Engineering Disciplines
US Engineering Disciplines
The specific US engineering disciplines — mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, aerospace, biomedical and industrial — what sets each apart, plus ABET accreditation.
Last updated

Tests this hub covers
What this hub covers
- ABET Accreditation Explained: Why It Matters for US Engineering DegreesWhat ABET accreditation actually is · How to check if a program is ABET-accredited · Why it matters for engineering licensure
- Biomedical Engineering Major in the US: Programs, Paths, and CareersWhat biomedical engineering is · Typical specializations within BME · The pre-med vs. industry fork
- Industrial and Systems Engineering in the US: The Optimization DisciplineWhat industrial and systems engineering is · What ISE engineers actually optimize · How ISE differs from mechanical engineering
- How to Choose an Engineering Discipline: Matching Your Interests to a MajorStart with what you like to build and solve · A quick map of the major disciplines · Match by interests, math/science strengths and how you like to work
- Engineering Licensure in the US: The FE and PE Exams ExplainedWhat it means to be a licensed Professional Engineer · Step 1: The FE exam · Step 2: Work experience, then the PE exam
Guides for United States
5 of 5 guides in this hub are for the United States.
ABET Accreditation Explained: Why It Matters for US Engineering Degrees
What ABET accreditation is, how to check if a US engineering program has it, and why it matters for licensure, grad school and employers.
Read guideEngineering Licensure in the US: The FE and PE Exams Explained
The US path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer — the FE exam, work experience, the PE exam, and which disciplines rely on it.
Read guideBiomedical Engineering Major in the US: Programs, Paths, and Careers
What biomedical engineering blends, typical specializations, the industry-vs-pre-med fork, and how it differs from general engineering.
Read guideHow to Choose an Engineering Discipline: Matching Your Interests to a Major
A decision framework for choosing among mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, aerospace, biomedical and industrial engineering.
Read guideStudying in the United States
Continue exploring the United States
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for the United States — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
Not sure where to start?
Ask GSB for guidance tailored to your situation.
Ask GSB →