https://new.trinity.edu/academics/departments/engineering-science
This liberal arts school in San Antonio has this degree. It is ABET, but I don’t understand what it is and how it compares to a traditional engineering degree from a state school.
Can someone kindly explain this a nurse prac mom?
I’m not really familiar with engineering science degrees, but they (and the particular one you linked to) seem to provide kind of a broader engineering education than a more specialized degree like the traditional mechanical, chemical, electrical engineering degrees.
I imagine it might be more suited for those who don’t intend to become engineers, but rather those who want to go into engineering-related careers, but I’m just guessing here. Maybe someone more informed can offer their knowledge?
I don’t really have a good answer, and have asked this myself. I think these kinds of general engineering programs are designed for kids who want a LAC experience, but want to major in “engineering”. (And I use the scare quotes deliberately, because generally speaking these are two opposing objectives.)
We found several schools like this. Hope College in Michigan has an Engineering major, and you can have an “emphasis” in various traditional disciplines. In comparing curricula with traditional engg. schools, it seems like there is a lot missing, and I would assume that a student would have to go on and get an MS in a specific engineering discipline to be a viable candidate for most entry-level engineering jobs.
Other LACs like Wheaton College (IL) and Pepperdine have 3+2 programs, but that requires the student to transfer to another university to complete their engineering degree (and obviously requires an extra year).
In some cases, the school may choose to have a single engineering major for ABET accreditation, but offer the course work for some of the specific types of engineering within it. In other cases, it may be a “general engineering” major that may be best suited for those who may need or want an engineering background for something like patent law or consulting. Check the required and offered courses to see which applies.
Engineering science programs are (in my experience) used for those who want a broad grounding in engineering without focusing on a traditional discipline. Some do this as prep for grad school, some do it because they want to work in a management or other business role, some do it because it gives them the freedom to focus on something not normally offered at the undergrad level.
If you are considering this program you really need to see what grads from your school do after they graduate. Talk to the advising office, look at the coursework offered, see what appeals to you.
Thank you all for your replies. Very Helpful.