Another important trend in engineering is the fundamental need to diversify: recent surveys of American universities have found that enrollment of engineering majors is declining and that efforts by universities to recruit female and minority students have been met with a lukewarm response.
“I believe the future of engineering education is bright, but changes are necessary,” affirms Eleanor Babco, executive director of the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology. She adds, “It is becoming important that engineering be more diverse, not only because of the changing demographics but because diversity enriches engineering. Otherwise, we can anticipate declining interest in engineering careers, as well as competition with other disciplines to recruit, enroll, and educate a diverse talent pool.”
The following is the projected outlook for six fields of engineering:
Biomedical Engineering: These professionals combine knowledge of biology, chemistry, and medicine with their engineering know-how to develop medical devices and procedures which can solve health problems. Salaries range from just under $40,000 to almost $100,000 depending on the level of education. This field is expected to grow by more than one-third by 2012.
Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineers connect science to manufacturing by facilitating the production of chemicals used in creating mass goods. Technical, communicative, and conceptual skills are musts. Salaries range between $50,000 and $100,000, though industry analysts expect the field to remain at constant levels through 2012.
Civil Engineering: Of all the non-computer-related engineering specialties, this makes up the second-largest number of engineers with almost 230,000 civil engineers licensed in 2002. These professionals are responsible for the design and construction of houses, buildings, airports, roads, tunnels, and bridges. A strong background in math and physics is needed, as well as sound management skills. Given the nature of the real estate market, which affects the demand for construction, civil engineering positions will experience fluctuation, though the industry is expected to grow by between 10% and 20% by 2012. Average salaries range between $40,000 and $100,000.
Computer Software Engineering: Almost 750,000 software engineers are currently employed, making it one of the largest sectors of the industry today. Professionals in this field must successfully apply computer science and mathematics to design and developmental concepts. This is expected to be one of the fastest-growing industries over the next decade, with average starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $125,000 depending upon experience.
Electrical Engineering: This is the single largest branch of non-computer-related engineering with 300,000 electrical engineers currently employed. The primary task of this set of professionals is to design, test, and develop electrical equipment. This job requires a background in computer science, mathematics, and physics. Average starting salaries range from $45,000 to $90,000 depending upon advanced degrees.
Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineers engage in a wide variety of work including research, development, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical devices. In addition to a strong background in computer science, mechanical engineers must be proficient in English and mathematics. Starting salaries range from $50,000 to $90,000, with the industry expected to grow at a modest rate (less than 10%) through 2012.
