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Sustaining engineer education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a sustaining engineer. Sustaining engineers usually study electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science. 75% of sustaining engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 13% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 883 real sustaining engineer resumes to see exactly what sustaining engineer education sections show.
The most common colleges for sustaining engineers are the San Jose State University and the San Jose State University.
There are also many online sustaining engineer courses to help get the education required to be a sustaining engineer.
There are certain sustaining engineer certifications that you should consider. These sustaining engineer certifications include Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) and LEED Green Associate.
What education do you need to become a sustaining engineer?
What degree do you need to be a sustaining engineer?
- Bachelor's, 75%
- Associate, 13%
- Master's, 9%
- Diploma, 1%
- Other Degrees, 2%
What should I major in to become a sustaining engineer?
- Computer Science, 6%
- Other Majors, 33%
Most common colleges for sustaining engineers
| Sustaining engineer common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| San Jose State University | 9.33% |
| Texas A&M University | 6.67% |
| University of Houston | 6.00% |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 6.00% |
| University of Massachusetts Boston | 6.00% |
Best majors for sustaining engineers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Engineering | 29.4% |
| 2 | Mechanical Engineering | 26.3% |
| 3 | Computer Science | 6.4% |
| 4 | Electrical Engineering Technology | 6.4% |
| 5 | Engineering | 3.7% |
Best colleges for sustaining engineers
The best colleges for sustaining engineers are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and Cornell University.
A sustaining 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 sustaining 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 sustaining engineers.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
2. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$53,740
Enrollment
5,567
3. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Enrollment
15,201
4. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
5. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
6. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,353
Enrollment
24,841
7. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
8. Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$52,930
Enrollment
5,030
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,832
Enrollment
4,550
10. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
20 best online courses for sustaining engineers
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1. Engineering and Product Design Processes
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How can we shape our urban development towards sustainable and prosperous futures? This course explores sustainable cities as engines for greening the economy in Europe and around the world. We place cities in the context of sustainable urban transformation and climate change. We connect the key trends of urbanization, decarbonisation and sustainability. We examine how visions, experiments and innovations can transform urban areas. And we look at practices (what is happening in cities at...
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4. Product Development & Systems Engineering
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In this course, learners begin with a macro-level view of the current state of the world and touch upon topics such as climate change, plastic pollution, social inequity, and the economic systems that got us to where we are today. Learners investigate how such an economy cannot sustain itself and the need for a rapid transition to something different. We define sustainability, the meaning of sustainable development, and the United Nations' Sustainability Goals. Recognizing that change is...
6. Autodesk CAD/CAM/CAE for Mechanical Engineering
The demand placed on today’s engineers goes above and beyond the job description. Products have become complex and engineers are more frequently asked to leave specialized roles and to take on a wide variety of tasks that are beyond their traditional responsibilities. These tasks are centered on form, fit, and function. Engineers need to factor in broader concerns such as cost, procurement, sustainability, manufacturability, and serviceability. Their role has moved away from an individual...
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8. Mechanical design and Product development process
Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...
9. Sustainable Business Enterprises
This course will explore current challenges and opportunities facing firms in the area of environmental sustainability. It will begin with an introduction to sustainability, with a particular focus on how environmental sustainability is relevant to business. Topics such as unsustainable consumption/consumer behavior, market research on sustainable product design , and sustainable value chains and communications will be covered. We will also cover the bottom-up approach in terms of immersion,...
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This course is an introduction to careers in sustainability, focusing primarily on the role of a sustainability analyst at public and private organizations. Through a mix of video, print, peer review, and interactive content, learners will be able to explain sustainability and the specifics of a sustainability analyst’s job within an organization. The course is structured around two elements: topical knowledge and practical application. Throughout the course, learners can practice what they...
11. Fundamentals of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A knowledge graph-based overview of LCA principles and framework for sustainable product design and development...
12. Design Failure Mode Effect Analysis - Concepts & Practice
Learn about the fundamentals of preparing DFMEA for Mechanical design engineers...
13. Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent
About the course\n\nThis specialization is for anyone who would like to improve how their company or organization impacts the environment, people and communities. We will introduce you to some of the key concepts and tools of sustainable business, then teach you how to be an effective change agent. By the end of the specialization you will have the skills to create an effective sustainability proposal and know who you have to convince, and what they need to be convinced.\n\nThe Classes\n\nClass...
14. Climate change education: sustainable environments
In this course, we explore the components of landscapes and natural disasters. We emphasize human actions that impact the environment, both in terms of modification and preservation. Additionally, we explore concepts related to cities, megacities, and sustainable environments. The course also delves into the connection between the environment, health, and diseases."...
15. Introduction to SOLIDWORKS
Learn the fundamentals of SOLIDWORKS engineering and design software including parts, drawings, and assemblies...
16. Sustainability Management in Business
Everything you need to know about creating sustainable value, ESG and building business resilience...
17. Sustainable Cities
This Specialization is intended for individuals and organizations interested in developing skills and strategies to create and support sustainable cities. Through these four courses, you will gain a strong understanding of the tools and concepts needed to succeed in reaching this goal. Successful case studies of smart growth applications will be evaluated and assessed for multiple cities throughout the United States. The concentration will provide students with an introduction to sustainable...
18. Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals
The ASU Sustainability specialization introduces the role of a sustainability analyst, assesses sustainability challenges that face the planet and employers, and equips learners with the foundational skills needed to address these challenges. By developing competency in goal-setting, reporting and data analysis, learners who complete the specialization will be able to make an impact on their organization as a sustainability analyst.\n\nThis specialization is designed to build on the...
19. Basics of Sheet metal design for Mechanical design engineers
Learn Sheet metal design, processes and practical design considerations along with Design projects...
20. Sustainability Reporting with GRI Standards
GRI Sustainability Reporting - Understanding the Standards...
Top 10 most affordable universities for sustaining engineers
The most affordable schools for sustaining engineers are United States Merchant Marine Academy, california state university - long beach, and university of puerto rico - mayaguez.
If the best universities for sustaining 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 sustaining engineers.
1. United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$1,080
Cost of attendance
6,646
2. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
3. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
4. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
5. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
6. California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,893
Cost of attendance
18,870
7. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
8. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,353
Cost of attendance
21,302
9. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
10. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for sustaining engineers
The hardest universities for sustaining engineers to get into are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and Cornell University.
Some great schools for sustaining 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 sustaining 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
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
3. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
4. California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,566
5. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
6. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
7. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,465
8. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
9. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
10. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for sustaining engineers
The easiest schools for sustaining engineers to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, the university of texas at el paso, and saint cloud state university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a sustaining 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 sustaining engineers.
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
2. The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,035
3. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
4. Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Kingsville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,035
5. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,093
6. Portland State University
Portland, OR • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,111
7. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
8. Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,080
9. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,149
10. The Citadel
Charleston, SC • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,129
Average sustaining engineer salary by education level
| Sustaining engineer education level | Sustaining engineer salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $100,952 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $91,181 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $78,294 |
Sustaining engineer education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025