background in math and science and possess the following.

• Critical thinking skills
• Good decision-making skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Good analytical skills
• Mechanical skills
• Good observational skills
• Good writing and communication skills

Types of Engineering

There are various types of engineering.

• Electrical engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Structural engineering
• Applied engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Software engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Biomedical engineering

Types of Engineering Programs

Candidates aspiring to become engineers have several options available to them in the way of academic program options.

• Bachelor’s Degree – To become any kind of engineer, you must complete at least a bachelor’s degree engineering program, which takes about four years to complete.
• Master’s Degree – An individual who wants a higher level of education can pursue a master’s degree. Master’s degree holders often pursue managerial and leadership positions.
• Doctoral degrees – This is typically chosen by engineers who want careers in research or teaching at colleges and universities.
• Engineering technology degree – Many colleges offer two-year engineering technology associate degree programs. Graduates of these programs can become engineering technicians, engineering technologists or engineering assistants but do not have enough education to become an engineer.

Once a student has decided what level of study he or she wishes to pursue, the next consideration is online or on campus. Many colleges offer engineering programs through distance learning. Many of the colleges offering engineering programs also offer the option of either online or on-campus programs. Online engineering programs have become very popular in recent years.

Online programs offer students the flexibility to earn their engineering degrees on their own time. They’re especially popular for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and wish to earn a graduate degree but can’t attend college full-time. Online programs allow them to continue working and still earn a master’s degree.

Towards the end of the online program, the student is typically required to complete an internship. Upon graduation, the engineering student must take and pass two engineering examinations before he or she can obtain licensure. While earning an engineering degree, at one time, was a difficult and time-consuming process, today it’s much easier than one would imagine, especially if a student finds the right college. When choosing an engineering program, it’s very important to choose an accredited school.

New for 2024

We added engineering programs in more categories: Automotive, Geotechnial, Architectural, Enviornmental and Aerospace. We also reviewed all of our selected programs to see if they still met the qualifications and determined if they were ABET-accredited.

15 Easiest Engineering Degrees

1. Electrical engineering

Arizona State University – Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering

• • Admission requirements – Students must have a GPA of 3.00 in competency courses; ACT score of 22 and SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for AZ residents and must be in the top 25 percent of high school graduating class.
  • Curriculum – Students complete courses like aerospace engineering, computer science, biochemistry, audiovisual processing, and integrated circuit design, among others. They may also be required to complete a project demonstrating what they learned in the program.
  • Time to graduate – This is typically a four-year program but the online aspect allows for ease and flexibility. This is especially helpful for students who are also working.
  • ABET accredited – Yes since 1961 and available 100% online
  • What makes it easier – It’s a flexible program that can be completed at the student’s convenience. If the student misses the application deadline, he or she can still gain admission through Earned Admission. This means that the student can demonstrate the ability to succeed in the program by passing some online courses with a GPA of at least 2.75.

2. Industrial Engineering

Purdue University – Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering – Also Offers a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

• Admission requirements – Students just entering the program must enroll in the First-Year Engineering Program, which requires them to complete two semesters of engineering core courses. It’s worth noting that PU’s industrial engineering program has a 60 percent acceptance rate. Acceptance into the program depends on how well the student does in the FYE program.
• Curriculum – After the first year, the student can enroll in co-ops and internships to obtain hands-on training. This is in addition to industrial engineering courses.
• Time to graduate – The undergraduate program takes four years to complete. The graduate program can take from one to three years.
• ABET accredited – Yes
• What makes it easier – The undergraduate program includes internships, which allow the student to learn engineering quicker. It also offers various areas of specialization. The student will learn quickly when they’re studying their area of interest. The graduate program is an online program so students can work at their convenience. U.S News & World Report ranks the bachelor’s degree program #2 among undergraduate programs.

3. Structural Engineering

• Admission requirements – Students must have completed engineering prerequisite courses. Admission is based on how the candidate does on the Undergraduate Admissions Holistic Review.
• Curriculum – Students will complete general education courses and engineering courses. They also participate in internships during the final phase of the program.
• Time to graduate – The bachelor’s degree program takes four years to complete. The graduate program takes two years to complete.
• ABET accredited – Yes
• What makes it easier – The program provides students with a lot of lab time, which always makes learning easier.

4. Applied Engineering

Bemidji State University – Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering

• Admission requirements – This unique program is designed for individuals who already have a diploma or two-year technical degree.
• Curriculum – The curriculum includes engineering coursework, laboratory work and tons of hands-on projects.
• Time to graduate – Students can graduate in two years or less.
• ABET accredited – No
• What makes it easier – It’s offered both on-campus and online so students choose the formats that best meet their needs. With small class sizes, students can learn easier and quicker.

5. Chemical Engineering

Iowa State University – Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering – Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

• Admission requirements – Students who satisfy the high school course requirement and have at least a 245 RAI score are offered admission.
• Curriculum – Curriculum includes engineering core courses, cooperative education, internships, seminars and engineering teaching practicum.
• Time to graduate – This program takes two years to complete. The master’s degree program takes four years to complete.
• ABET accredited – Yes, since 1936
• What makes it easier – One thing that makes it easier is that ISU is ranked as #1 in terms of affordability, quality and accessibility.

6. Mechanical Engineering

Arizona State University – Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Mechanical Engineering

• Admission requirements – Students must have completed high school requirements and be in the top 25 percent of class; have GPA of 3.00 in competency courses; ACT score of 22 and SAT score of 1120.
• Curriculum – Students complete courses like computer-aided engineering; system dynamics and control; heat transfer and structural mechanics. They also have the opportunity to work in internships in local companies.
• Time to graduate – Since this is an online program, students can graduate in less than two years.
• ABET accredited – Yes, since 1961, available 100% online
• What makes it easier – Students must complete 120 credit hours, which can be done at the student’s convenience through distance learning. U.S. News & World Report ranks ASU in the top ten schools for its online bachelor and master degree programs.

7. Software Engineering

Pennsylvania State University (PennState) – Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

• Admission requirements – The online requirements for admission are that the student must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have completed prerequisite courses with sufficient grades.
• Curriculum – Students complete courses like discrete mathematics; software security; software design and computer programming. During the senior year, they need to collaborate with other online students to create and design a software project.
• Time to graduate – Students can complete this program in less than four years as long as they complete all the required courses.
• ABET accredited – Yes
• What makes it easier – The online format is what makes this program the easiest. They can take as little or as much time as required to complete the program. U.S. News & World Report ranked this online program among the top ten in the nation.

8. Civil Engineering

University of South Dakota – Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

• Admission requirements – Admission requirements are the same for on-campus and online students. These include a high school diploma and completion of general education prerequisite courses with a 2.75 or higher GPA.
• Curriculum – Students complete courses like foundation engineering; civil engineering; structural stability; mechanics of materials; hydrology and hazardous waste management. They also participate in cooperative education, which involves working with a civil engineering firm in their area.
• Time to graduate – Students generally take from four to five years to complete, but it can be completed in less time through the online option.
• ABET accredited – No
• What makes it easier – One thing that makes this program easier is that it’s offered both on-campus and online. Students can choose whichever option suits them best or can choose a combination of online and in-person classes. When students complete this program, they are ready to take the engineering licensure examinations. Even if a student doesn’t meet all the admission requirements, they may still be admitted if they should extenuating circumstances.

9. Computer Engineering

• Admission requirements – Requirements include submitted application, school transcripts; test scores if possible and a 250-word personal statement.
• Curriculum – Computer engineering students generally take courses in electrical circuit analysis; circuits; computer programming; microprocessors; data structures and circuits, among others. Online students also must complete a comprehensive capstone project that involves designing a project related to their area of study. This is usually done in the final semester.
• Time to graduate – This program generally takes four years to complete but can be done in less time when completed through distance learning.
• ABET accredited – No
• What makes it easier – The fact that the program is online makes it the easiest because students can work at their own pace.

10. Biomedical Engineering

Grand Canyon University – Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

• Admission requirements – GCU is a Christian-based college that accepts students as young as 16 years old. Applicants must submit acceptable high school or equivalent transcripts.
• Curriculum – This program combines classroom studies with real-world practical experience. Course topics include biomaterials; medical physiology; biochemical functions; universal physics and general chemistry.
• Time to graduate – This 128-credit program, which requires spending about 15 weeks on campus to do campus courses, takes four years to complete.
• ABET accredited – Yes
• What makes it easier – The thing that makes this program the easiest to complete is the extensive hands-on training, which many students seem to prefer. If the applicant’s transcript scores aren’t acceptable, the student may still be accepted if they pass a test. GCU has a relatively high acceptance rate.

11. Architectural Engineering

The University of Kansas – Online MS in Architectural Engineering

• Admissions requirements – To apply for the Online MS in Architectural Engineering, you must hold a B.S. in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution. You’ll need to fill out the online application, take the GRE, provide two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
• Curriculum – Since this is a graduate-level program, you’ll take classes at the 600 level. These include Power Systems I and II, Electric Energy Production and Storage, Energy Management, Fire Protection Engineering, Advanced Thermal Analysis and more.
• Time to graduate – The MS in Architectural Engineering is a 30-credit program that has a 3-hour practical design project. You’ll take your courses online and work with an advisor to set your specific schedule. The program typically takes two years to complete.
• ABET accredited – Yes, since 1936
• What makes it easier – This 100% online program is taught by the same faculty you would have on-campus, and you’ll get an academic advisor dedicated to your support and to helping you keep your course schedule on track.

12. Aerospace Engineering

University of North Dakota – Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

• Admissions requirements – To apply to UND as a freshman, you must have taken certain courses in high school and have maintained a 2.75 GPA. You do not need an ACT or SAT. For the transfer student, you must have earned at least a 2.0 GPA in your previous coursework and be a student in good standing at your last institution. From there, you will complete an admissions application and send in transcripts and any other necessary documentation.
• Curriculum – Students must take 128 credits to graduate, 36 of which must be upper division. As part of the regular curriculum, students must take Mechanics of Flight, Aerospace Structures, Aeromechanics Laboratory, Propulsion, Flight Dynamics and Control and Orbital Mechanics. Students may take electives in Simulation, Thermal Sciences and Astronautics.
• Time to graduate – The university designed this program for students to complete in 4-5 years.
• ABET accredited – No
• What makes it easier – Students who enter the UND BS in Aerospace Engineering Program get real-life experience as an entry-level engineer through their co-op program. Students can work with companies such as NASA, Honeywell Aerospace and Bell Textron and earn credits while being paid.

13. Environmental Engineering

University of Central Florida – BSVE in Environmental Engineering

• Admissions requirements – Students who desire admission to this program must have at least a 2.0 in the engineering prerequisites and be in good academic standing.
• Curriculum – The BSVE degree is a 128-hour degree that consists of basic core credits, advanced core credits, electives, a capstone design project, and specialization electives. Some of the courses include Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics, Chemical Process Control, Thermodynamics, Chemistry, Hydrology, Sustainable Resource Management and more. The Environmental Engineering Design Specialization can be in Wastewater Design, Air Pollution Control Design or Water Treatment Design.
• Time to graduate – University of Central Florida lays out a course plan that allows full-time engineering students to graduate in four years. In that plan, you will have to take at least one summer session. You may take less courses per term or even attend part-time, but this will extend the graduation date.
• ABET accredited – Yes, since 1972
• What makes it easier – There are three start dates for this program and the low cost ($212/credit hour) makes this a lower-pressure program compared to other engineering degrees. Additionally, the lower GPA threshold of 2.0 allows for an easier entry and the ability to maintain good standing in the program. Each student is also given their own qualified engineering academic advisor to assist them with class registration and major progress.

14. Geotechnical Engineering

University of Illinois – MS Degree in Geotechnical Engineering

• • Admissions requirements – The graduate college requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last two years of an undergraduate program, official transcripts, three letters of reference, a resume and a personal statement. The GRE is welcome but is not required.
  • Curriculum – In this degree, you’ll take courses like Soil Mechanics and Behavior, Excavation and Support Systems, Earth Dams, Deep Foundations, Rock Mechanics and Behavior, Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Computational Geomechanics and more.
  • Time to graduate – The MS degree without a thesis may be completed in one year or less, while the degree with the thesis can take a bit longer. Students have up to five years to complete the degree.
  • ABET accredited – No
  • What makes it easier – Students may take most of their courses online and build their own program. The ability to earn a master’s with or without a thesis is a unique feature of the University of Illinois that makes this program easier. Since the program without a thesis is shorter, students can be out and in the workforce quickly. If students want a program that is 100% online, they can choose a data science track or do an MS in Civil or Environmental Engineering, which have a lot of overlapping courses.

15. Automotive Engineering

University of Michigan – M.S. in Automotive Engineering

• • Admissions requirements – Automotive Engineering students have their own set of admissions requirements, which include a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science, at least two years of college-level engineering math and science, prior undergraduate experience in automotive engineering and at least 18 months of industrial engineering experience.
  • Curriculum – One of the great things about earning a degree in automotive engineering in Michigan is that you have access to the best of the best in the automotive industry. Detroit hosts engineering technical centers for 7 of the world’s top 10 automobile makers and this provides students with lots of opportunities for real-time learning. Students can choose from a few tracks – one where they focus on learning Powertrain and another where they will learn Automotive Structure and Vehicle Dynamics.
  • Time to graduate – Most MS students at this university take two years to complete their automotive engineering degrees.
  • ABET accredited – No
  • What makes it easier – One thing that makes this program easier is knowing they have a great post-graduation employment rate. Over 95% of graduates are gainfully employed within six months of graduation. The course delivery is also flexible and can be built to fit your life and schedule. Students can choose to take classes in a hybrid model, with some on campus, or they can attend completely online. There is also a 14:1 student to teacher ratio so you can count on more personal attention in the classroom.