Undergraduate Academics

No one needs to tell our students that global climate change, developing renewable energy sources, alleviating the shortage of clean water and providing for clean air in many areas of the world are all important challenges facing society. Our programs attract students interested in developing renewable energy sources, alleviating the shortage of clean water, improving air quality, and understanding climate change.

Questions?

This FAQ is published by our department to help our faculty, staff, and students. Suggestions for improving this FAQ are most welcome and may be submitted to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.

FAQs for current students

Double Majoring in the EECE Department

The Applied Science/Chemical Engineering (BSAS-ChE) degree cannot be combined as a double major with either Environmental Engineering (BSEnvE) or Chemical Engineering (BSChE). Students may, in principle, double-major in both Environmental Engineering (BSEnvE) and Chemical Engineering (BSChE), but this is not recommended for logistical and course load reasons. Specifically, in the third and fourth years, the two majors will each have multiple required courses in the same semester, possibly at conflicting times. For example, both Capstone courses would be required.

For students wishing to combine chemical and environmental interests, it is recommended to major in chemical engineering (BSChE) and minor in Environmental Engineering Science.

Double Majors & Premedicine

Some students may be able to take more than 126-unit minimum during a four-year program, especially if they have Advanced Placement units. This permits the choice of additional free electives from such areas as biology, computer science, humanities, social sciences or other engineering courses. It also provides an opportunity to pursue a double major.

The department's undergraduate degrees have been popular with students interested in medicine because the curriculum automatically satisfies many of the premedical requirements.

Research Opportunities

Research, design projects and internships give McKelvey engineers the opportunity to blend theory and practice and develop analytical and professional skills. Students have the opportunity to earn elective credit towards their degrees by engaging in research projects through Independent Study courses. More information can be found on the BSChE and BSEnvE pages.

EECE also coordinates a summer research internship program for undergraduates with its MAGEEP partner universities across the globe. Click on the link to the right to learn more.

60%

of engineering undergraduate students engage in research and independent projects with faculty.

Summer Research Internship

EECE 428: Intro into Zymurgy

Learn to brew beer by combining clear and detailed lectures with practical, hands-on brewing and laboratory tests.

This class presents the fundamentals of the underlying chemistry critical to successful extract and all-grain brewing.

Apply to the course

International Experiences

The 21st century engineering student's education requires a global perspective and practical experience. In addition to traditional semester-long study abroad, McKelvey students can participate in the EECE International Experience Program, a 2-week trip abroad combined with a course project the following semester.

EECE International Experience Program