Undergraduate Academics
Find Your Path in Engineering, Architecture, and Design
Design innovative solutions, build the future, and explore careers in engineering with hands-on learning and cutting-edge technology.
Engineering, Architecture, and Design
Design and engineering shape the way we live—from the buildings we work in to the technology we rely on every day. You’ll learn to solve real-world problems with solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Whether you’re drawn to creating smarter cities, developing new materials, or improving energy systems, you’ll gain the skills and creative mindset to make a lasting impact.
At Penn State, your education goes beyond the classroom. Ranked as one of the top 20 best undergraduate engineering programs, we are nationally recognized across eight engineering specialties, from aerospace to agricultural and biological engineering.
Hands-on learning: Work in state-of-the-art labs, build prototypes, and tackle real-world challenges.
Cutting-edge technology: Use advanced tools in robotics, sustainable energy, and materials science.
Industry experience: Gain valuable insights through internships, co-ops, and research projects.
Problem-solving skills: Learn to think critically and design innovative solutions.
Versatile career paths: An engineering degree can lead to careers in the aerospace industry, biomedical industry, environmental industry, and beyond.
Future-focused opportunities: Explore fields like renewable energy, automation, and smart infrastructure.
Careers in Engineering and Design
Aerospace Engineer
Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Aerospace engineers work on cutting-edge technology to improve flight safety, efficiency, and space exploration.
$130,720 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Architect
Design functional and visually appealing buildings. Work with clients and engineers to create plans. Licensure requires an additional training period after graduation.
$93,310 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Civil Engineer
Design, build, and maintain infrastructure like roads and bridges. Structural engineers focus on safety and durability.
$95,890 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer Engineer
Develop computer hardware, from processors to circuit boards, to improve technology and power modern devices.
$138,080 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Electrical Engineer
Design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment, from power grids to consumer electronics, ensuring efficient and safe technology.
$109,010 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mechanical Engineer
Design and develop machines, electronics, and robotics for industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and energy to improve efficiency and innovation.
$99,510 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nuclear Engineer
Research and develop nuclear energy systems for power, medicine, and industry, ensuring safety and efficiency in energy production.
$125,460 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Petroleum Engineer
Design and create methods to extract oil and gas efficiently while ensuring safety and environmental protection.
$135,690 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Discover Your Path
Not sure where to start? The Find Your Fit quiz helps you explore Penn State’s majors, campuses, athletics, and student groups. Get personalized recommendations to explore options that fit your goals.
More Than Big Ideas
Entrepreneurship
Explore, experiment, and build.
Whether you’re launching a startup or just curious, Penn State’s ecosystem connects you to mentors, support, and potential funding.
Research and Innovation
Tackle big challenges—from fighting disease to protecting the environment. With top-ranked programs and hands-on research, you can contribute to discoveries that matter.
Social Good
Gain the tools to promote fairness, build community, and create meaningful change—on campus and in communities around the world.
Learn More About Our Programs and Resources
Turn your ideas into real-world solutions with hands-on experience in engineering, design, and technology. You’ll learn how to create, test, and refine innovative projects while developing the technical and creative skills employers want.
Engineering design: Create and test solutions for real-world challenges.
3D modeling and prototyping: Use cutting-edge software and tools to bring ideas to life.
Programming and automation: Learn to code and work with robotics, AI, and smart systems.
Systems thinking: Understand how complex technologies interact and function.
Creative problem-solving: Design innovative solutions for industries like aerospace, transportation, and sustainable energy.
Collaboration and communication: Work in teams and present ideas like a pro.
Success in engineering, technology, and design isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about leading teams, making big decisions, and driving innovation. Through hands-on projects, collaboration with industry experts, and opportunities to take charge, you’ll develop the leadership skills to stand out in your career.
Project management: Plan, organize, and oversee complex projects from start to finish.
Team collaboration: Work with engineers, designers, and business professionals to bring ideas to life.
Decision-making under pressure: Learn to think critically and solve problems in real time.
Public speaking and communication: Present ideas clearly to teammates, clients, and industry leaders.
Ethical and responsible leadership: Make choices that impact people, businesses, and communities.
Penn State’s undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by ABET, the global standard for engineering education. This accreditation ensures our programs provide the technical expertise, hands-on experience, and problem-solving skills needed for success in cutting-edge engineering fields.
Employers recognize ABET-accredited degrees as a mark of quality and industry readiness, giving you a competitive edge in the job market and streamlining the path to professional licensure and certifications, opening doors to advanced career opportunities.
Penn State’s National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited professional Bachelor of Architecture program is the fastest route to becoming a licensed architect. Unlike other programs that require additional years of study, this five-year professional degree puts you on a direct path to licensure after completing the required internship.
Consistently ranked among the top architecture programs in the U.S., our curriculum is designed for hands-on learning from day one. Students enter directly into the program, so you’ll start design instruction in your first year. With access to industry-leading faculty, cutting-edge studios, and real-world projects, you’ll graduate prepared to shape the built environment.
Engineering and design open doors to advanced studies at top universities, helping you specialize in fields like aerospace, robotics, and sustainable engineering. Here, you'll build a strong foundation that prepares you for graduate programs at schools like MIT and RIT, where you can take your expertise even further. Whether you're interested in research, leadership roles, or cutting-edge innovation, your degree sets you up for success at the next level.
Penn State offers comprehensive career services to help students confidently navigate their career. Our dedicated advisers provide personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview prep, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.
With over 50,000 career preparedness programs annually and career fairs featuring top employers, we ensure you're well-equipped to succeed. There's a reason recruiters turn to Penn State graduates again and again.
You’ll also have access to networking opportunities with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals to jumpstart your career.
At Penn State, we provide unmatched networking opportunities through our world’s largest dues-paying alumni network, connecting students to a lifelong community of professionals.
With access to alumni and industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities. Our alumni network and partnerships with top employers ensure that you're building relationships that will support your career for years to come.
Participate in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable real-world experience by connecting you with leading companies across industries.
These opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning to professional settings, build industry-specific skills, and network with potential employers.
Internships are short-term, hands-on positions, while co-ops involve alternating work and study periods for a more in-depth experience. Both are designed to give you a competitive edge, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.
Penn State offers a range of opportunities for students eager to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing industries. Through Invent Penn State, you'll have access to programs that support entrepreneurial education both in and outside the classroom.
Our signature programs provide students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to bring bold ideas to life. Whether you want to start your own venture or lead innovation within a company, Penn State provides the support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Broaden your perspective with over 300 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, available year-round for all majors.
Whether through embedded programs that let you take classes while traveling during breaks or global service opportunities like alternative spring break, these experiences will deepen your understanding of international business and culture. Gain the global insights and connections that today’s leaders need to succeed.
At Penn State, undergraduates can dive into research projects that explore new ideas and trends. This experience will set you apart and give you a deeper understanding of your field.
We are dedicated to shaping the future by fostering a community where all students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. We believe that progress happens when we embrace and amplify ideas, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Our commitment goes beyond the classroom, weaving together integrity, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on creating positive change, Penn State prepares students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. From cutting-edge initiatives to global learning opportunities, we empower students to drive social good.
Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree programs allow students to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as a continuous course of study. This streamlined path accelerates the completion of the master's degree and offers early exposure to graduate-level coursework. IUG students also benefit from networking opportunities with graduate students and faculty who share similar academic and career interests.
Take your education further with honors programs, where high-achieving students gain access to small, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, and unique academic experiences.
With honors opportunities available across our campuses and Schreyer Honors College, you’ll engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on learning that sets you apart. Personalized advising, study abroad options, and career resources help you make the most of your college journey.
We offer more than sixty articulation agreements with colleges and universities around the world to help transfer students continue their education at Penn State. With hundreds of academic majors and campuses across Pennsylvania, you'll have plenty of options to find the right path for your future.