Pre-Engineering
Adrian College has two options for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering. Interested students should meet with Dr. Greg Thompson as soon as possible to discuss which option best fits with their interests and goals.
Option 1
Complete a Bachelor of Science degree at Adrian College. This is the most common path students choose. In most cases, a major in physics is the most appropriate choice. The physics major is often paired with a minor or second major in math or another science. This option is excellent preparation for entry-level engineering positions as well as for admission to graduate programs in engineering. For example, recent graduates have gone on to complete master’s degrees in Space Engineering and Environmental Engineering.
Option 2
Complete two years of study at Adrian College and then transfer to an engineering school. This option allows the student to complete most of the prerequisites for beginning engineering coursework. Students must meet the same admission criteria as any other student applying to the engineering school. Most engineering programs will require a minimum GPA of 3.0 at Adrian College. Completion of the engineering degree will typically take an additional 2.5 to 3 years. This assumes freshman placement into MATH 115 or higher. See below.
Important Note: It is assumed that students entering the program will place into MATH 115 (Pre-Calculus) or higher for the fall semester of their freshman year. Students not meeting this requirement will need to complete one or more math courses over the summer in order to graduate on time. In particular, students must have passed MATH 135 (Calc. I) with a C or higher prior to enrolling in PHYS 205.
Pre-Engineering Curriculum – First Two Years
Freshman Year – Fall | Freshman Year – Spring |
MATH 115 – Pre-Calculus | MATH 135 – Calculus I |
CHEM 105 – General Chemistry I | CHEM 106 – General Chemistry II |
CHEM 117 – General Chemistry I Lab | CHEM 118 – General Chemistry II lab |
CIS 101 – Python Programming |
Sophomore Year – Fall | Sophomore Year – Spring |
MATH 205 – Calculus II | MATH 305 – Differential Equations |
PHYS 205 – General Physics I | PHYS 206 – General Physics II |
PHYS 209 – General Physics I Lab | PHYS 210 – General Physics II Lab |
ECON 201 – Microeconomics |
Also required: MATH 215 (Calc. III), typically taken in the fall of junior year.