With one glance at the starting salaries of new bachelor's degree recipients in Fig. 1, a teacher or parent can see the career fields to which their high school students interested in the best economic opportunities might aspire: several engineering fields (chemical, electrical, mechanical), computer science, physics, and mathematics.

Green is often used as a synonym for environmental or ecological, especially as it relates to products and activities aimed at minimizing damage to the planet. Scientists and engineers have long had important roles in the environmental movement. Their expertise is focused on a variety of issues, including increasing energy efficiency, improving…

This article reports the finding of a study entitled, "Where the Engineers Are," conducted by a group of researchers at Duke University, which was published in the spring issue of Issues in Science and Technology and is a follow-up to a 2005 study. This new report on the number and quality of graduate engineering degrees conferred in…

Government programs and renewed industrial activity have combined with stable enrollments to create bright job prospects for civil engineers. Areas with good opportunities include highway reconstruction and rehabilitation, water-resource management, and new factory construction. The subspecialty of structural engineering has a growing need in…

Employment opportunities remain high for electrical/electronic (EE) engineering; although leveling-off has occurred in the personal computer area, there is expansion potential in telecommunications. Specific skills sought by EE employers and data on women in EE fields are noted. (DH)

Indicates that the healthy economy is providing multiple opportunities for graduating mechanical engineers (including more job offers and higher pay) and that greatly expanded funding of military-defense work and computer applications are contributing to this growth. Data on mechanical engineering degrees granted, salaries, and industry growth are…

Recent economic growth and improved manufacturing profitability are supporting increased employment for industrial engineers. Promising areas include modernizing manufacturing technology and productivity with large amounts of hiring in aerospace, electronics, and instrumentation. Percentages of women employed in these fields for 1982 and 1983 are…

Huge defense budgets and a commercial aircraft comeback are contributing to high demands for aeronautical engineers. Job offers are plentiful and are expected to rise by 41 percent from 1982 to 1995. Federal space programs will provide additional employment opportunities. (DH)

Although heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineering degrees are not offered, there is a serious need for specialists and consultants in this area (since most have been trained as mechanical engineers). Opportunities exist for individuals possessing a customer-oriented attitude, with knowledge in computerized controls, innovative…

Job prospects in mining, metal-extraction, steel, and refining industries are depressed, but technological discoveries are opening up new fields for metallurgical engineers. Enrollment/employment opportunities and salaries in these areas are discussed a well as the roles of foreign competition, plastics applications, and ceramics research and…

Cites data on engineering enrollment, graduation, and employment for years 1952 to 1979. States that attempts to predict future student numbers and employment from examination of this data provides little guidance in arriving at conclusions. (CS)

Despite slack in some computer companies, overall demand for new electrical and electronic graduates continues to be strong. Employment potential also exists in such areas as government, manufacturing, utilities, and defense (especially aerospace industries). (DH)

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), "manufacturing is the engine that drives American prosperity". When NAM and its research and education arm, The Manufacturing Institute, released the handbook, "The Facts About Modern Manufacturing," in October 2006, NAM President John Engler noted, that…

Reviews topics from editorials in "Graduating Engineer" in the 1980's. Discusses the state of the economy at present, as well as new technology and jobs in engineering fields. Cites manufacturing excellence as a present theme in the engineering field. (CW)

Discusses civil engineering employment opportunities; indicates that the field is shrinking. Presents national placement and enrollment statistics. Identifies building and construction materials, and public works as areas of current and expanding opportunities. (CW)