The engineering program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte enrolls about 2,100 students, which keeps class sizes small. The college actively cultivates the involvement of area businesses and industries in experiential-based activities for students. For quicker entry into the field, Central Piedmont Community College offers associates degrees in electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and computer engineering technology. Gaston College in nearby Dallas also offers two-year degrees in four engineering disciplines.

Engineering jobs in Charlotte should be plentiful. From 2002 through 2012, more than 1,300 engineering and engineering technician jobs will be added, according to the state's Employment Security Commission This projects to growth of 22 percent and a total of 7,588 engineering jobs by 2012. Environmental engineering and health and safety engineering are among the hottest fields for potential employment.