How Digital Engineering Is Shaping University Curricula

Together with Ansys, esteemed universities such as Cornell are looking forward to preparing engineers with the simulation skill set they need. “Simulation is a disruptive technology that can be used to transform engineering curriculum at the university level,” says Rajesh Bhaskaran, director of the Swanson Engineering Simulation Program at Cornell University. “As simulation becomes a standard for teaching physics, nearly every engineering graduate should be able to use simulation software effectively.”

The introduction of these technologies into education represents an industry evolution in which competency in digital solutions is becoming just as essential as traditional engineering skills.

Understanding Current Trends, Benefits, and Challenges in Digital Engineering

The push toward digital engineering comes from the growing complexity of today’s products, which now rely heavily on advanced software.

“As products get more and more advanced, the overall complexity of managing those products is becoming challenging to do with traditional engineering disciplines,” says Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay, an Ansys lead chief technologist.

He explains, “Traditionally, the focus was on design thinking, but it has since shifted to systems thinking. This shift has led to the development of curriculum centered on building awareness of systems, followed by designing, testing, verifying, and validating those systems.”

For example, methodologies like model-based systems engineering (MBSE) help ensure that different elements of a larger, integrated system work together seamlessly. MBSE is fundamental to digital engineering. Integrating this methodology into curricula equips students enhance communication skills across engineering disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Challenges

However, academia faces challenges in keeping pace with these advancements, as the rapid evolution of technology often outpaces the traditional structure of academic courses. To stay aligned with industry standards, universities must continually update their programs to reflect current industry norms and technological advancements, which requires significant resources and faculty adaptation.

As a result, engineering education is evolving to integrate digital engineering concepts within curricula. This is particularly evident in the increasing use of simulation tools at the undergraduate level, which enables students to apply theoretical principles to practical problems, visualization solutions, and underlying physics and enhance their grasp of complex topics.

“Engineering students are now introduced to design concepts almost from the get-go. That wasn’t always the case, and it’s helping them understand the real-world application of their education,” says Dipankar Choudhury, a lead chief technologist at Ansys.

Incorporating advanced simulation tools, such as those provided via the Ansys Academic Program, into undergraduate programs provides students with experience to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. “We’re seeing flipped classrooms — students solve problems in class using tools, then go home to learn the theory. That’s keeping students engaged and matching their expectations,” says Choudhury.

Student Teams Enhance Learning

Student teams play a crucial role in helping engineering students connect theoretical knowledge with practical application — an invaluable skill for any new graduate. Teams typically collaborate on projects that reflect real-world engineering scenarios. This hands-on learning approach provides students with an experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and project management skills, which are essential in the professional world. “In my observation over the past two decades, particularly at leading engineering colleges, there has been a marked increase in the emphasis on design and the application of project-based learning,” says Dipankar Choudhury, a lead chief technologist at Ansys.

Many of these teams receive support through an Ansys Student Team Partnership, which offers free software, resources, and technical guidance to help them bring their projects to life.

Learn more about how Ansys partners with student teams.

Transition From Classroom to Career

Graduates equipped with digital engineering skills enter the workforce with an advantage. Their familiarity with contemporary tools and techniques makes them highly desirable to employers, and being able to contribute effectively to projects from day one reduces the need for extensive on-the-job training. The blend of technical know-how and practical experience is an important asset in new employees as industries become more reliant on digital engineering for design and problem-solving.

“More and more, students are the driving force behind change. They’re digital natives, and they expect engaging, modern learning environments. Simulation tools were once reserved for graduate programs. Now we’re seeing them used in undergrad courses — in case studies, tutorials, even introductory classes,” says Choudhury.