Engineering Science Program Educational Objectives

Engineering science is a multidisciplinary honors program that emphasizes enhanced understanding and integrated application of engineering, scientific, and mathematical principles. The program is unique in providing a broad foundation in the sciences and associated mathematics that underlie engineering and provides students the opportunity to obtain a depth of knowledge in an area of their choosing through technical electives and an honors thesis.

The curriculum is designed for students who seek to link the engineering disciplines with science. In addition to taking core courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, students study thermodynamics, heat transfer, electromagnetics, solid and fluid mechanics, electrical devices, materials science, and failure analysis. During the senior year, all students select a focus area of study, complete a capstone research and design project and write a thesis that integrates the scientific principles of research, design, and analysis and applies them to engineering. Focus areas of study include, but are not limited to, electrical, mechanical, civil, bioengineering, and materials and are typically interdisciplinary. Hence, engineering science students achieve both depth and breadth in engineering and science, are able to function across disciplines, and graduate well prepared for advanced studies, as well as professional employment.

The expected accomplishments of Engineering Science graduates in the first several years following graduation are:

  1. Participate in lifelong learning activities including but not limited to masters, doctorate, medical, and law degrees, continuing education, leadership development, management training, and global involvement/awareness.
  2. Engage in practice in a wide variety of fields including but not limited to electrical systems, electronics, mechanical systems, materials development, forensics, biomaterials, medicine, law, and business.
  3. Research, develop, design and/or utilize new products, processes, materials, devices, systems, and/or tools.
  4. Communicate findings and best practices at conferences, meetings, and to the general public, through technical publications (journals, reports, memoranda), presentations, intellectual property generation, and patent filings.
  5. Use state-of-the-art tools for the benefit of society.
  6. Participate in and promote the value of diversity in society.
  7. Encourage and foster future generations of engineers through mentoring, service, and outreach.

Program Outcomes

At the time of graduation, Engineering Science graduates are expected to attain:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs with realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
  4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  7. an ability to communicate effectively
  8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economical, environmental, and social context
  9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.