The College of Engineering held its "Decision Week" Feb. 26-28, including four sessions at which more than 700 first-year engineering students selected their intended discipline among 10 possible degree programs. 

Mechanical engineering drew the most students, 222, about 31 percent of the total. The combined disciplines of computer science and computer engineering attracted 129 students, or about 18 percent.

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.

For example, the program invites faculty from each department to 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.

During Decision Week, the college asks first-year students to gather in assemblies where they officially join their departments, and faculty, staff and upperclassmen shower them with cheers, swag and snacks.

"Choosing a major within engineering is a significant and important milestone, which is part of why we celebrate this decision in the way that we do," said Dean Kim Needy. "As these students further explore their chosen disciplines, we are here to support, inspire and challenge them to drive progress and make a real impact on the world."

FINAL TOTALS

The 2025 totals, by program of study, were:

Biological Engineering, 24 (3 percent)*
Biomedical Engineering, 64 (9 percent)
Chemical Engineering, 77 (11 percent)
Civil Engineering, 95 (13 percent)
Computer Engineering, 35 (5 percent)
Computer Science (B.A.), 6 (1 percent)
Computer Science (B.S.), 88 (12 percent)
Electrical Engineering, 49 (7 percent)
Industrial Engineering, 53 (7 percent)
Mechanical Engineering, 222 (31 percent)
Total: 713

*Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.