Engineering certificates provide focused instruction in specific topics without requiring the broader general education coursework found in degree programs. Certificates are commonly used to build targeted skills, explore an area of interest, or supplement an existing degree.
Programs vary widely by school and may be offered at the undergraduate or graduate level depending on prerequisites and course depth.
$34,375
Median Earnings (1yr)
College Scorecard
$7,825
Median Debt
College Scorecard
158
Schools Offering
College Scorecard
Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.
Quick answers
What is an engineering certificate?
An engineering certificate is a short, focused program that covers specific topics without the breadth of a full degree.
Are engineering certificates offered online?
Yes. Many schools offer engineering certificates online.
What do engineering certificates cover?
Common topics include CAD and technical drawing, project management, quality assurance, and systems engineering tools.
What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate certificates?
Undergraduate certificates are often open to students without a prior degree and focus on foundational topics. Graduate certificates typically require a completed bachelor’s degree and cover advanced coursework.
How long do certificates take to complete?
Time to complete varies by program and pacing. Many certificates follow standard terms, accelerated terms, or part-time pacing.
Can certificates count toward a degree?
Sometimes. Some schools allow certificate credits to apply toward a degree at the same institution, but transferability and limits depend on school policy.
At a Glance
- Program type: Focused certificate (undergraduate or graduate level)
- Typical duration: Shorter than associate or bachelor’s degrees
- 1yr median earnings: $34,375 (College Scorecard)
- 5yr median earnings: $65,568 (College Scorecard)
- Median debt: $7,825 (College Scorecard)
- Pacing options: Standard, accelerated, or part-time
For a full overview of engineering pathways, start with the Engineering Program Guide.
Schools to compare
How We Rank Schools
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
- Graduation rate 30%
- Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
- Average net price (lower is better) 20%
- Retention rate 15%
- Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Graduation rate
95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$101,028
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$88,757
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
92%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$82,206
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
98%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$110,066
Avg net price
$6,128/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 47
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$79,652
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$128,566
Avg net price
$16,075/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 30
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
85%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$83,847
Avg net price
$13,269/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 92%
- Programs offered: 8
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 28
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
What engineering certificates cover
Certificate programs are designed around specific subject areas rather than a full program core.
| Course Topic |
What You Learn |
| CAD & Technical Drawing |
Computer-aided design tools and technical documentation |
| Project Management |
Planning, scheduling, and resource management fundamentals |
| Quality & Reliability |
Quality control methods, statistical process analysis |
| Systems Engineering |
Systems thinking, requirements analysis, and integration |
| Discipline-Specific Electives |
Focused coursework in mechanical, electrical, or civil topics |
Topic availability depends on the institution and whether the certificate is undergraduate or graduate level.
Undergraduate vs graduate certificates
Certificates may be offered at different academic levels.
Undergraduate certificates
- Often open to students without a prior degree
- Focus on foundational or introductory topics
- Sometimes designed to stack into associate or bachelor’s programs
Graduate certificates
- Require a completed bachelor’s degree
- Focus on advanced or specialized topics
- Sometimes align with master’s coursework
When comparing certificate level and expectations, review Engineering Admissions Requirements.
Time to complete and pacing
Certificates are typically shorter than degree programs, but pacing varies.
Common formats include:
- Standard term schedules
- Accelerated formats with shorter terms
- Part-time pacing with lighter weekly workloads
To compare pacing options, see:
Certificate vs degree programs
| Feature |
Certificate |
Associate |
Bachelor’s |
Master’s |
| Focus |
Narrow, specific topics |
Foundational + gen ed |
Broad + specialization |
Advanced + research |
| Duration |
Shortest |
~2 years |
~4 years |
1-2 years |
| 1yr Median Earnings |
$34,375 |
$48,263 |
$72,832 |
$93,343 |
| Median Debt |
$7,825 |
$10,928 |
$23,177 |
$27,988 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
Compare degree options:
Credit transfer and stacking options
Some certificates are designed to stack into degree programs at the same institution.
Before enrolling, confirm:
- Whether certificate credits apply toward a degree
- Any limits on credit application
- Residency requirements for degree completion
- Time limits on applying certificate credits
ABET accreditation is important for engineering programs. While certificates themselves may not carry ABET accreditation, completing a certificate at an ABET-accredited institution may improve credit transferability.
For planning guidance, see:
Who certificates may be a good fit for
Engineering certificates are often a good option for students who:
- Want targeted instruction without committing to a full degree
- Are exploring engineering topics before choosing a degree path
- Need structured, shorter programs with clear outcomes
- Already hold a degree and want focused coursework
If you are comparing overall value and fit, see: Is an Engineering Degree Worth It.
Data verified: June 7, 2026.
Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
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