A PRI L 20 07,11#*-234&56!"#$%&'()'(&'**+&'(,'-".*-/!0

VOLUM E 1 : I SSUE 2

education
USA

CONNECTIONSIn This Issue:

Studying Engineeringin the USA
Note from the Editor:
This issue is devoted entirely to engineering,
one of the most popular fields of study chosen byinternational students in the United States. Offering
perspectives from engineering faculty, admissions
counselors, researchers, advisers, and students
themselves, these articles are intended to assist you
in advising international engineering students.
Specifically, Margery Berti, Dean at the
University of Southern California’s Viterbi Schoolof Engineering, discusses how the field of engineering has undergone fundamental changes due
to globalization and technological advances andoutlines specific features students should look forwhen selecting an engineering school. International students, from Mexico to Sri Lanka, share
their experiences in American engineering programs. Special thanks to Nancy Keteku, REACAfrica, who not only contributed several articles,
but also provided expert guidance and engineeringknowledge to shape this issue.
We are delighted to present the newConnections portal on the IIENetwork website:
http://educationusaconnections.iienetwork.org.
Here you will find an archive of the past issues ofConnections and additional advising resources.
To complement this issue, you will find three additional field-specific engineering fact sheets forincoming graduate students (like those on p. 11 & 12
in this issue) prepared by IIE’s Placement Division.
I would like to thank all the advisers and
REACs who contacted students for this issue, as
well as those of you who responded to the online
survey. Your feedback guided the content of thissecond issue. Please continue to contact me withyour suggestions for future issues.
– Shannon Bishop, Managing Editor, Connections
Program Manager, Institute of International Educationsbishop@iie.org

V O L U M E

1 :I S S U E

2 :A P R I L

2 0 0 7

Features
2 Current Trends in Engineering:
A Dean’s Perspective

What makes engineering schools desirable in light of how globalizationand technology have changed the field?
By Margery Berti,Viterbi School of Engineering,
University of Southern California

5 Engineering 101: FAQ
A crash course in engineering at the undergraduate and graduate level.
By Nancy Keteku, REAC-Africa and Catrillia Young,State University of New York, Plattsburgh

7 Challenges of Financing Engineering Education
How students can successfully find funding for theirengineering studies.
By Nancy Keteku, REAC-Africa

8 Tell It Like It Is
International students currently enrolled in U.S. engineering programs comment
on what they wish they knew before coming to study in the United States.

Departments
9 Advising Resource

Field Specific Fact Sheets:
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

11 Research

Studying Engineering in the U.S.:
Overview and Trends from the Open Doors Survey
How enrollment in Engineering has changed over the years.
By Patricia Chow, Institute of International Education

13 News/Updates

Announcements, Scholarships, Awards & More

14 Arm Chair Tour
Featured Center: Belgrade, Serbia
Interview with adviser Elizabeth Chang and student Dusan Vuksanovic

E D

U S A

C O N N E C T I O N S P A G E

2Current Trends in Engineering: A Dean’s Perspective
FeatureBy Margery BertiNever has engineering played a more crucialrole in shaping society, culture and life itself
than it does today. At the same time, the pro-fession is undergoing a fundamental transformation
fueled by tremendous technological advances. The signs

are everywhere.
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman states in
his book, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twentyfirst Century, that the playing field has been leveled
across the globe. The anywhere-anytime access to
information enables emerging economies to challenge
the U.S. in areas of traditional dominance. Rising
economies in the former third world put increasingpressures on natural resources, human capital, wages

USC Viterbi School of Engineering Career Fair.

and the global environment.
vidual student and provides a high quality education. Another
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) report The Engineer ofimportant factor is flexibility. If a student wants to take courses in2020 advises that, among other things, engineers must anticipate

the major in addition to courses in related areas, he or she should

the future; must be communicators, decision makers, and entrepre-

look for a program with leeway. If the student enters a Master’s

neurs; must address ethical and social issues; and must play a

program and wants to decide later whether to stop there or contin-

greater role in determining public policy. Engineers of the future

ue for the Ph.D., he or she needs a program that allows either

must perform with ambidextrous analytical and creative skills, that

option. Innovative degree programs and options within degree pro-is, with a seamless blending of "left-brain" and "right-brain" skills.

grams are highly desirable, and they demonstrate agility. When
engineering schools introduce new programs and variations on

Engineering educators in the U.S. are pondering what all thisolder programs, as they often do in connection with new interdis-

means. After all, they are preparing tomorrow’s engineers to recog-

ciplinary research centers, it is a sign to prospective students thatnize and meet these profound changes.

the school is looking forward and not standing still. This usuallytranslates to more job offers upon graduation.

International students, and those advising them about graduate engineering study in the U.S., would do well to consider these trends. In

Facultyaddition to the traditional measures of excellence, other features likeA school's faculty is its foundation and its essence. Constantly

agility, innovation and interdisciplinarity make engineering schools

improving its quality, through the recruitment of outstanding

desirable today. Following are some areas that students and advisers

young and prominent senior faculty in key areas, must be ashould consider as they evaluate engineering school choices.

school’s highest priority. Prospective students should look for aschool whose faculty thrives and excels.

Academic programs
The most important consideration in choosing where to apply forSome indicators of excellence in the U.S. include: the number of fac-

graduate study in engineering is which school best serves the indi-

ulty who have been elected membership in the National Academies;

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/2

Current Trends in Engineering: A Dean’s Perspective
C O N T I N U E D

F R O MP A G E

Feature2

number of faculty who are Fellows of their professionalsocieties (IEEE, ACM, ASME, etc.); faculty who have earned
Presidential Early Career, Presidential Young Investigator or
NSF/NIH Young Investigator awards; success of faculty incompeting for national research centers; volume ofresearch expenditures by faculty; publications; and faculty
support for interdisciplinary research centers.
Meeting societal needs
Universities are a major force in addressing critical issues
facing society and creating new opportunities.

As wemove further into the 21st century, society will increasingly value universities actively engaged in addressing issues

USC Engineering student participates in spring Career Fair.

of practical societal importance. We already see this happening with regard to trends in extramural funding, higher educa-

Leading engineering schools are making internationalization one oftion policy, and student goals. Engineering schools with interdisci-

the central themes of their strategic plan. They seek high-quality part-plinary engineering centers have broad societal impact in this area,

ners abroad for partnerships and exchanges. They are forging rela-and aim to develop technologies to ease human disabilities, pro-tionships that include exchanges of faculty and students and research

mote learning, and improve security and human welfare.

collaboration going in both directions. This goes to the advantage ofboth the students and the sponsoring programs. Global visibility

Interdisciplinary centers

attracts the most talented students and scholars in the world.

Since societal problems rarely fall within the domain of a single discipline or school, such problems are best addressed by collabora-

Beyond the classroomtion that brings together different perspectives and skills.

Engineering programs should enrich the lives of their students out-

Prominent examples of interdisciplinary research today are biotech-side of the classroom. Students need opportunities to interact withnology, nanotechnology and high-performance computing.

peers, including those from other disciplines, for social, recreation-

Disciplinary and school boundaries can impede effective collabora-

al and cultural activities. Student organizations should be active.

tion so an engineering program must create mechanisms that

Schools should encourage internships and provide career services

remove structural disincentives to such collective efforts on prob-

to help students find employment so that they can take advantage

lems of major significance. A highly interdisciplinary research envi-of curricular practical training and optional practical training expe-

ronment enables faculty to respond to emerging needs for researchriences. One should also look at how connected an engineeringin such diverse areas as robotics, software engineering, sensor net-school is to the larger community surrounding it through service

works, vision sciences, automated construction, and photonics.

learning and community relations programs. In addition to meeting community needs, these programs provide students with theInternationalization – Building Networks and Partnerships

opportunity to apply their new skills to real-world problems.

The convergence of globalism, technology, and education requires
leading engineering programs to become truly international in pres-International students are also advised to consider whether theence, focus, and scope. Solving critical problems in society depends

engineering school is part of an institution with a history of success-on recognizing and developing the deep connections between “us”

fully serving international students, where they are welcomed into

and the world, rather than dwelling on the differences.

the larger community and their special needs are well understood.

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/3

Current Trends in Engineering: A Dean’s Perspective
C O N T I N U E D

F R O MP A G E

Feature3

Online Resources
for Engineering
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)ABET is the recognized U.S. accreditor of college and university
programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology.

www.abet.org
American Society for Engineering Education
A nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed tofurthering education in engineering and engineering technology. They
have two magazines, one a peer-reviewed academic journal, the other aconsumer-oriented publication, called Prism (www.prism-magazine.org).
www.asee.org
Engineering student enjoys E-Week (Engineering Week)
joisting competition.

Core values
Engineering schools take their cues from their institution’s leadershipwhen it comes to their core values. Prospective students should be
able to find a statement of an institution’s core values in its strategicplan or mission statement. The institution ought to promote freeinquiry. It should be committed to searching for truth and defending
it. It should maintain standards of community, including caring andrespect for one another as individuals; appreciation of diversity; strong
alumni networks; and a commitment to service. It must require ethicalbehavior and be guided by principles of academic integrity.
The demand for education is increasing worldwide, and the best
students will view higher education as an international market,
heightening competition among higher education providers worldwide. In order to attract high quality students, engineering schools
must offer innovative degree programs; encourage path-breaking
research; aggressively pursue external funding opportunities; ask
and answer important questions that push the boundaries ofhuman knowledge; accelerate excellence under evolving external circumstances; and stimulate in their students those qualities of

EWeek
Engineering Week took place from February 18-24. Visit this site tolearn ways to promote engineering in your Center.
www.eweek.org
Funding for US Study
A directory listing funding opportunites for all degree levels—undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate—available through a range of institutions including colleges and universities, educational associations,foundations, and other organizations. The searchable database allows
you to search specifically by engineering field.
www.fundingusstudy.org
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and
Surveying (NCEES)
A national non-profit organization composed of engineering and surveying licensing boards representing all states and U.S. territories.
www.ncees.org
National Society of Professional Engineers
A resource for both high school and college students seeking information about engineering and the role engineers play in our society.
www.nspe.org/students/home.asp
Society of Women Engineers
SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in those aspirations
and be recognized for their life-changing contributions and achievements as engineers and leaders.
www.swe.org

scholarship, leadership and character that mark the true academic
and professional engineer.
Margery Berti is Associate Dean at the Viterbi School of Engineering at
the University of Southern California.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational
Outlook Handbook
Provides an overview of the field of engineering, including the nature of
the work, training, employment opportunities, related occupations, etc.
www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm— USC Core Documents are the source for some material in this article.

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/4

Engineering 101: Frequently Asked Questions
By Nancy Keteku and Catrillia Young

E
E

Featurengineering, because of its technical nature, numerous sub-sequence, so it is important for future engineers to select their cours-

sidies, and diverse program offerings, often proves a chal-es strategically. Some students, after receiving an undergraduate

lenging field to thoroughly explain to potential students.

degree, go on to take a professional exam to get a license in their par-This article offers a crash course in the field of engineering at theticular fields. In the United States, this type of license is regulated byundergraduate and graduate level, providing answers to the mostindividual states. You can visit the National Society of Professionalfrequently asked questions.

Engineers (www.nspe.org) for more information.

Q. What degree options are available
in Engineering?

Some schools offer 2 or 4 year degrees in Engineering Technology,
which prepare students for practical design and production work.
Graduates of these programs are generally thought to have skill lev-

A. While some future engineers attend undergraduate institutions

els between those of a technician and an engineer and are not qual-

offering a Bachelor of Engineering, other B. Eng students, such as

ified to register as professional engineers like those who graduate

those at liberal arts schools, may major in mathematics or a physi-with B.S. or B.Eng degrees.

cal science and receive a Bachelor of Science. Schools that do nothave specific engineering programs will often have “engineering

Students who would like to pursue graduate work in engineering

advisors” available to help guide students’ course of study to ensure

would likely look for a Master’s of Science or Ph.D. program. These

they take the prerequisites needed for graduate school. Many of thedegrees are for students that are interested in specializing in a spe-science and math requirements for graduate school must be taken incific subfield, learning new technology, or performing quantitative
research. Master’s and Ph.D. programs in engineering generally
take 2-7 years to complete after an undergraduate degree andrequire a thesis paper or dissertation.

Finding Accredited
Engineering Programsin the U.S.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology(ABET) is the recognized accreditor for college and university
programs in applied science, computing, engineering, andtechnology. Go to www.abet.org and click on ‘search accredited programs’, where you will find colleges and universities
accredited by ABET. The link www.abet.org/schoolalleac.asp
will take you directly to a list of accredited engineering programs. While many students will want to search for programsin their desired engineering field, bear in mind that some of
the most respected universities in the U.S. offer simply “engineering” degree programs that are not broken down into
departments such as electrical, civil, chemical, or mechanical.

Q. What are the different types ofEngineering specializations?
A. An Engineering degree provides students with the opportunity
to apply their skills to a variety of disciplines within the context ofengineering. According to U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau ofLabor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the most popular
fields of engineering include electrical, electronic, mechanical andcivil. In recent years, students have increasingly pursued degrees inarchitectural, biomedical and computer engineering.

Q. What do admissions counselors lookfor in an applicant?
A. Since there are no set admissions criteria, it can be tricky to figure out what admissions officers are looking for in engineering
applicants. When reviewing admissions applications for undergraduates interested in engineering, admissions counselors lookE d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/5

Engineering 101: Frequently Asked QuestionsC O N T I N U E D

F R O MP A G E

Feature5

to see whether the student has taken and excelled in courses thatare key factors in engineering, in addition to having performed wellin other disciplines. It does not reflect well to have high grades

Q. What about 3-2 Engineering
programs? How do they work, andwhat are the financial aid options?

only in the subjects that apply to engineering, such as math,physics and chemistry, and poor grades in other classes.

A. In 3-2 programs, students are initially admitted to an under-

Admissions counselors also look favorably upon students who

graduate liberal arts college that does not offer engineering. Many

express their thoughts clearly and logically in writing. Solid writ-of these colleges offer generous financial aid to international stu-

ing skills are crucial not only for engineering studies but also fordents; hence their attraction. Students spend their first three years

the workplace.

at the liberal arts college, building their foundation in the arts andsciences and majoring in physics (or sometimes other fields), and

Q. Is it possible to gain admission to a
Master’s degree program in Engineering
if I didn’t study Engineering at theundergraduate level?

planning their course selection carefully with their engineering advisor. They then transfer to a partner university that has a 3-2 agreement with their college, where they spend two years majoring in achosen engineering field. After a total of five years, they graduate
with two bachelor’s degrees: one from the liberal arts college andA. Yes, it is possible, but it depends on how closely your under-

one from the engineering university. Examples of successful 3-2

graduate study relates to your graduate study interests. Students

programs for international students: Oberlin to Columbia, Brynwith strong undergraduate foundations in mathematics, physics,

Mawr to Cal Tech, Grinnell to Washington University.

chemistry, biology, computer science or geosciences may seek
admission to graduate programs in closely related fields. For

Another type of dual-school program involves consortia that haveexample, an undergraduate math major with demonstrated com-agreements with partner institutions in which the first school’s

puter skills could apply to graduate programs in computer engi-

financial aid carries over to the engineering school. Examples ofneering, or an undergraduate biology major could be admitted tothese agreements include: Vassar to Dartmouth on the Twelve

graduate programs in biotechnical engineering. Physics best pre-College Exchange; Mount Holyoke to University of Massachusettspares students to move into engineering.

on the Five College Program; Morehouse and Spelman to Georgia
Tech on the Atlanta Consortium.

In many cases, students are required to take ‘bridge
courses’–undergraduate-level engineering classes–before starting

The key to 3-2 or consortia programs for financially-needy interna-

graduate school. An example of this would be Fluid Dynamics for ational students is researching the financial aid of both partner

chemistry major switching to chemical engineering. Anotherschools. Students must research carefully before they start theapproach is to enroll for a U.S. Master’s degree in the same field asapplication process, so that they do not get stranded without funds

the undergraduate study, setting the stage for the transition into

when they seek to transfer, and they must work closely with their 3-

Engineering at the doctoral level.

2 program advisors to plan their courses and ensure they are competitive for admission.

Students seeking to switch fields must be able to explain clearly
how engineering fits into their career plans. Students must also

By Nancy Keteku, REAC-Africa based in Ghana and Catrillia Young,bear in mind that they will not be eligible for graduate assistant-

Assistant Director of International Student Services at the State University

ships while they are in the ‘bridge’ phase.

of New York, Plattsburgh.

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/

6

The Challenges of Financing Engineering Education
FeatureBy Nancy Keteku

F

inding funding for engineering studies can be challenging – but not impossible. Many foundations, organizations, and associations offer financial aid, in addition toscholarships or tuition reduction that are available directly from thecampuses. Below, you will find a summary of ideas and tips to help
find funding for engineering studies in the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Students
According to ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering andTechnology), over 350 U.S. colleges and universities offer Bachelor’s
degrees in various engineering fields, and over 73,000 new engineers graduate each year. This tells us that opportunities are plentiful for aspiring engineers. But how can international students
finance their engineering dreams?
The keys to success are the same for engineers as for everyone
else: research and enhancement. Students must research very
thoroughly to identify the universities that are accredited by ABET
to offer the engineering degrees that interest them, and then tofind out which universities award financial aid to international
students. But students shouldn’t stop there! Encourage them toconduct further research to find out the comprehensive annual
cost of attending each university, and how much financial aid eachone awards. Future engineers can then put their mathematicalminds to work, strategically calculating which universities will givethem the best chances of admission with financial aid. Before
launching their research, students must discuss with their families
how much they can afford to spend for each of the four years of theirundergraduate education, in order to calculate how they can meetcosts that are not covered by financial aid.
The College Board’s International Student Handbook lists the comprehensive annual cost of attendance for international students,
and provides financial aid information as well. It is important to use
the most current edition of the “ISH” in order to get accurate figures. Advisors should give students the “financial aid list”, available on the advisors’ resources section of the EducationUSA website, which features nearly seven hundred U.S. colleges and universities that award more than $10,000 in average financial aid tointernational students. Look for the letter (E) next to the names of
155 colleges and universities that are ABET-accredited in engineering and offer generous financial aid to international students. Outof these 155 institutions, at least 25 are able to provide full funding
covering all educational costs, targeted at students whose families
cannot afford to pay significant amounts.
The bottom line? The U.S. offers the world’s best opportunities forengineers. Students should not be discouraged by the challenges
of applying for financial aid: U.S. colleges and universities award
millions of dollars to international engineering students, andthey’re looking for students with big ideas.
The Admissions Crunch
Academically qualified students who can pay the entire cost of theireducation will find the admissions process relatively smooth, but
those who need financial aid will meet keen competition.
Thousands of would-be engineers from all over the world are competing for limited funds, and the universities that offer financial aid
attract the most applicants. This is why we advise enhancement, tostrengthen the application in every way possible.
Graduate Students
Financing graduate study in engineering is the same as any otherresearch-oriented science field: students must be able to articulate
precisely what they are interested in researching, demonstrate current knowledge of their area of study, and identify professors who
are working in areas of their interest. Then they must establish
communication with those professors, and convince them to takethem on as graduate students. Communication with professors is
the key to getting funding for graduate study.
In engineering, professors often delay offering assistantships tograduate students until after they have enrolled at the universityand demonstrated their research skills. For this reason, it is advantageous to be able to finance the first semester or the first year of
graduate study in engineering.
Graduate engineering students frequently finance their first year
through teaching assistantships in another field, such as mathematics, chemistry, or physics, where the demand for teachers of undergraduates is higher. Students should explore this opportunity.
Information on financing graduate studies is also available on theadvisors’ section of the EducationUSA website.
Nancy W. Keteku is REAC-Africa based in Accra, Ghana.

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/7

Tell It Like It Is
FeatureN

obody knows better than international students themselves what it’s liketo study engineering in the United States. Collected by advisers and
REACs, the comments below feature feedback from engineering students of various nationalities. Studying in various U.S. Engineering programs,
these students share their tips and firsthand experiences.

Q. What surprised you mostabout engineering programsin the U.S?
“The engineering programs here are very hands on and focus on getting you accustomed to real world problems. The courses concentrateon explaining concepts rather than making you memorize material.
Additionally, they mandate engineering students take liberal studies
courses to provide them with a well-rounded education. Many engineering programs have interdisciplinary components as well.”-Sujith Vidanapathirana, Sri Lanka
Computer Science (Engineering Department), Cornell University“The most noticeable aspect of U.S. education is its emphasis on selfstudy and inquiry. A student is expected to study and research by himself to gain in-depth knowledge. Professors just act as a support system during your study.”- Aravind Bommakanti, India
MS in Computer Science, New Mexico State University“I expected engineering to be more practical, with more real-world
projects right from the beginning. I wanted to get into the lab andmake things. Instead, my studies turned out to be largely theoretical.
Prospective engineers should carefully study the curriculum of eachschool they apply to, look at opportunities to do practical projects,
and find out how early they are expected to specialize.”- Ghanaian undergraduate student
Electrical Engineering, Yale University“I was surprised by the great help we get from professors and teaching assistants. They are all willing to go an extra mile to help students out."- Getrude Chimhungwe, Zimbabwe
Dual degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering with Mount
Holyoke College and University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Q. What do you wish you
knew before you entered
your engineering programin the U.S.?
“I forgot quite a lot of things that I studied in class 12. The reason is
simple; the gap between March and August made me forget much ofwhat I had studied. I should have reviewed my course material overthe holiday.”-Naman Chopra, India
Computer Engineering (BS), Purdue University“I wish I could have taken a little bit more time improving my
MATLAB’s skills. Engineering programs in the U.S. emphasize thedevelopment of programming skills that facilitate visualization andanalysis of the solving of engineering problems. P-SPICE for ElectricalEngineers or Solid Works for Mechanical Engineers is a must.”-Erick Ulin-Avila, Mexico
Nanotechnology (Ph.D), UC Berkeley“I wasn't quite ready for weekly assessments, biweekly tests, and all
the other work. Finals, which accounted for 100% of our grade
back home, suddenly counted for only 30% of the grade. In the
beginning, I put all my effort into these weekly tests (because thatwas the only way I knew) and as a result, got exhausted andcrashed towards the end of the semester. I learned that trying to
get a perfect score in these tests is the worst thing you can do
because the scores only accounted for a small a percentage of the
final grade.”-Dilan Jayawardane, Sri Lanka
Computer Science, MITE d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/8

Tell It Like It Is
C O N T I N U E D

F R O MP A G E

Research

8

Q. Do you have any advice forstudents about to enter orapply to engineering programsin the U.S.?
“Many schools have placement exams, which students have to takeeven before the first semester starts. Students who perform well on
these exams are able to waive certain prerequisite courses that they’ve
already taken as an undergrad. Even at schools where such exams are
not administered, it helps to study the information in the pre-requisite
courses before entering your program. Students will have a hard time
if their basics are shaky, and this can have an undesirable impact on
their performance and confidence.”-Ajay Ravindra, Bangalore
Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS),University of Southern California“When choosing a program, students should consider departmental
ranking in addition to university ranking. Investigate the department,
staff, and the research opportunities very carefully. In some cases, adepartment in a university without a high ranking may have strong
infrastructure and staff. Or, the other way around, a university may
have a high ranking, but the department may not.”- Elif Saroglu Sertel, Turkey
Visiting Student Researcher in Environmental Sciences,
Rutgers University“When you apply, research the university well, look out for engineering programs that the university specializes in. Whether it’s robotics
or semiconductors, students should express their willingness to be apart of that program and mention specifics. If you show interest in theEngineering department you are applying to, they will surely showinterest in you.”-Kishan Ellepola, Sri Lanka
Electrical Engineering (BS), Drexel University“I would advise future students to select their adviser carefully,
depending on their interests and style of working. The direction ofsomeone who can see the big picture is really important in order topursue the right educational path. Secondly, motivation and collaboration are very important in the graduate study, and these are directly related to your adviser. Additionally, students have a chance to collaborate with the adviser’s other students who are generally moreexperienced.”- Yusuf Aytar, Turkey
Computer Science (MS), University of Central Florida

Did You Know?
National Science Foundation:

Data on International
Engineering StudentsA

new report from the National Science Foundation
provides data on engineering degrees earned byinternational students:

2005 Bachelor's degrees:International students were awarded 7.4%,
or 5,644, of the Bachelor's degrees in engineeringin the U.S.

2004 Master's degrees:International students were awarded 46.1%,
or 15,620, of the Master's degrees in engineering in
the U.S.

2005 Doctoral degrees:International students were awarded 57.2%,
or 3,302, of the Doctoral degrees in engineeringin the U.S.
For more detailed information on the National Science
Foundation’s Report, please visit:
http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/underdeg.htm
http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/graddeg.htm

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/9

Studying Engineering in the U.S.: Overview and Trends
from the Open Doors Survey
By Patricia ChowE

Research

ngineering continues to be one of the most popular fields ofchose to study engineering, compared to 9 percent of those at mas-study chosen by international students in the U.S. ranking

ter’s institutions, 5 percent of those at associate’s institutions, and# 2 after Business and Management. In 2005/06, 16 percent

only 2 percent at baccalaureate institutions.

of all international students, were studying engineering (including engineering-related fields) at U.S. colleges and universities, despite a small

While Open Doors no longer collects data correlating international

drop in the percentage. Only business & management accounted for a

students’ fields of study with their country of origin, past trends arelarger share of the international student body (18 percent).

presented in the figure below. The figure reveals an interesting
shift: while in 1979/80 almost half of all international students inWhile the vast majority of students interested in engineering-relat-

engineering came from the Middle East, in 1985/86 close to 50 per-ed topics are enrolled in the primary field of engineering (94 per-cent of all international engineering students were from Asia.

cent), related sub-fields within engineering include: engineering

During this time, the total number of students from the Middle

technologies, which support engineering and engineering-related

East decreased significantly, while the total number of students

projects; transportation and materials moving, including aeronau-

from Asia almost doubled.

tics and aviation; mechanic and repair technologies, including
industrial and electronic maintenance; construction trades; and precision production. (See the National Center for Education Statistics’
Classification of Instructional Programs at http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2002165 for a complete description of
the various fields of study).

In contrast to the circular graphic, the bar graph below shows the proportion of international students from each world region that studied
engineering vs. other fields in 1969/70, 1979/80 and 1989/90. In all
three years, the Middle East had the highest proportion of students
studying engineering. Students from North America and Oceania
were least likely to pursue engineering studies in the U.S.

Engineering is a much more popular field of study among international students at the graduate level than for undergraduate international students. In 2005/06, 23 percent of international graduate
students in the U.S. were studying engineering, while only 11 percent of international undergraduates chose to study this field.

More detailed information, including data tables for all fields ofstudy from this year’s Open Doors publication, is available at
http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/. To access data tables available
only to members, log in using the word “adviser” for both the username and password.

The popularity of engineering as a field of study also varies according to the type of institution attended. In 2005/06, 23 percent ofPatricia Chow is a Research Officer with the Institute ofinternational students enrolled at doctoral/research institutions

International Education.

Percentage of International Students Studying
Engineering, Business & Management, andMath & Computer Science, Selected Years

Region of Origin ofEngineering Students

Percentage of Students Studying
Engineering by World Region

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/10

Field Specific Fact Sheets
Prepared by IIE’s University Placement Services Division as Ready-made
Advising Resources

Advising Resource

Electrical Engineering – Graduate
General Description:
Electrical Engineering is the practical applications of the theory of electricity. This is the branch of engineeringscience that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and thecontrol of machines and communication.

CommonSpecializations
Bioengineering is concerned with the application of engineering principles tothe study of biological processes.
The field of computer engineering is centered in digital design, computerarchitecture and computer applications, i.e., circuits and devices, computer
systems, and engineering software.
Digital Signal Processing is the representation of signals in digital form andthe transformation of such signal representations using digital computation.

Bioengineering
ComputerEngineering
Digital Signal
Processing
Electric PowerElectronic Design
and Applications
Microelectronics/
Microsystems
Systems andControls
Telecommunications

Electric Power is primarily concerned with meeting the future demand ofelectrical energy while satisfying environmental constraints.
This specialization includes device and integrated circuit fabrication, andcircuit and system design and simulation.
Microelectronics is concerned with the design, analysis, growth, andfabrication of micron/submicron feature length devices.
Systems and controls is concerned with mathematical and computation
techniques for modeling, estimation, and control of systems and processes
Encompasses the characterization, representation, transmission, storageand networking of information over various media including space, opticalfiber, and cable.

Common Degrees
MEng
M.S
PhD

The MEng is a professional degree. This degree can usually be completed in 1
year and does not require a thesis.
There are usually 2 options for the Master of Science degree. Thesis and nonthesis. The non thesis option requires more credits to complete the degree
Highest degree. Typically a 5 year program beginning with coursework followed bya dissertation composed of original research.

Special Notes on Applying:
Detailed letters of recommendation from faculty/employer who can attest to the student’s qualifications areimportant.
A well written study objective focused on the candidate’s specialization is essential.

Special tips for visiting student researchers: It is important to identify the faculty person in the US
that you would like to work.

Admission
Requirements
Admissionand Financial
deadlines
Academic
background

Deadlines tend to be early beginning December 15 through January 15.

Students applying to the Masters or PhD program must have an undergraduate or
graduate degree in Engineering.

E d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/11

Field Specific Fact Sheets
Visit: http://educationusaconnections.iienetwork.org to find additional fact sheetsin the field of Engineering

Advising Resource

Mechanical Engineering – Graduate
General Description:
Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction and operation ofmachinery. Mechanical engineers use principles such as heat, force, and the conservation of mass and energy
to analyze static and dynamic physical systems.

CommonSpecializations
Mechatronics
Thermal-Fluid
Sciences
Acoustic/
Vibrations
Design &Manufacturing
Solid
Mechanics

Mechatronics is the fusion of Electrical and Mechanical disciplines in modern
engineering
Thermal-Fluid Sciences includes computational fluid dynamics, experimental
techniques, optical thermal sensing and laser diagnostics applied to theinvestigation of sprays, droplet deposition and combustion.
This area of research deals with the engineering of sound and vibration. Appliedresearch may involve the development of aircrafts and automotive brakes, jetengine turbine blades, components in power drive trains, and advanced
manufacturing methods.
This specialization focuses on design theory, methods, and practice. Stochastic
optimization techniques are used to develop design tools for product layout.
Solid Mechanics addresses issues related to impact resistance and notch
sensitivity of gas turbine materials, residual stresses and deformation in solid freeform fabrication techniques, and the mechanics of thin bonded films and coatings.

Common Degrees
MEng
MS
PhD

The MEng is a professional degree. This degree can usually be completed in 1
year and does not require a thesis.
There are usually 2 options for the Masters of Science degree. Thesis and nonthesis. The non thesis option usually requires more credits to complete thedegree.
Highest degree. Typically a 5 year program beginning with coursework followed bya dissertation composed of original researchSpecial Notes on Applying:
Detailed letters of recommendation from faculty/employer who can attest to the student’s qualifications areimportant.
A well written study objective focused on the candidate’s specialization is essential.

Special tips for visiting student researchers:
It is important for the candidate to identify the faculty person in the U.S. that he/she would like to work under.

Admission
Requirements
Admission andfinancial aid
deadlines
Academic
backgroundWork
Experience
Tests

Deadlines begin as early as December 15 and will continue through February.
PhD applications have earlier deadlines
An undergraduate degree in Engineering is required for admission to both MS and
PhD programs. Strong quantitative skills are essential.
Work experience is not essential but is recommended
TOEFL score of 550 (Minimum)
GRE scores in the 90% and above, especially in MathE d u c a t i o n U S A / C O N N E C T I O N S/ A P R I L

2 0 0 7/12