Majors, minors & more
Engineering
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
- Offered as:
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
Engineers use the tools of science and mathematics to solve problems all over the world. Engineers play an important role in planning, designing, and testing products and technologies needed by a society seeking a higher quality of life, a cleaner environment, and more efficient use of natural resources.
Engineering programs at WSU
Engineering is a broad field that includes a number of disciplines. Rather than attempt to cover all the diverse applications and knowledge areas of engineering in a single major, WSU offers several engineering majors:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Materials science & engineering
- Mechanical engineering
A general engineering minor (information below) is also available to add an engineering component to majors in other areas — a particular benefit if you're considering architecture, construction management, or any number of science/technology oriented majors.
WSU also offers engineering majors at two locations in Western Washington.
Olympic College in Bremerton:
WSU North Puget Sound at Everett
- Strengths of the program
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- The College of Engineering provides a free tutoring program for undergraduates.
- You can join other science, technology, engineering, and math majors in the University's designated STEM residence hall — share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
- Join your choice of more than 20 student-run clubs in various areas of engineering. Clubs give you chances to work on real-world projects, enter competitions, and learn directly from experienced students and faculty advisors.
- Senior design projects created through an industry partnership provide valuable professional interaction and real-world experience.
- Your course of study
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The first two years of study in the engineering program covers mathematics, physics, and chemistry in addition to completing general education requirements in communication, social sciences, intercultural studies, and humanities.
The final two years focus heavily on engineering courses that emphasize both theory and practice.
You can get more information on engineering from the College of Engineering and Architecture or by taking a look at the pages for the specific engineering majors here:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Materials science & engineering
- Mechanical engineering
NOTE: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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For engineering students
The College of Engineering and Architecture offers more than 300 scholarships a year to students in their first and second years of study. Incoming freshman and transfer students have the opportunity to receive scholarship money from the college that will be continued by the school or department in which they certify. Students may also apply for University-wide scholarships.
For all students at WSU
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.
- Campus organizations and activities
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The University hosts more than 30 student engineering clubs and societies.
These groups arrange field trips, sponsor guest speakers, plan social events, and demonstrate to public school students that engineering can be fun. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has an active chapter on campus.
Competitive activities include building robotics, concrete canoes, Formula-1 race cars, and bridges. WSU's concrete canoe teams have established a decade-long tradition of excellence, winning the Northwest regional competition for the American Society of Civil Engineers for several consecutive years.
- Careers in engineering
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Engineering graduates usually become members of a problem-solving team in manufacturing design or system or process development. While each team member’s responsibilities are different, all share the common goal of putting technology to work in improving our lives and our world.
Salaries are excellent, often starting in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, and increasing greatly with experience. (Salaries can vary widely, depending on the discipline and the type of company or industry the engineer works in.) The demand for engineering professionals is high, and projected to increase.
Job prospects in engineering are numerous and are expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future.