Engineering is one of the most rewarding and in-demand career fields, offering strong salaries, job security and opportunities to innovate in industries such as technology, healthcare and infrastructure. However, if you’re an aspiring engineer, you may wonder: How long does it take to get an engineering degree? The answer: It depends.
In this article, we’ll explore the timeline for earning an engineering degree, the differences between an engineering associate degree and a bachelor’s degree and how Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) can help you fast-track your engineering career.
Options for Earning Your Engineering Degree
Choosing the right engineering degree depends on your career goals, timeline and educational preferences. Engineering degrees come in different formats, allowing you to start with a shorter, foundational program or commit to a more in-depth study path from the beginning.
Whether you're looking for a quicker route to enter the workforce or aiming for advanced career opportunities, there are multiple pathways to gaining engineering expertise. Below, we explore two common options: an engineering associate degree and a bachelor's degree in engineering.
Engineering associate degree
An Associate of Science (A.S.) in Engineering, like the engineering associate degree at NOVA, is typically a two-year program. It’s designed to provide a strong foundation in the field through engineering courses in mathematics, physics and engineering principles. Most engineering associate degree programs consist of 60-70 credits and cover core subjects such as introductory engineering, calculus, physics and chemistry.
A two-year associate degree is ideal if you want to:
- Gain a solid foundation in engineering principles while completing coursework in math and science
- Enter the workforce quickly in entry-level engineering or technician roles
- Save on tuition costs before transferring to a four-year engineering program
- Explore the field of engineering before committing to a longer degree program
Bachelor’s degree in engineering
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering typically requires four to five years of full-time study and consists of completing 120-130 credits. Some students take longer than the traditional four-year time frame due to changing majors or programs, entering co-op programs, participating in internships or part-time enrollment.
This degree is a good fit if you’re interested in:
- Gaining in-depth knowledge and specialized skills in a specific engineering field
- Becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE) and advancing in your career
- Accessing higher-paying jobs in industries like aerospace, civil, electrical or mechanical engineering
- Participating in co-op programs or internships to gain hands-on experience while studying
Fast-track your engineering career
Want to jumpstart your engineering career without committing to a four-year program right away? An engineering associate degree like NOVA’s offers a quicker path to entering the workforce or continuing your education later. Earning this degree can provide valuable hands-on skills and foundational knowledge, allowing you to start working sooner or transfer to a bachelor’s program with junior standing. At some colleges, like NOVA, prior work experience, AP credits or military training may count toward your degree, helping you graduate even faster.
Prepare for Your Future with Engineering Classes
Your engineering coursework will help you build a strong foundation in problem-solving, technical skills and industry-specific knowledge. The classes you take will depend on your degree level and area of interest, but all engineering programs emphasize key principles in mathematics, physics and design.
At NOVA, the engineering associate degree curriculum is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles or a seamless transfer to a four-year institution, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the field. Your engineering classes will include:
- Calculus I & II: Essential for solving engineering problems and analyzing functions across complex systems
- General chemistry and physics: Provides the scientific background needed for engineering disciplines
- Engineering design and mechanics: Introduces core engineering concepts and problem-solving strategies
- Computer programming for engineers: Develops coding skills in languages commonly used in engineering applications
- Mathematics, microeconomics and humanities courses: Provide a well-rounded education to boost your career success
- Technical elective courses: Explore areas ranging from fluid mechanics and hydraulics to environmental engineering
Is an Engineering Associate Degree Right for You?
If you’re passionate about math, science and problem-solving, an associate degree in engineering is an excellent first step toward your engineering career. Consider NOVA’s Associate of Science (A.S.) in Engineering if you:
- Want to save money on tuition before transferring to a four-year university
- Prefer smaller class sizes and personalized faculty support
- Need flexible scheduling to balance work and school
- Wish to gain hands-on experience in engineering labs
Why Start with an Engineering Associate Degree at NOVA?
If an engineering career is in your future, beginning at NOVA offers numerous benefits, from affordability and flexibility to seamless transfer opportunities. By choosing NOVA, you’ll enjoy advantages such as: