Program Coordinator: Eric Brisart
The Bachelor of Science in engineering is intended for students who want to combine the study of fundamental engineering principles with significant work in a complementary area. By design, the B.S. Engineering program has much more flexibility than is possible with a degree in a specific engineering discipline. This flexibility results in many elective choices which will allow the student to develop depth in a complementary area of his or her choice. The requirements for a minor may be satisfied using the program electives. The minor may be selected from any area across the university, but should be selected with the goal of preparing the student for a particular career path.
Courses in the first several semesters track closely with those in most other engineering programs. Early in the sophomore year, B.S. Engineering students will prepare a study plan in consultation with the program coordinator to identify specific goals for their program with a tentative list of elective choices to meet these goals.
- Minor in Pre-law - for students who are planning a career in patent law
- Minor in Biology - for students who wish to pursue a career in biomedical engineering
- Minor in Professional and Technical Writing, or Communications - for a career in technical writing and communications
- Minor in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Math - to prepare for a career teaching at the high school level
- Minor in Business Management - for students interested in management in a technical industry
- Minor in Political Science - to prepare for a career in government service dealing with technical issues
- Minor in Sustainability studies - as preparation for a career in in a public policy position to help make our infrastructure more sustainable
- Minor in Marketing, Finance, or Management - to prepare for a career as an entrepreneur, or to work in technical sales
The program also provides the opportunity for including elements of two different engineering disciplines in one program.
The Degree Program
The B.S. Engineering degree program requires completion of 121 credits, including the 40-credit University Core Curriculum requirements. Most of the requirements for the University Core are satisfied by specifically designated courses aligned with the program's objectives. The BS Engineering program also includes a core of interdisciplinary engineering courses bearing the EASC prefix. These courses provide a broad engineering background that spans the major disciplines. In addition, students develop engineering depth by choosing additional engineering courses from a variety of electives.
Students can use electives (including engineering electives) to focus on an area of interest within the engineering disciplines or to combine engineering with courses in other disciplines. Per program requirements, students must select a minor from any recognized program at the University. Students are expected to submit their planned program of study to their advisor during their first sophomore semester. Changes can be made any time after this point provided that degree requirements are met and advisors are consulted.
During the senior year, students must complete a capstone project. The project should include elements of engineering design, laboratory research, computer simulations or other significant independent work. The project may be completed in one semester or may span the full year, as appropriate to the topic and scope. One choice is to participate in a two-semester, industry-sponsored design project with students from other majors.