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11/22/2011 2:10 PM 

In the previous post we took a look at some of the facts and figures related to next-gen engineers. Specifically, we looked at the question, “Is there an engineering crisis?” and “Do we need more engineers in the United States?” This topic took center stage On October 16, 2011 as Dr. Charles M. Vest addressed attendees at the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Annual Conference in Washington D.C. To view the full speech click here:
http://www.nae.edu/Activities/Events/AnnualMeetings/19611/53074.aspx

In part 2 of this post we will look at “Why?” Why do the current trends point to a dramatic shift away from engineering fields of study? According to the study referenced in the speech, this trend has been going on for some time. 

“Actually, it has been the case for almost 50 years. The total number of bachelor’s degrees in all fields has grown by 220 percent from 500,000 in 1966 to 1.6 million today while the numbers of engineers graduated has grown at half that rate from about 33,000 to just fewer than 70,000. And the number of engineering graduates has pretty much been stagnant since for three decades.”

1. An influx of women into the educational system
2. Increasing minority in college-ready kids
3. Engineering may be too tough

1. An influx of women into the educational system – According to the study, the number of women who have graduated from our universities has grown from 200,000 in 1966 to 900,000 today. That’s 350 percent growth. How does that compare to their male counterparts? Males have only grown one third this rate. As Dr. Vest indicates, that’s 60 percent of our university graduates are women. Problem with that is only 1.3 percent of these women are choosing engineering as a university course of study. We know engineering is traditionally a male dominated field but women are equally qualified and will have to make up for the gap in graduating engineers. So how do we change this mind-set? Is this a cultural thing or a misunderstanding of the career opportunities available to engineers?
2. Increasing minority in college-ready kids - Our Minority Populations are also growing at a rapid pace to the point here about one third of college-age kids are racial minority groups. It is obvious to me we need more k-12 outreach to educate these youth about the career opportunities available to women and minorities in engineering. But let’s not stop there. Let’s take a look at the last factor Dr. Vest brings to our attention. Maybe it is all factors combined, including the last point below, that present an issue moving forward. 
3. Engineering may be too tough? The report states, “that when students arrive at our universities for their first year, move into the dorms, and begin their college adventure, almost 10 percent of them plan to study engineering…(and) we lose half of them on the way through college.” Engineering is a demanding field that only the best and brightest should and do succeed. What does this say about our drive as a nation? Are we raising our children to choose the least path of resistance? This country was founded on great people doing great things. Because we have become the greatest, does not mean we will stay on top forever. 

There are a lot of issues raised in the report and that is why I felt it necessary to reiterate some key points and ask questions. Hopefully you will comment and add to the discussion.

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Tags: Tags: Engineering , Crisis , Education , National Academy of Engineering

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Location: Blogs Naval Engineering Education Center (NEEC)

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