Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: Engineering

 (Revised Spring 2018)  

How to Explore/Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Required prerequisite courses to be taken CONCURRENTLY:

  • MATH 131*
  • For Computer Systems, Electrical, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering: PHYSICS 151*
  • For Biomedical, Chemical or Civil Engineering: CHEM 111*
  • ENGLWRIT 112

Additional recommended courses:
ENGIN 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114. Registration restricted to space availability during the Add/Drop period. (To add the course, students should see the relevant CUA for the specific program they wish to pursue.) 

*Note: Students whose Math Placement Exam scores indicate that they are not ready to take MATH 131, PHYSICS 151 or CHEM 111 may need to start lower in the Math sequence. Under no circumstances should students who need to do so take PHYSICS 151 concurrently.

Those who need to start with MATH 104 sometimes do well enough to gain admission to the College of Engineering. However, students who need to start with MATH 101 or lower are rarely admitted. They should consider alternate majors and see their academic advisor to discuss other areas of interest.

Minimum GPA or grades in prerequisite courses:
A “C” or better in each of the above-listed courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 are required for admission to the College of Engineering. Admission is based both on performance in selected required courses and overall academic performance. Students are not guaranteed admission even if they have completed the required courses that make them eligible to apply.

How to Declare the Major

For June or January review, students should apply to the College of Engineering during or after the semester in which they complete the above-listed prerequisites. (Notice these vary depending upon the specific major within Engineering.) Students are encouraged to make an appointment with an advisor in the Office of Student Affairs located in 126 Marston Hall to discuss their academic plans and progress. Given the complex and differing sequential requirements for each specific Engineering major, this is especially recommended for all new students who wish to become Engineering majors.

Students in another major at UMass who wish to apply for admission to the College of Engineering should do so before the end of their sophomore year. Without special Assistant Dean’s approval, students who have completed more than 60 credits will not be eligible for admission.

As soon as possible, make an appointment with an advisor in the Office of Student Affairs, 126 Marston Hall. At that time, pick up a copy of the application form and curriclum worksheet for the specific Engineering program you wish to pursue. After completing requirements, return completed form with an unofficial copy of your UMass transcript to 126 Marston Hall.

Transfer Students:

As soon as possible, make an appointment with an advisor in the Office of Student Affairs, 126 Marston Hall, to assess the feasibility of pursuing the Engineering major. Bring an unofficial copy of your University and any previous transcript(s) to include with your application.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # or range of credits required: 105-111 (including science and math requirements)

The College of Engineering offers seven Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degrees: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer Systems, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering. See an Engineering advisor about specific requirements for each of these degrees.

Is there a minor? If so, what are the requirements? No.

For further information, contact:
Office of Student Affairs
126 Marston Hall; 545-2035
www.engineering.umass.edu