College of Engineering

Math is extremely important for engineering students, and the entry-level math course for all engineers is MATH 1210 – Calculus I.  If you have not yet taken Calculus I for college credit, have not taken the SAT/ACT, AP Calculus test, or concurrent enrollment math in the past year, you will need to take a math placement exam prior to registering for a math class.

For more information about the math placement exam please visit the USU Math Prep website. If you don’t place into the Math class you wanted during your first proctored exam, make sure to use the math refresher resources and study well so that you can have a more successful attempt next time.

While some of the courses are necessary (like MATH), others of the suggested courses listed on your Engineering major sheets can be adjusted slightly.  You do not have to follow the first-semester sheet layout exactly.  Here are a few options of courses you can take in place of those listed if the course suggested is full or if you have scheduling conflicts:

All Majors

Biological

Civil

Environmental

Biological

Mechanical

For right now, choose one of the engineering majors that you most identify with and proceed with the first semester plan for that degree.  During your first semester you can set up an appointment to meet with our general engineering advisor who can help you explore the different degrees in more detail and help you decide on some classes that will work for a few of them.

USU offers a Mechanical Engineering degree with an Aerospace emphasis (optional). Students who choose the aerospace emphasis will take approved technical electives in their junior/senior years.  You can discuss this option with your advisor as you progress into your Mechanical engineering coursework.

1. The Engineering Advising Center is located in ENGR 314A, and is available to all Engineering students. Our team of academic advisors are dedicated to providing high-quality service to each student, are knowledgeable about navigating the path to graduation and can provide resources for academic and personal success. The friendly student staff can help with registration and basic questions as well.
2. The Engineering Tutors are a free resource to all Engineering students.  These tutors are more experienced and highly skilled USU Engineering students and can help with math, science, and engineering courses required in the first two years. They are located in ENGR 322 and 324. See the tutoring schedule posted at the Engineering Advising Center. We highly recommend their services!
3. The Computer Science Tutoring Lab is available to any student taking a computer science course. It is located in Old Main 419 and is generally open Monday-Friday from 10:30 am - 9:00 pm.

No, an Engineering BS degree will take about 4 years (8 semesters) to finish from the time you take MATH 1210 (Calculus I). An AS degree fulfills most of your General education requirements and will help lighten your loads each semester, but likely will not shorten the time it will take you to graduate with a BS.

Computer Science is the software side of computing. Computer scientists create software applications and systems for a wide range of uses in our daily lives, including anything from the software used in schools, banks, and hospitals to mobile applications, computer games, navigations systems, robots, dynamic websites, the software that keeps satellites in space, and to issues of national security.

Computer Engineering covers the hardware side of computing. Computer engineers create the devices and hardware systems that software runs across.

Management Information Systems is, broadly speaking, to learn to utilize software and hardware within a business context. Careers include things like frontend web developer, database administrator, and e-commerce.

No.

Automotive Mechanics diagnose and repair vehicles on a case-by-case basis, typically in a repair shop or at an auto dealer. These mechanics specialize specifically with the engine of an automobile. Most auto mechanics are not required to obtain a 4-year degree to continue in their field.

Mechanical Engineers on the other hand are designers and problem solvers. Mechanical engineers are required to have at least a 4 year Bachelor’s degree and have an understanding of core areas including thermodynamics, kinematics, material science, fluid mechanics, etc. All of which require the highest level of math courses. They use the before-mentioned principles along with tools like Computer-aided design (ex: Solid Works), to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons, vehicles, and numerous other things.

Area	Average	Range
Aerospace	$58,000	$57,500 to $64,000
Biological	$50,2000	$57,500 to $64,000
Civil	$55,000	$49,200 to $59,000
Computer Engineering	$64,200	$57,200 to $69,900
Computer Science	$65,500	$60,000 to $85,000
Electrical Engineering	$67,600	$62,000 to $69,100
Environmental	$49,800	$41,500 to $58,000
Mechanical	$63,500	$42,500 to $60,000

*Ranges are from the 25^th percentile to the 75^th percentile

2015 FALL SALARY SURVEY.” National Association of Colleges and Employers. www.naceweb.org. Published 2015.

The College of Engineering offers more than 90 scholarships to junior-and senior-level students. Maintain a high GPA to qualify for these in a couple years!

Engineering Scholarship Information

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally your first step in the process to becoming a Professional Licensed Engineer (P.E.). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET accredited program.

Passing the FE exam is required by most engineering majors for graduation. Students should plan to take the exam after their junior year.

1. Get involved right away by joining an engineering club. Also, keep your eye out for posters in the Engineering Building and visit us at Day on the Quad!
2. Some departments encourage their students to get involved with research as soon as possible, even as freshmen.  Contact your department head and professors for details.

Join an Engineering Club