Engineering Science.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Engineering Science. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 23.7%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Engineering Science. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $76473 and average student debt of $18089, the financial outlook for Engineering Science. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Engineering Science. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $76473, and with an average debt of $18089, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.24—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 1338 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Engineering Science. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Engineering Science (CIP 14.1301) is an elite, interdisciplinary program that focuses on the scientific and mathematical foundations of engineering rather than a single technical specialty. While most engineers study a specific vertical—like civil or mechanical—Engineering Science students study the "horizontal" principles that connect them all. It is a path for "interdisciplinary innovators" who want to work on complex, multi-layered problems like autonomous systems, renewable energy grids, and nanotechnology.
This field is ideal for "high-level problem solvers"—individuals who want to understand the "first principles" of physics and math to lead projects that require knowledge from five different types of engineering at once.
What Is an Engineering Science Degree?
A degree in Engineering Science is often found at top-tier research universities and is frequently used as a pre-professional track for those aiming for a PhD or a career in high-end R&D. You will study a "core" of advanced physics, chemistry, and calculus, then choose a specialized concentration like Energy Systems, Nanoengineering, or Computational Science. It is a rigorous STEM major that treats engineering as a branch of applied science, focusing on "how to think" and "how to learn" new technologies as they emerge.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Systems Architects" who can bridge the gap between scientists and specialized engineers
- Develop experts in Computational Modeling—using math to predict how complex systems will behave
- Prepare students for Multidisciplinary Research in fields like space exploration or medical technology
- Provide a flexible engineering foundation for those interested in Patent Law, Medicine, or Policy
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that the most difficult challenges in the modern world—like climate change or AI—cannot be solved by one type of engineer alone; they require a "Scientific Generalist" who understands the whole system.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Advanced Mathematical Analysis—including differential equations and linear algebra
- Use "Systems Thinking" to analyze how different parts of a machine or network interact
- Design High-Level Simulations to test new theories in a virtual environment
- Perform Experimental Design—creating the lab tests needed to prove a new scientific concept
- Utilize Programming and Data Science to process massive amounts of engineering data
- Understand Optimization Theory—finding the most efficient way to use time, energy, and materials
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a broad and deep dive into the physical world:
- Continuum Mechanics: The study of how solids and fluids behave as a continuous mass.
- Electromagnetic Theory: Understanding the physics of light, electricity, and magnetism.
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: The laws of heat, energy, and molecular behavior.
- Materials Science: Exploring the atomic structure of metals, polymers, and ceramics.
- Computational Physics: Using algorithms to solve the laws of physics on a computer.
- Systems Control: The math behind how machines (like drones or thermostats) stay stable.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as high-level analysts, researchers, and project leaders in cutting-edge industries.
Common job roles include:
- Systems Engineer: Ensuring that all parts of a complex project (like a satellite) work together perfectly.
- R&D Engineer: Developing the "next big thing" in a laboratory or corporate research center.
- Simulation Specialist: Using software to predict crashes, weather patterns, or airflow.
- Data Scientist (Engineering): Using machine learning to improve industrial processes.
- Technical Consultant: Advising companies on how to implement new, complex technologies.
- Academic/Professor: Leading research and teaching the next generation of engineers.
Where Can You Work?
Engineering Science specialists work at the "brain center" of modern innovation:
- National Laboratories: Facilities like Oak Ridge, CERN, or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- Advanced Tech Firms: Working on "Moonshot" projects for companies like Google, Tesla, or SpaceX.
- Renewable Energy Labs: Designing the future of fusion, solar, and battery storage.
- Biotech and MedTech: Creating the systems that power robotic surgery and gene sequencing.
- Government Agencies: Working on defense, energy policy, or environmental protection.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because this is a "prestige" engineering degree that often leads to high-level research or management, salaries are very high.
- Systems Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $105,000–$135,000.
- Research Scientists (R&D): Salaries typically range from $110,000 to $160,000.
- Senior Analysts: Median annual salary of around $120,000–$150,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $82,000 and $98,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is very high. This major is often considered the most difficult in an engineering school because it requires you to be "good at everything." You must master the math of a physicist and the practical logic of an engineer. It requires a high degree of intellectual flexibility—you might study fluid dynamics in the morning and quantum mechanics in the afternoon. It is a path for students who find traditional engineering "too narrow" and want a bigger challenge.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love Math and Physics and don't want to stop studying either one
- Are a "big picture" thinker who enjoys seeing how different things connect
- Plan to go to Graduate School (Master's or PhD) to become a specialized expert
- Want a career that allows you to work in many different industries over time
- Are fascinated by the "Future of Technology" and want to be the one to invent it
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the most advanced Calculus and Physics classes your school offers (AP or IB)
- Learn computer programming (Python, C++, or MATLAB are essential tools)
- Join a robotics or debate team to practice both technical and communication skills
- Practice "Multidisciplinary Projects"—build a project that requires coding, building, and math
- Read about Systems Theory and Complexity to understand how the modern world is built
The ability to master the fundamental scientific principles that connect all engineering disciplines is the hallmark of a successful engineering science professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor