The United States offers a diverse range of engineering programs that are globally recognized and provide excellent opportunities for research, innovation, and career advancement. Engineering is one of the most sought-after fields in the USA, and students from Bangladesh and other countries regularly apply for these programs.
Here are the details of popular engineering courses and the entry requirements for Bangladeshi students in the USA.
Popular Engineering Courses in the USA
- Civil Engineering:
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering:
- Thermodynamics
- Robotics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Materials Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering:
- Power Systems
- Electronics
- Control Systems
- Signal Processing
- Telecommunications
- Computer Engineering:
- Embedded Systems
- Microprocessors
- Software Development
- Circuit Design
- Networking
- Chemical Engineering:
- Process Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Biochemical Engineering
- Petrochemical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering:
- Aircraft Design
- Aerodynamics
- Space Exploration Technologies
- Avionics
- Industrial Engineering:
- Manufacturing Processes
- Supply Chain Management
- Operations Research
- Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Biomedical Engineering:
- Medical Devices
- Bioinformatics
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomechanics
- Environmental Engineering:
- Pollution Control
- Waste Management
- Water Treatment
- Renewable Energy
- Petroleum Engineering:
- Reservoir Engineering
- Drilling Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Energy Resource Management
Entry Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
Foundation/Diploma Programs:
- Education:
- Completion of Class 12th with at least 50%-60% marks in Science, including subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 5.5–6.0 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 60–70 / PTE Academic 50–58).
Undergraduate Programs (BSc in Engineering, BEng, etc.):
- Education:
- Completion of Class 12th with at least 60%–75% marks in Science, with a strong background in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Some programs may require additional qualifications in related subjects like Computer Science or Further Mathematics.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 6.0–7.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 70–90 / PTE Academic 58–65).
- Additional Requirements:
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose: A personal statement explaining your interest in engineering, career goals, and why you wish to study in the USA.
- Recommendation Letters: Typically required from teachers or mentors who can vouch for your academic and personal strengths.
Postgraduate Programs (MSc in Engineering, MS in Engineering, etc.):
- Education:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BSc in Engineering, BEng, or related field) with a minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 6.5–7.0 (depending on the program) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 80–100 / PTE Academic 60–70).
- Additional Requirements:
- Work Experience: Some programs may require relevant work experience, especially for professional engineering programs.
- Recommendation Letters: Typically required from professors or professional supervisors.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A detailed SOP that reflects your academic background, work experience, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific program.
- GRE Scores: Some competitive programs, particularly for highly ranked universities, may require GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores, especially if your undergraduate degree is from a non-U.S. institution.
Graduate-Level Engineering Programs (MSc in Civil Engineering, MSc in Mechanical Engineering, etc.) Specific Requirements:
- Education:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (such as a BSc in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering) with a minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Entrance Exams:
- GRE scores are often required for competitive programs in fields like Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 6.5–7.5 (or equivalent) or TOEFL iBT 80–100 / PTE Academic 60–70.
Estimated Tuition Costs:
- Foundation/Diploma Programs:
- USD 10,000–25,000 per year.
- Undergraduate Programs:
- BSc in Engineering, BEng, or similar: USD 25,000–50,000 per year (depending on the university and program).
- Postgraduate Programs:
- MSc in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.): USD 30,000–60,000 per year (depending on the program and university).
Popular Universities Offering Engineering Courses in the USA:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Purdue University
- University of Texas, Austin
Special Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students:
- Scholarships:
- Fulbright Program: Full scholarships for graduate study in the USA, sponsored by the U.S. government.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many U.S. universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students, such as MIT International Scholarships or Stanford University’s Global Scholarships.
- Private Scholarships: Organizations like The Rotary Foundation and AAUW offer scholarships to international students.
- Internships and Research Opportunities:
- U.S. universities collaborate with top engineering companies (such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft), providing students with research and internship opportunities in fields like aerospace, robotics, and civil engineering.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities:
- The U.S. offers Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation (with a 24-month extension for STEM graduates).
Career Prospects:
Graduates in engineering can pursue various career paths, depending on their specialization, including:
- Civil Engineering: Project management, structural engineering, urban planning, environmental consulting, and transportation systems.
- Mechanical Engineering: Product design, robotics, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy industries.
- Electrical Engineering: Power systems, electronics, telecommunications, semiconductor industry, and automotive.
- Computer Engineering: Software development, hardware design, embedded systems, networking, and cybersecurity.
- Chemical Engineering: Process design, petrochemical industry, pharmaceuticals, and materials engineering.
- Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft design, space exploration, avionics, and military engineering.
- Biomedical Engineering: Medical devices, bioinformatics, healthcare technology, and tissue engineering.
Why Study Engineering in the USA?
- Top-Quality Education: The USA is home to some of the world’s best engineering schools, offering cutting-edge research facilities and industry connections.
- Research and Innovation: U.S. universities are known for their research contributions in engineering, with opportunities for students to engage in groundbreaking projects.
- Job Opportunities: U.S. engineering graduates are in high demand across various sectors, including tech, manufacturing, energy, and construction.
- Cultural and Academic Diversity: Studying in the U.S. offers exposure to a diverse environment, fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Programs like OPT and STEM OPT provide excellent work opportunities in the U.S. after graduation.
