<p>There are a lot of different ways they could be computing these numbers. The quote above is “30% of declared majors.” It’s possible that science and engineering majors declare earlier than humanities majors since they tend to have more prerequisites and requirements, and may want to get a major advisor sooner rather than later. If that’s the case, the percentage of declared science majors could be higher than the percentage of graduating science majors.</p>
<p>In any case, focussing on these numbers is getting us away from the comments about the strength of the science and engineering programs. My daughter and her friends have been quite happy with their science and engineering classes and labs (as well as the opportunity also to take first-class humanities and arts classes). It’s really nice that at the Smith research conference later this month (Celebrating Collaborations) there will presentations and posters by not just seniors, but by first-years, sophomores, and juniors as well.</p>