According to the Merriam Webster's collegiate dictionary, engineering is defined as “the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people.” Engineers are able to take abstract ideas and apply science and mathematics to design products to meet the needs of humankind.

From navigation of the seas to the building of the earliest structures thousands of years ago, humans have been applying science and math to solve problems, which makes it nearly impossible to pinpoint engineering’s birth. Some refer to Imhotep, the builder of the Step Pyramid in Egypt in 2250 B.C., as the first engineer in the sense that we think of them today, as many of the structures attributed to him show the ingenuity that is characteristic of the profession. Today, identifying an engineer—an occupation defined by formal education and training—is much easier.

Professional engineers (“PEs”) are a segment of the broader engineering profession. PEs have fulfilled rigorous education, examination, and experience requirements that permit them to offer engineering services to the public under state licensure laws. Although these laws vary from state to state, in general, to become a PE an individual must be a graduate of an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (“ABET”), pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gain four years of experience as an engineering intern, pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, and be granted a license by a state licensing board. PEs are bound by rules or a code of professional conduct unique to each state in which they are licensed to protect public health and safety and take legal responsibility for their engineering designs.

It is estimated that there are more than five million practicing engineers in the U.S.—a number expected to grow, along with employer demand, over the coming years. And although engineers share some common characteristics, their work can vary by area of specialty.

All engineering programs that are accredited by ABET have met demanding standards and produce excellent engineers. The best school for a particular person is impossible to place on a ranked list. All states recognize the educational requirements of graduates from ABET-accredited programs for PE licensure. Some states also do allow those holding engineering technician degrees (which are not accredited by ABET) to obtain a PE license.

Many people know that “Science Guy” Bill Nye is an engineer. But there are many other notable engineers who went on to have careers outside of engineering. President Hoover was a mining engineer before he became president of the United States. Rowan Atkinson, who is well-known for his work in Mr. Bean and Johnny English holds a MSc degree in electrical engineering. In addition to his degree in music, jazz legend Herbie Hancock also graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. Basketball player Michael Ruffin earned a degree in chemical engineering. Michael Bloomberg, co-founder of Bloomberg L.P. and a three-term mayor of New York City, earned a degree in electrical engineering before going on to Harvard Business School. Astronauts. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldren, and Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-American in space, all obtained engineering degrees before setting off as astronauts.