NKU Home > Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13 > College of Arts and Sciences > Engineering Technology and Pre-Engineering > Pre-Engineering

Pre-Engineering

Up one level

Engineering Technology and Pre-Engineering

Engineering is the profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to use economically the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind (ABET, Inc., 2002).

Hence, engineering and the practice of engineers refer to activities that involve the beneficial application of scientific knowledge to the solution of problems. Notice that this application includes economic considerations, uses of materials (for example, resources), and the forces of nature. Additionally, engineering is a profession. Webster notes that a profession is "the body of people in a learned occupation." Engineers have a specialized charge of using knowledge, experience, and creativity, to tackle and systematically design solutions to challenges and problems.

The student who graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering will complete study of mathematics courses through differential equations, basic classes in chemistry and calculus-based physics, and the normal set of general education classes during the whole of the first 2 years of college. During the second year the engineering student will start the study of coursework (for example, statics or dynamics) that bridges the gap between these basic sciences and the engineering applications of the knowledge of the basic sciences. The last 2 years will be completed at a campus such as the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville. These last 2 years of courses are largely devoted to the study of engineering applications of science and mathematics to the matters of the student’s chosen engineering discipline. These courses involve design of solutions culminating with a senior design course and project that are specific to the discipline.

Students who expect to transfer to degree programs such as civil, electrical, mechanical, or mining engineering should complete the courses below plus general education courses.


Pre-Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining		Credits
MAT 129	Calculus I			4
MAT 229	Calculus II			5
MAT 329	Calculus III			4
MAT 325	Differential Equations			3
PHY 100	Introduction to Science, Engineering and Design			1
PHY 220	University Physics I with Laboratory			4
PHY 222	University Physics II with Laboratory			4
PHY 224	University Physics III with Laboratory			4
PHY 305	Statics			3
PHY 310	Dynamics			3
CHE 120/ CHE 120L	General Chemistry I with Laboratory			4
ENG 101	College Writing			3
CMST 101	Principles of Speech Communication			3
EGT 212	Computer Aided Drafting			3
ECO 201	Principles of Microeconomics			3
Technical elective – PHY 360 Thermodynamics			3
General education electives			9
Total Recommended Minimum for Transfer to a B.S. Engineering Degree Program			63

Students who expect to transfer to engineering degree programs such as chemical, biomedical, materials or agricultural/bioengineering should complete the core courses below plus general education courses.


Pre-Engineering: Chemical, Biomedical, Materials, Agricultural/Bioengineering		Credits
MAT 129	Calculus I			4
MAT 229	Calculus II			5
MAT 329	Calculus III			4
MAT 325	Differential Equations			3
PHY 100	Introduction to Science, Engineering, and Design			1
PHY 220	University Physics I with Laboratory			4
PHY 222	University Physics II with Laboratory			4
PHY 224	University Physics III with Laboratory			4
PHY 305	Statics			3
CHE 120/ CHE 120L	General Chemistry I with Laboratory			4
CHE 121/ CHE 121 L	General Chemistry II with Laboratory			4
CHE 310/ CHE 310L	Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory			4
CHE 311/ CHE 311L	Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory			4
ENG 101	College Writing			3
CMST 101	Principles of Speech Communication			3
EGT 212	Computer Aided Drafting			3
	General education electives			6
Total Recommended Minimum for Transfer to a B.S. Engineering Degree Program			63

Transfer and degree completion: NKU has transfer programs with the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky and with the Speed Scientific School at the University of Louisville. Students may elect to transfer to other schools or colleges of engineering. Grades of C or better are required for successful transfer of credit. The director of pre-engineering will assist in the transfer for all pre-engineering students.

At the bachelor's degree level at UK, ABET-accredited degrees are offered in the fields of biosystems and agricultural, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, materials, mechanical, and mining engineering. At UofL in the Speed School, degrees are offered in chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering, and ABET-accredited degrees are offered at the master's level in these fields.

Dual Degree Option for Pre-Engineers: Transferring from NKU to engineering degree programs elsewhere generally requires at least 2 years of study at NKU and then an additional 2 (or more) years of study after transfer to the engineering degree program at the institution of choice. Pre-engineers have the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree in physics (or chemistry) from NKU if they complete 3 years of study at NKU prior to transferring to an engineering school. The 4th year requirements for the NKU degree in physics (or chemistry) are obtained after transferring course credit to NKU that was earned at the engineering school. This dual-degree program (one bachelors degree from NKU, the other from an engineering school) should be coordinated with the department chair of the academic program (physics or chemistry) prior to transfer from NKU.

A shared cooperative education program with UK is available. The enrolled student works full time and enrolls full time in classes during alternating semesters/sessions. Cooperative education credit earned at NKU may be transferred to other schools.

Northern Kentucky University

Pre-Engineering