Engineering courses can help you learn design principles, project management, systems analysis, and problem-solving techniques. You can build skills in technical drawing, materials selection, and prototyping, along with understanding regulatory standards and sustainability practices. Many courses introduce tools such as CAD software for design, simulation programs for testing, and project management platforms to streamline workflows.

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Failure Analysis, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Requirements Management, Scope Management, Design Reviews, Project Scoping, Root Cause Analysis, Program Management, Requirements Analysis, User Requirements Documents, Test Engineering, Cost Management, Contract Management, Systems Design, Business Requirements, Systems Thinking, Project Risk Management, Risk Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Project Scoping, Communication Planning, Cost Management, Engineering Management, Scope Management, Project Estimation, Project Schedules, Earned Value Management, Scheduling, Team Management, Quality Assurance, Stakeholder Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Risk Management, Organizational Structure, Procurement, Project Risk Management, Project Documentation, Project Management, Planning
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Building Design, Vibrations, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Construction, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Design Process, Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Experimentation, Materials science, 3D Modeling
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: HVAC, Building Services Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Building Design, Energy and Utilities, Climate Change Mitigation, Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Construction, Architecture and Construction, System Requirements, Design Strategies, Mathematical Modeling
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Khalifa University
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Management Systems, Environment Health And Safety, Environmental Monitoring, Accident Reporting, Safety Training, Fire And Life Safety, Accident Prevention, Hazardous Waste Operations And Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER), Environmental Regulations, Occupational Health, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Laws, Environmental Resource Management, Risk Management, Risk Management Framework, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Risk Analysis, Environment and Resource Management, Engineering Management, Engineering
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

L&T EduTech
Skills you'll gain: Oil and Gas, Petroleum Industry, Hazard Analysis, Safety Standards, Environmental Resource Management, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Regulations, Environment Health And Safety, Big Data, Plant Operations and Management, Waste Minimization, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Risk Analysis, Environmental Engineering, Failure Mode And Effects Analysis, Data Management, Pump Stations, Data Processing, Electric Power Systems
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Columbia University
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Derivatives, Financial Market, Securities (Finance), Investment Management, Portfolio Risk, Asset Management, Credit Risk, Mortgage Loans, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Risk Modeling, Regression Analysis, Market Liquidity, Futures Exchange, Risk Management, Equities, Actuarial Science
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, electromagnetics, Performance Tuning, Image Quality, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Calculations, Design Software, Image Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, Engineering Design Process, Numerical Analysis, Electronic Components, System Design and Implementation, Systems Design, Human Factors, Applied Mathematics, Physics, System Configuration
Build toward a degree
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning Methods, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), AI Enablement, Precision Medicine, Generative AI, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Algorithms, Transfer Learning, Biomedical Engineering, Control Systems, Energy and Utilities, Technical Design, Robotics, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Medical Imaging, Reinforcement Learning, Electric Power Systems, Bioinformatics
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Skills you'll gain: Software Design Patterns, Requirements Analysis, White-Box Testing, Software Architecture, Acceptance Testing, Software Development Methodologies, Unified Modeling Language, Software Development Life Cycle, Configuration Management, Debugging, Software Design, Process Driven Development, Software Engineering, Software Testing, Object Oriented Design, Functional Requirement, Data Modeling, Systems Design, Project Management, Project Planning
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Substation, Electrical Equipment, Energy and Utilities, Electrical Safety, Plant Operations and Management, High Voltage, Applied Mathematics, Power Electronics, Automation Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Low Voltage, Process Control, Mathematical Modeling, Matlab, Three-Phase
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Northwestern University
Skills you'll gain: Robotics, Machine Controls, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Software, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Calculations, Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Vibrations, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Automation, Virtual Environment, Torque (Physics), Graph Theory, Matlab
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Engineering is a diverse field that applies scientific principles to design, build, and analyze structures, machines, and systems. It plays a crucial role in shaping our world, driving innovation, and solving complex problems. From civil engineering that constructs our infrastructure to software engineering that powers our digital experiences, engineering is essential for progress and development in society.
A career in engineering opens up a variety of job opportunities across multiple industries. You could work as a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, software engineer, or data engineer, among others. Each role focuses on different aspects of engineering, allowing you to choose a path that aligns with your interests and skills.
To succeed in engineering, you need a blend of technical and soft skills. Key technical skills include proficiency in mathematics, physics, and computer programming. Additionally, problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help you collaborate with teams and convey complex ideas clearly.
There are numerous online engineering courses available that cater to various interests and skill levels. Some notable options include the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate and the IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills to help you advance in your engineering career.
Yes. You can start learning engineering on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in engineering, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning engineering involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Start by exploring foundational courses in your area of interest, then gradually progress to more advanced topics. Engaging in hands-on projects, collaborating with peers, and seeking mentorship can enhance your learning experience.
Engineering courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including mathematics, physics, computer science, materials science, and specific engineering disciplines like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Courses may also include project management, design principles, and ethics in engineering.
For training and upskilling employees, courses like the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate and the Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Engineer Professional Certificate are excellent choices. These programs focus on practical skills that are in high demand in the workforce.