Is Elon Musk a formally trained engineer (e.g., does he hold an engineering degree)? I’m aware that he’s achieved incredible success in engineering-heavy fields like aerospace and electric vehicles through SpaceX and Tesla respectively. I’m curious if his expertise stems from a formal academic background in engineering, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a specific engineering discipline (e.g., aerospace, mechanical, electrical, etc.), or if his knowledge is self-taught, acquired through practical experience, or derived from other academic pursuits. Specifically, I’d like to know what formal education, if any, he received in engineering, and if he doesn’t have a formal engineering degree, what alternative educational background provides the foundation for his technical leadership? What specific degrees does he hold and from which institutions?

Answer

Elon Musk does not hold a formal engineering degree. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania.