There’s no one “right” way to become an engineer. Whether you are planning every step or figuring things out as you go along, there are multiple paths that can lead you to a rewarding career in engineering.
This section breaks down some different options and what each one can offer. From hands-on training in high school to advanced degrees, you'll find information to help you choose the path that fits you best.
Career and Technical Education programs can give you early exposure to engineering through hands-on learning and real-world skills.
Two-year colleges can help you save money, build a strong foundation, and even transfer to a 4-year university if that’s your goal.
Interested in practical, career-ready training? Technical schools prepare students for specific engineering-related jobs.
Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in engineering? Find out what to expect from a 4-year program and how it connects to different types of engineering careers.
There are so many engineering-related majors that it can be difficult to choose the right one. Thankfully, there’s a lot of flexibility with an engineering degree—many engineers find careers in areas that aren’t directly tied to their exact major. In this section you can check out all the different majors studied by members of our Gallery of Engineering Professionals, and compare that to what they are doing now. You might be surprised by the range of paths an engineering degree can lead to.
Not all programs are created equal. Accreditation matters when choosing a college or program—and it can affect your future job opportunities.
Bootcamps and certificate programs can offer focused training in areas like coding, design, and electronics. These can support or complement an engineering pathway.
That’s totally normal. Start with whatever interests you most. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Whether you're exploring engineering for the first time or already have a plan in mind, your path is yours to shape. Use this space to learn about the options, discover what interests you, and think about what kind of future you want to build. It’s not about choosing the “perfect” route—it’s about finding a path that works for you.