Degrees and Programs
The Shiley School of Engineering offers four-year bachelor of science degrees in civil engineering (B.S.C.E.), electrical engineering (B.S.E.E.), and mechanical engineering (B.S.M.E.) that are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Shiley School offers a four-year bachelor of science degree in computer science (B.S.C.S.) that is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. A post-baccalaureate professional computer science (B.C.S.) degree is offered to students with a previous degree. The B.C.S. is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU.) but is not currently accredited by ABET.
A master of engineering degree and a master of biomedical engineering degree are offered by the Shiley School. Details of these degree programs are given in the Graduate School section of this bulletin.
Undergraduate Curriculum
The first year is common to all engineering curricula; the computer science program has a common first semester and a second semester that is mostly common to the engineering programs. During the first year the student lays the foundation for later engineering studies. This foundation consists of courses in mathematics, science, introduction to engineering, computing and applications, and core curriculum. During the second year the study of mathematics and science continues, and courses in basic engineering and computer science theory and application are introduced. In the junior and senior years the curriculum consists primarily of courses in the student’s specialization. There is a progression from analysis-oriented courses to design and application-oriented courses. In all programs, a capstone project is required in the senior year. Some variation in the order in which courses are taken is permissible so long as the prerequisites are satisfied.
Throughout the four years, the student takes liberal arts courses to broaden their education and to improve communication skills.
The student is also required to take nine hours of professional electives that are relevant to his or her future career. Professional elective credit may not be awarded for AP and IB examinations, or ROTC credit.
Engineering students are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination prior to graduation. This nationwide examination is a step toward registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) Our students’ passing rates have been well above the national average in this examination.