A growth in student enrollment is significant for reasons that go beyond simply satisfying college bursars. A healthy matriculation signals an influx of fresh ideas for a profession built on ingenuity and problem solving. Today's undergraduates have discovered that an understanding of core technologies and formal training in engineering can lead to leadership tracks in many different areas. The upswing in enrollment is also due to the understanding among savvy employers that the engineering degree now transcends technology. In the 21st century, engineering will rival liberal arts as the undergraduate course of study with the broadest career opportunities.
Engineering provides more than technical training.
It is a pursuit of practical thought training that can lead to careers in areas such as business, government, and communications. Thus, engineering schools throughout the world have themselves learned that a well-rounded curriculum includes courses in business and other humanities. There's good news for those engineering majors who plan to stay in technical arenas as well. Even with the apparent bull employment climate and the two-year upward trend in student figures, it would be unfair to broadcast that the recent growth in engineering enrollment won't again fluctuate. For their part, educators must ensure that curriculums be kept fresh and that students will realize in classrooms the full excitement that a career in engineering can deliver.