Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) is a four-year undergraduate degree in the US that prepares students for engineering careers or advanced studies.
Careers open to engineering graduates
Institutions awarding this level in engineering (761)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- Purdue University West Lafayette · West Lafayette
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus · Atlanta
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- Iowa State University · Ames
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- California Polytechnic State University · San Luis Obispo
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- California State Polytechnic University · Pomona
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Auburn University · Auburn
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Clemson University · Clemson
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- Colorado School of Mines · Golden
- Northeastern University · Boston
- University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- Missouri University of Science and Technology · Rolla
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Mississippi State University · Starkville
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Florida International University · Miami
- University of California-Davis · Davis
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- New Jersey Institute of Technology · Newark
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- Michigan Technological University · Houghton
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- The University of Texas at Dallas · Richardson
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez · Mayaguez
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy
- University of Massachusetts Lowell · Lowell
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus · Stillwater
- University of Houston · Houston
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- Cornell University · Ithaca
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Alabama in Huntsville · Huntsville
- Stevens Institute of Technology · Hoboken
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Washington State University · Pullman
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach · Daytona Beach
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- University of California, Merced · Merced
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Montana State University · Bozeman
- The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge
- University of Toledo · Toledo
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- Kansas State University · Manhattan
- Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh
- Clarkson University · Potsdam
- University of Delaware · Newark
- University of Dayton · Dayton
- University of California, Riverside · Riverside
- Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland
- Boston University · Boston
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville · Platteville
- University of Michigan–Dearborn · Dearborn
- Milwaukee School of Engineering · Milwaukee
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- Rowan University · Glassboro
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- United States Naval Academy · Annapolis
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- City College of New York · New York
- Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico · Hato Rey
- University of Nevada, Reno · Reno
- Wentworth Institute of Technology · Boston
- University of Akron · Akron
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University · Greensboro
- Binghamton University · Binghamton
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Georgia Southern University · Statesboro
- North Dakota State University · Fargo
- New Mexico State University · Las Cruces
- University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame
- Duke University · Durham
- Columbia University · New York
- Rose–Hulman Institute of Technology · Terre Haute
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- Lehigh University · Bethlehem
- University of Rhode Island · Kingston
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- University of Minnesota, Duluth · Duluth
- Kettering University · Flint
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- United States Air Force Academy · USAF Academy
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology · Rapid City
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- New York University · New York
- Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton
- Illinois Institute of Technology · Chicago
- Utah State University · Logan
- Florida Institute of Technology · Melbourne
- Tennessee Technological University · Cookeville
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- Miami University-Oxford · Oxford
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Stanford University · Stanford
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott · Prescott
- Tufts University · Medford
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- University of New Hampshire · Durham
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
- Villanova University · Villanova
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- Marquette University · Milwaukee
- Manhattan University · Riverdale
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- Louisiana Tech University · Ruston
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- University of Maine · Orono
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- Santa Clara University · Santa Clara
- United States Military Academy · West Point
- Texas A&M University – Kingsville · Kingsville
- California State University, Chico · Chico
- Portland State University · Portland
- Princeton University · Princeton
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette · Lafayette
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore
- University of Vermont · Burlington
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- University of Wyoming · Laramie
- Brigham Young University - Idaho · Rexburg
- Syracuse University · Syracuse
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg · Middletown
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- Boise State University · Boise
- Bradley University · Peoria
- Lamar University · Beaumont
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville
- Rice University · Houston
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham
- Minnesota State University, Mankato · Mankato
- Lawrence Technological University · Southfield
- Bucknell University · Lewisburg
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
About
The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) is a bachelor level degree typically completed over about four years of undergraduate study in the United States. It is offered by four-year institutions accredited regionally and sometimes programmatically by engineering-specific bodies. This degree is designed for students interested in pursuing engineering as a profession, providing a solid foundation in engineering principles and practices. The BEng holds a recognized place in the US higher education system as a professional degree that can lead directly to employment or further education. It is suitable for students who have completed high school and meet admission requirements. The degree is often a prerequisite for sitting professional engineering licensure exams, such as the PE exam, which is important for certain engineering careers. The BEng is distinct from shorter two-year associate degrees and focuses on in-depth technical and theoretical knowledge.
- Degree level bachelor level, about four years
- Offered by four-year accredited institutions
- Target students high school graduates aiming for engineering careers
- Professional path leads to licensure exams like the PE exam
- System role foundational engineering degree in US education
How to get in
Admission to a Bachelor of Engineering program generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in mathematics and science. Applicants often submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, along with their GPA and transcripts. The Common App is commonly used for application to multiple institutions. Some programs may have selective admission processes due to demand and limited capacity. Financial aid applications through FAFSA are encouraged to support funding. Prospective students should demonstrate interest and aptitude in engineering-related subjects. Transfer students from two-year associate programs may enter through articulation agreements, allowing credit transfer and smoother progression. Overall, admission balances academic readiness and institutional criteria.
- Entry requirements high school diploma, strong STEM background
- Application tools Common App, SAT/ACT scores, GPA
- Selective admission varies by institution and program
- Financial aid FAFSA application recommended
- Transfer options articulation agreements with community colleges
Format and schedule
The Bachelor of Engineering is structured as a full-time, four-year undergraduate program. Students complete a set number of credit hours, typically including general education, engineering core, and electives. The curriculum is usually organized into semesters or quarters. Many programs incorporate internships or cooperative education opportunities to provide practical experience. Assessment methods include exams, projects, lab work, and presentations. Some programs may offer part-time or online options, but the traditional path is full-time study on campus. The degree requires consistent academic performance, often tracked via GPA. Hands-on learning and real-world applications are emphasized throughout the program.
- Duration about four years full-time
- Credit hours required for graduation
- Structure semesters or quarters
- Practical experience internships or co-op programs
- Evaluation exams, projects, labs
What next?
Graduates with a Bachelor of Engineering degree can enter the workforce directly in various engineering fields, benefiting from a degree recognized by employers and professional bodies. Many pursue licensure by passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam, which enhances career opportunities and credibility. Alternatively, graduates may continue their education through master's or doctoral programs to specialize further or engage in research. Transfer to graduate schools often requires maintaining a competitive GPA and meeting program prerequisites. The BEng also facilitates interdisciplinary career paths in technology, management, or applied sciences. Overall, it opens multiple pathways for professional and academic advancement.
- Career entry engineering roles in industry
- Licensure preparation for PE exam
- Graduate studies master’s and doctoral programs
- Career flexibility technology and management fields
- Professional recognition accredited degree value
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering?
The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) typically focuses more on practical engineering applications and professional preparation, while the Bachelor of Science in Engineering may have a broader scientific emphasis. Both are undergraduate degrees but can differ by institution.
Can I transfer credits from a community college to a BEng program?
Yes, many four-year institutions have articulation agreements with community colleges allowing transfer of credits, especially from two-year associate degrees, which can shorten the time to complete the BEng.
Is the Bachelor of Engineering degree accredited?
Accreditation depends on the institution and program. Many BEng programs are accredited regionally and by engineering-specific bodies like ABET, ensuring quality and recognition.
What exams can I take after earning a BEng?
Graduates often pursue the Professional Engineer (PE) exam, which is a key licensure exam for engineers in the US, enabling them to practice professionally and take on greater responsibilities.
How competitive is admission to BEng programs?
Admission competitiveness varies by school and program. Some institutions have selective processes based on GPA, test scores, and other criteria, while others may be more accessible.
Can I work while studying for a Bachelor of Engineering?
Many students work part-time or participate in internships during their studies. However, the program is demanding, so balancing work and study requires good time management.
Does the BEng prepare me for graduate studies?
Yes, the BEng provides a strong foundation for graduate programs in engineering and related fields, though admission to graduate school may require maintaining a competitive GPA.
Are there online options for earning a Bachelor of Engineering?
Some institutions offer online or hybrid BEng programs, but due to the hands-on nature of engineering, many require on-campus labs and practical work.