- A Bachelor’s in Engineering provides a strong foundation but does not automatically make you a licensed professional; additional steps are required for PE licensure.
- Professional degrees are credentials that prepare you for regulated careers, often requiring licensing or certification.
- ABET accreditation is critical, ensuring your degree meets industry standards and qualifies you for the FE and PE exams.
- Engineering degrees offer versatile career opportunities, high earning potential, and practical skills even without licensure.
- Licensure is essential for roles that impact public safety, like civil, structural, and environmental engineering.
- Students should plan their path carefully: choose accredited programs, gain practical experience, and consider whether PE licensure aligns with their career goals.
If you’re considering a career in engineering, you’ve probably asked yourself: is engineering a professional degree? Understanding this distinction can shape your education choices, career path, and even your long-term earning potential. In this article, we’ll break it all down in a clear, practical way, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
What Does “Professional Degree” Even Mean?
A professional degree is more than just a college diploma. It’s a credential that qualifies you for specific careers requiring licensing, certification, or regulated practice. Think of doctors, lawyers, and accountants—they all need professional degrees to practice.
For engineering, the question becomes whether a standard Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) automatically counts as a professional degree or if additional steps are needed.
Key Characteristics of a Professional Degree:
- It prepares you for regulated professions.
- It often requires licensing or certification after graduation.
- It focuses heavily on practical skills and real-world application.
- Accrediting bodies often define the curriculum standards.
With this in mind, let’s explore where engineering fits.
Is a Bachelor’s in Engineering Considered a Professional Degree?
In the U.S., a Bachelor of Science in Engineering is generally not considered a professional degree on its own. While it provides the foundation for becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), additional requirements are usually necessary.
Most professional degrees, like medicine or law, allow you to practice immediately after graduation (assuming you pass licensing exams). In engineering, your undergraduate degree is the first step toward professional licensure.
Why It’s Not Automatically “Professional”
- You typically need work experience under a licensed engineer.
- Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is required.
- Only after additional years of experience and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam can you become a licensed PE.
So, while engineering is academically rigorous, the degree itself doesn’t grant full professional status.
Why Engineering Is Still a Career-Focused Degree
Even if it isn’t a professional degree by definition, engineering is highly practical and career-oriented. Employers value engineering graduates for their problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and project management capabilities.
Benefits of an Engineering Degree for Your Career
- High demand for engineers: Engineering fields consistently have strong job growth.
- Versatile skill set: Math, physics, and design skills apply to many industries.
- High earning potential: Even entry-level engineers earn competitive salaries.
- Opportunities for licensure: Becoming a PE can further elevate your career and salary.
In short, the degree is professional in nature but requires additional steps to reach full licensure status.
How Accreditation Impacts Your Professional Status
One factor that separates engineering from other degrees is accreditation. In the U.S., the primary accrediting body is ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
Why ABET Accreditation Matters
- Ensures your degree meets industry and professional standards.
- Makes you eligible to sit for the FE and PE exams.
- Recognized by employers across the U.S. and internationally.
Without an ABET-accredited degree, it can be much harder to become a licensed professional engineer.
What About Graduate Degrees in Engineering?
Some students pursue Master’s or PhD programs in engineering. These advanced degrees are usually research-focused, emphasizing innovation and specialized knowledge rather than licensure.
When Graduate Degrees Matter for Careers
- Specialized roles: Aerospace, biomedical, and environmental engineering often require advanced degrees.
- Research and development: PhDs prepare you for leadership in tech innovation.
- Teaching and academia: A graduate degree is typically required for university-level instruction.
Even at the graduate level, however, professional licensure still depends on FE and PE exams.
How Do You Become a Licensed Professional Engineer?
If your goal is full professional recognition, here’s the typical path in the U.S.:
- Earn an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
- Gain four years of work experience under a licensed PE.
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
- Maintain licensure through continuing education and renewals.
This process ensures that licensed engineers have the knowledge, experience, and ethical grounding needed to protect public safety.
What Fields of Engineering Require Licensure?
Not all engineering roles require a PE license, but some do, especially if your work affects public safety or infrastructure. Examples include:
- Civil engineering (bridges, roads, buildings)
- Structural engineering
- Mechanical and electrical engineering in certain regulatory environments
- Environmental engineering (water treatment, pollution control)
Fields That Don’t Always Require Licensure
- Software engineering
- Industrial or manufacturing engineering
- Research-focused engineering roles
- Some consulting and corporate engineering positions
Licensure is most critical in roles where legal accountability and public safety are involved.
Can You Have a Successful Career Without a PE License?
Absolutely. Many engineers work their entire careers without ever obtaining a PE license. In fact, if you’re asking what you can do with an engineering degree without pursuing licensure, the options are vast.
- Tech and software companies rarely require licensure.
- Many corporate engineers focus on design, project management, and analysis, where practical experience matters more than a license.
- Licensure can enhance your career but isn’t always necessary for financial or professional success.
Advantages of Becoming Licensed
- Higher earning potential
- Legal authority to sign off on projects
- Expanded career opportunities
- Professional recognition and credibility
It’s a choice based on your career goals, not an automatic requirement for all engineers.
How Does Engineering Compare to Other Professional Degrees?
To put things in perspective, here’s how engineering stacks up:
| Professional Degree | Licensure Required to Practice | Typical Duration | Key Focus |
| Medicine | Yes (MD/DO + licensing) | 7-10 years | Patient care, medical knowledge |
| Law | Yes (JD + bar exam) | 3-4 years | Legal practice, ethics, law |
| Accounting | Yes (CPA license) | 4 years + work | Financial reporting, auditing |
| Engineering | Sometimes (PE license) | 4+ years | Problem solving, design, safety |
Engineering is unique because the undergraduate degree alone doesn’t confer full professional status, but it opens doors to licensure if desired.
How to Choose the Right Engineering Path
When deciding whether to pursue engineering as a professional career, consider these questions:
- Do you want to work in roles that directly affect public safety?
- Are you willing to commit to additional exams and work experience for licensure?
- Do you prefer research or corporate roles that may not require a license?
- Is your chosen field ABET-accredited and aligned with licensure pathways?
Answering these questions will help you navigate your education and career strategy.
Tips for Students Considering Engineering
Here are practical steps for anyone thinking about an engineering career:
- Choose an ABET-accredited program to keep professional options open.
- Get internships or co-op experience to gain practical knowledge.
- Start preparing for the FE exam while in college.
- Network with licensed engineers to understand the career path.
- Explore different engineering fields to find the best fit for your interests and goals.
Common Misconceptions About Engineering as a Professional Degree
Many students misunderstand what it means to have a professional engineering career. Here are some myths:
- Myth: A bachelor’s degree automatically makes you a professional engineer.
Fact: Licensure is required for official professional status. - Myth: Only civil or mechanical engineers need licenses.
Fact: Licensure depends on the role, not just the field. - Myth: You can’t have a successful engineering career without a PE.
Fact: Many engineers thrive in corporate, tech, or research roles without licensure.
Understanding these distinctions will help you plan a realistic and rewarding career path.
How Engineering Degrees Prepare You for the Real World
Even without licensure, an engineering degree is highly practical. Here’s how it equips you for success:
- Problem-solving skills: Engineers learn to approach complex challenges systematically.
- Technical expertise: From CAD software to circuit design, engineers gain hands-on experience.
- Teamwork and communication: Group projects simulate real-world engineering environments.
- Project management: Many programs incorporate planning, budgeting, and scheduling tasks.
These skills make engineers valuable across industries, whether or not they pursue a PE license.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Engineering as a Profession
Engineering continues to evolve with new technologies and societal needs. Key trends affecting its professional status include:
- Increased demand for licensed engineers in sustainable infrastructure and environmental projects.
- Expansion of tech and software engineering, where licensure is less common but innovation is critical.
- Global recognition of ABET-accredited degrees, allowing U.S.-trained engineers to work internationally.
The line between professional and academic engineering roles is blurring, but licensure remains essential for public safety-critical careers.
The Bottom Line
So, is engineering a professional degree? The answer is nuanced:
- Your bachelor’s degree is career-focused but doesn’t automatically confer professional status.
- Becoming a licensed PE requires exams, experience, and adherence to ethical standards.
- Even without licensure, an engineering degree provides valuable skills, career flexibility, and high earning potential.
In short, engineering is a professionally-oriented degree with a pathway to full professional recognition if you choose to pursue it. Understanding this distinction early can help you plan your education, choose the right program, and make informed decisions about your future.
