Engineering

Pre-Professional Track

"Tech company CEOs across the country agree that liberal arts training—with its emphasis on creativity and critical thinking—is vital to the success of their business."
— Fast Company’s The Future of Work

divider logo

Your Top Four Questions about Engineering Answered

Why study engineering at Austin College?

The Engineering Program at Austin College offers specific advantages over a traditional engineering program. You will:

Learn in an engaging, interactive environment with small class sizes and access to professors,
Conduct authentic research with professors in leading science and engineering fields, and
Develop a diverse set of skills, including oral and written communication, to address 21st century challenges.

What Should My “Engineering” Major Be?

Austin College's Engineering Physics major is designed to fulfill all course requirements. However, you may choose a major in a related field (e.g., mathematics, computer science, or chemistry) in addition to completing all of the engineering course requirements

What Engineering Courses are Required?

Austin College coursework provides a strong foundation in sciences, mathematics, and the liberal arts. You will take a variety of courses in physics, math, chemistry, computer science, English, and other humanities and social sciences. Specific course requirements depend on the engineering discipline and engineering school.

In your first semester you should be prepared to take physics and calculus courses.

When Should I Schedule Advising?

Students interested in Engineering should meet with the Engineering Advisor at the following times:

Prior to starting the first year: We want to ensure that you are registering for the proper courses in the first semester.
First Year: You should make an appointment with the Engineering advisor to discuss your three to four year plan.
Course Registration Every Semester: We want to make sure that you are on track.
Major Declaration: If you are participating in the 3/2 program, a Declaration of Dual Degree must be filed at the same time as the major declaration.
Whenever you need: We’re here to help.

Engineering Options

Bachelor’s Degree from Austin College & Graduate Degree from Engineering School

With this option, you graduate with Bachelors of Arts degree (usually in Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics) from Austin College in four years. They apply to Master’s or Ph.D. engineering programs of their choice.

Recent AC graduates have been accepted at Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Virginia, and University of Colorado-Boulder.

Austin College recently signed a Gateways agreement with the UT-Dallas Materials Science and Engineering program. By fulfilling specified entrance requirements, Austin College students qualify for accelerated admission into the Master’s program.

Dual-Degree Program in Engineering (3/2 Engineering Program)

This option provides you the opportunity to earn two undergraduate degrees by obtaining a liberal arts background before specializing in an engineering field. You will study at Austin College for three or four years and then attend engineering school for two to three years. At the end of this time, you will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the cooperating institution.

Austin College is one of a select group of liberal arts colleges with cooperative agreements with Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis. Entrance requirements vary among engineering disciplines.