Coursework | Guidelines
Typically a student will transfer to an engineering program after two
years at CMU. It is very important for students to work closely with the
appropriate pre-engineering advisor. Successful transfers to engineering
programs ordinarily have four semesters of mathematics including Calculus
1, 2, 3 and Differential Equations, at least one semester
of chemistry, one year of calculus based physics, one semester of computer
programming (either FORTRAN or C++), and a year of English composition.
Additional courses may be required for specific engineering programs.
Essential First Semester
Courses at CMU
Intro. to Chemistry [CHM 131, 4
(3-3)]
Calculus [MTH 132, 4 (4-0) or MTH 136, 4 (4-0)]
English Composition or Literature [ENG 101, 3 (3-0) or
ENG 134, 3 (3-0)}
Elective (3 cr.)
General
Guidelines for
CMU Pre-Engineering Courses
Most engineering colleges require two years of pre-engineering preparation
for admission to the junior year of engineering. The following table
provides a general guide for scheduling CMU courses. Specific courses will
vary with different majors and schools. Refer to subsequent pages once you
have selected a particular school and field of study.
Semester 1
MTH 132(4)
CHM 131(4)
ENG 101(3)
IET 359(3) only ME & CE
Elective (3-6) |
Semester 2
MTH 133(4)
CHM 132(4)
ENG 201(3) or 134(3)
CPS 180(3) or 150(2)
Elective (3) |
Semester 3
MTH 223(3)
PHY 145(4)
PHY 175(1)
Elective (3-6) |
Semester 4
MTH 233(4)
MTH 334(3)
PHY 146(4)
PHY 176(1)
Electives (3) |
The numbers in parentheses represent credit-hours. To complete the
pre-engineering program in two years, students generally take 16 to 18
credits each semester.
Pre-engineering requires at least four semesters of
mathematics:
MTH 132 Calculus I
MTH 133 Calculus II
MTH 223 Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
MTH 233 Calculus III
MTH 334 Differential Equations (not required for all majors)
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Students absolutely must consult with an
advisor from the CMU math department during orientation sessions.
Recommended high school preparation includes three and one-half years of
mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.) Students who do not
have this background may need to take MTH 130, Pre-Calculus, before taking MTH 132.
MTH 130 will not transfer to an engineering program.
CHM 131, Introduction to Chemistry I, is required
for all engineering schools. The prerequisite for CHM 131 is one year of
high school chemistry. Many schools also require CHM 132, and students
pursing chemical engineering must take additional chemistry courses.
Chemical engineering students will need to take
additional chemistry courses (CHM 345, 346, and 349.) For details, refer
to specific transfer sheets and consult with the CMU pre-engineering
advisor for chemical engineering.
All engineering schools require two semesters of
calculus-based physics, including laboratories:
PHY 145(4) University Physics I
PHY 175(1) University Physics Laboratory I
PHY 146(4) University Physics II, and
PHY 176(1) University Physics Laboratory II
Some
fields also require PHY 220, Engineering Mechanics: Statistics.
Electrical engineering students may wish to take
additional physics courses (PHY 220, 231, 233, 234, and 247.) For details,
refer to specific transfer sheets and consult with the CMU pre-engineering
advisor for electrical engineering.
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IET 359, Computer-Aided Drafting, is suggested only
for civil, mechanical, or undecided majors. For other majors, most schools
will accept IET 359 as a technical elective. IET 359 has a prerequisite of
high school drafting. Students with no drafting experience should consult
an advisor before taking IET 359.
Most pre-engineering students take a computer
science course: CPS 150, FORTRAN programming, or CPS 180, Principles of
Computer Programming. Specific requirements depend on your major and
transfer school.
Students who are excused from ENG 101 should take
ENG 201, Expository Writing, and ENG 134, Literature.
Electives may be selected from standard introductory
course in humanities or social sciences. Economics (ECO 201) is strongly
recommended by most engineering schools. Other recommended electives
include HST 101 or 102, PHL 100, REL 101, PSY 100, PSC 105, and SOC 100.
Because of differences among majors and
universities, pre-engineering students must consult with a CMU
pre-engineering advisor prior to registering for courses each semester, as
well as during new student orientation sessions. Advisors are available during the academic year.
In addition, students are urged to make early
contact with the engineering schools, preferably during the freshman year,
to ascertain exact transfer requirements and admission procedures. It is
ultimately your responsibility to ensure that your program of study will
transfer successfully. Initial investigations of engineering programs can
be made by reading websites and by directly contacting the schools of
interest. Entrance to engineering schools is highly competitive. Completion of
the CMU pre-engineering program does not guarantee that you will be
accepted as a transfer student.
After beginning the pre-engineering program, some
students change their majors. The above guidelines do not penalize you if
you change your mind and pursue a non-engineering degree at CMU. With minor modifications,
these guidelines represent reasonable initial course selections for CMU
majors in Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Industrial
Technology, and Engineering Technology.
IMPORTANT
All pre-professional students need to see their
pre-professional adviser
as
early as possible. Planning a course of study with a CMU adviser is
critical since entrance requirements vary from one school to another.
Students must also make early contact with schools to which they may be
applying.
Students who intend to graduate with a
degree from CMU must complete, and have their adviser sign, a "Major
Authorization" form prior to finishing 56 credit hours.
Students who plan to transfer to a
professional school must complete and have their adviser sign an "Intent
to Declare Major" form prior to completing 56 credit hours.
Forms available at the Registrars Office or
your adviser.
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