Applied Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied Engineering is a hands-on, interdisciplinary field focused on leveraging mathematical and scientific principles to solve real-world technical challenges across industries. This program equips students with the skills to design, optimize, and manage complex systems, drive innovation in product development, and enhance efficiency in manufacturing and operational environments.
- Basic Engineering Principles: Foundational knowledge in mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and applied physics to understand how physical systems function and interact.
- Project Management: Strategies and methodologies for planning, executing, and overseeing engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery and resource efficiency.
- Industrial Processes: In-depth study of manufacturing workflows, automation, and process engineering to improve throughput, safety, and sustainability in production environments.
- Production and Operations Management: Techniques for optimizing workflow, managing supply chains, and ensuring consistent output quality within industrial and technical operations.
- Systems Integration and Control: Approaches to connect and manage interconnected components within engineering systems, ensuring seamless performance and responsiveness.
- Quality Control: Tools and frameworks—such as Six Sigma and statistical process control—for monitoring, analyzing, and improving product and process reliability.
- Statistics: Analytical methods for interpreting data, identifying trends, and making evidence-based decisions in engineering design and operational improvement.
Applied Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Applied Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Applied Engineering degrees, including Engineers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 150,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
Applied Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,210 in Kansas to $167,270 in District of Columbia—a 142% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alabama, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 150,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Applied Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Applied Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Applied Engineering is found at Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (97 graduates), University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (94 graduates), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (92 graduates), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide (72 graduates), and Millersville University of Pennsylvania (44 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 545 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
97 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Master's
|
94 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
92 | Savannah, Georgia | Private | scad.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
Master's
|
72 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | worldwide.erau.edu |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
44 | Millersville, Pennsylvania | Public | millersville.edu |
| Daytona State College (DSC) |
Bachelor's
|
41 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Public | daytonastate.edu |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts | Public | maritime.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
23 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Lawrence Technological University (LTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
18 | Southfield, Michigan | Private | ltu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Master's
|
8 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Humboldt) |
Master's
|
3 | Arcata, California | Public | humboldt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Applied Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Applied Engineering degree?
Salaries for Applied Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Engineers, All Other earn a median of $117,750 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $167,270 compared to $69,210 in Kansas. Approximately 150,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Applied Engineering programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Applied Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (97 graduates), University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (94 graduates), and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (92 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Applied Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 150,750 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.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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