Engineering in US universities for international students

1. Introduction to Engineering in US universities: majors

Engineering is one of the most sought-after fields globally due to its foundational role in technological advancements, infrastructure development, and problem-solving. Engineering majors span various disciplines, each focusing on different aspects of technology, design, and scientific application. The main goal of any engineering program is to teach students how to apply mathematical, scientific, and technical knowledge to design, build, and maintain systems, processes, and machines.

💡 For international students, an engineering degree from a U.S. university offers a globally recognized qualification, high job prospects, and access to cutting-edge research and industry connections.

2. Engineering Majors and Specialties

Engineering is a broad field with many specializations. Below are some of the most popular engineering disciplines:

1. Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on designing and building mechanical systems, including machinery, engines, and tools.

2. Civil Engineering: Involves designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings.

3. Electrical Engineering: Concentrates on the design and development of electrical systems, including circuits, electronics, and power generation.

4. Chemical Engineering: Applies chemistry, biology, physics, and math to produce chemicals, fuels, drugs, and other products.

5. Computer Engineering: Integrates computer science and electrical engineering to develop computer systems, hardware, and software.

6. Aerospace Engineering: Focuses on designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and defense systems.

7. Environmental Engineering: Uses engineering principles to solve environmental problems such as water purification, pollution control, and sustainable design.

8. Biomedical Engineering: Combines biology and engineering to design medical devices, prosthetics, and healthcare technologies.

   
   

3. Curriculum of a Typical Engineering Major

Engineering in US universities: A typical engineering major follows a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Here is an overview of a standard engineering curriculum:

• Foundational Courses: Mathematics (Calculus, Linear Algebra), Physics, Chemistry

• Core Engineering Courses: Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Materials Science, Fluid Mechanics, Electronics, Systems Engineering

• Laboratory Work and Projects: Hands-on lab work that allows students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges.

• Specialization Courses: Advanced topics based on the student's chosen field (e.g., aerodynamics for aerospace, circuits for electrical engineering).

• Capstone Project: Many programs require a final project, where students design, build, and present an engineering solution.

• Electives and Humanities: Courses that broaden the student’s perspective, including electives related to the specialization and general education in humanities or social sciences.

4. Internships for International Students

Internships are a critical part of any engineering degree, providing hands-on experience, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. International students can find internships in various sectors such as tech, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): For international students on F-1 visas, CPT allows them to work in internships related to their major while still in school. This practical experience helps them apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): After graduation, F-1 visa holders can apply for OPT, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM degrees, including engineering). OPT provides a pathway to gaining full-time employment in the U.S.

Where to Find Internships:

• Tech Companies: Apple, Google, Tesla, Intel, and Microsoft often hire interns for roles in software, hardware, and systems engineering.

• Manufacturing: Companies like General Motors, Caterpillar, and 3M hire mechanical, industrial, and electrical engineering students.

• Aerospace and Defense: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman offer internships for aerospace and mechanical engineers.

• Government Agencies: NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide engineering internships.

  
  

5. Job Prospects for International Students

Engineering graduates, including international students, are highly sought after in the U.S. job market. Here’s an overview of job prospects by specialization:

• Mechanical Engineers: Often hired by manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries. Job growth is steady with roles in product development and automation.

• Civil Engineers: In demand for infrastructure projects, especially as cities modernize and expand. Civil engineers are needed for construction, urban planning, and environmental projects.

• Electrical Engineers: High demand in industries ranging from power generation to telecommunications and consumer electronics.

• Software/Computer Engineers: There is a significant demand for computer engineers in Silicon Valley and beyond, especially in tech companies focusing on software development, hardware design, and cybersecurity.

6. Starting Salaries for Engineers

Starting salaries for engineering graduates tend to be competitive due to the technical expertise required. Here’s a general overview of starting salaries in the U.S. (data may vary slightly by region and company):

• Mechanical Engineer: $65,000 - $75,000

• Civil Engineer: $62,000 - $70,000

• Electrical Engineer: $70,000 - $80,000

• Chemical Engineer: $72,000 - $85,000

• Computer Engineer: $75,000 - $90,

Rankings for Undergraduate Engineering Programs in the U.S.

Several organizations rank undergraduate engineering programs based on different methodologies, with each focusing on different factors like academic reputation, research output, employability, and student satisfaction. Below are some of the most commonly used ranking systems for engineering programs in the U.S.

1. U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Methodology:

U.S. News & World Report ranks undergraduate engineering programs based on peer assessments by deans and faculty from ABET-accredited programs. Factors include academic reputation, faculty resources, and graduation outcomes.

• Top 5 Engineering Schools (Overall):

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  2. Stanford University

  3. University of California, Berkeley

  4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

  5. Georgia Institute of Technology

• Specialty Rankings (2023):

  • Mechanical Engineering: MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan

  • Civil Engineering: UC Berkeley, MIT, Stanford, Georgia Tech, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Electrical Engineering: MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Caltech, Carnegie Mellon University

  • Computer Engineering: MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2. QS World University Rankings (Engineering & Technology)

Methodology:

QS ranks universities globally based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and the H-index (measuring research productivity and impact).

• Top 5 U.S. Engineering Schools (2023):

  1. MIT

  2. Stanford University

  3. Harvard University

  4. University of California, Berkeley

  5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

QS is more globally focused, but U.S. schools consistently dominate the top spots for engineering and technology, particularly MIT and Stanford due to their influence in research and innovation.

3. Forbes Rankings (Best Value Colleges for Engineering)

Methodology:

Forbes focuses on return on investment (ROI), considering factors such as graduate earnings, debt, academic success, and student satisfaction.

• Top 5 Best Value Engineering Programs:

  1. MIT

  2. Stanford University

  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  4. Purdue University

  5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Forbes emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the financial value of a degree, particularly regarding salaries and loan repayment.

4. Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

Methodology:

Times Higher Education ranks engineering programs based on teaching (learning environment), research (volume, income, and reputation), citations (research influence), international outlook, and industry income.

• Top 5 U.S. Engineering Schools (2023):

  1. Stanford University

  2. MIT

  3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

  4. Princeton University

  5. Harvard University

THE rankings focus more on research influence and global perspective, making them highly relevant for international students seeking a global academic reputation.

5. Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU - Shanghai Rankings)

Methodology:

ARWU ranks universities globally based on research output, including the number of papers published in top journals and the number of highly cited researchers.

• Top 5 U.S. Engineering Schools:

  1. MIT

  2. Stanford University

  3. University of California, Berkeley

  4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

  5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The ARWU rankings emphasize academic research and faculty quality, making them useful for students interested in institutions with a strong research component.

6. Regional Breakdown of Reputed Engineering Programs by Speciality

💡 Even though we work with a small cohort of students each year, College Admissions International’s students have been accepted to all of the universities on these lists.

Northeastern U.S.

1. Mechanical Engineering:

   • MIT (MA)

   • Cornell University (NY)

   • Carnegie Mellon University (PA)

   • Princeton University (NJ)

   • University of Pennsylvania (PA)

2. Civil Engineering:

   • MIT (MA)

   • Columbia University (NY)

   • Cornell University (NY)

   • Princeton University (NJ)

   • Northeastern University (MA)

3. Electrical Engineering:

   • MIT (MA)

   • Carnegie Mellon University (PA)

   • Princeton University (NJ)

   • Cornell University (NY)

   • University of Pennsylvania (PA)

4. Computer Engineering:

   • MIT (MA)

   • Carnegie Mellon University (PA)

   • Cornell University (NY)

   • Princeton University (NJ)

   • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)

Southern U.S.

1. Mechanical Engineering:

   • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

   • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

   • Virginia Tech (VA)

   • Texas A&M University (TX)

   • North Carolina State University (NC)

2. Civil Engineering:

   • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

   • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

   • Virginia Tech (VA)

   • Texas A&M University (TX)

   • University of Florida (FL)

3. Electrical Engineering:

   • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

   • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

   • Texas A&M University (TX)

   • Duke University (NC)

   • Virginia Tech (VA)

4. Computer Engineering:

   • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

   • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

   • Texas A&M University (TX)

   • Duke University (NC)

   • North Carolina State University (NC)

Midwestern U.S.

1. Mechanical Engineering:

   • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (MI)

   • Purdue University (IN)

   • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (IL)

   • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

   • Ohio State University (OH)

2. Civil Engineering:

   • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (IL)

   • Purdue University (IN)

   • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (MI)

   • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

   • University of Minnesota (MN)

3. Electrical Engineering:

   • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (MI)

   • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (IL)

   • Purdue University (IN)

   • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

   • Ohio State University (OH)

4. Computer Engineering:

   • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (IL)

   • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (MI)

   • Purdue University (IN)

   • University of Minnesota (MN)

   • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

Western U.S.

1. Mechanical Engineering:

   • Stanford University (CA)

   • California Institute of Technology (CA)

   • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

   • University of Southern California (CA)

   • University of California, San Diego (CA)

2. Civil Engineering:

   • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

   • Stanford University (CA)

   • California Institute of Technology (CA)

   • University of Southern California (CA)

   • University of Washington (WA)

3. Electrical Engineering:

   • Stanford University (CA)

   • California Institute of Technology (CA)

   • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

   • University of Southern California (CA)

   • University of California, San Diego (CA)

4. Computer Engineering:

   • Stanford University (CA)

   • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

   • California Institute of Technology (CA)

   • University of Southern California (CA)

   • University of California, San Diego (CA)

   • 
     

Conclusion

When choosing an undergraduate engineering program, students should consider various factors such as research output, employability, specialization opportunities, and access to internships. U.S. News & World Report, QS, Forbes, and other rankings provide valuable insights into top programs across different regions and specialties. International students benefit from studying at highly reputed U.S. institutions, which offer world-class education, cutting-edge research, and global job prospects in a wide range of engineering fields.