Get Your Gears Turning
How many engineering disciplines can you name?
UCSB educates students in five key areas: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science. However, there are over 50 other engineering disciplines to discover including aerospace, automotive, biochemical, civil, environmental, geotechnical, industrial, manufacturing, nanotechnology, nuclear, petroleum, security, telecommunications, and traffic engineering. All areas overlap with basic engineering knowledge and skills.
Learn how you can pursue your discipline or pivot your UCSB education into the area of your choice through a career path in Engineering + Technology.
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Engineering + Technology Bookshelf
Overview of
Engineering for Non-EngineersExplore Grad School:
Engineering for Non-Engineers
For complete information on graduate school search strategies and the application process, review our starter tips to Explore Grad School in all careers as well as the specialized tips on this page.
Embracing Further Education
Seeking formal graduate education in engineering without a traditional engineering undergraduate degree provides a structured way to gain knowledge and experience for future opportunities. While this is not always necessary, boosting your relevant education can help you gain more validity in the engineering field and build on your foundations from UCSB. After all, who wouldn't trust a trained expert?
Though graduate school remains available, it is not the only way to move your education forward. As you review options, consider the goals you are seeking to fulfill in your career and look for solutions that provide you with valuable experience.
Program Opportunities to Consider
There are various types of programs you can pursue after graduating from UCSB. Click below to learn about each of these very different, yet potentially valuable opportunities to advance your education.
Pursuing a second bachelor’s degree does not mean that you repeat all of college. These programs are typically two to three years and cover the core coursework necessary for a major; there are no general education requirements. For this reason, a second bachelor's degree can usually be completed much more quickly than your first.
Second bachelor's degree programs are rare for engineering degrees. The UC Admissions website shows UC campuses which are accepting applications for second bachelor’s degrees and specifies specific majors/disciplines. Outside of the UC system, we recommend that you research each university’s offering of second bachelor’s degrees to explore your options further.
Post-baccalaureate certificates are typically six-month to one-year programs that offer foundational training in a specific engineering topic. These programs can be utilized to gain acceptance into a master’s program or to help transition into a full-time engineering role.
Financial aid is limited and sometimes unavailable for these programs, therefore it is best to check with each university regarding any scholarships or funding that may be available.
Some universities offer bridge programs. Similar to post-baccalaureate programs, bridge programs provide an opportunity for non-engineering students to apply and take foundational engineering coursework before completing a corresponding master’s program. Examples of bridge programs include Boston University’s LEAP Program and New York University’s Bridge Program.
Most programs that offer a Master of Engineering or Master of Science in Engineering require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, some will allow related fields to apply. To be competitive for master’s programs, most students without an engineering degree work in the industry or participate in research for a few years to gain hands-on experience.
If you are interested in a Ph.D. in engineering, many universities expect completion of a master’s program or an abundance of intense research experience in engineering.
To further discuss your potential graduate school options in engineering or other fields, connect with us to learn more about your specific situation and future goals.
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