If you’re currently studying for your International Baccalaureate Diploma and you think you might be interested in an engineering career, then we’ve got good news.
As a curriculum that balances traditional maths and sciences, creative expression and critical thinking, the IB is well-placed to give you the technical, analytical and interpersonal skills you need to succeed as an engineer.
One of the biggest myths about being an engineer is that it’s all about mastering the technical fundamentals. Therefore, many people prioritise subjects such as physics, chemistry, maths and computing.
And while these subjects are essential, employers and companies are also looking for professionals who exhibit skills such as design intuition, project management and cultural fluency (especially if you wind up working for a global company).
Because it encourages students to take a broad mix of academic subjects, along with an Extended Essay paper, the IB diploma is a qualification that is certain to make your CV stand out from the crowd. It’s a truly interdisciplinary qualification in an increasingly inter-disciplinary world!
But with so many IB subjects to choose from, how do you know which ones are going to help you advance into an engineering career?
In this article, we’ll look at which IB subjects can best prepare you for an engineering career. We’ll explain what skillset each subject can offer you – and how they map to the competencies you’d need to demonstrate throughout your engineering career!
First, let’s discuss the maths and science courses you’ll need.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Maths
If you’re already thinking about taking Maths at IBDP level, then you’ll already know there are two types of maths course you can take.
Firstly, there’s IB Analysis and Approaches. This IB course is more theoretical, and covers topics including advanced algebra, logarithmic/exponential functions, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and vectors.
Secondly, there’s the Applications and Interpretation course. This course is more focussed on applying maths to real-world contexts.
You should expect to develop strong technology skills, and will be able to draw connections between the theoretical and practical concepts of maths.
So which IB maths course is good for an engineering degree and, subsequently, an engineering pathway? The truth is, both have their merits.
The Analysis and Approaches course specifically aligns with the theoretical calculus and vectors expected in early university engineering math. It’s an essential, foundational course for any aspiring engineer.
IB Applications and Interpretations is also worth considering. As the title of the course suggests, it shows students the real world application of maths. As the IB’s own curriculum information says.
“It emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modelling.”
But if you’re looking to prioritise other IB subjects, we’d recommend prioritising Analysis and Approaches.
You’ll need to take either IB Maths qualifications at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Physics
Along with Maths, IB physics is another essential qualification if you want to progress into an engineering qualification.
Again, you’ll need to take Physics at HL to really stand out from the crowd.
IB Physics HL lays a foundation in quantitative analysis, experimental technique, conceptual systems thinking, and principled problem solving that helps you to excel when studying engineering at university.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Chemistry
IB Chemistry’s emphasis on lab techniques, model-based mathematical thinking, technical writing, and wrestling with molecular complexities give strong foundations applicable across chemical, biological, and general engineering paths in university and beyond.
The IB’s curriculum resources note that Chemistry also enables students to develop interpersonal and information technology skills, which are essential for an engineering career.
Like Physics and Maths, we’d recommend that you take Chemistry at Higher Level.
Computer Science
Studying International Baccalaureate Computer Science provides a strong stepping stone into a number of engineering pathways, such as software engineering and computer engineering paths.
IB Computer Science builds programming proficiency, computational thinking, and software design skills applicable across many engineering disciplines and large technical projects.
Biology
Biology might not seem like the most natural subject to study if you’re thinking about moving on to engineering as a career.
But by studying topics such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology and ecology, you’ll gain a valuable understanding of complex biological and ecological systems.
Rounding Out Your Subject Selection
With robust math and science choices locked in, rounding out your IB schedule with complementary subjects can help bolster your chances in the next step of your engineering career.
Economics HL
This helps yout to apply data analysis and financial modeling relevant to technical business operations. Topics like game theory also improve probabilistic and systems thinking for decision making under uncertainty.
Visual Arts, Music or Design Technology
Any of these disciplines cultivate unstructured creative problem solving outside mathematical or scientific topics. Exploring individual passions, even at standard level, enriches perspectives on human-centred design so crucial for user-focused engineering innovation.
English Literature HL
Taking this subject can help you develop critical reading, cultural contextualisation, essay writing and metaphor interpretation skills. Software engineers at global companies increasingly apply such skills for clarifying complex requirements between technical and non-technical collaborators.
Foreign Language
Studying any foreign language can build global teamwork, communication capacity, and cultural awareness useful for multinational engineering initiatives. Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or Arabic provide helpful options.