General Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for General Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $153,590 compared to $103,617 in Arkansas. Approximately 401,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 441 accredited institutions offer General Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University at Buffalo (UB) (473 graduates), University of Maryland (UMCP), College Park (390 graduates), and Northeastern University (NU) (388 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 6,252 in 2010 to 10,144 in 2023-24. This represents a 62% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 401,000 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.