How to Become an Engineer Without a College Degree

Pursuing a career in engineering is an excellent choice for those who enjoy problem-solving, designing systems, and working with technology. Traditionally, becoming an engineer required a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, in today’s evolving job market, there are several potential paths to break into engineering without having an engineering degree.

While getting an engineering degree from an accredited program is still the most direct training route, alternatives like vocational programs, military training, apprenticeships, and self-study can provide the skills needed to qualify for certain engineering roles. It takes diligent work, but becoming an engineer without a formal degree is achievable.

Is it Possible to Become an Engineer Without a Degree?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to secure an engineering job without holding an engineering degree. Many employers care more about candidates showcasing the required technical competencies than earning a specific degree

That said, the possibilities are wider for some engineering branches compared to others The most challenging fields to enter without a bachelor’s degree are typically aerospace, biomedical, chemical, electrical, and nuclear engineering.

However, opportunities in mechanical, industrial, architectural, and civil engineering tend to be more open to non-degreed applicants. Construction managers regularly hire engineers who learn through apprenticeships and vocational training. Software engineering and game development also frequently consider non-degreed candidates with impressive portfolios.

While challenging many determined candidates do succeed in carving out engineering careers sans degrees through persistence and hard work. The key is carefully choosing your engineering specialty acquiring niche technical skills, building an impressive portfolio, networking aggressively, and seeking roles at smaller companies.

Primary Pathways to Become an Engineer Without a Degree

Here are the top recommended routes to break into engineering if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree:

1. Earn an Associate’s Degree

Enrolling in a shorter, more affordable associate’s degree program is a solid alternative to a full 4-year engineering bachelor’s degree. Excellent options are associate’s degrees in engineering technology or engineering mechanics. The curriculum covers core technical skills like drafting, electronics, machining, design, and more.

An associate’s degree ensures you have credible training in engineering principles and may open up technician-level roles. From there, you can work your way up to an engineering position. Many learn engineering basics on the job.

2. Attend Vocational Training

Shorter vocational training programs teaching specialized engineering skills are another smart path. For example, machinist training teaches how to operate lathes, mills, and tools to shape metal—skills very relevant to mechanical engineering.

Other great vocational programs cover welding, electronics, computer-aided drafting (CAD), 3D printing, robotics, and more. Vocational programs typically take less than two years to complete.

3. Get Certified

Earning respected engineering certifications demonstrates your competencies without enrolling in degree programs. Relevant certifications include:

• Certified SolidWorks Associate
• Siemens Mechatronics Certification
• Autodesk CAD Certifications
• AWS Welding Certifications
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer

Certificates directly validate abilities in computer-aided design, robotics, welding, programming, and other engineering-related areas.

4. Complete an Apprenticeship

Paid apprenticeships allow you to learn directly from experienced engineers on the job. Training typically lasts around 4 years. You get exposure to real-world projects and gain engineering skills through hands-on practice under mentorship.

Apprenticeships are commonly available in manufacturing, construction, electronics, plumbing, and machining fields. You earn while you learn.

5. Pursue Military Training

Joining a military branch like the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard provides intensive training around maintaining vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and weapon systems—all systems an engineer would work on. Military engineering programs teach mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.

You operate highly-technical equipment and overhaul engines. This hands-on training gives you engineering abilities. You can even get placed in an engineering unit.

6. Self-Study Extensively

With persistence, self-motivation and online resources, it’s possible to independently teach yourself engineering knowledge and skills. You can find used textbooks to study theories. YouTube videos can teach conceptual lessons. MIT and other universities offer open courseware lectures.

Hands-on projects, freelancing, and open source contributions help build an engineering portfolio. Develop expertise in CAD, coding, simulations, 3D modeling, data analysis or other hard skills. This demonstrates hands-on abilities. Network at Meetups and industry events.

While challenging, with obsessive dedication self-education can substitute for formal training.

Essential Skills to Develop

To gain engineering competencies without a degree, focus on building these core skills:

Technical Knowledge – Study mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering principles extensively. Master CAD software, coding, physics, algebra, calculus, statistics, chemistry, and material sciences.

Problem-Solving – Strengthen analytical thinking and critical observation abilities. Break down problems methodically. Devise creative solutions.

Systems Analysis – Learn to evaluate relationships and interactions between system components. Understand integration and implementation processes.

Computer Skills – Become an expert at engineering modeling, simulation, and analysis software. Python, MATLAB, AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Mathcad are especially valuable.

Technical Drawing – Hand-drawing engineering sketches and computer-aided drafting are must-have abilities. Practice drafting designs, blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and plans.

Prototyping – Develop hands-on skills conceptualizing, designing, and building prototypes. Use 3D printers, CNC machines, and workshop tools.

Testing & Analysis – Know how to test product designs, inspect systems, collect data, analyze results, and derive insights. Statistics skills are essential here.

Coding – Learn languages like C++, JavaScript, SQL, and Python to collect sensor data, automate processes, perform calculations, and develop applications.

Communication – Writing reports, giving presentations, visualizing data, explaining technical concepts, and conveying design rationale clearly are vital soft skills.

Project Management – Executing projects on schedule, on budget, and within scope is critical. Use timelines, budgets, resource plans, and project methodology.

Building this diverse skill set proves you can perform engineering work—no degree required.

Industries More Open to Non-Degreed Engineers

Certain industries tend to be more open to hiring non-degreed engineering candidates provided they demonstrate the required competencies:

• Construction – Construction companies regularly hire technicians and draftsmen without degrees and train into project engineers roles. Hands-on experience is valued.

• Manufacturing – Factories and fabrication shops hire candidates skilled in operating machining tools and CAD/CAM software achieved through vocational or apprenticeship training.

• Maintenance & Repair – Airplane, vehicle, wind turbine, and heavy machinery mechanics often learn through military and vocational training. Field service engineering roles support repair calls.

• Software & IT – Programming, database, and analytics skills trump degrees here. Impressive coding portfolios prove qualifications for software engineering.

• Small Businesses – Startups and smaller companies have greater flexibility in hiring. They focus more on abilities than degrees.

• Engineering Services Firms – Smaller contracting firms supporting bigger companies depend more on hands-on competencies than formal education pedigree.

• Government – State and local government engineering jobs often allow experience to substitute for education minimums. More flexibility exists here.

Targeting more open-minded engineering teams greatly improves your chances if lacking a degree.

Helpful Tips and Strategies

Follow these guidelines to maximize your odds of succeeding in engineering without a traditional educational background:

• Specialize in a hands-on, equipment-focused engineering field like welding, industrial, or mechanical engineering rather than more theoretical disciplines.

• Attain in-demand software skills like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Mathcad, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, C++, etc. Software skills provide flexibility.

• Develop a portfolio of engaging hands-on projects showing engineering competencies—create designs, build prototypes, run experiments.

• Do freelance, contract, or open source technical work through sites like Upwork, Freelancer, or GitHub to gain real project experience.

• Get OSHA, ISO, LEED and other relevant industry certifications to validate your professional knowledge.

• Attend local Meetup events and industry conferences to network and make connections in your target field.

• Highlight hands-on experience from internships, apprenticeships, vocational programs, or military training on your resume. Quantify achievements.

• Seek entry-level roles like technician, maintenance technician, manufacturing technician, drafter, or research assistant to get your foot in the door.

• Consider relocating to markets with strong manufacturing, construction, and oil/gas industries for abundant openings.

• Study job listings to master in-demand skills for your chosen engineering field and target those abilities.

• Apply persistently. It may take 100+ carefully crafted applications to lan