Pre-Engineering Studies
Many of the problems facing our society need technological solutions that will come only with a strong work force of engineers and scientists. Just to be technically trained will not be sufficient. Engineers must be sensitive to the environmental, societal, and human implications of both problems and solutions. It is essential that engineers be liberally educated to meet the demands of a changing world. At Ottawa University, the primary objective is to provide such a liberal arts education. The pre-engineering curriculum is designed to do this while providing a grounding in science and mathematics courses to prepare the student for the upper-level engineering courses that he/she will encounter after transferring to an engineering college to complete his/her studies.
The pre-engineering program operates as follows: The student meets with the Pre-Engineering Advisor at Ottawa University and develops a contract. In most cases, all the requirements for a degree from The University can be met in the three-year period except for the required major in mathematics and the 124 semester credit hour rule for graduation. The contract specifies that after appropriate courses in applied mathematics are completed at an engineering school chosen by the student, the major in mathematics will be considered fulfilled. The same type of specifications is made concerning the 124 semester credit hour requirement. When Ottawa University receives official transcripts showing that these additional courses and hours have been completed, a Bachelor of Arts degree is granted. This program is the same regardless of the engineering school chosen and the area of interest, civil, mechanical, electrical, etc. In the advising process, it is beneficial for the student to be guided by a catalog from the school to which he/she wishes to transfer. It is important that the pre-engineering advisor be contacted as soon as possible so that an individualized (adult education) plan can be developed. For a list of required mathematics courses at Ottawa University, see the required major courses for mathematics in this catalog.
The student should be prepared with a solid mathematics background in high school work, including geometry, two years of algebra and trigonometry or pre-calculus. In addition to the technical courses, the student should take courses in such areas as English composition, psychology, religion, sociology, and economics, not only to meet graduation requirements at both Ottawa University and the engineering school but, more importantly, because they are the foundation of a liberally educated person.