College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Cornell University
• California Institute of Technology
• Northwestern University

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of California—Berkeley
• Purdue University—West Lafayette
• University of Texas

Classes in the Major

Math: If you plan on being an engineer, you had better start praising the Math Lord, because you're going to learn a lot about numbers. Applied Calculus, Calculus with Applications, and Differential Equations are all classes you have to look forward to. You'll be able to substitute a course here or there, but those are the staples. This math-heavy load means if you can knock out an AP math class in high school, you'll appreciate it later on. You can take an easier class when your schedule is full of engineering courses.

Natural Sciences: Biology often falls into the natural sciences, but not for engineers. The important science classes are usually Chemistry and Physics. You'll need to knock out at least two semesters of each. Unfortunately, that means a lot of labs, as well. Labs can take up a lot of your time, and they often last three hours or more, so try to pepper them in with classes that are less time-consuming...unless you're all about having no social life, in which case, take them all at once. We don't know why that would be your thing, but we aren't here to judge.

Mechanical Engineering: Many of the particulars of being an engineer will be learned in these courses. Subjects that would make most people run in fear, like mechanics of solids or fluid mechanics, will be found here. You're an engineer, though—you'll turn towards them. These are the classes that teach you how to be a structurally efficient professional. Ice bridges may sound cool, but are they efficient? You probably don't need a class for that one, but you get the picture. Please don't.

Engineering Design: Becoming familiar with the designing aspect behind engineering is just as important as the other parts of your education in that you'll use it all the time. These courses will focus on the process of designing projects in many different areas, such as concrete structures, steel structures, and foundation engineering. We'll do you a favor and suggest that you should get really comfortable using CAD.

Environmental Engineering: In these classes, you'll learn about engineering with a focus on the environment. The purpose is to produce things while not having a significant negative impact on the world. Protecting and preserving human health through the lens of engineering includes many issues, such as environmental policies and waste management. Schools hope to produce engineers that can not only refrain from negative impact, but institute positive impacts.