GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Engineering Majors

The most popular engineering majors are mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer engineering, with a majority of students pursuing these fields in higher education.

Highlights: Most Popular Engineering Majors

  • Mechanical Engineering is the most popular major, making up 23.08% of all engineering students, according to data from 2019.
  • Among female engineering students, Biomedical Engineering is the most popular choice, accounting for 40.2% of degrees conferred to women.
  • Civil Engineering is the 2nd most popular major, with 21.29% of all engineering students, as of 2019.
  • 13.2% of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering degrees were awarded to racial or ethnic minority students in 2019.
  • In 2019, more than 1.9 million people held a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in the United States.
  • Chemical Engineering is the most valued major, with median earnings of $96,000 for students with bachelor’s degrees and $101,000 for those with master’s degrees.
  • In 2018, around 14% of engineering students were enrolled in Computer Engineering.
  • Over 20,000 students graduated with a degree in Environmental Engineering in 2018.
  • Under 5% of all engineering majors are in Agricultural Engineering.
  • Aerospace Engineering represented 1.72% of all engineering degrees conferred in 2018.
  • As of 2020, more African-American students major in Civil Engineering more than any other major.
  • Only 3% of engineering students pursue a major in Materials Science.
  • In 2020, 18% of engineering students were women.
  • Industrial Engineering saw a 1.5% increase in popularity between 2017 and 2020.
  • Nuclear Engineering had the lowest share of bachelor’s degrees in 2019 with less than 1%.
  • Software Engineering ranked fifth in popularity among engineering students in 2019.
  • The number of Petroleum Engineering majors dropped by 18% from 2015 to 2019.
  • In 2019, more than 60% of biomedical engineering degrees were awarded to women.
  • Automotive Engineering enrolments have been increasing, with an increase of about 5.8% in 2019.
  • Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture represent 0.3% of all engineering degrees.

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Today, we delve into the fascinating world of engineering as we explore the most popular engineering majors among students. Engineering plays a critical role in shaping the world we live in, from technological advancements to infrastructure development. Join us as we uncover the top choices among aspiring engineers and gain insights into the reasons behind their popularity.

The Latest Most Popular Engineering Majors Explained

Mechanical Engineering is the most popular major, making up 23.08% of all engineering students, according to data from 2019.

The statistic “Mechanical Engineering is the most popular major, making up 23.08% of all engineering students, according to data from 2019” indicates that among all engineering disciplines, Mechanical Engineering has the highest proportion of students enrolled in it. This suggests that Mechanical Engineering is a preferred choice among students pursuing an engineering education. The 23.08% figure quantifies the dominance of Mechanical Engineering within the engineering field in 2019, highlighting its significance in attracting a substantial portion of students compared to other engineering majors. This statistic provides valuable insights into the distribution of student interests within the engineering discipline and underscores the popularity and relevance of Mechanical Engineering as a focal area of study.

Among female engineering students, Biomedical Engineering is the most popular choice, accounting for 40.2% of degrees conferred to women.

The statistic indicates that among female engineering students, the most popular field of study is Biomedical Engineering, with 40.2% of female students choosing this major. This suggests that there is a significant proportion of female students in engineering who are interested in the intersection of engineering and healthcare. The high percentage of degrees conferred in Biomedical Engineering to women demonstrates a growing trend of female representation in this field, potentially indicative of increased opportunities, interest, and support for women pursuing careers in engineering, specifically within the biomedical sector. This statistic highlights the changing landscape of gender dynamics in engineering education and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM fields.

Civil Engineering is the 2nd most popular major, with 21.29% of all engineering students, as of 2019.

The statistic indicates that among all engineering majors, Civil Engineering holds the second position in terms of popularity, with 21.29% of all engineering students enrolled in this field as of 2019. This means that a significant portion of engineering students have chosen Civil Engineering as their major, reflecting the widespread interest and demand for this discipline within the engineering field. The high percentage suggests that Civil Engineering programs are attracting a considerable number of students due to factors such as career prospects, job opportunities, and the relevance of the field to societal needs. This statistic highlights the significant role that Civil Engineering plays in educating and training engineering professionals to address infrastructure and construction challenges in various industries and communities.

13.2% of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering degrees were awarded to racial or ethnic minority students in 2019.

In 2019, 13.2% of all electrical, electronics, and communications engineering degrees were conferred upon students who belong to racial or ethnic minority groups. This statistic indicates the proportion of individuals from historically underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds who successfully completed their engineering studies within this specific field. The percentage serves as a measure of diversity and inclusivity within the academic discipline, pointing to efforts to broaden representation and provide equitable access to educational opportunities for students from various cultural backgrounds in the field of electrical, electronics, and communications engineering.

In 2019, more than 1.9 million people held a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in the United States.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, a significant number of individuals in the United States, specifically over 1.9 million people, possessed a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. This figure highlights the popularity and prevalence of this particular field of study and signifies the substantial number of individuals who have undergone specialized education and training in the principles of mechanical engineering. These individuals likely acquired diverse skills and knowledge related to designing, building, and analyzing mechanical systems and processes. The large number of Mechanical Engineering degree holders in the U.S. suggests a strong interest and investment in this field, potentially reflecting a demand for professionals with expertise in Mechanical Engineering across various industries and sectors.

Chemical Engineering is the most valued major, with median earnings of $96,000 for students with bachelor’s degrees and $101,000 for those with master’s degrees.

This statistic indicates that Chemical Engineering is highly valued in the job market as it offers high median earnings for both students with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The fact that students with master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering earn slightly more than those with bachelor’s degrees suggests that advanced education in this field can result in increased earning potential. The significant difference in median earnings between Chemical Engineering and other majors implies that there is a high demand for professionals with this specialization, likely due to the specialized skills and knowledge required in the field. Overall, this statistic highlights the financial benefits and attractiveness of pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering.

In 2018, around 14% of engineering students were enrolled in Computer Engineering.

The statistic highlights that out of all engineering students in 2018, approximately 14% of them were pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering specifically. This percentage suggests that Computer Engineering was a popular choice among engineering students at that time. The statistic provides insight into the distribution of students across different engineering disciplines, indicating a notable portion of the student population focusing on computer-related studies within the broader field of engineering. This information can be valuable for educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders looking to understand trends in engineering education and tailor resources and programs accordingly.

Over 20,000 students graduated with a degree in Environmental Engineering in 2018.

The statistic that over 20,000 students graduated with a degree in Environmental Engineering in 2018 indicates a significant number of individuals entering the workforce with specialized skills in environmental sciences and engineering principles. This high number of graduates suggests a growing interest in sustainability and environmental issues, reflecting the increasing importance of addressing environmental challenges in today’s society. The data also implies a potential increase in the availability of professionals equipped to contribute to solving environmental problems, such as resource management, pollution control, and sustainable development, thus positively impacting the field of environmental engineering and related industries.

Under 5% of all engineering majors are in Agricultural Engineering.

The statistic “Under 5% of all engineering majors are in Agricultural Engineering” indicates that a very small proportion of students pursuing engineering degrees specialize in Agricultural Engineering. This suggests that Agricultural Engineering is a less popular or less commonly chosen field of study within the broader realm of engineering disciplines. The low percentage implies that the majority of engineering majors are likely enrolled in other more conventional branches of engineering such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering. Additionally, it may highlight a potential imbalance in the distribution of students across different engineering specializations, with Agricultural Engineering being a niche area within the larger field of engineering education.

Aerospace Engineering represented 1.72% of all engineering degrees conferred in 2018.

The statistic “Aerospace Engineering represented 1.72% of all engineering degrees conferred in 2018” indicates the proportion of engineering degrees awarded in the field of aerospace engineering out of the total number of engineering degrees granted in 2018. Specifically, out of all engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and others, aerospace engineering accounted for 1.72% of the total degrees conferred that year. This percentage provides insight into the relative popularity or focus of aerospace engineering compared to other engineering disciplines, showing the degree of specialization or interest in this particular field among students and educational institutions in 2018.

As of 2020, more African-American students major in Civil Engineering more than any other major.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, African-American students have demonstrated a preference for majoring in Civil Engineering over other academic disciplines. This trend suggests that Civil Engineering has become a popular choice among African-American students, possibly due to factors such as career prospects, personal interests, or societal influences. The statistic highlights a positive trend towards greater representation of African-Americans in the field of Civil Engineering, which may have implications for diversity and inclusion efforts within the engineering profession.

Only 3% of engineering students pursue a major in Materials Science.

The statistic “Only 3% of engineering students pursue a major in Materials Science” indicates a relatively low prevalence of students selecting Materials Science as their field of study within the broader discipline of engineering. This suggests that Materials Science may be a less popular or less well-known area of specialization among engineering students compared to other branches of engineering like mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Possible reasons for this lower interest could include limited awareness of the field, misconceptions about career opportunities, or perceived challenges associated with studying materials science. Efforts to promote the benefits and relevance of materials science within the field of engineering could potentially increase its attractiveness to a larger portion of students.

In 2020, 18% of engineering students were women.

The statistic ‘In 2020, 18% of engineering students were women’ indicates the proportion of female students within the field of engineering for the specified time period. This statistic suggests that women are underrepresented in the field of engineering, as they make up only 18% of the student population. The low percentage of female engineering students may reflect broader challenges and disparities in gender representation within the engineering profession, such as limited access to educational opportunities, gender biases, and cultural stereotypes. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in engineering education and careers are essential to address these disparities and create a more equitable and diverse engineering workforce.

Industrial Engineering saw a 1.5% increase in popularity between 2017 and 2020.

The statistic indicates that the field of Industrial Engineering experienced a 1.5% increase in popularity between the years 2017 and 2020. This means that there was a growth in interest or recognition of industrial engineering as a field of study or career choice during this period. The 1.5% increase suggests a modest but measurable rise in the number of individuals pursuing or showing interest in industrial engineering compared to three years prior. This could be attributed to various factors such as changing industry demands, technological advancements, or increased awareness about the importance and relevance of industrial engineering in modern society. Overall, the statistic highlights a positive trend in the perception and engagement with industrial engineering over the specified time frame.

Nuclear Engineering had the lowest share of bachelor’s degrees in 2019 with less than 1%.

In 2019, Nuclear Engineering had the lowest share of bachelor’s degrees awarded among all fields of study, constituting less than 1% of the total degrees conferred that year. This statistic highlights the relatively low popularity and number of graduates in the Nuclear Engineering discipline compared to other fields. The data suggests that Nuclear Engineering may be a less commonly chosen major among undergraduate students, perhaps due to its specialized nature, perceived difficulty, or limited career opportunities. Overall, the statistic underscores the niche status of Nuclear Engineering as a field of study in higher education.

Software Engineering ranked fifth in popularity among engineering students in 2019.

In 2019, Software Engineering was rated as the fifth most popular choice among engineering students, indicating its significant level of interest and attractiveness within the field of engineering. This statistic suggests that a sizable portion of engineering students have a preference for Software Engineering as a potential career path or specialization. The ranking indicates that Software Engineering is perceived as a valuable and promising area of study for students pursuing engineering education, demonstrating its relevance and appeal in the context of the engineering discipline.

The number of Petroleum Engineering majors dropped by 18% from 2015 to 2019.

The statistic “The number of Petroleum Engineering majors dropped by 18% from 2015 to 2019” indicates that there has been a significant decrease in the enrollment of students pursuing a major in Petroleum Engineering over a four-year period. Specifically, the number of students choosing to major in Petroleum Engineering has decreased by 18% from 2015 to 2019. This decline could be influenced by various factors such as changes in industry demand, job prospects, or shifts in education trends. Understanding the reasons behind this drop in enrollment could provide valuable insights into the current state and future outlook of the Petroleum Engineering field.

In 2019, more than 60% of biomedical engineering degrees were awarded to women.

The statistic “In 2019, more than 60% of biomedical engineering degrees were awarded to women” indicates a significant gender disparity in the field of biomedical engineering during that year. The fact that over 60% of the degrees were awarded to women suggests a trend of increasing female representation in a traditionally male-dominated field. This statistic may reflect efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusivity in STEM disciplines, as well as potentially changing attitudes and opportunities for women pursuing careers in engineering. The data highlights a shift towards greater gender equality in biomedical engineering education and possibly in the workforce, which could have positive implications for fostering diversity and innovation in the field.

Automotive Engineering enrolments have been increasing, with an increase of about 5.8% in 2019.

The statistic indicates that there has been a positive trend in the number of enrolments in Automotive Engineering programs, showing an increase of approximately 5.8% in 2019 compared to previous years. This growth suggests a rising interest in the field of Automotive Engineering among students, potentially driven by factors such as technological advancements in the automotive industry, increased demand for professionals in the field, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in transportation. The steady increase in enrolments highlights a promising outlook for the Automotive Engineering sector, indicating potential opportunities for both students pursuing education in the field and industries seeking skilled professionals in the future.

Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture represent 0.3% of all engineering degrees.

The statistic that Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture represent 0.3% of all engineering degrees indicates the small proportion of students within the engineering field specializing in these specific disciplines. This low percentage suggests that Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture programs are not as common or popular among engineering students compared to other engineering disciplines. The statistic highlights the niche nature of these fields within the broader engineering domain, reflecting a potential lack of interest or awareness among students in pursuing careers related to marine engineering and naval architecture.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the most popular engineering majors, it is evident that [insert findings from the blog post here]. This indicates a strong interest among students in pursuing engineering disciplines that offer diverse career opportunities and innovative advancements in technology. As the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow, choosing a popular engineering major can provide a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the field.

References

0. – https://www.evannex.com

1. – https://www.www.datausa.io

2. – https://www.www.payscale.com

3. – https://www.www.asee.org

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.diverseeducation.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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