When it comes to jobs in engineering, the possibilities are growing exponentially. And UC Merced is meeting the challenge by growing its engineering majors to produce the skilled workforce needed for the current and future job markets.
Engineers solve problems and create devices, systems, processes and structures to solve problems and improve society. UC Merced prides itself on providing comprehensive, hands-on instruction in the classroom, ensuring that students gain the knowledge and skills they need.
Starting in fall 2025, students can major in aerospace engineering and in biochemical and biomolecular engineering.
Those join three majors newly available in fall 2024: electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and data science and analytics. And three years ago, the university added a civil engineering bachelor's of science degree to the environmental engineering program, which has been offered since UC Merced began.
Aerospace engineering is one of the fastest-growing industries in California, with the number of jobs projected to grow 8.5% in the next decade, according to the proposal to add the major.
Graduates from the biochemical and biomolecular engineering major will be prepared for careers in several high-demand fields in the food, biotech and biopharma industries, among others. Faculty have established an external advisory board that includes representatives from relevant industries, including the vice president for engineering at Gallo Winery.
Chemical engineers are recruited for the design, synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials in a variety of industries including industrial chemicals and petroleum, environmental engineering, electronics, agriculture, tissue engineering, biomaterials engineering, food and beverage processing, semiconductor manufacturing and power generation.
The undergraduate chemical engineering program covers a range of subjects, including chemistry, physics, materials and thermal/mass/fluids/heat transfer, as well as computer-aided engineering, design, scale-up and manufacturing.
Data sciences and analytics opens the door to numerous professional opportunities in wide-ranging areas, including business, economics, health care and environmental management.
The new majors will provide students with a wider array of options in an engineering program that's consistently rated among the best in the nation.
"Our new programs will offer growing opportunities for our students to succeed and thrive," said School of Engineering Dean Rakesh Goel.
