General Engineering
Program Overview
The first-year general engineering program equips students with a broad understanding of engineering fields and an interdisciplinary perspective to problem-solving. Students take introductory engineering courses and receive advising that covers all degree options offered in the college.
General engineering is not a degree option, but helps to ensure students have an understanding of resources and degree options offered in the college. After completing the general engineering tract, students can easily transition into the degree program of their choice.
Benefits of this research-based learning environment include the following:
- Engage in real-world problem-solving.
- Develop the ability to effectively communicate design and analysis decisions.
- Receive targeted feedback on problem-solving skills critical for success in future engineering courses.
- Experience working in collaborative student-design projects.
- Work with modern computer software.
- Explore a variety of technical content as a preview of different degree programs.
- Select an engineering discipline to pursue with confidence.
Courses
Students receive detailed exposure to different career possibilities across the 14 degree programs offered in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering through its Engineering Orientation course, DEN 160. Students also participate in the Engineering Problem Solving course, DEN 161, which provides a research-based learning environment to help them achieve academic success.
Advising
The general engineering academic advising program provides support, connection and resources to students in the general engineering program, assisting their selection of a degree program to accomplish their academic and career goals. General engineering advisors use developmental advising to support student persistence and academic success.
Advisors meet with students individually to create connections and determine their needs, while guiding them toward the skill development needed to be successful in engineering, finding appropriate resources and selecting a degree program. They provide information about engineering careers and programs of study in the college that can lead to those careers.
CAT Communities
Connecting Across Topics, or CAT, Communities are sets of learning groups specifically designed for first-year students. They offer mentoring from a professor and an advanced undergraduate learning assistant who shares the students' interests. These communities create opportunities for students to meet others with similar interests and study together.
The following CAT Communities include general engineering courses:
Engineering Foundations
Provides a connection to resources in the college to help you successfully navigate your first semester on campus.
Global Engineers
Discover how intercultural, interdisciplinary and social competencies complement your student life success and future career path.
Engineering Futures
Explore different engineering degree programs and careers while engaging in learning activities that promote your personal and professional development.
Honors Engineering Community
This community is for Honors students in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering.