In an online survey, we asked 1000 engineers from different engineering backgrounds a series of questions to determine which is the hardest engineering major
Yes, we asked 1000 engineers from different engineering backgrounds to rank engineering majors from the easiest to the most difficult
The results showed what the hardest engineering majors are and what are the most difficult engineering degrees that you can do today
Our online survey showed that 320 engineers considered Chemical Engineering the most difficult engineering major, followed by Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering
The 5 major engineering fields have many subfields
The 5 Engineering Majors Explained1- Chemical Engineering:2- Electrical Engineering:3- Mechanical Engineering:4- Civil Engineering:5- Industrial Engineering The 9 Hardest Engineering DegreesThe 9 Easiest Engineering DegreesHow To Choice An Engineering Degree?More Interesting Engineering Surveys:
The 5 Engineering Majors Explained
If you want to do an engineering degree, you must understand what each engineering major can offer, which will help you choose the best engineering course
Chemical engineering is the hardest engineering major that deals with designing and maintaining chemical plans and converting raw materials into usable products
In addition, it deals with biotechnology and material science
There are many subfields in chemical engineering:
Material Science Engineering
Pharmaceutical Engineering
Electrical engineering is the most innovative engineering field that builds systems and devices that use electricity, electronics or electromagnetism, such as power grids, telecommunication systems or microchips
Software engineering and computer science are the biggest subfields of electrical engineering that have grown on a massive scale and deal with software design and data analysis
Data Engineering
Mechanical engineers design and build systems and physical machines that do specific tasks, such as car engines
This is one of the oldest branches of engineering but one of the most popular fields in engineering
Automotive Engineering
This is the oldest known engineering major that deals with designing, building and maintaining physical structures such as bridges, buildings, airports, railways and sewerage systems
This is the most versatile engineering major and also the easiest to study
Industrial engineers can work in different industries due to their understanding of the supply chain, finance and manufacturing
Systems Engineering
Now that we explained the major engineering branches, it is time to answer the question that everyone wants to know what the most challenging engineering degree to do is
We asked 1000 engineers to rank the most difficult engineering degrees to do
The 9 Easiest Engineering Degrees
We asked 1000 engineers to rank the easiest engineering degrees to do
Industrial Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Agricultural engineering
Agricultural engineering
Information Technology Engineering
Information Technology Engineering
How To Choice An Engineering Degree?
Choosing an engineering degree depends mainly on your preference and what you want to become
Because 1000 professional engineers ranked some degrees as the easiest, you should not choose those fields or avoid the most difficult ones
In general, all engineering fields are challenging
Just because engineers have ranked a degree as easy, it might be difficult for you because you are not interested in it
If doing engineering is something you want to do, you should check our guide on Which Engineering Degree To Do?
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Engineering is a challenging and rewarding field that requires strong analytical, mathematical, and technical skills
However, not all engineering majors are created equal
Some majors are known for their difficulty, rigorous coursework, and demanding curriculum, making them among the toughest programs to complete
From aerospace and chemical engineering to biomedical and computer science, each field presents its unique set of challenges and obstacles
In this article, we will explore the hardest engineering majors and the reasons why they are considered the most challenging programs in the world of engineering
Why You Should Choose the Hardest Engineering MajorsStudying engineering brings respectDevelop new skillsEarn high salaryVariety of career opportunitiesOpportunity to make great impacts on the WorldTop 10 Hardest Engineering Majors Ranked by Difficulty#1
Mechatronics EngineeringHardest Engineering Degree UKa Electrical Engineeringb
Biomedical EngineeringWhich Engineering Has The Hardest Math?ConclusionFAQs On Hardest Engineering MajorsReferencesRecommendations
Why You Should Choose the Hardest Engineering Majors
Engineering courses are time-consuming to study for, yet they are worthwhile for the following reasons:
Studying engineering brings respect
People instinctively respect engineers wherever they are located since they are aware that engineering degrees take a lot of work to obtain
You will learn many skills as you study any engineering course, including critical thinking, abstract thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making
A ticket to well-paying jobs is engineering study
Numerous ranking blogs list engineering as one of the most sought-after and lucrative career paths
Engineering is a fairly diverse field that may train you for a variety of jobs
For instance, you can get employment in all industries, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, mining, etc, with a degree in industrial engineering
Study engineering if you’ve always wished you could change the world
From building roads to producing automobiles, airplanes, and other items, engineers have a significant impact on the world
Top 10 Hardest Engineering Majors Ranked by Difficulty
Electrical engineering is considered the hardest engineering major because the discipline is loaded with a lot of calculations and necessitates a lot of abstract thinking
In electrical engineering, many of the operations take place invisibly
Electric fields, wireless transmissions, currents, and magnetic fields are all invisible to electrical engineers
A solid foundation in physics and mathematics is required to pursue electrical engineering
Within four to five years, one can earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
You can pursue the following occupations after earning a degree in electrical engineering:
Electrical Technician
The top universities for electrical engineering programs are as follows:
The University of California, Berkeley, USA
Chemical engineering ranks among the most difficult engineering majors in recent times
This branch of engineering focuses on using science to transform raw materials into useful products, such as food and drink, medicines, fertilizers, energy, and fuel
The combination of physics, chemistry, and mathematics in this engineering field makes it unquestionably difficult
Within three to five years, a student can earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
Math, chemistry, and physics expertise are essential for chemical engineering
After earning a degree in chemical engineering, you can pursue the following careers:
Energy Engineer
The top universities offering chemical engineering majors are as follows:
Stanford University, USA
Stanford University, USA
University of Cambridge, UK
University of Cambridge, UK
For the purpose of designing and creating computer hardware and software, this discipline of engineering combines computer science with electrical engineering
Because it shares several courses with electrical engineering, computer engineering is regarded as being challenging
You will also find computer engineering challenging if you find electrical engineering challenging
Additionally, students who do not enjoy programming and coding may find computer engineering difficult
Within four to five years, one can earn a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering
A foundation in computer science, arithmetic, and physics is required for computer engineering
After receiving a degree in computer engineering, you can pursue the following careers:
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The design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and other related machinery are the focus of the technical field known as aerospace engineering
Engineering in aerospace and engineering in space are its two main subfields
Because it demands a lot of math and physics, as well as strong analytical abilities and technical knowledge, aerospace engineering is regarded as challenging
For kids who dislike math, this subject will be challenging
Aerospace engineering will be simpler for you if you have experience in mechanical engineering
We advise obtaining a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree with a focus on aerospace engineering before continuing on to graduate-level aerospace engineering study
It takes 3 to 5 years to earn a degree in aerospace engineering
Differential equations, fluid mechanics, mathematics, electrical circuits, thermodynamics, and aircraft aerodynamics are among the topics that may be covered in the course material
With a degree in aerospace engineering, you could pursue the following careers:
Aircraft Engineering
Aerospace Technician
Aircraft Mechanic
The top universities for aerospace engineering majors are listed below:
California Institute of Technology, USA
University of Cambridge, USA
National University of Defense Technology, China
Cranfield University, UK
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With the goal of enhancing human health and providing healthcare, the interdisciplinary major of biomedical engineering merges engineering with biology and medicine
Biomedical engineering is considered the hardest engineering course because the field is broad and there is so much to learn
Students of biomedical engineering study courses in a variety of subject areas, including biology, medicine, and engineering
More difficult than studying is being a biomedical engineer
The creation of artificial organs to advance human health is the responsibility of biomedical engineers
Within four to five years, one can earn a degree in biomedical engineering
Following completion of your biomedical engineering degree, you can pursue the following careers:
The top universities for biomedical engineering programs are as follows:
John Hopkins University, USA
National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
Nuclear Engineering is one of the hardest engineering majors focusing on the science and use of nuclear and radiation processes is known as nuclear engineering
For students who struggle with physics, this engineering subject will be challenging
To pursue nuclear engineering, one must have a solid foundation in both mathematics and physics
The following topics are covered in nuclear engineering coursework: materials science, radiation detection and measurement, thermal hydraulics, plasma physics, reactor physics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics, and reactor engineering
Nuclear engineers can work with the military to build weapons, with the medical field to use radiation to detect and treat diseases, and with the energy sector to supervise the building, upkeep, and operation of power plants
Nuclear engineering degrees can be earned at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in 4 and 5 years, respectively
The top universities for nuclear engineering programs are as follows:
Atomic Process Engineer
Engineering that deals with the creation, maintenance, and use of robots—machines that imitate human behavior—is known as robotics engineering
It’s difficult to study and practice this technical specialty
It takes a lot of work to build a robot
It necessitates a thorough understanding of arithmetic, electronics, mechanics, programming, and computer science
The following topics are frequently covered in robotics engineering courses: pneumatics and hydraulics, computer programming, designing for robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, electrical systems, and machine kinematics
An engineering degree in robotics can be earned in three to five years
You can pursue the following occupations with a degree in robotics engineering:
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
The best programs for robotics engineering are provided by the following universities:
Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
University of Oxford, UK
Quantum Engineering
Quantum Engineering
Quantum Engineering
For the purpose of resolving current issues, quantum engineering blends engineering knowledge with fundamental physics
Due to the quantum physics involved, this engineering field is regarded as challenging
One of physics’ most difficult topics is quantum mechanics
Quantum physics is a highly difficult topic, even in secondary school
Students who don’t appreciate math and physics will have trouble with quantum engineering
There aren’t many undergraduate programs in quantum engineering
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or physics is required to become a quantum engineer
You can then pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in the field
Four to five years are needed to earn a degree in quantum engineering
The best programs in quantum engineering are provided by the following universities:
University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
University of Bristol, UK
Nanotechnology Engineering or Nanoengineering
Nanotechnology Engineering or Nanoengineering
Nanotechnology Engineering or Nanoengineering
Nanotechnology Engineering is also considered one of the hardest engineering courses
The area of engineering known as nanoengineering is concerned with the investigation, creation, and improvement of materials at the nanoscale (1 nm = 1 x 10^-9m)
Nanoengineering can be defined as the study of engineering at the nanoscale
Because it combines a wide range of disciplines, including materials science, mechanics, electronics, biology, physics, medicine, and more, nanotechnology engineering is regarded as being challenging to study
Nano Engineers can work in a variety of fields, such as:
The top universities for nanoengineering programs are listed below
The University of California, San Diego, USA
Rice University, USA
The University of Toronto, Canada
The University of Toronto, Canada
The University of Toronto, Canada
In order to work with smart technologies like robots, automated guided systems, and computer-integrated manufacturing equipment, this engineering course focuses on a combination of mechanical, computer, and electrical systems
Electronic materials, electromagnetic fields, computer programming, measurements, analytical software, digital system design, electronic circuit design, applied mechanics, and industrial robotics are just a few of the topics covered in mechatronics engineering courses
Because it combines several different disciplines—such as mechanics, electronics, robotics, and other areas—Mechatronics Engineering is more challenging than other engineering programs
Mechatronics engineering degrees can be earned in four years
It necessitates a solid foundation in computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering
Following completion of your mechatronics engineering degree, you can pursue the following careers:
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Robotics Engineer/Technician
The top universities for mechatronics engineering programs are listed below:
University of Waterloo, Canada
University of Waterloo, Canada
University of Waterloo, Canada
Ontario Tech University, Canada
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Technical University of Munich, Germany
University of Manchester, UK
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Hardest Engineering Degree UK
Hardest Engineering Degree UK
Most people concur that electrical engineering is undoubtedly one of the hardest engineering courses
Electricity is not something people naturally comprehend, and electrical engineers work with many abstract notions
Advanced math and physics courses in this major will prepare you
To succeed in the field, you’ll also need creative thinking
The degree of abstraction in electrical engineering is what makes it difficult
You cannot see radio signals, magnetic fields, or how they interact with one another
Besides, You cannot see how electricity moves through cables
You must first acquire a theoretical understanding of these concepts before applying them to your work
You can choose to go even further and focus on a branch of electrical engineerings, such as radio-frequency engineering
Electrical engineering is a complicated subject, and earning a degree will need a lot of effort and study
Because electricity is now the primary source of energy in the globe, demand for electrical engineers is expected to increase
Electrical engineering and computer engineering are similar, but the former focuses on creating computer hardware and software and making sure they work together properly
The work of a computer engineer is not limited to personal computers
Working on intriguing tasks like designing motherboards, CPUs, or computer circuitry may be your job
However, a computer engineer can do much more than only work with hardware
For computers and other devices, you also develop software and firmware
This major is challenging since it calls for strong math skills as well as an aptitude for computer and electrical component repair
Making things that fly is their area of expertise as aerospace engineers
The most sophisticated ones focus on developing space-related products
Why is aerospace engineering one of the top 10 hardest engineering courses?
This statement is true for all of the majors on this list
You will learn a lot about how fluids interact with various materials if you become an aircraft engineer
Due to the fact that it combines the most advanced engineering knowledge with chemistry, chemical engineering may be the hardest engineering course on this list
A broad subject is a chemistry
If you want to work on creating new medicines, you should concentrate on the pharmaceutical industry
If so, you can choose to focus on plastic and other types of materials
Chemical engineers will play a bigger role in the food business as products like veggie burgers gain popularity
Additionally, they conduct research on and produce insecticides that maintain the health of plants
Chemical engineers have a significant influence on our daily lives, and their importance will only increase over time
The combination of abstraction and theoretical knowledge needed to do your work is what makes chemical engineering challenges
You must have a firm understanding of the arithmetic, physics, and chemistry concepts that are typically found in engineering
Engineers who also practice medicine are known as biomedical engineers
The strange devices you see in hospitals that help save so many lives were created by a biomedical engineer
However, biomedical engineers also create prosthetic organs and limbs
Being forced to combine intricate math with biology makes biomedical engineering challenging
Then, you must create mechanisms to restore normal operation
As a chemical engineer, making mistakes is not a huge deal (unless you blow up your lab, but that’s another story)
However, as a biomedical engineer creating an artificial organ, you cannot make mistakes
The reason biomedical engineering is one of the hardest engineering courses is that you are learning so many different topics at once, much like chemical engineering
It is less concentrated than, for example, a degree in electrical engineering
Given that you must attend lessons in a wide range of engineering subjects, you’ll become more of a jack-of-all-trades
The highest value on this list, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the 5% employment growth predicted for biomedical engineers and bioengineers over the next ten years
The expected growth rate for the other majors on this list over the following ten years is three to four percent
Which Engineering Has The Hardest Math?
Of all the engineering fields, electrical engineering requires the most math
When dealing with advanced circuit analysis, you largely rely on differential equations, and electromagnetism is essentially a math and physics course
You’ll get so much knowledge that you’ll probably be able to find employment even in fields that are only loosely associated with your specialty
FAQs On Hardest Engineering Majors
What are the top 10 hardest engineering majors in the world?
Electrical EngineeringChemical EngineeringComputer EngineeringAerospace EngineeringBiomedical EngineeringNuclear EngineeringRobotics EngineeringQuantum EngineeringNanotechnology Engineering or NanoengineeringMechatronics Engineering Is mechanical engineering the hardest?
One of the most challenging majors in mechanical engineering, in part due to the technical needs of the subject
As part of their education, students are required to take advanced courses in math and science
Is chemical engineering the hardest?
The fact that Chemical Engineering is dependent on chemistry and mathematics rather than abstractions like Physics makes it one of the most difficult degrees to earn
A more challenging curriculum results from this
What is the hardest course in engineering?
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https://worldscholarshubcom
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Engineering majors are highly competitive and typically rely heavily on mathematics and science as part of their core syllabus
While Engineering courses are challenging in general, there are several engineering majors that students find particularly challenging
Based on retention rate and study workload, the five most difficult engineering majors are Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering
The drop-out rate for these majors is often not strictly the subject difficulty and reflects subjective variables such as student motivation and prior college preparationRecommendation: Find Student Jobs on Salarship
Electrical engineering uses the physics of electromagnetism to study and design equipment, devices, and systems
These devices and systems cover a broad field, from snapper-scale devices such as GPS to large-scale communication systems and power networks
EE graduates have highly employable skills and may choose a wide variety of potential careers, including:
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Electrical engineer
Software programming
However, one study rated the drop-out rate for electrical engineering disciplines as high as 80%, making electrical engineering one of the lowest student retention in the engineering fields
There are several reasons why students find the EE field particularly challenging
Electrical Engineering Requires a High Levels of Abstraction
Unlike the often visible world of mechanical and civil engineering, electrical engineering focuses primarily on elements that one cannot see with the naked eye
The high level of abstraction is often challenging for students who need to assimilate non-visible theoretical models of currents and wireless signals, and magnetic/electric fields
Electrical engineers cannot see currents move through circuits
EE courses include difficult concepts from the following fields: Linear algebra, Integral calculus, Statistics, Differential equations, and Geometry
They cannot see wireless signals, electric fields, or magnetic fields
They need to analyze and apply concepts in the application and require the ability to innovate in the abstract more intensely than most other engineering majors
Studying Electrical Engineering is Exhausting
The NSSE found that EE students spent 177 hours a week fulfilling their course requirements, almost 5 hours more than their social science or business counterparts
The pressures created by the rigorous workload often lead to stress in the EE field of study
EE students need to commit to their courses almost every day of the week to succeed
The course includes a wide range of learning methods, including:
Lab work
Project work
Group work
Students need to develop their knowledge outside of their scheduled lessons by working through the course’s reading list
All of these factors make the EE course challenging and require high levels of student commitment
2 Mechanical Engineering
2 Mechanical Engineering
2 Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is the oldest engineering science that uses engineering physics and math principles with material science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems
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The study field is one of the broadest in engineering, covering core areas such as Mechanics, Dynamics, Materials science , Computer-aided design, Thermodynamics, Structural analysis, and Electromagnetism
Mechanical engineers are expected to understand and apply concepts from a variety of fields, including Chemistry, Physics, Tribology, Civil engineering, Electrical engineering, and Chemical engineering
This discipline is notoriously math-heavy, and students are required to understand and apply mathematical concepts
The study includes the laws governing physical nature, such as motion, energy, and force
It also requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the ability to draw on a broad base of theoretical skills coherently
The broad range of engineering skills equips students to enter almost any field of engineering
Graduates of this discipline are equipped to take their pick of engineering fields due to the broad scope of their learning
Mechanical engineering often tops the rankings of subject difficulty, and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recorded the lowest engineering student retention rate in mechanical engineering at 885%
Mechanical Engineering Requires Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Mechanical engineering students must apply theoretical and mathematical concepts in real-time, so they must commit many complex equations, and knowledge sets to memory and draw on them on the spot
Mechanical engineers need to adopt innovative solutions in tackling unique situations, and students are challenged with the coherent application of several different engineering disciplines
Thus rote memorization only gets students of this discipline so far in their college courses
Mechanical Engineering Students Spend 18 Hours a Week on Their Coursework!
Mechanical engineering requires advanced technical skills, and students need to keep up with lectures, weekly labs and create technical reports
Not only this, but students also need to complete high-volume coursework
In fact, NSSE reports that mechanical engineering students spent an average of 1811 hours of coursework a week
Often engineering students don’t have the time to socialize due to their extreme workload, which is often accompanied by part-time internships in their later college careers
Most students take 5-7 courses each semester with often challenging and technical electives that leave almost no room for error
Students require a high level of discipline to focus on their studies, leaving very little room for “college party culture” Students often find the long hours of study and course-related work stressful and may cause some students to change track or drop out of this work-heavy major
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
3 Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering (AE) didn’t get its nickname “rocket science” for no reason
This challenging field of engineering is concerned with the development of air and spacecraft and contains two overlapping branches of aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering
Aeronautical engineers are involved in the design, development, and modification of the components and systems of flight vehicles
The degree is more specialized than mechanical engineering and narrows its focus to the aerospace industry, building:
The AE coursework is relatively broad and deep and incorporates high-level math, physics, and even chemistry before students get to the main coursework
Students will also have to cover a large number of specialized fluid sources, structural dynamics/materials, and propulsion and involve a higher level of advanced math than most other engineering majors
An Iowa State University study found that the drop-out rate of 245 AE students was as high as 23% in the AE course
The relatively low student retention is due to several challenges students face in the rigorous AE coursework explained below
Math In Aerospace Engineering Can Be Challenging
The focus on the field of fluid mechanics is a challenging aspect of the core AE degree
Fluid mechanics is a very math-intensive subject and requires high-level mathematical principles to calculate variables
Math is at the core of AE, whether used to model shapes, computer-based designing, check stresses and strains, or calculate fluid dynamics
For example, “lift” is fundamental in aviation, and it requires an understanding of concepts such as Bernoulli’s equations and the ability to calculate linear velocities and area
All of these essential aspects of flight require proficiency in mathematics
The field of fluid dynamics rests on the principles of differential and partial differential equations and integral and vector calculus
Heavy Work Load of Aerospace Engineering
As with many of the above majors, AE requires a higher-than-average degree of dedication and study time
The NSSE places Aerospace engineering third in the highest hours workload, at 1924 hours a week
The time requirements are not restricted to coursework but often involve research, group work, and extensive lab hours
Depending on how specialized the program is, students also have the added pressure of highly-competitive programs that require a consistent GPA
The workload often leaves little time for recreation or the social activities associated with college life
4 Chemical Engineering
4 Chemical Engineering
4 Chemical Engineering
4 Chemical Engineering
4 Chemical Engineering
4 Chemical Engineering
4 Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is a dynamic field of engineering that study the operation and design of chemical plants and methods of improving production
This major focuses on processes and converting raw materials into valuable products and ranges from the nano-scale to large-scale industrial processes
This multi-disciplinary branch of engineering combines natural and experimental sciences such as biology and chemistry and life sciences such as biology and economics to design, develop and transport the processes that transform raw materials into valuable products
This major has a broad field of application, and the degree requires knowledge in a variety of areas such as:
Fluid mechanics
Chemical engineering is a math and Physics reliant course requiring strong mathematical skills
It also involves complex concepts and abstract theories which are challenging to follow
The major requires a large amount of study compared to other majors
The ABET assessment recorded chemical engineering as the third-lowest retention rate of all the listed engineering majors, and a study of 124 students at a New Mexico University yielded a 41% retention rate of chemical engineering students over an 8-year span
Chemical Engineering Is Math Heavy
Physics and math are essential in a chemical engineering degree
You will need strong math skills to calculate and predict your work outcomes from simulation to experiments and modeling
Not only is math vital for your degree, but it also plays a vital role in your future career as a chemical engineer, which is strongly math reliant
Typical math courses for a chemical engineering degree include:
High Study Load for Chemical Engineering Students
The NSSE survey placed chemical engineering at the number two highest workload of the listed majors at the freshmen and senior levels
With an average workweek of 1966 hours, there is no doubt that the study load presents challenges for students
The study/life balance is seriously slanted, which often presents difficulties for students who need social lives
The study-intensive nature of chemical engineering adds to the general difficulty of the subject, in which students who have active social lives will struggle to keep up with their course requirements
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
5 Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (BME) is a challenging and dynamic degree that merges the fields of engineering and medicine
The BME field bridges the gap between the two disciplines
It combines the design and problem-solving engineering skills with medical science to advance health care, including diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy
The BME field encompasses a broad array of subfields and has a variety of applications such as:
Many students find the course extremely challenging, and many migrate to more “employable” fields of engineering with a more focused application
In a study conducted by Mercer, Biomedical Engineering held the highest attrition rate of 60% of their engineering majors, with a drop-out rate 10-20% higher than average engineering attrition of 40-50%
Other reasons why a degree in BME has ranked it in our list are discussed below
There Is a High Study Load for Biomedical Engineering Students
According to the SASSE survey, BME is the 4th highest college workload, with Biomedical engineering students spending an average of 1882 hours on their course a week
The biology and math-heavy curriculum requires hours of study and application, leaving little time for extramural activities
Each student must complete a research project that includes:
These research projects require strong management skills and include reports, presentations, and developed communications skills
Biomedical Engineering Covers a Broad Field of Subjects
Students who excel in a streamlined and focused area of expertise will likely find BME challenging
Unlike most other engineering courses concentrating on specific engineering topics, the BME scope is broad and interdisciplinary
The discipline requires that students integrate several fields of knowledge cohesively into the fields of biology and biomedical engineering for human health
The Top Most Difficult Engineering Subjects
In general, engineering majors have to take more credits than many other majors, and the curriculum tends to be highly technical and less flexible
Engineering majors have to cover a broad range of core engineering subjects without much room for electives
The 2021 ASEE National conference recorded that of the 625,000 Engineering student undergraduates, 30% dropped out before their second year, and an alarming 60% dropped out before their second year
These core courses are challenging, and because they are compulsory, students often struggle with their motivation and interest levels
Engineering is a tough major in general, but specific engineering majors are more difficult than others
According to Indiana University’s National Survey of Student Engagement, Engineers take the second spot on the hardworking student list
Through extensive data collection from thousands of college students, the NSSE group included hours spent in:
Studying
Laboratory work
The NSSE study found that Engineering students spend an average of 1646-1966 hours studying a week, including our top 6 most difficult engineering majors
Engineering is a challenging field, with extensive workloads and reliance on challenging disciplines like mathematics, physics, and science
Each engineering major presents its own unique challenges which students need to consider before enrolling in the courses
Despite the obstacles, engineering is a fascinating field of study and, despite its difficulties, presents a tremendous future employment potential in a diversity of dynamic fields
NYU Tandon School of Engineering: ABET Enrollment, Retention Rates, Graduation Rates, and Placement Rates
Iowa State University: Persistence in aerospace engineering: Why students choose and leave aerospace engineering
Sage Journals: The International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Education: Predicting the performance of electrical engineering students using cognitive and non-cognitive features for identification of potential drop-outs
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): ASEE Zone 2 Conference: Identifying Potential Causes of Attrition in the Biomedical Engineering Specialization at Mercer University
UC Riverside: Earning an Advanced Degree To Obtain the Most In-Demand Electrical Engineering Skills
ASEE Peer: A Data-driven Approach for Understanding and Predicting Engineering Student Dropout
Center for Postsecondary Research | Indiana University School of Education: NSSE Annual Results 2019: Engagement Insights: Survey Findings on the Quality of Undergraduate Education
All About Circuits: What Prevents Many EE Students from “Making It” to Professional Careers?
ResearchGate: Student Retention Barriers in a Chemical Engineering Program
He is the owner of Salarship, a job search engine where less-skilled candidates can find accessible employment opportunitiesView all posts by Nathan Brunner