Can People with Non-Engineering Degrees Get into a Graduate Engineering Program?

Engineering programs typically require a Bachelors degree in an engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering. However, there are a few programs that accept applicants with Bachelors degrees in other fields, who have completed an undergraduate engineering program.

Graduate Engineering Programs and Non-Engineering Degrees

It is highly unlikely that you would be admitted to a graduate engineering program without holding a Bachelors degree in an engineering field. There are very few exceptions, and they generally apply to undergraduate students who are very close to graduation and have been interning or researching in the field of engineering.

Case of the Past and Present

According to my knowledge, it is possible that such exceptions might have been made in the past. However, it is extremely unlikely that such exceptions would be granted in today's academic environment. Admissions for graduate programs are very stringent, and most institutions require a Bachelors degree in engineering.

Narrow Exception: Undergraduate Students

The only realistic exception would be if an undergraduate student is within a semester of their final year and is conducting research or internships in engineering-related fields. In such a scenario, they may be considered for admission, but this is a very narrow exception and not a standard practice.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to a graduate engineering program is determined by the specific program's committee, and it is not strictly regulated by the type or location of the Bachelors degree. However, you would need to have a compelling reason for why you should be admitted without a Bachelors degree in engineering, such as:

Technical expertise in the field (e.g., a BA in something more technical) Education from a recognized institution, even if it does not explicitly state 'Bachelor of Science'

Country-Specific Requirements

Some countries have specific requirements for admission to graduate engineering programs:

India: Without a B Tech degree, you cannot join an M Tech program. Without a B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) degree, you cannot get admission to an M.E. (Master of Engineering) program. This also applies to MD and MBA programs where an MD requires a BMBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and an MBA requires a Bachelors degree from another field. Absence of ABET Accreditation: Some schools require that students admitted to a graduate engineering program have a Bachelors degree from an ABET-accredited institution. A Bachelors in a business field will generally not be considered for admission unless it includes a significant amount of engineering coursework.

For example, someone with a physics degree might be accepted for a master's degree in engineering but would likely be at a disadvantage and may need to complete additional coursework.

Advice for Current Students

If you are a current student and considering a transition into a graduate engineering program, it is advisable to speak with the engineering department. You can discuss the specific requirements and the potential paths you can take to meet them.

In summary, while a Bachelors degree in engineering is the norm for graduate programs, there are rare exceptions and a well-prepared case may be accepted under certain conditions. For the best chances, consider completing any necessary coursework or gaining relevant experience before applying.