The College of Engineering held a reimagined "Decision Week" Feb. 26-March 1, including two sessions at which 664 first-year engineering students selected their intended discipline among 10 possible degree sequences. 

For the third consecutive year, mechanical engineering drew the most students, 161, just over 24% of the total. The combined disciplines of computer science and computer engineering attracted 179 students, or about 27%.

The tradition began as "Decision Day" in 2008 along with the First-Year Engineering Program, which is designed to help first-year students build a solid foundation for their engineering education. The college created intentional components in first-year engineering courses so students can make an informed decision about their major.

"It's a very exciting time for everyone when our first-year students make their decisions about their area of study, and the College of Engineering welcomes all of them to this challenging, rewarding and innovative field," said Dean Kim Needy.

The program invites faculty from each department attend first-year engineering classes in the fall to provide initial introductions about the college's disciplines. Students visit departments of their choosing in the spring to interact with faculty, staff, current students and sometimes alumni to help them gain a deeper understanding and finalize their selection.

"The departments do such a great job making this process fun for students, which helps them feel connected and prepared for the rigorous work ahead," said Heath Schluterman, coordinator of the First-Year Engineering Program.

Final Totals

The final 2024 totals, by degree sequence, were:

• Biological: 27 (4%)
• Biomedical: 81 (12%)
• Chemical: 41 (6%)
• Civil: 77 (12%)
• Computer Engineering: 35 (5%)
• Computer Science (B.A.): 11 (2%)
• Computer Science (B.S.): 133 (20%)
• Electrical: 51 (8%)
• Industrial: 47 (7%)
• Mechanical: 161 (24%)
• Total: 664

Percentages are rounded.