California is a global leader in technology, innovation, and higher education, making it an outstanding state for pursuing an engineering degree. With world-renowned universities, thriving industries, and a strong demand for skilled engineers, students benefit from a dynamic environment both in and out of the classroom.
California offers unparalleled opportunities for engineering students—from elite academic institutions to thriving high-tech and green energy sectors. Here are some reasons why California is a top destination for future engineers:
California is home to some of the most prestigious engineering programs in the world. The schools listed below represent just a selection of top-tier institutions. For a more complete view of options, see the list of ABET-accredited programs at the end of this profile.
The Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) at Caltech is a collaborative academic environment where faculty and students pursue research and education across a wide range of technical disciplines. The division supports a foundational approach to science and technology development, reflecting Caltech's overall emphasis on fundamental research and interdisciplinary innovation.
EAS comprises several departments, including:
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Renowned for its strength in science and engineering, Caltech offers a rigorous academic environment and a strong commitment to pioneering research across disciplines.
The Stanford University School of Engineering is a hub of research, education, and innovation, offering interdisciplinary programs that address global challenges in technology, health, sustainability, and beyond. The school promotes hands-on learning and research engagement across a wide array of departments, preparing students to become leaders in both academic and industrial settings.
Stanford Engineering encompasses a diverse range of academic and research opportunities, including:
The school is also home to numerous community-building initiatives and mentorship programs designed to support a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. With over 70,000 alumni worldwide, Stanford Engineering connects current students to a powerful professional network and lifelong learning resources.
Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It is internationally recognized for its academic rigor, pioneering research, and its proximity to and integration with Silicon Valley, making it a leader in technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
The College of Engineering at UC Berkeley is a globally recognized leader in engineering education and research. It offers an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs led by faculty who are among the most distinguished in their fields, including 72 members of the National Academy of Engineering. The college emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, hands-on experience, and a commitment to solving global challenges.
Undergraduate majors include:
Graduate programs span all fields and include partnerships with the Haas School of Business, College of Chemistry, and others to offer specialized master’s and doctoral degrees. Berkeley Engineering also promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through dedicated centers, multidisciplinary programs, and a startup accelerator.
Students have access to international exchange programs, executive education opportunities, and a wide array of academic and career support services, including the Kresge Engineering Library.
The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university located in Berkeley, California. As one of the top public universities in the world, UC Berkeley is known for its rigorous academics, influential research, and its role in driving social and technological change.
The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering offers a robust, interdisciplinary environment for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a wide range of engineering disciplines. The school emphasizes a combination of academic excellence, hands-on research, and global engagement, preparing students to innovate and lead across various industries and societal challenges.
Academic departments and degree options include:
UCLA Samueli is also home to numerous research centers and institutes and offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities. The school supports a vibrant student experience through speaker series, entrepreneurship initiatives, and an inclusive community that fosters both academic and personal growth.
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in Los Angeles. As part of the prestigious UC system, UCLA is known for its excellence in education, research, and innovation, offering students access to world-class faculty and facilities in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering, established in 1905 and located in Los Angeles, serves as a major center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary education. Named after Andrew Viterbi, co-inventor of the Viterbi algorithm, the school supports a global student body and leads pioneering efforts in both foundational and applied engineering.
USC Viterbi offers a comprehensive portfolio of academic departments and programs, including:
The school is home to notable research entities such as the Information Sciences Institute and the Institute for Creative Technologies. USC Viterbi also provides online access to graduate programs via DEN@Viterbi and supports professional growth through executive and continuing education programs.
USC Viterbi is a leader in groundbreaking research areas including neural engineering, socially assistive robotics, quantum computing, and advanced computing education. It is also known for initiating the Grand Challenge Scholars Program and for its commitment to Engineering+, a philosophy that integrates engineering with societal impact.
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. As a flagship institution in the Pacific Rim, USC offers a dynamic setting for academic, cultural, and professional development, with strengths in global engagement, research innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The School of Engineering at Santa Clara University emphasizes academic rigor combined with personal attention and hands-on learning. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the school offers students access to both a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience, guided by faculty scholars and industry professionals alike.
Academic departments and programs include:
Undergraduate and graduate students benefit from small class sizes, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and an educational philosophy rooted in real-world application and ethical practice. The school’s approach also includes partnerships with local industry experts and projects that prepare students to innovate and lead.
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California. Known for its integration of ethics, innovation, and social responsibility, SCU offers a well-rounded education in a tech-driven region, supporting students' academic and professional development in an environment committed to the common good.
The Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of California San Diego is a top-ranked engineering school known for its integration of technical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial mindset. The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students to address complex, real-world challenges.
The school emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on education, innovation hubs, and over a dozen research centers and institutes that span topics such as energy, robotics, microengineering, wearable technology, and the environment. Jacobs School programs support undergraduate majors, master’s pathways (including for working professionals), and Ph.D. studies, with global opportunities and strong industry ties.
Signature initiatives such as the IDEA Engineering Student Center and the Institute for the Global Entrepreneur promote diversity, mentorship, and translational research, reflecting the school's mission to educate tomorrow's innovation workforce and ensure research has societal impact.
The University of California, San Diego is a public research university located in La Jolla, California. Part of the University of California system, UC San Diego is renowned for its leadership in science, technology, and public service, with a campus environment that fosters cutting-edge discovery and collaboration.
Founded in 1965, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine provides a comprehensive engineering education that blends foundational knowledge, research, and experiential learning. With over 4,600 students enrolled, the school fosters innovation and collaboration across academic and industry sectors. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and socially impactful research, supported by world-renowned faculty and strategic industry partnerships.
The school includes six academic departments:
Graduate and undergraduate programs support research in areas such as energy and sustainability, human health, communications, and advanced manufacturing. The school also collaborates with public and private sector partners to promote the translation of research into practical applications, reflecting its mission to address societal grand challenges.
The University of California, Irvine is a public research university in Southern California and a member of the prestigious UC system. Recognized for its cutting-edge research and commitment to public service, UCI offers a vibrant academic environment that emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary study, and global impact.
The College of Engineering at Cal Poly is internationally recognized for its hands-on, project-based approach to undergraduate engineering education. True to the university’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy, students engage with real-world problems from their first day on campus through a curriculum that emphasizes design, collaboration, and technical problem-solving.
Undergraduate majors include:
With over 80 labs and project centers, students have extensive opportunities to apply engineering principles in a variety of contexts, including sustainability, AI, and materials innovation. This practical experience helps produce graduates who are well-prepared and highly sought after by top employers such as Apple, Boeing, Google, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Tesla.
Faculty are dedicated educators and mentors who guide students through rigorous coursework and applied research. The college also offers graduate programs that build on the strengths of its undergraduate foundation.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is a public university in California's Central Coast region. Known for its polytechnic focus and commitment to experiential learning, Cal Poly offers a unique educational environment that blends academic excellence with practical application.
California offers a range of financial aid options to support engineering students at both public and private institutions. From state-funded grants to university and private scholarships, students have many opportunities to reduce the cost of their education.
Don’t forget to submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application annually to qualify for most aid packages.
To become a licensed professional engineer (PE) in California, graduates must meet requirements established by the state licensing board. In addition, several professional organizations offer support, networking, and development opportunities.
These resources can help students and graduates plan their academic and professional journeys in engineering.
Which engineering fields are strongest in California?
California leads in multiple disciplines, especially electrical, software, aerospace, mechanical, biomedical, and environmental engineering, fueled by major employers in Silicon Valley, defense, and clean energy.
Are there affordable public options for engineering degrees in California?
Yes. The University of California and California State University systems offer high-quality engineering programs with relatively affordable in-state tuition, supported by financial aid like Cal Grants and the Middle Class Scholarship.
Do community colleges offer engineering programs in California?
Many California community colleges offer pre-engineering and transfer pathways to UC and CSU schools, allowing students to complete lower-division coursework affordably before transferring.
Can I study engineering online in California?
Some schools in California—including CSU campuses and private institutions—offer online bachelor's degree in engineering and online engineering master's degree programs. These are especially common in technology and management-related fields, and may be available in fully online or hybrid formats.
What is the path to licensure as a professional engineer in California?
Students typically complete an ABET-accredited program, pass the FE exam, gain qualifying work experience, and then take the PE exam. The BPELSG governs licensure requirements in the state.
The table below includes a selection of institutions across California that offer ABET-accredited engineering degree programs.
| Ashford University | San Diego | - Information Technology |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa | - Engineering |
| Cal Poly Humboldt | Arcata | - Environmental Resources Engineering |
| California Baptist University | Riverside | - Computer Science
- Civil Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering |
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena | - Mechanical Engineering |
| California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | - Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering - BioResource and Agricultural Engineering - Architectural Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Materials Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Software Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Agricultural Systems Management |
| California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Pomona | - Construction Engineering and Management
- Geospatial Engineering (Civil Engineering) - Computer Engineering - Electronic Systems Engineering Technology - Electromechanical Systems Engineering Technology - Computer Science - Aerospace Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo | - Mechanical Engineering
- Marine Engineering Technology - Facilities Engineering Technology |
| California State University, Bakersfield | Bakersfield | - Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Engineering |
| California State University, Chico | Chico | - Computer Science
- Computer Information Systems - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical/Electronic Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronic Engineering |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | Carson | - Computer Science |
| California State University, East Bay | Hayward | - Construction Management
- Industrial Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| California State University, Fresno | Fresno | - Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Geomatics Engineering |
| California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton | - Computer Science
- Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach | - Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Antelope Valley - Mechanical Engineering - Antelope Valley |
| California State University, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | - Computer Science
- Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| California State University, Northridge | Northridge | - Computer Science
- Computer Information Technology - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Systems Engineering - Computer Engineering - Engineering Management |
| California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento | - Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| California State University, San Bernardino | San Bernardino | - Computer Engineering
- Computer Science |
| California State University, San Marcos | San Marcos | - Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering - Software Engineering |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont | - Engineering |
| Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles | - Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| National Test Pilot School | Mojave | - Flight Test Engineering |
| National University | San Diego | - Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey | - Astronautical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Systems Engineering |
| San Diego State University | San Diego | - Environmental Engineering
- Construction Engineering - Computer Science - Aerospace Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco | - Computer Engineering
- Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | - Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering - Materials Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Software Engineering |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara | - Computer Science and Engineering
- Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park | - Electrical Engineering |
| Stanford University | Stanford | - Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley | - Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering and Operations Research - Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Chemical Engineering |
| University of California, Davis | Davis | - Computer Science and Engineering
- Aerospace Science and Engineering - Biological Systems Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biochemical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Environmental Engineering |
| University of California, Irvine | Irvine | - Computer Science and Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Biomedical Engineering |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | - Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering - Bioengineering - Computer Science - Computer Science and Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering |
| University of California, Merced | Merced | - Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering |
| University of California, Riverside | Riverside | - Computer Science
- Computer Science with Business Applications - Chemical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Bioengineering - Materials Science and Engineering |
| University of California, San Diego | La Jolla | - Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Structural Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Bioengineering (Biotechnology) - Nanoengineering - Bioengineering: Biosystems |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | - Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | - Electrical Engineering |
| University of San Diego | San Diego | - Electrical Engineering
- Industrial and Systems Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Engineering |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton | - Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Engineering Physics - Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Management - Bioengineering - Computer Science |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in California was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses can change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to other resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the California Board for Professional Engineers and institutional scholarship sites—for guidance on academic planning and licensure.
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