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According to a 2023 analysis by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), for students seeking a positive return on investment (ROI) on their education, a degree in a science or engineering field is one of the best bets, thanks to high earning potential and a strong employment outlook.

There are many degree programs available in science and engineering, making it challenging to find the one that’s best for you. To help students narrow their choices, Intelligent.com reviewed hundreds of online and in-person science and engineering degree programs. We also provide insight into potential career paths for science and engineering students and answers to frequently asked questions about these subjects.

What You Can Do With A Science or Engineering Degree

Engineering and science are broad fields that encompass a variety of different career paths.

Students who are interested in pursuing an engineering degree must typically choose an area of engineering in which to specialize. Popular options include:

  • Electrical engineering: Focuses on the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
  • Civil engineering: Focuses on the planning, designing, and supervision of construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.
  • Software engineering: Applies engineering principles to software development.
  • Mechanical engineering: Studies physical machines that may involve force and movement.
  • Biomedical engineering: Focuses on the use of engineering principles to improve human health and healthcare.
  • Industrial engineering: Focuses on improving the efficiency of systems, processes, and organizations.

A bachelor’s degree will qualify students for most entry- and mid-level engineering jobs, although a master’s degree may be required for advanced roles and leadership positions.

Science also encompasses multiple fields, including physical sciences like chemistry, physics, and geology, which focus on non-living systems in the physical world, and life sciences, like biology, ecology, and biochemistry, which study living organisms. While students with a bachelor’s degree can find entry-level positions, many roles within the physical and life sciences require an advanced degree. An undergraduate major in the life sciences can also provide a solid foundation for those who are interested in pursuing a medical degree.

Career outlook

  • Software developers: Use coding knowledge to create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.
  • Biological technicians: Perform tests and analyses using specialized laboratory instruments, automated equipment, robotics, and computer software to model experimental data.
    • Median annual salary: $51,430
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 7%
    • New jobs projected: 10,300 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in biology
  • Medical scientists: Conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings and create and test medical devices.

Online Science and Engineering Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Traditional Science and Engineering Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Frequently Asked Questions About Science and Engineering

What are the differences between science and engineering?

Although science and engineering are closely related, representing the “S” and the “E” in STEM, there are key differences between the two fields. Science focuses on understanding natural phenomena through observation and experimentation, while engineering is concerned with using scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.

In science, the goal is often to discover new knowledge through research and testing theories. Meanwhile, engineers focus on producing tangible products or processes that address known issues.

What should students consider when choosing a degree program for science or engineering?

When choosing a degree program, students should start by reflecting on their own personal interests and goals. With science and engineering, there are multiple disciplines to choose from, so students should first clarify which subject within these fields they are most interested in studying. This can then help them narrow their search to schools that offer instruction and opportunities in the areas that interest them most.

Accreditation is another consideration. Students should always choose a school that has institutional accreditation through a recognized accrediting body. Many independent organizations also accredit specific programs, including ABET, which accredits engineering and technology degree programs, and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), which accredits programs in biology and related disciplines. Accreditation ensures that students are receiving a quality education that meets industry standards.

Lastly, students should consider whether they want to earn their degree online or in person. While there are many quality online programs available in science and engineering, these programs often include lab work and hands-on project requirements that may be easier and more effective to fulfill in a traditional classroom setting. However, based on a student’s individual needs, it may be more accessible to attend an online program.

How can students prepare to study science or engineering at the post-secondary level?

For students seeking to enter a science or engineering degree program after high school, there are a number of steps they can take before graduating to help them prepare. This includes taking a variety of math, science, and engineering courses. Consult with any degree programs you’re considering to find out if they have specific prerequisite coursework requirements. Otherwise, courses in algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, and physics are generally considered most helpful.

There are also a number of soft skills needed for success in STEM fields, including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Students should look for opportunities to develop these skills, whether in the classroom, extracurricular activities, or work and volunteer experience.

Post-baccalaureate students planning on pursuing a master’s degree in science or engineering should determine whether the programs they’re interested in have any professional experience requirements. Some programs accept students directly from undergraduate programs, while others may prefer students who have a few years of work experience in the field.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Science and Engineering

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level degree for students interested in pursuing a career in science or engineering. These degrees typically require a minimum of 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete.

Coursework introduces students to the foundational and intermediate knowledge they need to prepare them for entry- and mid-level jobs in their chosen field. In addition to their major courses, students will also take general education courses and electives. Many bachelor’s degree programs also include an internship component to give students hands-on experience in their chosen field.

There are several types of bachelor’s degrees available in science and engineering, including:

  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BE / B.Eng / BEng)
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE)

Master’s

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree may choose to pursue a master’s, which is an advanced degree that allows students to develop more specialized skills and knowledge in their field. The number of credits required for a master’s degree varies, with most requiring between 36 and 60 credits. Depending on the credit requirements, a master’s degree can take 1-3 years of full-time study to complete.

A master’s degree can help students prepare for high-level roles, including leadership and management positions. In engineering and science, students may also have the opportunity to conduct research and generate new knowledge and technology in their field. Master’s programs may include an internship and often culminate in a thesis or capstone project.

Common master’s degrees in the science and engineering fields include:

  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Engineering (MEng)
  • Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Learn More About Science and Engineering Degree Programs