What type of education is required to be an engineer?

• A. Associate degree
• B. Bachelor’s degree from ABET-accredited program
• C. High school diploma
• D. Master’s degree

Answer: (B)

To practice as an engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. ABET accreditation shows the school’s curriculum meets widely recognized standards for engineering education, including fundamentals in math, science, design, and ethics, plus applicable hands-on experience. This accreditation is important because most licensure processes require a degree from an ABET-accredited program to be eligible for exams that lead to professional licensure.

A high school diploma alone does not qualify someone to call themselves an engineer, and while an associate degree can prepare you for engineering technician roles or serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s, it does not generally authorize you to practice as a professional engineer. A master’s degree can deepen specialization or support advanced research and leadership roles, but it isn’t required to begin practicing engineering.

So, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard path and the best match for becoming a licensed, practicing engineer.