Chapter 3: A Statistical Profile of Engineering Profession

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on the engineering profession's statistical profile.

Statistical Overview

A summary of data about the engineering field, including enrollment, majors, job market, salaries, diversity, and counts of practicing engineers.

College Enrolment Trend

The pattern of engineering student numbers in a given year, influenced by high school graduates and births 18 years earlier.

Electrical and Computer Engineering (EE/EC)

The largest undergraduate engineering major in the 2013 enrollment data.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The second-largest undergraduate engineering major in 2013.

Total All Undergrad Enrollment

The combined count of full-time and part-time undergraduate engineering students (540,161 total undergrads in Fall 2013).

Full-Time Undergrad

Undergraduate students enrolled full-time in engineering programs.

Part-Time Undergrad

Undergraduate students enrolled part-time in engineering programs.

Total: All MS

The combined number of Master of Science candidates (full-time and part-time).

MS Full Time

Master of Science candidates enrolled on a full-time basis.

MS Part Time

Master of Science candidates enrolled on a part-time basis.

Total: All Ph.D.

The combined number of PhD candidates (full-time and part-time).

Ph.D. Full Time

Engineering PhD candidates enrolled on a full-time basis.

Ph.D. Part Time

Engineering PhD candidates enrolled on a part-time basis.

Degrees in Engineering

The number of degrees granted in engineering at BS, MS, and PhD levels, and how enrolment relates to degree completion.

Starting Salary by Curriculum (2016)

The initial salaries for bachelor’s degree graduates across engineering disciplines and employer types (2016 data).

Current Median Income

The median income of engineers across all industries, with higher salaries generally associated with more education.

Diversity of the Profession

Engineering was historically dominated by White males; women and minorities are increasing, but growth is slow.

Women in Engineering

About 20% of engineering students are women; representation has been rising slowly with ongoing efforts.

Minorities in Engineering

About 15% of engineering students are minorities; growth has been modest, with ongoing diversity initiatives.

Distribution by Field of Study

Among engineers, highest numbers in EE, Civil, and Mechanical; smallest in Agriculture, Marine/Naval, and Mining.

Engineering Employment by Type of Employer

Share of engineers in sectors such as Professional/Scientific/Technical Services (~34%), Information occupations (~22%), and government (~8%), plus other industries.

Percent of Students Unemployed or in Graduate School

Data showing unemployment rates for new engineers and the share pursuing graduate studies; graduate enrollment rose during tougher job markets.

Conclusions/Outlook

Current job market for graduating engineers is encouraging; graduate-school enrollment may decline; emphasis on developing additional competencies.