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Prospective Students

What Is Engineering?

Engineering is a creative profession. It is the application of science and mathematics to design, make, and improve things to benefit society.

Engineers are problem solvers. They turn ideas and scientific discoveries into the creation of new products.

"Engineering is all around us, people often take it for granted, like air and water. Ask yourself, what do I touch that is not engineered? Engineering develops and delivers consumer goods, builds networks of highways, air and rail travel, and the Internet, mass produces antibiotics, creates artificial heart valves, builds lasers, and offers such wonders as imaging technology and conveniences like microwave ovens and compact discs. In short, engineers make our quality of life possible."

--William A. Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering

Engineering is a profession of creativity.

…So there are two kinds of people: those who want imagination given to them and those who want to be part of constructing it. The latter become engineers.

-- Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, Technology Review, Jan. 1995

Learn more about engineering from the following sources:

American Society for Engineering Education

Engineering: Your Future
A guide for high school students considering engineering

Why Study Engineering?
The Top 10 Benefits

Engineering FAQ's

Assess Yourself
Do you have what it takes to become an engineer?