How many years of college do I need to study to become an engineer?

Hello Brian,

In general, you need around 4 years (8 semesters of full time studies) to graduate with a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Engineering. This time-frame can be reduced or extended depending on what classes you took in high school or if you're able to test out of the science classes at the university level.

The structure of classes is dependent on the institution you enroll in, however, the classes are usually as follows:

1) general sciences (math/chemistry/physics) and basic engineering classes for the first year or two

2) core engineering classes related to your major of study for the second/third year

3) electives and more advanced core engineering classes for the third/fourth year

Best,

Hammdy

Hi Brian,

I am guessing that you heard that an Engineering Degree takes 4 years and  a 4 year program sounds like a long time to you - but, rest assured, it goes by very fast.  To become an engineer and receive a Bachelor of Science Degree, (e.g.. Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering:  BSME) requires 4 years of college.  There may be some schools with an accelerated program which might let you finish quicker than 4 years, but they are not common and you probably would not get many summers off. 

For those student that are not sure that they want to enroll in a 4 year program, there are technical schools that offer 2 year programs and grant Associate of Engineering Degrees in various technology fields.  An example of this would be Wentworth University in Boston, MA.  they offer both 2 year and 4 year degrees in various engineering fields.  I am sure that if you contact their admissions department, they would be happy to discuss the various programs they have that might fit your needs.     It is not uncommon for someone to graduate with a 2 year Associates Degree, work for a few years and then transfer their Associates' credits to a 4 year program and go back to school to earn  their Bachelor of Science Degree. 

Good Luck.

Doug