North Carolina is a hub for engineering education, offering world-class universities, strong research institutions, and thriving industries in biotechnology, manufacturing, and energy. With its mix of public and private institutions, students in North Carolina can access top-tier programs with hands-on opportunities across a wide range of engineering fields.
North Carolina is home to a dynamic engineering ecosystem fueled by major research universities, the Research Triangle Park, and a fast-growing tech and manufacturing economy. Engineering students benefit from high-quality programs and career pathways across both public and private sectors.
Here’s why North Carolina is an outstanding place to study engineering:
North Carolina boasts a diverse set of engineering institutions, from elite private universities to major public research campuses. Below are some of the top engineering schools in the state. For a full list, check the ABET-accredited programs section at the end of this profile.
The Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University combines a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on experiential and interdisciplinary learning. Students engage with engineering fundamentals through hands-on labs and discovery-based courses, often extending their learning beyond the classroom into real-world contexts like the Duke Marine Lab.
Pratt’s programs are designed to prepare students for leadership in both technical and interdisciplinary fields, balancing deep technical training with collaborative and socially conscious thinking.
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and research, high academic standards, and commitment to real-world impact.
The NC State College of Engineering is a nationally recognized leader in engineering education, offering an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through multiple academic departments and research centers. Known for its hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaborations, and innovative research, the college prepares students to solve complex problems in a variety of high-demand sectors.
Students in the College of Engineering benefit from close ties to industry, vibrant research opportunities, and strong support systems that foster academic and career success.
North Carolina State University is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a flagship institution in the UNC System, NC State is known for its strengths in STEM disciplines, cutting-edge research, and strong ties to industry and government through Centennial Campus and beyond.
The William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte offers a diverse range of academic programs that prepare students for real-world challenges through experiential learning, strong industry connections, and cutting-edge research. The college is structured around five academic departments and integrates theory with practice from the first year onward.
Through hands-on education and a mission to be “Real World Ready,” the college equips graduates to make immediate and lasting contributions in their chosen fields.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university located in Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. It serves as a key educational and economic driver in the region, offering students access to a vibrant urban environment, strong industry ties, and a broad range of academic opportunities.
Western Carolina University's College of Engineering and Technology prepares students for impactful careers through project-based learning, hands-on experience, and strong industry partnerships. The college includes the School of Engineering + Technology and the Kimmel School of Construction Management, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize applied learning and professional readiness.
Western Carolina University is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina System and serves students across the region with a focus on applied learning, community engagement, and access to higher education in a picturesque mountain setting.
The College of Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University offers a dynamic and mission-driven environment that prepares students to become leaders in engineering and computer science. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and real-world impact, the college remains a national leader in producing African American engineering graduates.
The college’s mission centers on excellence in engineering and computer science education, supported by research that addresses critical challenges across North Carolina, the nation, and the globe. Students benefit from hands-on learning and opportunities to engage in research on topics ranging from transportation and smart infrastructure to data science and cybersecurity.
North Carolina A&T State University is a public, historically Black research university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is a land-grant institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System, known for its leadership in STEM education and its commitment to equity, innovation, and community impact.
North Carolina offers a variety of financial aid options for engineering students, including state-funded scholarships, institutional awards, and need-based grants. These resources help reduce the cost of education and support students pursuing careers in high-demand technical fields.
North Carolina State University (NC State)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)
Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to maximize eligibility for both federal and state aid programs.
Students who plan to become licensed professional engineers in North Carolina must follow the state’s licensure process, which includes education, examination, and experience components. Additional support and networking are available through professional societies active across the state.
These organizations are important resources for students and graduates as they prepare for licensure and professional practice in North Carolina.
North Carolina has strengths in biomedical, civil, mechanical, and computer engineering, driven by the Research Triangle Park and major industries in health tech, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Yes. Many students opt for flexible programs such as an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree, ideal for working professionals and distance learners.
Absolutely. Institutions like NC State and UNC Charlotte have strong ties to regional employers, providing robust internship and cooperative education opportunities across engineering disciplines.
Engineering schools offer advising, tutoring, career services, and student organizations. Many students also participate in chapters of professional societies like ASCE, IEEE, and SWE to gain leadership experience and build professional networks.
North Carolina is home to several ABET-accredited engineering degree programs that meet national standards for engineering education. These programs are often required for licensure and are valued by employers for their academic quality and career readiness.
The table below outlines engineering programs in North Carolina that have earned ABET accreditation, organized by institution, city, and discipline.
| Appalachian State University | Boone | - Computer Science |
| Campbell University | Buies Creek | - Engineering |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte | - Computer Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology - Electronic(s) Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Civil Engineering Technology |
| Duke University | Durham | - Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Environmental Engineering |
| East Carolina University | Greenville | - Occupational Safety
- Computer Science - Engineering |
| Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City | - Engineering Technology |
| Elon University | Elon | - Engineering |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville | - Computer Science |
| Methodist University | Fayetteville | - Engineering |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | - Biological Engineering
- Architectural Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Bioengineering - Applied Engineering Technology - Electronics Technology - Geomatics - Construction Management - Environmental Health and Safety - Computer Science - Information Technology - Industrial & Systems Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| UNC Asheville | Asheville | - Engineering - Mechatronics Concentration Joint |
| UNC Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill | - Biomedical Engineering |
| UNC Charlotte | Charlotte | - Systems Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology - Electromechanical Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Construction Management - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| UNC Greensboro | Greensboro | - Computer Science |
| NC State University | Raleigh | - Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering - Textile Engineering - Paper Science and Engineering - Engineering - Mechatronics Concentration Joint - Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Systems Concentration - Computer Science - Aerospace Engineering - Biological Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Construction Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Biomedical Engineering |
| UNC Wilmington | Wilmington | - Computer Science - Systems Option |
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | - Engineering |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee | - Engineering Technology, Applied Systems Technology Concentration
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology - Construction Management - Computer Science - Electrical Engineering - Engineering |
| Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem | - Computer Science
- Information Technology |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in North Carolina was compiled in 2025. Because accreditation statuses and program offerings may change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. Additional guidance is available through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and other professional organizations featured in this profile.
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