More and more computer programs that provide solutions to

This isn't really a good question because the Correct Answer is not worded as GMAT would. We always have 1 Main Conclusion in an argument even if the argument has 2 conclusions and test makers clearly mention that in the answer options if they Bold-en both the conclusions.

Let's Analyze 1st Boldface.
More and more computer programs that provide solutions to mathematical problems in engineering are being produced, and it is thus increasingly unnecessary for practicing engineers to have a thorough understanding of fundamental mathematical principles.
Thus - is a Conclusion Marker => 1st Boldface has a Conclusion.

Now, the 2nd BF
Consequently, in training engineers who will work in industry, less emphasis should be placed on mathematical principles, so that space in the engineering curriculum will be available for other important subjects.
Consequently - so that -> Another Conclusion Markers.=> We have 2 Conclusions in the Argument

Here, we have 2 conclusions and First conclusion (it is thus increasingly unnecessary for practicing engineers to have a thorough understanding of fundamental mathematical principles) is working as a premise for the main conclusion (in training engineers who will work in industry, less emphasis should be placed on mathematical principles, so that space in the engineering curriculum will be available for other important subjects).

You can check that by substituting "Therefore" between both the lines.

1. In training engineers who will work in industry, less emphasis should be placed on mathematical principles, so that space in the engineering curriculum will be available for other important subjects therefore, it is thus increasingly unnecessary for practicing engineers to have a thorough understanding of fundamental mathematical principles.
Wrong. Cause Effect Relationship is reversed.


2. It is thus increasingly unnecessary for practicing engineers to have a thorough understanding of fundamental mathematical principles therefore, in training engineers who will work in industry, less emphasis should be placed on mathematical principles, so that space in the engineering curriculum will be available for other important subjects.
Makes perfect sense; therefore, Last Statement is the Main Conclusion.


So essentially, 1st Bold face is acting as a Premise for the 2nd Bold Face. Now, lets analyze the options.

(A) The first is the second-premise that the argument includes; the second is the conclusion that could be drawn from this passage. First is the part of 1st Premise
(B) The first is the fact that is necessary for this argument; the second is the conclusion that must be drawn from this passage. Strong words. Argument would hold true even without the necessities and compulsion (must be).
(C) The first is the part of premise that the argument includes; the second is the inference that could be drawn from this passage. Second is Not the Inference. It is the Conclusion.
(D) The first is the part of evidence that supports this argument; the second is the inference that could be drawn from this passage. Second is Not the Inference. It is the Conclusion.
(E) The first is the first conclusion in this argument; the second is the second conclusion in this argument. These are not the 1st and 2nd Conclusion in the argument. These are the Sub-ordinate and Main conclusions or Premise and Main conclusions. However, this is the only option close to what we have analyzed above. Hence, this is the Correct Option.

Difference Between Inference and Conclusion

Inference is not explicitly mentioned in the argument while the conclusion is.