Can I Be an Engineer Without a Degree (2024)

Engineers build the physical foundations of our society. The profession is meaningful, exciting, and lucrative. That said, the field of engineering can certainly be intimidating.

Professional engineers must be experts at applying mathematical and scientific subjects such as computer science and physics. The traditional path to learning the skills and concepts for an engineering career involved going to university and getting a degree.

But nowadays, there is no single way to become an engineer. There are many types of engineers with varying backgrounds and years of experience. And it is certainly possible to become an engineer without a degree.

Does being an engineer require a degree?

Most engineers tend to have traditional degrees. However, degrees are not always strict requirements to work in the field. For instance, the field of computer engineering sees many self-taught computer programmers.

Self-taught engineers can begin with junior or entry level positions and work their way up to more advanced positions. For example:

  • Electrical technicians can gain experience wiring systems and installing hardware as part of their pathway to becoming electrical engineers.
  • CAD technicians help draft designs for buildings and machinery and have opportunities to transition into architectural or structural engineering roles.
  • Junior level computer programmers can learn the basics of a specialization such as web development or mobile development on their way to becoming full-fledged software engineers.

Some engineers get started with an associate’s degree. Others get their foot in the door by taking online courses or enrolling in intense coding bootcamp. Learning the basic skills is an important first step before trying to apply for an engineering job. Although it can be challenging, it is certainly possible to work your way up and get an engineering job without a degree.

Can anyone become an engineer?

Anyone can become an engineer, but becoming an engineer is far from effortless. The field is challenging, and it’s important to dedicate enough time, focus on the right areas of study, and stay disciplined in your learning process.

If you enjoy solving problems and want to learn practical ways to apply math and science, engineering might be the field for you.

What qualifies someone as an engineer?

Engineers are able to apply their knowledge of math and science to solve problems. This is true across all engineering disciplines ranging from environmental engineering (which involves biology, chemistry, and physics) to software engineering (which involves knowledge of programming languages and mathematics such as linear algebra).

Aside from their hard, problem-solving skills, engineers also need soft skills like teamwork and discipline.

In terms of certifications, engineers come from a variety of backgrounds and hold different kinds of official qualifications such as:

  • A four-year college degree in a science, mathematics, or engineering field
  • A certification from an engineering organization such as ABET, or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
  • An engineering license
  • Non-traditional credentials such as professional certificates, project portfolios, and coding bootcamps.

Can I be an engineer if I hate math?

Absolutely. Thomas Edison went through school and did poorly in his math classes. He went on to patent 1,093 inventions.

The most important engineering skill is your ability to problem-solve. You do not have to like math to solve interesting problems or build cool things; what matters most is your ability to take what you know to think critically, structurally, and logically about whatever engineering challenges you are faced with.

Get started with online engineering courses

Many top schools and institutions offer free online courses through edX that cover a variety of engineering disciplines such as:

If you are looking to become an engineer, the best way to start is to begin learning.

Can I Be an Engineer Without a Degree (1)

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Can I Be an Engineer Without a Degree (2024)

FAQs

Can I Be an Engineer Without a Degree? ›

Learning the basic skills is an important first step before trying to apply for an engineering job. Although it can be challenging, it is certainly possible to work your way up and get an engineering job without a degree.

Can you be an engineer without a degree? ›

Learning how to become an engineer without a degree can increase your career prospects. Regardless of your background, your previously acquired skills may help you become an engineer. Getting an engineering job without a degree requires practice and dedication.

Can you have an engineer title without an engineering degree? ›

Some are licensed professional engineers; others are not. In some instances, key personnel who do not hold an engineering degree and may in fact be high school graduates only, are given such titles in the brochure as "Engineer", "Design Engineer", etc.

Can I be an engineer with only a master's? ›

Absolutely, you should be able to get an Engineering job with a masters or even bachelor of science level degree. A doctorate level degree is only required in very specific instances.

How to become a self-taught engineer? ›

How to teach yourself engineering
  1. Finish high school. ...
  2. Choose an engineering field that doesn't require a degree in engineering. ...
  3. Develop specific engineering skills. ...
  4. Seek internships opportunities. ...
  5. Apply to entry-level engineer roles.

What is the lowest paid engineering field? ›

The Lowest Paying: Environmental, Geological, Civil, and Biological Engineering.

Is Elon Musk an engineer? ›

And while he was an investor in both SpaceX and Tesla Motors, he was also heavily steeped in design, playing a lead role in both products' engineering. While he might not have a degree in engineering, he oversaw the development of the all-electric Tesla Roadster and Model S sedan.

What qualifies someone to be called an engineer? ›

To become an engineer, the typical path involves earning a bachelor's degree in engineering, which generally takes around four to five years of full-time study. In some countries, like the United States, it usually takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering.

How hard is it to be an engineer? ›

However, 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. That being said, not all engineering majors are created equal. Some engineering majors are easier than others.

Can you be a quality engineer without an engineering degree? ›

While a degree can lay the groundwork in terms of technical knowledge and critical thinking skills, it is not an indispensable prerequisite for becoming a QA Engineer.

Can I become an engineer at 40? ›

Engineering Knows No Age Limit

They can take advantage of any skill that they already possess, explore the educational options, and face the challenges and the rewards of the job. People of any age can create a successful career trajectory for themselves and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Do most engineers go to grad school? ›

Many engineers go to graduate school to increase their expertise and focus on engineering specialties. For example, a graduate program can help these professionals develop skills to prepare for the duties of the role. An engineer uses math and science skills to create systems or structures and solve problems.

Can I become an engineer at 30? ›

Start Your Journey to Become an Engineer Today

Starting an engineering profession at age thirty is a life-changing experience that calls for commitment, study, and real-world experience. You will arm yourself with the information, abilities, and network required for success by completing these steps.

Do you need a degree to call yourself an engineer? ›

Does being an engineer require a degree? Most engineers tend to have traditional degrees. However, degrees are not always strict requirements to work in the field. For instance, the field of computer engineering sees many self-taught computer programmers.

Who is a famous self-taught engineer? ›

Nikola Tesla, electrical engineer and inventor best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system, never graduated from university. The Wright Brothers, especially Wilbur Wright. Neither brother graduated from high school nor attended college.

Do companies hire self-taught engineers? ›

There are more self-taught developers than ever before, which is great! Unfortunately, though, recruiters and employers are getting pickier when it comes to selecting candidates for interviews. To them, self-taught developers are often looked over in favor of experienced ones.

Is it hard to become an engineer? ›

However, 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. That being said, not all engineering majors are created equal. Some engineering majors are easier than others.

Can I get a programming job without a degree? ›

You can still become a software engineer. A degree or diploma is certainly not a requirement. However, to land a job interview you'll need something on your resume that documents your knowledge. This is where industry certifications come in.

What engineer makes the most money? ›

The highest-paid engineers are computer hardware engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers. Data on average earnings and number of jobs comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What percentage of software engineers have no degree? ›

According to some recent data, more than 25% of professional software engineers and developers don't have a degree. College isn't necessarily the path for everyone, but when it comes to a software engineering job, skills and attitude can matter a lot more than a degree.

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