Why General Engineering?
Our time has already seen the rapid development of a broad range of technological, scientific and engineering innovations which shape the way in which contemporary society functions. The pace of these developments will become even faster and more global in this century. The Bachelor of Arts in General Engineering is designed to provide students with the fundamental engineering principles needed to understand the basics of, and to work with, modern technology, innovations, and engineering practices.
Who should pursue General Engineering?
The B.A. degree with a major in General Engineering is intended for undergraduate students who desire a background in engineering and technology yet have neither the desire nor the intention to become practicing engineers. These students may, for example, plan to pursue graduate or professional study in architecture, business, law (e.g., intellectual property, patent law), or medicine. They may wish to work in areas which relate to engineering and technology such as public policy or to thrive in the global industrial economy. The Bachelor of Arts in General Engineering combines a foundation in engineering with liberal arts coursework.
This program is not accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Students desiring careers as licensed, professional engineers should complete a B.S. degree in one of the engineering disciplines offered by the Whiting School.
What are the requirements for General Engineering?
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in General Engineering encourage breadth and diversity. In addition to learning the fundamentals of engineering and completing an engineering focus area, students are required to develop a knowledge of the international dimensions of engineering. This will help deepen their understanding of engineering and culture from a global perspective. Students work with their professional academic advisors to make sure their coursework fulfills the degree requirements.
Program Features
Breadth
Your course requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in General Engineering encourage breadth and diversity. Approximately 30 percent of the required credits are in engineering, 17 percent of required credits are in mathematics or statistics, 12 percent in the natural sciences, 20 percent in the humanities and/or social sciences, and 8 percent in international studies (language or other area). The remaining requirements are in free electives.
Flexibility
This major gives you the flexibility to define a program of study, in consultation with your advisor, in which you can deepen and pursue your interests. Your engineering concentration and your humanities and social science requirements may be departmentally-based, or they may be designed around a theme that is defined by you and your advisor. Students in this program may minor in any area of their choosing.
Interdisciplinary Study
The distribution requirements make the program ideal for students who seek to explore areas at the interface of a variety of technical fields (such as robotics, nanotechnology, and biomaterials) and/or the connections between a technical area and a discipline in the humanities or social sciences.
International Dimensions of Engineering
As a General Engineering major, you are required to develop a knowledge of the international dimensions of engineering. You can accomplish this by studying abroad or by taking a combination of language and other classes that help deepen your understanding of the culture and technologies of a foreign country.
Program Requirements
All undergraduate students majoring in the Bachelor of Arts in General Engineering must follow a program approved by their advisor. Candidates must fulfill the overall requirements for the bachelor's degree described in the academic catalogue.