Frequently Asked Questions
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What is engineering science?
For a definition of engineering science,
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Who chooses Engineering Science as a major?
Students who have such a broad range of interests that they are unsure which major to pick. Students who are looking for a challenging honors curriculum (many students are also members of the Schreyer Honors College).
Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary field of study. Students who are good at so many things that they have not been able to eliminate choices based on things that they can not do.
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What distinguishes Engineering Science from the more traditional engineering disciplines?
The Engineering Science curriculum provides much more breadth across physics and the engineering disciplines than traditional programs. This promotes communication with engineers and scientists having different backgrounds and makes them natural leaders of multidisciplinary teams.
Furthermore, depth of knowledge in an area of the student's choosing is achieved through 12 technical elective credits and the senior design project.
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What do engineering Science students do after graduation?
A large number of our graduates continue on to the top graduate school in the US (for example: Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Michigan, Penn State, Stanford, UC Berkeley).
Others accept positions with companies such as AT&T, Bechtel Bettis, Dupont, ExxonMobil, Ford, GE, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies or government agencies such as the Naval Research Lab and the US Patent Office. Still others enter medical school, law school, obtain MBAs, and/or start their own companies.
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Who hires engineering Science graduates?
See "What do engineering Science students do after graduation?" above.
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Is it possible to work directly with professors on research?
Undergraduate research, which gives students a chance to work directly with faculty and their research teams, is encouraged. A formal program is available in the summer. This helps students identify a topic for their senior project.
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How do I get more information and/or arrange for a tour?
Contact Dr. Christine Masters 814.865.6674 or Dr. Cliff Lissenden 814.863.5754 or send email to undergradofficer@email.esm.psu.edu
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How do I apply?
Click here for the Penn State Admissions Office
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Where can I find out more about the stained glass window in the department's office?
The main office of the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics is perhaps the only office on campus with its own stained glass window, entitled, "A View from the Garden" by Ellen Hermann.
The window was commissioned by Richard P. McNitt, now Department Head Emeritus, in memory of his wife, Jean.
Click the link below for more information: