What is engineering?

According to the Merriam Webster's collegiate dictionary, engineering is defined as the

application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of
energy in nature are made useful to people.
Engineering comprises men and women who work in aerospace, biomedical, chemicals,
construction, computers, energy, manufacturing, and many other fields that require people
to create products, facilities, and structures.
What is a professional engineer?
Professional engineers have fulfilled the rigorous education, examination, and experience
requirements, which, under state licensure laws, permit them to offer engineering services
to the public. Although engineering licensure laws vary from state to state, in general, to
become a PE an individual must be a graduate of an engineering program accredited by the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering
exam, gain four years of experience as an intern, and then pass the Principles and Practice
of Engineering exam. PEs take legal responsibility for their engineering designs, being bound
by a code of ethics to protect public health and safety.
What do engineers do?
Engineers take abstract ideas and apply science and mathematics to build products to meet
the needs of mankind.
How many engineers are there?
It is estimated that there are more than two million practicing engineers in the U.S.
What is the difference between science and engineering?
Science is knowledge based on observed facts and tested truths arranged in an orderly
system that can be validated and communicated to other people. Engineering is the creative
application of scientific principles used to plan, build, direct, guide, manage, or work on
systems to maintain and improve our daily lives.
How many types of engineering specialties are there?
Aerospace, Agricultural, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil (General and Structural), Computer,
Control Systems, Electrical and Electronics, Environmental, Fire Protection, Geotechnical,
Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mining, Nuclear, Petroleum, Sanitary, and Traffic.
What recent major breakthroughs are attributed to engineers in improving the quality of our
everyday lives?
From the mass production of the automobile to space travel, from the telephone to the
Internet, and from bioengineered foods to clean water, engineers have applied their
expertise to improve the quality of our lives. Visit Great Engineering Achievements.
Has there been an increase or decrease in student enrollment in engineering programs at
colleges and universities across the country?
While the number of engineering degrees awarded remained level, and even declined,
throughout much of the 1990's, data from the American Society for Engineering Education
show bachelor's degrees have increased as much as 20% from 1999 while both master's and
doctoral degrees have seen increases over the past several years. However, data also shows
that these increases may begin to slow as enrollments in all degree levels have declined for
the second consecutive year. Information from ASEE also shows a decline in the number of

enrollments of women in engineering programs, and enrollments for minorities remain low
and unchanged. For more information on engineering enrollment and degree trends,
visit ASEE.
What are some of the top U.S. undergraduate engineering schools?
All engineering programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology have met demanding standards and produce excellent engineers. The best
school for a particular person is impossible to define on a ranking list.
Who was the world's first engineer?
As with other learned professions, today's engineer is defined by formal education and
training. Even before the days of formal education, most cultures pursued such things as
navigation, the medicinal and healing arts, and the building of structures. Many of those
structures showed the ingenuity that is characteristic of engineering. Perhaps Imhotep, the
builder of the Step Pyramid in Egypt in 2250 B.C., was the first engineer.
Who are some famous people who have earned engineering degrees?

Entertainers
Arthur Charles Nielsen, creator of the Nielsen television ratings system
Bill S. Nye, television host
Sammy Kaye, bandleader
Tom Scholz, musician with the rock band "Boston"

Sports Figures
Jair Lynch, 1992 and 1996 Olympic gymnast
Roger T. Staubach, football player for the Dallas Cowboys
Debi Thomas, 1988 Olympic figure skater

Leading Corporate Executives

Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive officer of Amazon.com
Louis V. Gerstner Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of IBM
Roberto C. Goizueta, former chairman and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola
Charles O. (Chad) Holliday Jr., P.E., chairman and chief executive officer of DuPont
Jack E. Little, former president and chief executive officer of Shell Oil Company
John F. "Jack" Welch Jr., P.E., chairman and chief executive officer of General Electric

Company
William S. Harley, co-founder of Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Astronauts
Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 mission
Neil Armstrong, commander Apollo 11 mission, commander Gemini 8 mission
Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, STS-89 mission specialist
Alan Bean, Apollo 12 mission

Presidents, Leaders, and Former Administration Officials

Edward E. Kaufman, former U.S. Senator

Andrew Card, White House chief of staff for president George W. Bush
Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States
General Douglas MacArthur, U.S. Army
Joe L. Barton, P.E., Congressman from Texas
Jim Geringer, former governor of Wyoming
Bill Ratliff, P.E., former lieutenant governor of Texas
John E. Sununu, former White House chief of staff for president George Bush, former
governor of New Hampshire
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