Yes, being an engineering student can be hard due to the challenging curriculum, rigorous coursework, and demanding workload.
Response to your inquiry in detail
Yes, being an engineering student can be hard due to the challenging curriculum, rigorous coursework, and demanding workload. As one of the most difficult academic fields, engineering often requires long hours of study, problem-solving, and research. It is not uncommon for engineering students to spend countless hours in the library or working on projects.
According to Albert Einstein “Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” However, many engineering students find mathematics and the rigorous curriculum to be overwhelming. In addition, engineering courses can be very challenging, requiring students to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems.
Here are some interesting facts about engineering students:
- Engineering students are some of the highest-paid graduates.
- According to a survey, 95% of engineering students recommend the major to others.
- Engineering students are often tasked with creating innovative and practical solutions to real-world problems.
- Engineering is a vast field that includes many different specialties, from civil engineering to electrical engineering.
- Engineering students often work on team projects, which requires strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
- Many engineering students pursue graduate degrees to further their education and advance their careers in the field.
Table: Comparison of engineering programs at top universities
University | Program | Duration | Tuition |
---|---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 4 years | $53,790/year |
Stanford University | Mechanical Engineering | 4 years | $52,857/year |
California Institute of Technology | Aerospace Engineering | 4 years | $54,600/year |
University of California, Berkeley | Civil Engineering | 4 years | $14,252 (in-state) |
As shown in the table above, the cost of tuition for an engineering degree can vary greatly depending on the university and program. However, engineering remains a popular and rewarding career choice for those with a passion for problem-solving and innovation.
See a video about the subject
“The Engineer Drop-Out Problem” video explores the issue of students dropping out of engineering programs and STEM majors in general. It is noted that only 35% of students who enter an engineering program actually graduate as engineers and that a similar trend is seen across STEM majors in general. The video suggests that this may be due to a lack of preparation for the rigorous workload in high school and a lack of effective communication from professors regarding the real-life applications of engineering. Successful programs, like the one at Columbia, provide hands-on applications which help students engage with and comprehend the material better.
There are alternative points of view
However, achieving an engineering degree is no easy task. It requires a lot of technical prowess, a robust foundation in mathematics and science, and a strong work ethic to tackle the challenging curriculum. That being said, not all engineering majors are created equal. Some engineering majors are easier than others.
The reality is that the classes are tough, and they require more time and attention than the average degree. BUT, being an engineer is not an easy title to hold, and finishing the program is impressive because of the difficult classes and hours of studying that back the degree.
Yes, engineering school is hard. Yes, you have to put in the time. Yes, the exams are sometimes ridiculous (e.g. a 37% was the class average on my first Vibrations exam). But it’s doable.
The academic, mental, and emotional demands are not for feeble minds. Retention rates among engineering students are among the lowest, with about 60% of engineering majors either dropping out or changing majors. Unsurprisingly, this field is considered one of the toughest college degrees to earn.
Besides the heavy workload, there are a ton of reasons why being an engineering student is hard. Here are 6 reasons.