Engineering is a very broad discipline, but among the various disciplines, which are the top 10 hardest engineering courses in the World? You will find out shortly.
Studying engineering is no joke, it is considered to be one of the most difficult courses in the world – because it requires a good knowledge of mathematics and science. Also, to succeed in engineering, you will have to possess certain skills – technical knowledge, abstract thinking, creativity, teamwork, fast learning, analytical ability, and so on.
Even though engineering courses are difficult, there are still some engineering courses that are easier than others – in terms of coursework, time spent studying, and duration.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering was projected to have close to 140,000 new jobs from 2016 to 2026. Engineering is unarguably one of the most lucrative courses in the World.
In this article, we have ranked the top 10 hardest engineering courses in the World. Before we take about these courses, let us share with you some of the reasons to study engineering.
Table of Contents
Why Should I Study Engineering Courses?
Many students wonder why they should major in engineering – one of the most difficult fields.
Engineering courses require a lot of study time but they are worth it because of the following reasons:
- Studying engineering brings respect
Engineers are naturally respected wherever they are found because people are aware that a lot of effort is required to earn a degree in engineering.
- Develop new skills
As you study any engineering course, you will acquire a lot of skills – problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, abstract thinking, and critical analysis skills.
- Earn High Salary
Studying engineering is a ticket to high-paying jobs. Many ranking blogs rate engineering courses as one of the most demanded and highest paying careers.
- Variety of Career Opportunities
Engineering is a very broad field, that can prepare you for different careers. For example, a degree in industrial engineering can get you a job in all fields – manufacturing, technology, healthcare, mining, e.t.c.
- Opportunity to make great impacts on the World
If you have always wanted to make an impact on the world, then study engineering. Engineers make a lot of impacts on the World – from constructing roads to manufacturing cars, airplanes, and so on.
Top 10 Hardest Engineering Courses in the World
Below is a list of the top 10 hardest engineering courses in the World:
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Quantum Engineering
- Nanotechnology Engineering or Nanoengineering
- Mechatronics Engineering.
1. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a field of engineering concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
This major is considered one of the most difficult engineering majors because it requires a lot of abstract thinking.
Many of the processes involved in electrical engineering cannot be seen. Electrical engineers cannot see currents, wireless signals, electric fields, or magnetic fields.
To study electrical engineering, you will need a strong background in mathematics and physics. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering can be completed within 4 to 5 years.
After completing a degree in electrical engineering, you can pursue the following careers:
- Electrical technician
- Electrician
- Test Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Control Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer.
The following schools offer the best electrical engineering programs:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Stanford University, USA
- The University of California, Berkeley, USA
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Cambridge, UK.
2. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is concerned with the application of science to convert raw materials into valuable products, such as – food and drinks, drugs, fertilizers, energy, and fuel.
This engineering discipline is unarguably challenging because it is a combination of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. These subjects are difficult, even on their own.
An undergraduate-level chemical engineering degree can be completed within 3 years to 5 years. Chemical engineering requires an in-depth knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and physics.
You can pursue the following careers after completing a degree in chemical engineering:
- Petroleum Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Food Scientist
- Biotechnologist.
The following schools offer the best chemical engineering programs:
- Stanford University, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Imperial College London, UK
- University of Waterloo, Canada.
3. Computer Engineering
This branch of engineering combines computer science with electrical engineering to design and develop computer hardware and software.
Computer engineering is considered difficult because it shares a lot of courses with electrical engineering. If you find electrical engineering difficult, you will also find computer engineering difficult.
Also, computer engineering would be challenging for students who do not enjoy coding and programming.
A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering can be completed within 4 to five years. Computer engineering requires a background in computer science, mathematics, and physics. Knowledge of programming or coding can also be useful.
You can pursue the following careers after earning a degree in computer engineering:
- Computer Engineer
- Programmer
- System Engineer
- Network Engineer.
4. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and other related equipment. It has two main branches: Aeronautical engineering and Astronautical engineering.
Aerospace engineering is considered difficult because it involves a lot of mathematics and physics, and also requires good analytical skills and technical knowledge. This discipline will be difficult for students that don’t enjoy calculations.
If you have a background in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering will be less difficult. We recommend earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering, then studying aerospace engineering at a graduate level.
Aerospace engineering degrees can be completed within 3 to 5 years. Coursework may cover the following: differential equations, aircraft design, fluid mechanics, calculus, electrical circuits, thermodynamics, and aircraft aerodynamics.
You can pursue the following careers after earning a degree in aerospace engineering:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aircraft Engineering
- Aerospace Technician
- Aircraft Mechanic.
The following schools offer the best aerospace engineering programs:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
- California Institute of Technology, USA
- University of Cambridge, USA
- National University of Defense Technology, China
- Cranfield University, UK.
5. Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary major that combines the field of engineering with medicine and biology to improve human health and for healthcare purposes.
This engineering discipline is challenging because there is a lot to learn. Biomedical engineering students take classes in a lot of fields – biology, medicine, and engineering.
Working as a biomedical engineer is more challenging than studying it. Biomedical engineers are responsible for designing and developing artificial organs to improve human health.
A degree in biomedical engineering can be completed within 4 to 5 years.
You can pursue the following careers after earning a degree in Biomedical engineering:
- Bioengineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Clinical Engineer
- Genetic Engineer
- Rehabilitation Engineer
- Physician/Doctor.
The following schools offer the best biomedical engineering programs:
- John Hopkins University, USA
- Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
- Imperial College London, UK
- University of Toronto, Canada
- National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.
6. Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the science and application of nuclear and radiation processes.
This engineering course will be difficult for students that struggle with physics. It involves a lot of calculations. A strong background in mathematics and physics is required to study nuclear engineering.
Nuclear engineering coursework covers the following: reactor engineering, heat transfer and fluid mechanics, thermal hydraulics, plasma physics, reactor physics, radiation detection and measurement, materials science, and many more.
Nuclear engineers can work with armed forces to construct weapons, healthcare – to use radiation to diagnose and treat illnesses, and energy industry – overseeing the construction, maintenance, and operation of power plants.
A bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering can be completed within 4 years and a master’s degree can be completed within 5 years.
The following schools offer the best nuclear engineering programs:
- Reactor Engineer
- Radiation Engineer
- Atomic process Engineer
- Nuclear System Engineer.
7. Robotics Engineering
Robotics engineering is the field of engineering concerned with the design, construction, and operation of robots – machines that replicate human actions.
This engineering discipline is challenging to study and practise. Building a Robot requires a lot of work. It requires an in-depth knowledge of mathematics, electronics, mechanics, programming, and computer science.
Courses in robotics engineering usually include: pneumatics and hydraulics, computer programming, robotics designing, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, electronic systems, and machine kinematics.
You can complete a robotics engineering degree in 3 to 5 years.
After completing a degree in robotics engineering, you can pursue these careers:
- CAD Designer
- Automation Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Mechatronics Technician.
The following schools offer the best robotics engineering programs:
- Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
- University of Toronto, Canada
- Imperial College London, UK
- University of Oxford, UK.
8. Quantum Engineering
Quantum Engineering combines engineering skills with fundamental physics to solve contemporary problems.
This engineering discipline is considered difficult because it involves quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is one of the hardest parts of physics. Even at secondary level, quantum mechanics is a very challenging subject.
Quantum engineering will be difficult for students that don’t enjoy mathematics and physics. It also requires critical and analytical thinking.
Quantum engineering is rarely offered at undergraduate level. To become a quantum engineer, you can either earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or physics, then study quantum engineering at graduate and postgraduate levels. A degree in quantum engineering can be completed in 4 to 5 years.
The following schools offer the best quantum engineering programs:
- University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
- University of Bristol, UK.
9. Nanotechnology Engineering or Nanoengineering
Nanoengineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on the study, development, and refinement of materials on a nanoscale (1 nm = 1 x 10^-9m). In simple words, nanoengineering is the study of engineering on the nanoscale.
Nanotechnology engineering is considered difficult to study because it is a combination of a lot of fields – from materials science to mechanics, electronics, biology, physics, medicine, and so on.
Nanoengineers can work in different industries, which include:
- Aerospace
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Environmental and energy
- Agricultural
- Robotics
- Automotive.
The following schools offer the best nanoengineering programs
- The University of California, San Diego, USA
- Rice University, USA
- The University of Toronto, Canada
- University of Waterloo, Canada.
10. Mechatronics Engineering
This engineering course focuses on a combination of mechanical, computer, and electrical systems, to work with smart technologies, such as: robots, automated guided systems, and computer integrated manufacturing equipment.
Courses in mechatronics engineering coursework may include the following: electronic materials, electromagnetic fields, computer programming, measurements and analytical software, digital system design, electronic circuit design, applied mechanics and industrial robotics.
Mechatronics Engineering is more difficult than other engineering courses because it is a combination of various fields: mechanics, electronics, robotics, and so on.
A degree in mechatronics engineering can be completed in four years. It requires a strong background in mechanical, electronics, and computer science.
You can pursue the following careers after earning a degree in mechatronics engineering:
- Control System Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Robotics Engineer/Technician
- Data Scientist.
The following schools offer the best mechatronics engineering programs:
- University of Waterloo, Canada
- Ontario Tech University, Canada
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Technical University of Munich, Germany
- University of Manchester, UK.
Accreditation for Engineering Courses
It is important to study accredited engineering courses. Accreditation assures you that your degree is relevant and recognized. It will be difficult to get a job with an unaccredited degree, so as not to be a victim of this, confirm if a program is accredited before you apply.
Common Accreditation Agencies for Engineering Courses are listed below:
Accreditation for Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Accreditation for Chemical Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Accreditation for Computer Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Accreditation for Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Royal Aeronautical Society
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Accreditation for Biomedical Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Accreditation for Nuclear Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Accreditation for Robotics Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMecheE)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Accreditation for Quantum Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Accreditation for Nanotechnology Engineering or Nanoengineering
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Accreditation for Mechatronics Engineering
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)
- Engineers Australia – Australia Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC)
- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hardest Engineering Courses
What are the Hardest Engineering Courses?
The top 3 hardest engineering courses are - electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering. However, the hardest engineering course depends on your strength, interest, and skills. If you are very good in mathematics and science, you will find electrical engineering easy.
What is the duration of an engineering course?
An undergraduate degree in engineering can be completed within four years to five years, and a postgraduate degree in engineering can last for three to seven years.
What is the Best Engineering School in the World?
According to U.S. News, Tsinghua University, China is the best school for engineering programs. Nanyang Technological University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology occupy the second and third positions respectively.
What type of Engineers makes the most money?
Petroleum engineer is currently the highest-paying engineering job. Electrical engineers and Aerospace engineers also earn high salaries.
Are there Online Engineering Courses?
Yes, there are several online engineering programs. However, not all engineering programs can be offered fully online - for example, Aerospace Engineering. According to U.S. News, Columbia University is the best school for online masters and graduate engineering programs
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Conclusion
We didn’t rank the hardest engineering courses to scare you, but rather to prepare your mind for what you are going into. Engineering is no easy task but not impossible, with determination you will pass with flying colors.
Build your knowledge in mathematics and science – the foundation of all engineering courses, all lectures regularly, and sacrifice most of your time studying – these are some of the ways to succeed in the hardest engineering courses.
We have now come to the end of this article on the top 10 hardest engineering courses in the World, which of these courses do you wish to study? Let us know your thoughts in the Comment Section.
We also wish you success as you plan to enroll in any engineering course.