Engineering attracts students who want to solve real-world problems, build new technologies, and shape the future. As you explore your options, looking at the most popular engineering majors can offer a useful starting point — showing which fields draw the most students nationwide and where academic interest is strongest.
Some majors on this list may be exactly what you expect; others might surprise you. And while popularity doesn’t automatically signal job prospects or salary potential, it does highlight the programs that consistently attract large numbers of future engineers. This guide will walk you through those majors, the work they prepare you for, and the trends shaping engineering education today.
The 10 Most Popular Engineering Majors in the U.S. (2026)
This list is based on the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded nationwide, according to the latest completions data via IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) — a federal database that tracks degrees across U.S. colleges and universities. “Most popular” here refers to graduation counts, not job demand or salary potential. These majors simply represent where the largest number of engineering students choose to focus their studies.
1. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering remains the largest engineering major in the country. Students study mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid systems, materials science, and machine design. Because mechanical principles apply across nearly every engineered system, this major appears at more institutions than any other.
Common career paths include:
- Automotive engineering and vehicle design
- Aerospace engineering and propulsion systems
- Robotics and automation
- Manufacturing and product development
- HVAC and building systems engineering
- Renewable energy technologies
- Mechanical design and testing
2. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Electrical engineering covers electricity, electronics, power generation, signal processing, and communication systems. Students gain deep experience in circuit design, electromagnetics, microelectronics, and control systems. Its breadth and central role in modern technology keep enrollment consistently high.
Common career paths include:
- Power systems and energy distribution
- Electronics and semiconductor design
- Telecommunications and wireless systems
- Embedded systems and hardware engineering
- Automation and controls engineering
- Aerospace electronics and avionics
- Advanced manufacturing technologies
3. Computer Engineering
Computer engineering combines electrical engineering foundations with computer science principles. Students study digital logic, microprocessors, operating systems, networking hardware, and embedded systems. It attracts students interested in computing at the hardware–software interface.
Common career paths include:
- Embedded systems engineering
- Microprocessor and semiconductor design
- Cybersecurity hardware development
- Networking and communication hardware
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Consumer electronics engineering
- IoT systems design
4. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering prepares students to design and maintain infrastructure essential to society. Coursework includes structural analysis, hydrology, transportation systems, soil mechanics, and construction management. Civil engineering programs remain widely available and consistently popular because every region needs civil engineers.
Common career paths include:
- Structural and building engineering
- Transportation and road design
- Water resources and wastewater systems
- Environmental and geotechnical engineering
- Construction and project management
- Urban planning and public works
5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Biomedical engineering integrates biology and engineering to improve healthcare technologies. Students learn biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, instrumentation, and device design. Enrollment continues to rise as health-focused innovation becomes more central to engineering industries.
Common career paths include:
- Medical device design and testing
- Biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering
- Biomedical imaging systems
- Biotechnology and research laboratories
- Hospital engineering and clinical technology support
- Regulatory affairs for medical technologies
6. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering focuses on designing and optimizing processes involving chemical reactions, materials, and energy transfer. Coursework covers thermodynamics, transport processes, reaction engineering, and process control. Students often enter industries tied to large-scale production and materials innovation.
Common career paths include:
- Energy and petrochemical industries
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food and consumer goods production
- Materials and polymer engineering
- Environmental and process safety engineering
- Chemical process design and optimization
7. Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering centers on improving systems, workflows, and operations. Students study optimization, human factors, logistics, quality control, and systems engineering. Its focus on efficiency makes the major attractive across sectors — including nontraditional engineering industries.
Common career paths include:
- Supply chain and logistics management
- Operations and process improvement
- Manufacturing systems engineering
- Healthcare systems optimization
- Quality assurance and analytics
- Consulting and systems design
8. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Environmental engineering applies engineering methods to environmental protection and sustainability. Students take courses in water treatment, air pollution, waste management, environmental chemistry, and public health–related systems. Interest in climate and sustainability contributes to steady enrollment growth.
Common career paths include:
- Water and wastewater engineering
- Air quality and pollution control
- Environmental consulting
- Sustainability and renewable energy projects
- Public health and environmental compliance
- Hazardous waste and remediation engineering
9. Engineering Physics
Engineering physics blends advanced physics with interdisciplinary engineering, preparing students for technologically complex fields. Students gain a strong foundation in mathematics, quantum mechanics, materials, and applied engineering methods.
Common career paths include:
- Materials science and nanotechnology
- Aerospace and defense research
- Energy systems and nuclear engineering
- Applied physics and research laboratories
- Optics, photonics, and quantum technologies
- High-tech instrumentation and R&D
10. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace engineering focuses on the design, analysis, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, drones, and propulsion systems. Students study aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, materials, and control systems. Interest stays strong due to growth in commercial spaceflight, UAVs, and next-generation aviation.
Common career paths include:
- Aircraft and spacecraft design
- Propulsion and engine systems
- Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics analysis
- Defense and aerospace systems engineering
- Guidance, navigation, and control systems
- UAV and autonomous flight technologies
Surprising Trends in Engineering Degree Popularity
Even with long-established disciplines dominating the list, several trends stand out when looking at the most popular engineering majors in recent IPEDS data.
Mechanical Engineering Holds a Strong Lead
Mechanical engineering continues to award more bachelor’s degrees than any other engineering field. Its dominance comes from:
- Ubiquity across universities
- Broad career versatility
- Strong alignment with manufacturing, robotics, and energy sectors
It’s the foundational engineering discipline with the widest national footprint.
Electrical Engineering Remains a Powerhouse
Despite speculation that EE enrollment might decline because of shifts toward computing, it remains one of the largest majors. Unique factors sustain its size:
- Power grid modernization
- Semiconductor and electronics demand
- Growth in automation and renewable energy systems
Computer Engineering Ranks Lower Than You Might Expect
While computing fields dominate headlines, most students pursuing computing coursework enroll in computer science, not computer engineering. CE programs remain large but trail Mechanical and Electrical Engineering because:
- Not all universities offer CE as a distinct major
- Some CE content now appears in interdisciplinary programs
- CS absorbs large numbers of computing-focused students
Civil Engineering’s Quiet and Steady Strength
Civil engineering rarely appears in “hot field” lists, but it consistently ranks among the top majors due to:
- Reliable job opportunities
- Strong public-sector demand
- National infrastructure investment
Its popularity reflects stability rather than hype.
Chemical Engineering’s Decline in Relative Share
Chemical engineering programs remain strong, but their proportional popularity has decreased as biomedical and computer-related majors grow. This shift likely reflects:
- Changing student interests
- Growth in biotech and computing sectors
- Perceived difficulty of chemical engineering curricula
Why Emerging Fields Don’t Appear
Fields such as:
- Robotics engineering
- Renewable energy engineering
- Mechatronics engineering
- Software engineering (when offered through engineering schools)
- Machine learning engineering (rare at the undergraduate level)
…do not make the top 10 because:
- They remain small in total completions
- Many are classified as concentrations, not standalone majors
- Some reside outside engineering, such as robotics within mechanical engineering or software engineering within computer science
What Makes an Engineering Major “Popular”?
When we talk about the most popular engineering majors, we’re referring to the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded — not the number of job openings, highest salaries, or ease of coursework. Several factors influence why some majors attract more students than others, and understanding these can help you put popularity in context as you make your own decision.
Program Availability and Institutional Breadth
Some majors are offered at many more colleges and universities than others. Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering programs are nearly ubiquitous across accredited engineering schools, which naturally leads to higher total completions. In contrast, specialized fields like mechatronics or renewable energy engineering may be offered at only a subset of institutions, keeping their graduation numbers lower even if interest is strong.
Career Versatility
Majors that lead to a wider range of career paths tend to attract more students. For example:
- Mechanical engineering graduates can work in automotive, HVAC, robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors
- Civil engineers are needed in construction, transportation, water systems, and infrastructure planning
- Electrical and computer engineers can transition into electronics, embedded systems, communications, and controls
This broad applicability often translates to larger cohorts. For a broader view of roles these and other disciplines feed into, see this overview of types of engineering jobs that illustrate common paths by discipline.
Reputation and Historical Momentum
Some disciplines have long-standing reputations as “core” engineering majors, and that history contributes to sustained student interest. Mechanical and electrical engineering, for example, have decades of established curricula, industry demand, and alumni networks that continue to draw students.
Industry Demand Signals
While popularity isn’t the same as job demand, perception of opportunity does play a role. Majors associated (accurately or not) with growing industries — such as biomedical or environmental engineering — often see enrollment increases as students respond to perceived career prospects. Although these boosts don’t always translate to a top-10 ranking, they influence overall trends.
Distinguishing “Popular,” “Easy,” and “In-Demand”
It’s important to remember:
- Popular = many students complete the degree (based on IPEDS data)
- Easy = subjective and varies by student; not directly measurable by completions
- In-demand = reflects employer needs, which may not align perfectly with degree popularity
For example, software-related majors and certain interdisciplinary programs may have high job demand but lower bachelor’s completions under specific engineering classifications because:
- Those students are counted under computer science (not engineering)
- The field is newer and not offered everywhere
- The major is a concentration rather than a standalone CIP code
Understanding these nuances helps you interpret popularity data as one factor — among curriculum content, personal interest, and professional goals — in your decision-making process.
What About Robotics, Software Engineering, and Mechatronics?
Many students are surprised that fast-growing, highly visible fields like robotics, renewable energy, or software engineering don’t appear among the most popular engineering majors. The reason isn’t a lack of interest — it’s how universities classify academic programs within federal reporting systems like IPEDS.
Often Offered as Concentrations, Not Standalone Majors
At many universities, emerging disciplines are built inside traditional engineering degrees rather than as separate majors. For example:
- Robotics may be a track within mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering.
- Mechatronics often exists as a concentration in mechanical or electrical engineering.
- Renewable energy may be housed within mechanical, civil, or environmental engineering programs.
Because IPEDS counts degrees by major, not concentration, these students are recorded under their parent discipline — which keeps emerging fields out of top-10 lists.
Sometimes Classified Outside Engineering
Fields such as:
- Software engineering
- Artificial intelligence
- Data engineering
- Computer systems engineering
may be classified under computer science or information technology, not engineering. Even when engineering schools offer them, institutions may still categorize completions under computing CIP codes rather than engineering CIP codes.
Growing, but Still Small in Total Graduates
Even where standalone programs exist — such as robotics engineering at a small number of universities — enrollments are still far smaller than those in longstanding majors like mechanical or electrical engineering. Their visibility in media, industry, and innovation spaces grows faster than their formal academic classification.
Strong Outlook Despite Small Size
Although these majors don’t yet appear in national top 10 lists, enrollment is rising in areas like:
- Autonomous systems
- Renewable and sustainable energy systems
- Applied robotics
- Engineering programs integrated with AI, data science, or machine learning
These majors are likely to become more prominent as universities expand offerings and demand continues to grow across industries.
Emerging Trends in Engineering Majors
While the most popular engineering majors remain dominated by long-established fields, student interest and institutional offerings are gradually shifting. Several emerging trends point to where engineering education — and future enrollment — may be headed.
Growth in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering
As climate change, infrastructure modernization, and clean energy expansion accelerate, more programs are introducing:
- Renewable energy engineering
- Sustainable systems engineering
- Energy systems engineering
- Environmental and climate-focused engineering tracks
Although these programs are still small in total completions, they are becoming more visible as universities respond to industry demand and federal investment in clean energy technologies.
Increasing Interest in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Robotics, automation, and controls continue to rise in prominence due to growth in:
- Manufacturing automation
- Autonomous vehicles
- Drones and aerospace robotics
- Medical robotics
- Smart infrastructure and IoT systems
Most robotics coursework still lives within mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, but standalone programs are slowly increasing.
Expansion of Data- and AI-Integrated Engineering
Engineering programs are adding deeper integration of:
- Machine learning
- Data analytics
- Predictive modeling
- Computational engineering
- Digital twins and simulation
Students who once might have enrolled solely in computer science are increasingly seeking hybrid engineering pathways that blend physical systems with data-driven design.
Growth in Hybrid and Multidisciplinary Majors
Universities are recognizing that many modern engineering problems cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. As a result, programs such as:
- Mechatronics
- Engineering physics
- Materials and nanotechnology engineering
- Human-centered engineering
- Systems or industrial/systems engineering
are growing in appeal because they provide flexibility and broad applicability.
A More Flexible Engineering Landscape
These trends suggest that future lists of the most popular engineering majors may look different as:
- More universities add standalone programs in emerging areas
- Students seek majors aligned with climate, AI, and automation industries
- Engineering education evolves toward more interdisciplinary structures
While these programs may not yet crack the top 10 in completions, their momentum points to a diversifying engineering ecosystem that offers students more options than ever before.
FAQ: Popular Engineering Majors
What is the easiest engineering major?
There’s no universally “easy” engineering major — all ABET-aligned programs are math- and physics-intensive. However, some students find majors like industrial engineering or environmental engineering more intuitive because they emphasize systems, optimization, or applied problem-solving over dense theoretical coursework. What feels “easy” varies widely by student strengths and interests.
Which engineering major pays the most?
Salary depends more on industry, location, and experience than on the major alone. However, graduates from fields such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering commonly earn higher early-career salaries. Students interested in specific high-demand sectors — semiconductors, energy, software-adjacent hardware, or biotech — may see strong earning potential regardless of major.
What are the best engineering majors for the future?
Majors connected to sustainability, automation, and advanced computing are gaining momentum, including:
- Environmental and energy systems engineering
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Biomedical and biotech engineering
- Data- and AI-integrated engineering pathways
Still, the longstanding majors (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical) remain foundational and adaptable to future technologies.
Why isn’t software engineering on the list of most popular engineering majors?
At many institutions, software engineering is classified under computer science, not engineering. Even when engineering schools offer a software engineering degree, IPEDS often counts it under computing CIP codes — meaning completions don’t register within engineering totals. This classification difference keeps it off lists of most popular engineering majors even though student interest is high.
Can I switch majors within engineering?
Yes, especially during the first one or two years. Many engineering programs share a common core that includes calculus, physics, programming, and introductory engineering design. Students often explore multiple fields before committing, and switching early typically adds little or no extra time to graduation.
Choosing the Right Engineering Major for You
Popularity can help you understand broad trends, but it should be just one factor in your decision. Choosing an engineering major is a deeply personal process that should balance your interests, strengths, and long-term goals with realistic expectations about the coursework and career pathways each field offers.
Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths
Engineering majors vary widely in focus. Ask yourself:
- Do you enjoy designing physical systems (mechanical, civil)?
- Are you drawn to electronics, power systems, or communications (electrical)?
- Does bioinnovation and healthcare technology excite you (biomedical)?
- Are you passionate about sustainability and the environment (environmental)?
- Do you see yourself solving optimization or systems problems (industrial)?
Your genuine curiosity in a subject will sustain you through challenging coursework.
Consider Career Interests
Think beyond the classroom to the kinds of problems you want to solve and the environments you want to work in. For example:
- Aerospace, defense, or space technology
- Consumer electronics and hardware
- Infrastructure and public works
- Renewable energy and environmental systems
- Medical devices and biotech
To explore degree pathways that fit different delivery needs — including flexible options — you may also consider an online engineering bachelor’s degree if you require a format that accommodates work, family, or geographic constraints.
Evaluate Curriculum and Outcomes
Research the courses required in each major to see what subjects you’d be learning day to day. Look for:
- Hands-on labs and design projects
- Core math and science requirements
- Capstone or internship opportunities
- Industry partnerships and co-op programs
Graduates with practical experience tend to be more competitive in early career stages.
Weigh Popularity Against Fit
While data on the most popular engineering majors gives you a sense of where many students are headed, remember:
- A smaller major can still offer excellent career opportunities
- Some emerging disciplines are not yet large enough to rank at the top but may align closely with your passions or industry trends
- Popularity should inform, not dictate, your choice
Plan for Flexibility and Growth
Engineering fields evolve as technologies and industries change. Choose a major that not only excites you now but also allows you to pivot as your interests and the job market evolve. Engineering education often provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning — and many graduates find themselves in interdisciplinary roles that blend multiple areas of expertise.
Ultimately, the best engineering major for you balances personal interest, academic readiness, and a vision for your future. Use popularity as one lens among many to guide a well-informed choice.
