Undecided Engineering

The Undecided Engineering core curriculum has been developed for first-year students who are undecided about a specific major. Completing this program will allow the student to transfer into any engineering department (except BME) during or at the end of the first year of study.

More detailed requirements for students enrolling at JHU for Fall 2026 will be available on this page when the JHU e-Catalogue is published in July.

Overview

​​The Undecided Engineering major is for students who are interested in engineering but are unsure of which specific discipline to pursue. WSE Undergraduate Academic Affairs sponsors the major to allow students to take foundational coursework relevant for most engineering majors as well as introductory courses. Students use the time in the undecided major to determine if they will declare a specific major within WSE or pursue a primary major in KSAS.

Programs

​​There is no terminal degree. Students are not allowed to graduate as an Undecided Engineering major. Students should not persist as an Undecided Engineering major beyond the completion of their fourth full-time semester.​

Research

​​There are no research activities that are specific to Undecided Engineering majors. However, students are encouraged to explore and participate in opportunities of interest listed on the Engineering Undergraduate Research page.

After Graduation

Students are not allowed to graduate as an Undecided Engineering major. Students should not persist as an Undecided Engineering major beyond the completion of their fourth full-time semester.​

Activities

​​There are no specific student organizations related to Undecided Engineering, but participation in student groups may assist with the determination of a major. Undecided Engineering students can learn about WSE-relevant groups and/or all JHU student organizations on our Student Groups page.

Getting Started

The first-year program for undecided engineering students is similar to most engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics majors at JHU and includes Physics I with lab, Chem I and II with labs, math through at least Calculus II; and Gateway Computing Python. 

 

Undecided Engineering

Fall Semester
Course
Credits

AS.110.108*

4

AS.030.101

3

AS.030.105

1

EN.500.113

3

First Year Seminar or Design Cornerstone

2-3

Intro Engineering Course**

1-3

Total

14-17

Spring Semester
Course
Credits

AS.110.109

4

AS.171.101 or 107

4

AS.173.111

1

AS.030.102 if needed

3

AS.030.106 if needed

1

EN.661.250***, AS.004.101****, or EN.661.110****

3

Total

16

* Select a math course according to your level of preparation as indicated by AP/IB/GCE or other exam score and/or the JHU Math Placement Process result. See your placement recommendations in the placement site in Canvas after you complete the process.

 ** The following two options in your first semester:

  • EN.500.101: What is Engineering
  • An introductory engineering class related to a major that fits your interests, if available
    • EN.510.106: Foundations of Materials Science & Engineering
    • EN.520.137: Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering (offered in the spring term)
    • EN.530.107 MechE Undergrad Seminar I + EN.530.111 Intro to MechE Design & CAD + EN.530.115 MechE Freshman Lab I
    • EN.540.101 Chemical Engineering Today
    • EN.560.100 Civilization Engineered
    • EN.570.108 Introduction to Environmental Engineering & Design

*** EN.661.250 Fulfills the FA1.2 Foundational Course in Oral Communication requirement.

**** Either AS.004.101 or EN.661.110 fulfills the FA 1.1 Foundational Course in Writing requirement.