A Student Survey for Recruiting, Retention, and Program Development

Abstract

A survey of undergraduate students enrolled in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia was conducted. Three-fourths of the potential candidates were interviewed. Most of the students were male, coming from rural agricultural backgrounds in Missouri. Wanting to study agriculture, science, and engineering, most enrolled in the program planning to study power and machinery. Retention levels of those surveyed showed 63.5% planning to continue in agricultural engineering. Overall, students were introduced to a much broader field than anticipated when they entered agricultural engineering. Many students had incorrect perceptions of the profession, with a stereotypical view of only agricultural machinery design or farming. Student involvement in professional and campus organizations was less than expected. For some, a degree and department name change is not appropriate. Nevertheless, strong opinions from the majority showed the need for a change to better explain the broad scope of the profession and increase future interest and enrollment. Positive views on the department predominated, especially in terms of student support from the faculty.