Engineering Exploration
Engineering Exploration
Matthew Marshall, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs
585‑475‑7142, mmmeie@rit.edu
Overview
Spend up to a year exploring RIT's portfolio of engineering majors before you declare a major.
If you are passionate about engineering and all it encompasses – from science, mathematics, innovation, and design to processes and operations – but aren’t sure which major best matches your interests and career goals, the engineering exploration option is for you. Through a seminar offered in your first semester, you will gain an in-depth understanding of each engineering major, enabling you to identify the program that best meets your interests and career aspirations. You will have a full academic year to make an informed decision about the engineering career path that’s best for you as you remain on pace to graduate on time.
The engineering exploration option is for students who would like additional time to fully explore RIT's portfolio of engineering majors before committing to a program of study. Students may choose a major anytime during the first year.
Plan of study
During your first semester, you'll take a one-credit course, Engineering Exploration Seminar, which provides an overview of RIT's engineering programs and the career opportunities in each field. Since each engineering program shares similar first-year course offerings, the course work you take as an engineering exploration student will transfer into all engineering programs without any loss of time toward graduation.
Students in the engineering exploration program are guaranteed admission into any engineering program in the Kate Gleason College, provided the student is in good academic standing and has successfully completed Calculus I.
Curriculum
Undeclared engineering, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH-181 |
Project-Based Calculus I
This is the first in a two-course sequence intended for students majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of the derivative, Riemann sums, definite integrals, and indefinite integrals.
|
4 |
| CHMG-131 |
General Chemistry for Engineering
This rigorous course is primarily for, but not limited to, engineering students. Topics include an introduction to some basic concepts in chemistry, stoichiometry, First Law of Thermodynamics, thermochemistry, electronic theory of composition and structure, and chemical bonding. The lecture is supported by workshop-style problem sessions. Offered in traditional and online format.
|
3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
First Year Writing Seminar |
||
LAS Perspective |
||
| EGEN-100 |
Engineering Exploration Seminar
A one-credit hour seminar course for engineering exploration students that provides information to introduce the seven engineering programs offered at RIT. Program curricula, sample lab/project work, and various career opportunities pertaining to each major are presented.
|
1 |
LAS Perspective Courses |
6-9 | |
| MATH-182 |
Project-Based Calculus II
This is the second in a two-course sequence intended for students majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers techniques of integration including integration by parts, partial fractions, improper integrals, applications of integration, representing functions by infinite series, convergence and divergence of series, parametric curves, and polar coordinates.
|
4 |
| PHYS-211 |
University Physics I
This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton's Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.
|
4 |
Engineering Course‡ |
1-6 | |
| ACSC-010 |
Year One
The Year One class serves as an interdisciplinary catalyst for first-year students to access campus resources, services and opportunities that promote self-knowledge, personal success, leadership development, social responsibility and life academic skills awareness and application. Year One is also designed to challenge and encourage first-year students to get to know one another, build relationships and help them become an integral part of the campus community.
|
0 |
Wellness Education* |
0 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 26-34 |
|
Please see General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
‡ Students choose one or two engineering courses in consultation with their adviser.
Admission Requirements
Freshman Admission
For all bachelor’s degree programs, a strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. Generally, this includes 4 years of English, 3-4 years of mathematics, 2-3 years of science, and 3 years of social studies and/or history.
Specific math and science requirements and other recommendations
- 4 years of math required; including pre-calculus or above
- Chemistry and physics required
- Biology required
Transfer Admission
Transfer course recommendations without associate degree
Pre-engineering courses such as calculus, calculus-based physics, chemistry, and liberal arts.
Appropriate associate degree programs for transfer
AS degree in engineering science
Learn about admissions and financial aid