Engineering solves problems, optimizes functionality and enhances safety and efficiency.
Engineering is a broad field of study and professional practice that applies scientific, mathematical, economic and practical knowledge to invent, design, build, maintain, research and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes—often within constraints such as cost, regulations and environmental impact.
Interested in engineering but still deciding on a major?
First-year students interested in engineering but still deciding on a major may choose to enroll in the general engineering program.
The general engineering program offers the flexibility to explore different fields while completing engineering courses important to all engineering degrees. You'll get a chance to discover your interests and strengths as you delve into solid course work in chemistry, calculus, physics and computer science.
Earn up to 30 credit hours while you explore your options. Acceptance into your desired degree program is automatic unless academically dismissed.
At Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», you'll thrive in a dynamic setting that fosters exploration, learning and future success in engineering. Through coursework, hands-on projects and interactions with faculty and peers, you'll uncover your interests and strengths. Early networking opportunities and our reputation as a top engineering school will enhance internship and career prospects, regardless of which engineering major you ultimately choose.
A Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» education means personal attention, an interdisciplinary atmosphere and hands-on learning. Our low student-to-faculty ratio encourages close collaboration and mentorship as well as individual creativity and leadership. General engineering program students soon find the type of mentorship and guidance they need to determine the engineering degree they want to pursue.
Our faculty are renowned experts in their fields—and thanks to small classes and team opportunities for research, you’ll get to know and work closely with many of them.
Among them are recipients of awards for excellence in research, practice, teaching and service and many have been honored for their work by industry, government and professional groups. They are passionate about teaching and passing on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of engineers.
High-tech learning requires high-tech tools. At Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» you’ll find the facilities and resources you’d expect from a top engineering school.
As an engineering student, you’ll become very familiar with the F.W. Olin Engineering Complex, a multistory, state-of-the-art building with classrooms, conference rooms, a multimedia auditorium and more than two dozen specialized teaching and research labs.
You’ll also have access to the L3Harris Student Design Center, a one-of-a-kind, 12,000-square-foot building featuring remarkable equipment and resources. It’s a focus of activity for student research and design projects—and it's available for personal projects, as well.
Earn up to 30 credit hours while you explore your options—as a general engineering student at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», you’ll be in top-notch chemistry, calculus, physics and computer science courses alongside other engineering students. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when you choose your engineering major.
The general engineering curriculum is designed for up to two semesters, but you are encouraged to select your major earlier if possible. Depending on the major you choose, you may have up to nine credit hours of coursework to make up later if you take only the courses in the general engineering program during your entire first year. Once 30 credit hours (not including any remedial courses) have been successfully completed, you are expected to select a degree program.
As a Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» general engineering student, you'll have the advantage of attending one of the best engineering schools, with your choice of engineering programs when it comes time to select your major.
We’re in the heart of the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and in a high-tech corridor. You’ll benefit from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s strong connections to leading companies like Northrop Grumman Corp., Lockheed Martin, SpaceX and L3Harris Technologies Inc., and have plenty of opportunities to form valuable connections that lead to engineering internships and future career options.
When it’s time to relax, you’re just minutes from 72 miles of beautiful beaches and a short trip away from the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. But you won’t have to travel far for rest and relaxation: We have a rich campus life that includes and , and a variety of social activities.
Engineering careers can span various interdisciplinary fields, though typically aligning with your major. They offer intellectual challenge, creative fulfillment, financial rewards and the chance to make a positive impact.
Engineers engage in cutting-edge projects, shaping the future while enjoying competitive salaries, ample growth opportunities and job security across industries.
Whatever field you choose for your major, pursuing an engineering degree opens doors to career paths where you can solve complex problems and contribute to societal advancement, be it through sustainable infrastructure, life-saving medical devices or efficient energy solutions.
Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may require a degree in a specific area of engineering and/or entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.
The , published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the .
Advanced degree options are related to your chosen field of study, but there is notable overlap among disciplines. A graduate with a background in mechanical engineering, for instance, might opt for further studies in aerospace engineering, while a civil engineer might gravitate towards a graduate program in ocean engineering.
Engineering fields often intersect, allowing for interdisciplinary study and career paths. Interdisciplinary engineering advanced degrees include:
The general engineering curriculum is designed to allow you more time to become familiar with all College of Engineering and Sciences academic programs and explore your options.
Chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics courses will help you build a strong foundation for your engineering studies, and you’ll get started in undergraduate core requirements. You’ll also take an introductory engineering course that will acquaint you with engineering problem solving common to all fields of engineering, the professional aspects and ethics of engineering and the fields of science and engineering taught at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
Courses include:
Download the General Engineering, Nondegree Program, Curriculum now!
Deciding on a type of engineering to pursue can be an exciting but complex choice, given the breadth of fields and specialties.
The general engineering program can serve as a great starting point. It will help acquaint you with the options, and you’ll have access to experienced engineers and other expert faculty who can offer guidance and address any questions you may have along the way.
A few factors to consider:
What subjects or activities interest you the most?
Assess your personal interests. For instance, if you're fascinated by computers and software, computer engineering or software engineering might be a good fit. If you're intrigued by building structures or transportation systems, civil engineering could be the right path.
Reflect on your skills and strengths.
Are you proficient in mathematics, adept at problem-solving or skilled in scientific reasoning? Different types of engineering may require different skill sets, though most heavily rely on math and analytical skills.
What kind of impact do you want your work to have?
Engineering plays a fundamental role in addressing societal challenges, improving quality of life, promoting sustainability and advancing human progress. What do you want to be a part of?
Consider your preferred work setting.
Different engineering fields can lead to very different work environments. Some engineers spend a lot of time in labs or offices, like chemical or software engineers, while others might spend time on construction sites or in manufacturing plants, like civil or mechanical engineers.
Learn more about General Engineering at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» on the website.
As an engineering student, you can build leadership and networking skills and get professional experience through campus academic organizations. At Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» you’ll find – here are just a few of special interest to engineering students:
