What is Engineering

Engineering was recently described by the National Science Foundation as a bridge between the gap of what the mind can imagine and what the laws of nature allow. While scientists seek to discover what is not yet known, engineers apply fundamental science to design and develop new devices and systems to solve problems. 

Engineers design products, machinery to build those products, plants in which those products are made, and the systems that ensure the quality of the products. Engineers design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and transit systems. They develop and implement improved ways to extract, process, and use raw materials such as petroleum and natural gas. They harness the power of the sun, the earth, atoms, and electricity for use in supplying the nation's power needs and create millions of products using power.

Engineers analyze the impact of products developed on the environment and on people using them. Engineering knowledge is applied to improving many things, including the quality of health care, the safety of food products, and the operation of financial systems.

Engineers will have exciting opportunities through breakthrough developments in nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and other cutting-edge industries.