Engineering Science Curriculum

About Engineering Science

Engineering Science at Pitt offers flexible curricula in several interdisciplinary areas of concentration. The program is intended for motivated and ambitious students with broad interests in science, mathematics, and engineering. The Engineering Science curriculum is inherently aligned with the fundamental values of the David C. Frederick Honors College and, as such, curricular requirements for the Honors Distinction and Honors Degree are waived for Engineering Science students. There are four areas of concentration within Engineering Science, and each contains an in-depth exposure to both science and engineering. Our graduates are successful in industry, research, law, education, and more.

The Engineering Science program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the Engineering Science Criteria.



More information on the Engineering Science program can be found in the Engineering Science page in the Pitt Catalog.

Alumni perspectives on highlights of the Engineering Science program:

  1. Flexible schedules help students focus on their interests.
  2. Analytic science components in the program prepare students exceptionally for graduate school and industry.
  3. Students develop a much broader view on natural sciences and build up a more intact structure of the theories and equations due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

Mission and Program Objectives:

The goal of this program is to develop the student's ability to think analytically across disciplines and tackle future technical challenges that require a thorough understanding of the physical sciences and/or mathematics combined with engineering.

The objectives of the Engineering Science Program at the University of Pittsburgh are for our graduates to build successful, diverse careers based on the following:

  • An understanding of the application of physical and/or life sciences to engineering analysis and design, leading to problem solutions often of an interdisciplinary nature.
  • A commitment to ongoing professional development as exemplified by, for example, graduate study, training, conference participation, and certification.
  • Advancement and leadership in professional and/or community life.

ABET Student Outcomes:

At graduation, students must be able to demonstrate an ability to:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Enrollment Numbers:

Program requirements:

Requirements for Engineering Science program curricula:

  • Minimum 48 hours Engineering
  • Minimum 44 hours Science + Math (minimum 18 hours of Math)
  • Minimum 15 hours concentrated in a single Engineering program
  • Minimum 101 hours total 'STEM' classes (Science + Engineering + Math)
  • Minimum 18 hours (six courses) of H/SS electives including one W course (per approved SSOE H/SS courses)

Options/Concentrations:

Nanotechnology - Chemistry / Bioengineering

Before Fall 2024:

Fall 2024 and after:

Nanotechnology - Physics / Materials Science

Engineering Physics

Engineering Mechanics

Related Programs and Degrees:

Engineering Accelerated Graduate (EAGr) Program

Qualified undergraduates in the Swanson School of Engineering can enroll in the Engineering Accelerated Graduate (EAGr) Program. EAGr provides students with the opportunity to earn complementary bachelor's and master's degrees in their discipline within five years.

Honors Degree / Honors Distinction

Honors Degree/Honors Distinction requirements

  • Curricular requirements (18 credits / 9 credits)
  • Co-Curricular requirements (6 credits / 3 credits)
  • Outside of the Classroom Curriculum (1,200 points Honors OCC)
  • 3.5 Overall GPA

Curricular requirements: The Engineering Science curriculum overlaps well with the mission of the Frederick Honors College to provide students with knowledge across several disciplines. For students majoring in Engineering Science who want to pursue an Honors Degree or Honors Distinction, the curricular requirements (18 credits for Honors Degree / 9 credits for Honors Distinction) are waived.

Co-Curricular requirements: Six experiential credits can be fulfilled through research, independent study, approved study abroad via Pitt Panther programs, approved internships for credit, or the approved Co-op Program.

Outside of the Classroom Curriculum: Students earn 1,200 total points to complete the Honors OCC through a combination of university-sponsored activities and self-reported experiences. Details on eligible activities and how to log points are available through the Honors College.

Photonics Certificate

Photonics is involved in many high-tech industries including optical communications, optical imaging, optical data storage, lasers, spectroscopy, quantum optics, and more. Photonics is an interdisciplinary field covering areas in physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering, and the photonics certificate offered at Pitt includes a combination of courses from these departments. Totaling around 50 credits, this is an intensive certificate program. However, because of its interdisciplinary nature, it pairs well with the Engineering Science major and has many overlapping course requirements. With careful planning and use of electives, an Engineering Science student can complete this certificate by taking only a few extra courses.

Sustainability Distinction / Sustainability Certificate

The sustainability distinction and sustainability certificate are for students who want to explore opportunities and challenges in sustainability and commit to sustainability in their career. The Engineering Science curriculum covers the course requirements of the sustainability distinction and most of the course requirements of the sustainability certificate.

Minors and Certificates

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Engineering Science students can pursue minors and certificates with just a few extra classes. A list of related minors and certificates to the program is shown below. For more detailed requirements, please contact your advisor.

Name:

Minimum number of additional classes:

Physics minor

0 (Engineering Physics / Nanotechnology Curriculum - Physics/Materials Emphasis)

Mathematics minor

2 (Engineering Mechanics)

Materials Science minor

1 (Nanotechnology Curriculum - Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis)

Electrical Engineering minor

2 (Engineering Physics)

Mechanical Engineering minor

1 (Engineering Mechanics)

Chemistry minor

1 (Nanotechnology Curriculum - Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis and Nanotechnology Curriculum - Physics/Materials Emphasis)

Bioengineering minor

1 (Nanotechnology Curriculum - Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis)

Nanoscience and Engineering Certificate

0 (Nanotechnology Curriculum - Physics/Materials Emphasis)

Research Opportunities:

The Swanson School of Engineering provides several research opportunities for undergraduate students. The Engineering Science program's interdisciplinary foundation prepares students to pursue research across multiple departments and centers.

The Frederick Honors College provides funding for students who are interested in research. The list of fellowships can be found below:

The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation provides undergraduate research programs during summer where students can engage in hands-on research.