Inspiring Sustainability in Undergraduate Engineering Programs

Tina Griesinger (), Kenneth Reid, David Knight, Andrew Katz and John Somers
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Tina Griesinger: Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Kenneth Reid: R.B. Annis School of Engineering, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA
David Knight: Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Andrew Katz: Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
John Somers: School of Education, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 12, 1-14

Abstract: The number of engineers who are transitioning into environmental sustainability careers is growing, though a gap still exists between the supply and demand. This presents an opportunity for undergraduate engineering students to fulfill the demand as environmental sustainability professionals. This qualitative exploratory study investigated environmental sustainability learning experiences and future career interests in environmental sustainability. The social cognitive theory (SCCT) was utilized as a theoretical lens, exploring undergraduate students’ environmental sustainability interests, related learning experiences and their interest in pursuing a future career in environmental sustainability. Twenty-five undergraduate engineering students in various engineering disciplines were interviewed for this study. Data were analyzed to (1) identify the students’ interest in pursuing a career in environmental sustainability, (2) determine if the students’ interests have changed since they began their undergraduate studies, and (3) explore how learning experiences have impacted the students’ future career choices. The findings posit that exposure to environmental sustainability learning experiences is impactful and plays an important role, impacting the students’ interests in pursuing careers in sustainability. The results reveal that elements such as personal beliefs and salary considerations inspire career choices. This research contributes to addressing the demand for additional working professionals who are prepared to tackle environmental sustainability issues, highlighting the role of learning experiences in shaping students’ career interests.

Keywords: environmental sustainability; engineering education; learning experiences; career interests (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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