Getting Started

Last updated: Spring 2019

College: Engineering

Information below is meant to guide first year students in getting started with this major and choosing appropriate courses. More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed fooundation/pre-requisite courses. Please refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore/Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements. Guidelines for students are available at https://www.umass.edu/gened. Students should choose from a wide variety of Gen Ed courses, providing breadth of experience.

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/Change into the Major

For current & admitted students: This major is restricted, which means students must apply through an on-campus process to be accepted into the major. The majors may have criteria for admission/acceptance into the major (e.g., specific courses, GPA)

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 curriculum worksheet for the specific Engineering program you wish to pursue. After completing requirements, fill out the online change of major form to complete the transition to an Engineering major.

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

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

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.

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