The Catholic University of America

Undergraduate Studies

Overview

The School of Engineering offers programs leading to the bachelor's degrees in biomedical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering and computer science. The general requirements are presented below and are to be interpreted as minimum requirements. Additional details are found under each department. The undergraduate professional programs in biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

In the first semester in residence, each student will be assigned to a faculty adviser with whom the student will be required to consult at least once each semester. Ordinarily, at the end of the first year in residence, engineering students will be asked to designate the department in which they wish to take their degree, if they have not already chosen. The student will consult with the department chair and, when accepted, will be assigned to an adviser who will be a faculty member of the designated department. Changes in a student's program must be made in consultation with the adviser. Advanced placement is possible for high school students with the proper background and achievement.

Transfer Students

Many from community colleges and liberal arts colleges have successfully transfered into CUA's engineering programs over the years. Students who have completed pre-engineering programs may normally begin their junior year studies in their first semester. Prospective transfer students are advised to contact the appropriate department and discuss the transition with the department chairpersons. CUA engineering has formal articulation agreements with Anne Arundel Community College and Howard Community College (pending).

Internships

The school believes that all students can benefit by academic year and summer internships that provide opportunities for students to learn while doing actual engineering work. The Career Services Office and the school will assist all students who desire internships to obtain one. The construction concentration in civil engineering has an internship as an integral part of its program. The biomedical engineering program has a long history of placing students in internships with hospitals and research laboratories in the Washington, D.C., area and is expanding its industrial internship opportunities.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Students may elect to pursue an interdisciplinary course of studies leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering. This option allows qualified students to fulfill their specialized engineering course requirements in more than one department, including departments in the School of Arts and Sciences.

A dual degree program leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Architecture, offered by the School of Architecture and Planning, and Bachelor of Civil Engineering is available to students who want to combine the practice of architecture and engineering. Interested students should contact either the School of Architecture and Planning or the Department of Civil Engineering for specific information.

Minor in the Humanities or Social Sciences

A minor, or subconcentration, is available to students who complete the same requirement for a subconcentration as stipulated by the School of Arts and Sciences. Normally, it consists of six courses in one area of subconcentration. Applications for the minor are available in the Office of the Dean of the School of Engineering. Students should check with the department for specific requirements for the minor. Completed applications must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of the School of Engineering.

 

Undergraduate Degree Programs

At CUA, we take a hands-on approach to engineering education. Our engineering programs emphasize development and design. This focus is reflected in numerous laboratory and design courses required by each program.

The curricula consist of three main components: math and science, liberal arts, and technical content specific to the major. In the first two years, the curricula all engineering programs are very similar, and students can therefore transfer easily between programs during this period. The coursework during the last two years is major-specific and can be tailored to meet the student's interests.

 

Degree Programs

Liberal Studies Requirement

All CUA engineering students are required to complete nine liberal studies courses prior to graduation. These include at minimum three theology and religion (TRS) courses, engineering ethics, one English course, and four additional liberal studies courses selected in consultation with their academic advisors.Transfer students must still complete the nine liberal studies courses, but only two TRS courses are required.

Transfer credit from other colleges will be evaluated individually and can be used to satisfy the liberal studies requirement.

GPA Requirement for Graduation

Students must have a minimum cumulative average of 2.0 in the course of studies required for the degree program to graduate.