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Patent analyst education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a patent analyst. Patent analysts usually study mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or chemistry. 65% of patent analysts hold a bachelor's degree, and 19% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 222 real patent analyst resumes to see exactly what patent analyst education sections show.

The most common colleges for patent analysts are the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

There are also many online patent analyst courses to help get the education required to be a patent analyst.

What education do you need to become a patent analyst?

What degree do you need to be a patent analyst?

The most common degree for patent analysts is bachelor's degree, with 65% of patent analysts earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 19% and master's degree degree at 14%.
  • Bachelor's, 65%
  • Master's, 19%
  • Doctorate, 14%
  • Associate, 1%
  • Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become a patent analyst?

You should major in mechanical engineering to become a patent analyst. 17% of patent analysts major in mechanical engineering. Other common majors for a patent analyst include electrical engineering and chemistry.

Most common colleges for patent analysts

Patent analysts often get their degrees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Oakland University. Here are the most common colleges for patent analysts in the US based on their resumes.
Patent analyst common collegePercentages
University of North Carolina at Greensboro8.33%
University of Illinois at Chicago6.25%
Oakland University6.25%
Illinois Institute of Technology6.25%
University of Virginia6.25%

Best majors for patent analysts

RankMajorPercentages
1Mechanical Engineering17.2%
2Electrical Engineering16.6%
3Chemistry12.1%
4Law11.5%
5Biology8.3%

Best colleges for patent analysts

The best colleges for patent analysts are Northwestern University, Stanford University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

A patent analyst with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for patent analysts. 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 patent analysts.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$55,188

Enrollment

15,105

3. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

5. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

6. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

7. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

8. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

In-state tuition

$53,430

Enrollment

5,963

9. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

10. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

20 best online courses for patent analysts

Advertising disclosure

1. Intellectual Property Law

coursera

Intellectual property is the currency of the tech world. The pharmaceutical patent for Lipitor generated over $100 billion in revenue, the copyright for the Harry Potter franchise has generated over $25 billion to date, and the trademarked brands of the world’s largest tech companies now eclipse $100 billion in value. But what makes these intangible assets so valuable?\n\nThrough the courses in this specialization, you will learn the differences between the various forms of U.S. intellectual...

2. Intellectual Property in the Healthcare Industry

coursera

This course begins with an overview of general intellectual property law in the United States, then examines how the policy choices behind those laws shapes the behavior of major players in the healthcare industry. We will examine how patents and trademarks shape the behavior of pharmaceutical companies, and how complex issues involving medical research in university settings, and ownership of genetic information and material, are resolved by intellectual property laws. The course concludes...

3. Do-It-Yourself Patent Searching Using Free Web Resources

udemy
4.8
(278)

Is what you invent patentable? Use free websites to thoroughly search patents. For the novice inventor and entrepreneur...

4. Patents & Trademarks: Learn the Patent and Trademark Process

udemy
4.6
(717)

2 courses in 1. Learn the process for patenting your idea, invention and how to trademark you brand...

5. Introduction to Intellectual Property

coursera

Intellectual property is the currency of the tech world, with the world’s most valuable intellectual property assets dwarfing the value of their real-world counterparts. Apple’ trademarked brand was valued at over $100 billion as of 2017. J.K. Rowling’s Harry potter franchise has generated over $25 billion to date. But how did the law come to create such enormous value in intangible assets? This course will introduce the various types of U.S. intellectual property: patents, which cover...

6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

coursera

This Specialization will teach you to optimize website content for the best possible search engine ranking. You'll learn the theory behind Google search and other search engine algorithms; you'll also build practical, real-world skills that you can apply to a career in digital marketing or online content development, including on-page and off-page optimization, optimizing for local and international audiences, conducting search-focused website audits, and aligning SEO with overall business...

7. Certificate course in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

udemy
4.4
(260)

This course has been designed by experts to cover the basics of IPR and understand Patents, Trademarks and Copyright...

8. Intellectual Property Security Awareness

udemy
4.8
(651)

How to Use Social Media without Infringing on Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets and Patents...

9. Splunk Search Expert

coursera

By completing Search Expert 101, 102 & 103, you will be able to write efficient searches, perform correlations, create visualizations, and leverage subsearches and lookups. This course will also show you how to get started using your machine data to provide actionable reports and dashboards for your organization...

10. Google Search-Master Class

udemy
4
(577)

Use Google Search as a Professional...

11. Master Course in Advanced SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

udemy
4
(257)

Digital Marketing, Keyword Search, Website Traffic, Link Building, SEO Audit, Google Ads and PPC, Word Press, Local SEO...

12. SEO in 2018 - SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

udemy
4.3
(764)

SEO training expert with 20 years Search Engine Optimization experience shows you how to promote your website in Google...

13. SEO Training Academy: Learn Search Engine Optimization

udemy
4.3
(791)

Master the art of search engine optimization by learning fundamental SEO principles and techniques in this course...

14. Cyber Security SOC Analyst Training - SIEM (Splunk) - [2022]

udemy
4.4
(1,122)

[ e Learninfosec ] SOC Analyst training - Interview Questions also included -Its hands on experience on splunk SIEM...

15. ISO 13485 - IQOQPQ - Process Validation for Medical Devices

udemy
4.1
(389)

Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ) & Performance Qualification (PQ) Medical Devices...

16. Google Advanced Search: Find Stuff Like a Boss

udemy
4
(1,163)

Become an Expert Googler...

17. Wix Website SEO Wix SEO Wix Search Engine Optimisation

udemy
4.1
(312)

Rank Your Wix Website In Google, Yahoo & Bing With An Easy To Follow Wix SEO Strategy...

18. Modern SEO - Safe, Effective Search Engine Optimization

udemy
4.5
(661)

Learn safe, White Hat SEO that works, and won't get your site penalised...

19. ISO 13485 Demystified - Medical Devices' QMS 360° Insights

udemy
4
(648)

Deep dive into the world of ISO 13485 international standard for medical devices' QMS, basic concepts & requirements...

20. 2017 ETSY SEO - Search Engine Optimization - More Sales Now!

udemy
4.5
(255)

Learn the definitive way to Optimize all of your ETSY listings, and climb to the top of the searches fast!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for patent analysts

The most affordable schools for patent analysts are University of Florida, california state university - long beach, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for patent analysts 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 patent analysts.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

5. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

6. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

7. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

8. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

9. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

10. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for patent analysts

The hardest universities for patent analysts to get into are Northwestern University, Stanford University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

Some great schools for patent analysts 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 patent analysts 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

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

4. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

5. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

6. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,517

7. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

8. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,471

9. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

10. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for patent analysts

The easiest schools for patent analysts to get into are Barry University, the university of texas permian basin, and oregon institute of technology.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a patent analyst 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 patent analysts.

1. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

2. The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,046

3. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

4. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

5. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,035

6. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

7. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

8. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

9. California University of Pennsylvania

California, PA • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,007

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

Average patent analyst salary by education level

Patent analyst education levelPatent analyst salary
Doctorate Degree$80,488

Patent analyst education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.