Technological advancements have led to a growing demand for engineers nationwide. In fact, government statistics suggest that during the next eight years, approximately 178,300 new jobs will become available to these professionals.
As the need for people with a background in this field continues to rise, schools across the country are expanding their campuses and building new facilities for these degree programs. For example, the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has opened the Swenson Civil Engineering building, which houses the academic institution's six new laboratories, classrooms as well as administrative offices.
School officials report that computer labs located in the new facility will include the most up-to-date software available to engineering students. Also, one of the engineering labs has been specifically designed for studying water technology, while a second will be used to test and evaluate sustainable equipment.
Constructing the new building will help meet "the demand for civil engineers in our area and our state," said Kathryn A. Martin, chancellor of UMD. She added that "with its emphasis on sustainability and environmental quality, [civil engineering] will help lead our state as well as our nation and world into a cleaner, safer 21st century."
