The Curriculum

The curricula of each of the seven undergraduate degree programs are designed in both structure and content to build a strong foundation in engineering. The first year of study includes introductory engineering courses, mathematics, science, writing, and social world elective courses. This is followed by core courses in each of the disciplines.

First-Semester Curriculum

Introductory Engineering Courses

A number of courses are designed to serve as introductions to engineering: ENGIN 100 to Engineering broadly, ENGIN 110 to Chemical Engineering, ENGIN 111 to Civil and Environmental Engineering, ENGIN 112 to Electrical and Computer Engineering, ENGIN 113 to Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and ENGIN 114 to Biomedical Engineering. These courses offer opportunities for students to explore engineering disciplines as they make decisions about their course of study. They have common goals: 1) to expose students to basic engineering principles and practices; and 2) to educate students to think analytically. Listed below are typical first-year fall semester curricula:

Biomedical Engineering

ENGIN 114, MATH 131, CHEM 111, ENGLWRIT 112 and Social World Elective

Chemical Engineering

ENGIN 110, MATH 131, CHEM 111, ENGLWRIT 112 and Social World Elective

Civil and Environmental Engineering

ENGIN 111, MATH 131, CHEM 111, ENGLWRIT 112 and/or Social World Elective

Electrical and Computer Engineering

ENGIN 112, MATH 131, PHYSICS 151, ENGLWRIT 112 or Social World Elective

Mechanical Engineering

ENGIN 113, MATH 131, PHYSICS 151, ENGLWRIT 112 and/or a Social World Elective

Industrial Engineering

ENGIN 113, MATH 131, CHEM 111 or Physics 151, ENGLWRIT 112 and/or a Social World Elective

Second-Semester Curriculum

Typical second-semester curriculums include discipline-specific introductory courses, as well as follow-up required courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry as appropriate to each discipline.

Additional Curricular Information

The engineering curriculums for the remaining years of study provide foundational material in each of the disciplines. Some students elect to take a double major, have extended internships or co-op experiences in industry, or study abroad. Each engineering discipline offers upper-level electives for students and all majors require the completion of an integrative project, an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom. Some students take advantage of a challenging Honors Program (Commonwealth Honors College). If students are interested, there are many opportunities in undergraduate research and independent study. The research efforts of the faculty and their students are a very important part of the College of Engineering.

Course Requirements for all Engineering Students

The following courses are taken by all students in the seven engineering majors. Generally, these courses are completed in the first three semesters at the University (with the exception of Engin 351).

Mathematics and Physics

Math 131, (4 credits), Calculus I
Math 132, (4 credits), Calculus II
Physics 151 (4 credits), General Physics I with lab
Physics 152 (4 credits), General Physics II with lab

Freshman Engineering Courses

Each department offers two engineering courses (one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester) as an introduction to the field.

Writing Courses (University requirements)

ENGLWRIT 112 College Writing (first year)
ENGIN 351 Writing in Engineering (junior year)

Progression in the Majors

First-year students enter the College of Engineering in one of the seven engineering majors or as Pr-Engin students who have not yet decided on a specific engineering major. To continue to the sophomore level courses in an engineering major students must have cumulative and most recent semester GPAs of 2.0 or higher and must have completed with grades of C or better: MATH 131; MATH 132; ENGIN 100, 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114; CHE 120, CEE 121, ECE 122 or MIE 124; PHYSICS 151; CHEM 111 or PHYSICS 152; and ENGLWRIT 112.

Pass/Fail Option

No course taken on a Pass/Fail basis may be applied to General Education, major or PR-ENGIN requirements.

Course Availability

Not all courses are offered every semester, including some required courses. It is very important that students meet with their advisers on a regular basis to plan the completion of their engineering degree.