Controls engineer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a controls engineer. Controls engineers usually study electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering technology. 67% of controls engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 16% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 6,188 real controls engineer resumes to see exactly what controls engineer education sections show.

The most common colleges for controls engineers are the Purdue University and the Purdue University.

There are also many online controls engineer courses to help get the education required to be a controls engineer.

There are certain controls engineer certifications that you should consider. These controls engineer certifications include Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) and Electric Vehicle Technician (EVT).

What education do you need to become a controls engineer?

What degree do you need to be a controls engineer?

The most common degree for controls engineers is bachelor's degree, with 67% of controls engineers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 16% and associate degree degree at 13%.

Bachelor's, 67%

Associate, 16%

Master's, 13%

Diploma, 2%

Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become a controls engineer?

You should major in electrical engineering to become a controls engineer. 41% of controls engineers major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for a controls engineer include mechanical engineering and electrical engineering technology.

Electrical Engineering, 41%

Mechanical Engineering, 13%

Electrical Engineering Technology, 9%

Business, 4%

Other Majors, 33%

Most common colleges for controls engineers

Controls engineers often get their degrees at Purdue University, Pennsylvania State University, and Michigan Technological University. Here are the most common colleges for controls engineers in the US based on their resumes.

Controls engineer common college	Percentages
Purdue University	14.80%
Pennsylvania State University	8.73%
Michigan Technological University	8.56%
Wayne State University	6.95%
DeVry University	6.95%

Show more common controls engineer colleges

Best majors for controls engineers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Electrical Engineering	40.9%
2	Mechanical Engineering	12.7%
3	Electrical Engineering Technology	9.5%
4	Business	4.1%
5	Computer Science	3.9%

Show more common controls engineer majors

Best colleges for controls engineers

The best colleges for controls engineers are Northwestern University, California Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University.

A controls engineer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for controls engineers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become controls engineers.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$12,424

Enrollment

15,201

2. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$55,188

Enrollment

15,105

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,832

Enrollment

4,550

7. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

8. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

9. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

10. Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,646

Enrollment

5,736

20 best online courses for controls engineers

Advertising disclosure

1. Introduction to PLC's [Programmable Logic Controllers]-07-21

(502)

This course is a great introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers Theory, Principles, and Programming Applications...

2. PLC Programming - Training from Scratch on RSLogix500 & 5000

4.5

(2,418)

PLC programming from scratch training class by a controls engineer equipped with PLC systems - Allen Bradley RSLogix 500...

3. Control Systems: From Mathematical Modelling to PID Control

4.2

(791)

Learn the mathematics that will allow you to model and control any engineering system. Make machines do what you want!...

4. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

4.4

(798)

Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

5. Applied Control Systems 3: UAV drone (3D Dynamics & control)

4.6

(292)

Modeling + state space systems + Model Predictive Control + feedback control + Python simulation: UAV quadcopter drone...

6. PLC, Arduino and HMI Projects over Modbus TCP: From Scratch

4.9

(422)

Design from A-Z control projects using Arduino, Soft PLC, HMI, VFD, Mod Bus TCP and Electrical panel with full simulation...

7. PLC & AC Drive with Automatic & Manual Industrial Control

4.2

(501)

this course will take newbies to a higher level to deal with complex PLC projects, Motor Drives ( VFD ) & Manual Control...

8. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

4.6

(1,763)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

9. Applied Control Systems 1: autonomous cars: Math + PID + MPC

4.6

(1,142)

Modeling + state space systems + PID + Model Predictive Control + Python simulation: lateral control for autonomous cars...

10. PID Controllers - Intro to Control Design

4.2

(338)

Learn to write your own control software while learning fundamental control theory...

11. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2

4.7

(718)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

12. Servo Motion Mastery (PLC Programming)

4.2

(260)

DON'T MISS OUT! PLC programming for the core understanding of SERVO controls in RSLogix 5000 programming...

13. Advanced AC Drive- VFD, Servo & Stepper - Powerflex & Delta

4.2

(1,074)

Learn programming and PLC Interfacing of Allen Bradley & Delta AC Drives - VFD and Servo by LIVE Examples...

14. The Complete Electrical Power Control and Protection

4.6

(519)

Your Complete Practical Guide in Electrical Control & Protection Systems for Stations , Substations & Distribution Zones...

15. HMI Programming & Design - FactoryTalk View ME SCADA PLC

4.6

(929)

HMI Programming SCADA PLC Systems Design Develop HMI PLC Applications in Factory Talk View ME...

16. Model a Car and Design a PID Controller in MATLAB/SIMULINK

4.3

(806)

Model and simulate an electric car (Tesla Model S) in MATLAB & SIMULINK and design your own PID speed controller...

17. Studio 5000 PLC Ladder Logic Training. Advanced

4.1

(513)

Using Advanced Ladder Logic PLC Programming techniques with Studio 5000, using more complex instructions...

18. AutoCAD Electrical for Electrical and Automation Engineers

4.2

(413)

Become proficient in Auto CAD Electrical quickly and showcase your skills...

19. Electrical Control & Protection Part 4

4.5

(293)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...

20. Electrical Control & Protection Part 3

4.7

(435)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...

Top 10 most affordable universities for controls engineers

The most affordable schools for controls engineers are California State University - Long Beach, brigham young university, and university of puerto rico - mayaguez.

If the best universities for controls engineers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for controls engineers.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

2. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

3. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

4. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Bayamon, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,940

Cost of attendance

13,508

5. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

6. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Cost of attendance

21,302

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Beckley, WV • Private

In-state tuition

$7,464

Cost of attendance

17,166

10. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for controls engineers

The hardest universities for controls engineers to get into are Northwestern University, California Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University.

Some great schools for controls engineers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for controls engineers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

2. California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,566

3. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

4. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

5. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,512

6. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

7. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

8. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,471

9. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,465

10. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for controls engineers

The easiest schools for controls engineers to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, capitol technology university, and pennsylvania state university - berks.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a controls engineer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for controls engineers.

1. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. Pennsylvania State University - Berks

Reading, PA • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,107

4. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,068

5. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,111

6. South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,149

7. Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,080

8. Alabama A & M University

Normal, AL • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

957

9. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona

Altoona, PA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,094

10. Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,093

Average controls engineer salary by education level

According to our data, controls engineers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $101,521 annually. Controls engineers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $92,300.

Controls engineer education level	Controls engineer salary
Master's Degree	$92,300
Bachelor's Degree	$82,598
Doctorate Degree	$101,521

Controls engineer education FAQs

What is the best college for Controls Engineers?

Have more questions? See all answers to common architecture and engineering questions.

Search for controls engineer jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse architecture and engineering jobs