Undergraduate engineering programs in the United States offer a wide range of disciplines. The most common types of engineering degrees available include:
Civil Engineering: Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
Mechanical Engineering: Involves the design and manufacturing of mechanical systems and devices, including engines, machines, and tools.
Electrical Engineering: Centers on the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, including the design of electrical systems and devices.
Chemical Engineering: Deals with the conversion of raw materials into useful products through chemical processes, often working in industries like pharmaceuticals, energy, and food production.
Computer Engineering: Combines electrical engineering with computer science to develop computer hardware and software.
Biomedical Engineering: Applies engineering principles to the medical field, developing technologies for healthcare and medical devices.
Aerospace Engineering: Focuses on the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft.
Environmental Engineering: Involves solving environmental problems through engineering, such as waste management and pollution control.
Industrial Engineering: Optimizes complex processes and systems, often focusing on improving efficiency in manufacturing and production.
Nuclear Engineering: Concerns the application of nuclear processes, including the development of nuclear power and radiation technologies.
These programs typically require a strong foundation in mathematics and science, and they offer diverse career opportunities across various industries.
Here are the general requirements for entry into an undergraduate engineering program in the US for domestic and international students:
Academic Requirements
- Strong background in math and science courses, including:
- 4 years of math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Competitive GPA (3.0+)
- Strong standardized test scores:
- SAT or ACT for domestic students
- TOEFL or IELTS for international students
Not sure you want to go directly into engineering?
Several liberal arts colleges in the US offer pre-engineering programs and 3-2 or 4-1 engineering programs in partnership with other universities.
Liberal Arts Colleges with Pre-Engineering Programs:
Many liberal arts colleges offer pre-engineering curricula that prepare students for further engineering studies:
- Amherst College
- Bowdoin College
- Carleton College
- Colby College
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Swarthmore College
- Williams College
These schools typically provide a strong foundation in math, physics, and other sciences relevant to engineering.
3-2 Engineering Programs:
3-2 programs, also known as dual degree programs, allow students to spend three years at a liberal arts college and then transfer to an engineering school for two additional years. Upon completion, students earn two bachelor’s degrees: one from the liberal arts college and one from the engineering school.
4-1 Engineering Programs:
4-1 programs typically involve completing a bachelor’s degree in four years at a liberal arts college, followed by one additional year to earn a master’s degree in engineering at a partner university.
Colleges with 3-2 or 4-1 Engineering Programs:
Several liberal arts colleges have established partnerships with engineering schools for dual degree programs:
3-2 Programs:
- Occidental College (partners with Columbia, Caltech)
- Wesleyan University (partners with Columbia, Dartmouth)
- Bates College (partners with Columbia, RPI, WPI)
- Franklin & Marshall College (partners with Columbia, Washington University)
- Pomona College (partners with Caltech)
4-1 Programs:
- Harvey Mudd College (partners with Claremont Graduate University)
- Macalester College (partners with the University of Minnesota, Washington University St.Louis)
Benefits of Liberal Arts Engineering Programs:
These programs offer several advantages:
- Broader educational foundation
- Smaller class sizes and more personalized attention
- Flexibility to explore other academic interests
- Development of communication and critical thinking skills
Students typically earn two bachelor’s degrees – one from the liberal arts college and one in engineering from the partner institution.
It’s important to note that admission to the engineering portion of these programs is often contingent on maintaining a certain GPA and completing specific prerequisite courses. Students should carefully review the requirements and consult with advisors at both institutions when considering these programs.
Dual-degree/Combined programs:
Whether you are certain of your engineering path or are not sure if it’s for you, take the time to discover the levels of commitment and requirements and balance that work colleges that most appeal to you. Be sure you keep a balanced list!
