Direct Paths to Engineering
Gain the technical skills and creative problem-solving you need to lead in today's cutting-edge engineering careers. Explore Direct Paths below, search Indirect Paths, or view the full Career Paths directory.
Key
M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)
Bioengineering (✦)
Bioengineering is a strong choice for careers in biomedical engineering, healthcare tech, and biotech.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Biomedical device developer, biotech/pharma research and development specialist, diagnostic tool designer, prosthetics/biomechanics developer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering prepares for careers in chemical processes, materials development, and environmental systems.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study with the Chemical and Environmental B.S. + M.S. program.
Career Paths: Chemical engineer, energy engineer, environmental engineer, food processor, materials engineer, oil/gas engineer, pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturer, process engineer, safety engineer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Computer Engineering (✦)
Computer Engineering provides a foundation for careers in computing systems and embedded technology.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Embedded systems engineer, firmware/software engineer, hardware designer, research and development lab specialist, robotics developer, systems architect, verification engineer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Computer Science (M ✦)
Computer Science is geared toward careers that design and secure software and hardware systems.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Back-end developer, cloud solutions architect*, computer engineer, cybersecurity analyst*, DevOps engineer, front-end developer, game developer, IT specialist, machine learning engineer, network engineer, quality assurance engineer, research scientist*, robotics engineer*, systems analyst, UX/UI designer*
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Computer Science with Applications
Computer Science with Applications applies software and systems engineering to design, build, and optimize scalable computing systems across modern industries.
Option: Choose from Business, Health, and Psychology tracks.
Career Paths: AI engineer*, cloud systems engineer, computational scientist*, computer systems engineer, cybersecurity engineer, data engineer, database systems engineer, distributed systems engineer, embedded systems engineer, machine learning engineer*, network systems engineer, operating systems engineer, software engineer, systems engineer, technical solutions architect*, user interface engineer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Data Science (Engineering Track)
Data Science (Engineering Track) supports careers in computational engineering, machine learning, and AI development.
Option: UCR also offers Data Science (Science Track).
Career Paths: AI systems developer, big data platform architect, business intelligence engineer, data engineer, machine learning engineer, quantitative analyst
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Electrical Engineering (✦)
Electrical Engineering focuses on electronics, power systems, and communications technology.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Circuit design engineer, communications/signal processing engineer, controls and automation specialist (manufacturing), controls and automation specialist (robotics), electronics engineer, embedded systems developer, power systems/utilities engineer, semiconductor industry professional
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering advances sustainable systems, water resources, and environmental protection.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical and Environmental Engineering with a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Air pollution control engineer, environmental consultant, recycling engineer, remediation specialist, sustainability analyst, waste management engineer, water quality/wastewater engineer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering prepares for careers in materials development and testing across industries.
Career Paths: Aerospace developer, automotive materials developer, battery developer, biomaterials designer, energy storage developer, failure analysis engineer, nanotechnologist
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering (✦)
Mechanical Engineering opens doors for automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and robotics careers.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Aerospace engineer, automotive engineer, energy systems designer, HVAC designer, manufacturing/process engineer, mechatronics specialist, product/mechanical design engineer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Robotics
Robotics builds skills for automation, AI-integrated systems, and robotic technology careers.
Career Paths: AI and machine learning integration specialist, autonomous vehicle developer, control systems engineer, drone tech entrepreneur, robotic systems engineer, robotics entrepreneur
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Indirect Paths to Engineering
While some of these majors aren’t direct engineering programs, they could be paired with a double major, minor, or internship to shape your career path. An academic advisor can help you create a plan that aligns with your goals. If you’re looking for something different, visit Career Paths for more possibilities.
Key
M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)
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Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry leads to bioengineering and chemical engineering careers in pharma and biotech.
Career Paths: Biomedical engineer, bioprocess engineer, biotechnology engineer, chemical engineer, environmental engineer, food safety engineer, manufacturing engineer, medical device engineer, pharmaceutical engineer, quality control engineer, regulatory affairs specialist
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Chemistry (M)
Chemistry (M)
Chemistry supports careers in chemical, materials, and environmental engineering.
Career Paths: Chemical engineer*, environmental engineer*, materials scientist*, process engineer, quality control specialist, research scientist*, safety engineer, sustainability consultant
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Data Science (Science Track)
Data Science (Science Track)
Data Science (Science Track) leads to careers in big data, computational simulations, or technology design.
Option: UCR also offers Data Science (Engineering Track).
Career Paths: Data scientist, policy analyst, quantitative analyst, research data analyst, social science analyst, statistician, visualization and analytics developer
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)
Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)
Education, Society, and Human Development provides the organizational-logic skills needed to lead, manage, and optimize human-centered engineering projects.
Options: Choose the 4-year Bachelor's degree or the 4-year accelerated program to earn both a Bachelor's degree and a Teaching Credential (the state-issued license required to teach in public schools). Once admitted, customize your major with one of two concentrations:
- Education for Social Justice Concentration
- Learning and Behavioral Studies Concentration
Career Paths: Corporate trainer, curriculum developer, educational technology specialist*, human factors researcher*, instructional designer, laboratory coordinator, learning systems architect*, organizational development specialist, STEM educational consultant*, STEM outreach director, technical writer, training and development manager, vocational instructor*
See success resources in the School of Education.
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Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology
Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology
Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology leads to careers in biomedical innovation, bioprocess engineering, genetic technology development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Career Paths: Biomanufacturing engineer, biomedical systems engineer, biotechnology process development engineer, genetic technology engineer, pharmaceutical production engineer
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Mathematics (M)
Mathematics (M)
Mathematics supports computational modeling, data-driven engineering, and operations research.
Career Paths: Academic researcher, cryptography specialist, cybersecurity specialist, data analyst, operations research analyst, quantitative finance analyst, quantitative finance specialist
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
- Physics (M)
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Psychology (M T)
Psychology (M)
Psychology focuses on industrial/organizational psychology and human factors engineering.
Career Paths: Human factors specialist, industrial/organizational psychologist*, organizational development consultant, product designer, research analyst*, training and development manager
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
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Public Policy (M ✦)
Public Policy (M ✦)
Public Policy can lead to careers in technology, infrastructure, and public impact.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Engineering program manager, environmental engineer*, infrastructure policy analyst*, project controls specialist, public works administrator*, regulatory affairs engineer*, risk analyst, safety engineer*, systems analyst, technology policy advisor*, transportation planner*, utilities planning analyst
View success resources in the School of Policy.
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Statistics (M ✦)
Statistics (M ✦)
Statistics facilitates careers in computational modeling, data-driven engineering, or operations research.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Clinical trials biostatistician, data analyst, data scientist, market researcher, policy researcher, public health biostatistician, sports analyst, statistician
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.