Factors that Influence a Student’s Decision to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Abstract

In the United States, employment for civil engineers is projected to grow. To keep up with the growing demand for civil engineers in the workforce, understanding the factors that motivate college students to pursue civil engineering is necessary. Understanding these factors can contribute significantly to prevention of deficiencies in the number of civil engineers in the workforce. This study surveyed 1071 students, 214 females and 857 males, to identify factors that influenced them to pursue civil engineering as a degree. Their responses were recorded and organized into different categories, including personal relationships, aptitudes in school subjects, civil engineering disciplines, skills and passions, career expectations, and environmental upbringing. This paper analyzes and discusses the influence of these various factors and how recruitment methods may be improved based on these results.