Why You Should Consider Engineering as a Major

A recent statistic shocked America. Only 2 out of every 10 students attending a College or University in America was majoring in and Engineering related field. Whether this is true or not, it makes for a scary number that doesn't look to improve any time soon. Why do a lot of students shy away from these Math and Science related fields? When kids think of the word engineering, they think of numbers, dullness, and a whole lot of stress. But consider this: engineering is an extremely valuable profession. Engineers have invented things ranging from Ipods to NASA space shuttles. Without these innovations to society, where would we be?

As a writer, I find that the study of humanities can bring much peace to ones life. We have always been known as the insightful, warm-hearted and philosophical ones of society whereas engineers are non-creative, dull, and extreme number crunchers. You might want to justify your argument by stating that every profession is useful no matter what you do. The truth is that whatever profession you hold, you have an obligation to society try your hardest at what you do to give back. Balance is what we need to keep the earth moving. And we are lacking engineers.

If that's not enough incentive to consider an Engineering major, here's a look at some of the median salaries for various Engineering degrees:

Aerospace engineers (work with NASA)
$87,610

Agricultural engineers (work with farming machinery, etc.)
$66,030

Biomedical engineers (they work in medical related fields)
$73,930

Chemical engineers (they work with raw materials)
$78,860

Civil engineers (they make bridges and such)
$68,600

Computer hardware engineers (built the computer you are using)
$88,470

Electrical engineers (designed the Ipod)
$75,930

Environmental engineers (work to clean up the environment)
$69,940

Industrial engineers (work to optimize shipping routes, etc.)
$68,620

Materials engineers (cost effective materials engineering)
$73,990

Mechanical engineers (aircraft, robotics; very broad)
$69,850

Mining and geological engineers
$72,160

All other engineers
$81,660

source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm

Considering the fact that our society needs engineers, you're almost guaranteed a better chance of finding a job nowadays with an Engineering degree than with any other. A median salary of over $50,000 looks extremely good by today's standards, especially during times of economic instability (such as now).

Engineering will not be an easy decision. It's a hard and grueling process that is meant to sharpen the mind and problem solving skills, but there is much job security. At no time in history has there ever been a "non-need" of engineers. We as a society keep striving to innovate, invent, and make life easier and better, and that is what engineers do. So if you enjoy doing something really concrete, something that may benefit society for many years to come, engineering might just be the thing for you.