Engineering Science

Get the best of both worlds—the specialized training of an engineering degree with the breadth of knowledge and experience that comes with a liberal arts education.

Overview After Principia Faculty

Now, you can study engineering without sacrificing the benefits of a liberal arts education—broad-based intellectual exploration, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work on a team, and plenty of practice problem solving in a variety of disciplines.

Four Ways to Study Engineering at Principia

Option I – Completion of a five year program with Principia College and the University of North Dakota.

Option II – Completion of a three year program at Principia and transfer to either Southern Illinois University Edwardsville or Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Option III – Completion of a three year program at Principia and transfer to the University of Minnesota.

Option IV – Completion of a three year program at Principia and transferring to any university of the student’s choice – this could include University of North Dakota.

Majors Offered

Upon completion of either of the programs above, you'll receive two degrees:

Engineering Science (BS from Principia College)
Engineering (An ABET*-certified BS in a specific engineering field, such as civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering, from the university providing the engineering course work.)

You are not required to complete both degrees in order to major in engineering. You may complete only Principia's BS in engineering science, but it is not ABET*-certified.

*ABET, Inc., is the recognized accreditor for engineering programs. This certification assures that programs meet the quality standards established by the profession.

Why Study Engineering Science at Principia College?

We prepare students to enter the competitive field of engineering with strong communication and writing skills, an edge that contributes to success in any profession.
Our 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows invaluable access to faculty, and we mentor our students beyond graduation.
Many students join the solar car team and build and race a car against other universities in national and international competitions.
Students go on engineering field trips and attend guest lectures by visiting engineers.
We observe Engineering Week.
We’ve developed internship opportunities at a variety of companies and organizations.
Our students develop confidence and independence to prepare for project and design initiation.
Our program emphasizes transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication, design, and application.
We emphasize applying technical skills to help others.

Abroads

Principia abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. Students learn as scholars, not as tourists. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests.

Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and the Engineering Science major requirements.

Our graduates have engaged in engineering activities, including the following:

Summer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Graduate work at University of Michigan
Working for Holder Construction in Atlanta, Georgia

From Our Alumni

“Recently, my manager asked me to speak to a group of highly skilled engineers and managers because she said I can express ideas more clearly than anyone else. Honestly, I attribute this to the communication skills I developed at Prin. I received an outstanding, well-rounded liberal arts education; I learned to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and think analytically and creatively.”

–A 1997 grad, currently working as an engineering supervisor for Chevron

“The solar car team experience was excellent preparation for a career in engineering. I learned how to sort through 20 different opinions about how to solve a design problem. And I developed the courage to take on a large-scale project and just chip away at it. My liberal arts background from Principia also helps because I can write and communicate effectively in my job.”

–A 2005 grad, currently working as a diesel powertrain engineer with Engineered Propulsion Systems