Preparing for a Career in Engineering
The University of Minnesota, Morris pre-engineering program is designed to prepare students to excel in one of three tracks on their way to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering. During this time, they complete core mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and composition courses that are standard preparatory courses for any engineering program. Since course requirements vary slightly from one engineering school to another, each student will work closely with a faculty adviser in the selection of both required and elective courses.
The University of Minnesota, Morris offers three pre-engineering options.
- 1. Bachelor of Science Degree (required time: approximately four years)
This option is designed to allow students to complete their first two years of college at the Morris campus in a liberal arts environment. Morris has a formal arrangement with the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (UMCSE) in which student attend for at least two years. Afterwards, students will transfer for two more years to complete their engineering coursework. Upon completing the program, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.
- 2. Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Science Degrees (required time: approximately five years)
Through this dual degree program, students earn a Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a major in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, or statistics at Morris in three years, supplemented by a comprehensive liberal arts education and requisite pre-engineering courses. Students then transfer to a different institution to complete up their engineering coursework, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in the process.
Students may also complete their studies in four years at Morris before transferring to the College of Science and Engineering. Taking one or more courses in the summer through the University's Multi-Institution program can minimize the length of time required to finish the engineering degree.
- 3. Bachelor of Arts & Master of Science (required time: approximately six years)
This option allows students to complete their full undergraduate education at Morris and receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics or science. Upon graduation, students can pursue a Master of Science degree in a variety of engineering programs at the institute of their choice. The Master's degree is typically completed in two years.
What kind of Engineering?
Once you've chosen a degree path, you'll need to decide what kind of engineer you want to become. All engineers work to improve the systems that support our communities. But if you like biology, you may want to consider environmental engineering. If you're a fan of computer classes, electrical engineering may be the choice for you. Here's a list of specialties with a brief description of each field, an overview of the areas you'll need to study for each specialty, and a comprehensive worksheet of preparatory courses.
- Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and aeronautical defense systems. They also supervise the manufacture of these products.
Areas of study
- Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM)
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering advances knowledge in engineering, biology, and medicine, improving human health through cross-disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences and clinical practice.
Areas of study
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Bioproducts and Biosystems (or Environmental Engineering)
Using the principles of biology and chemistry, these engineers develop solutions to problems including water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues.
Areas of study
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals, polymers, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.
Areas of study
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Engineering
- Material Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Civil Engineering
Civil engineers are leading users of sophisticated technology, applying the latest concepts in computer-aided design to efficiently develop and construct edifices and infrastructures.
Areas of study
- Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM)
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Computer and Software Engineering
Computer and software engineers analyze and evaluate computer systems including hardware and software. They might develop flexible manufacturing systems, mobile operating systems, biomedical information systems, gaming systems, search engines, web browsers, or global computerized distribution systems.
Areas of study
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Electrical Engineering
If it requires technology, it is designed by electrical engineers, whose most recent contributions include microchips, computers, cell phones, data transmission systems, and the latest in green energy resources.
Areas of study
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Geological Engineering
Geological engineering is concerned with the behavior of earth materials, using soil and rock mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions. Geological engineers often work closely with civil engineers on ground construction enterprises including mining and drilling.
Areas of study
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Material Science and Manufacturing Engineering
Metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, composites...if you can make something out of it, you'll need these engineers to tell you how. Material science engineers establish the best practices for using a wide range of materials. Manufacturing engineers oversee product development from planning to packaging, often working with elaborate technological systems involving robots, programmable controllers, or vision systems in the process.
Areas of study
- Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM)
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
This long-standing specialty is also one of the largest and broadest forms of engineering. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials, and mechanics to design and manufacture machines and devices of all types. They create the processes and systems that drive technology and industry.
Areas of study
- Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
