Department of Engineering

O. Hayden Griffin, Chair, 214 Slay Building

The Department of Engineering offers a BS in engineering with five concentration areas: biomedical engineering, bioprocess engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and mechanical engineering. The BS in engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: 410-347-7700.

The mission of the department is to provide a theory-based, application-oriented general engineering education that serves as a basis for career success and lifelong learning. Our graduates demonstrate the engineering and scientific knowledge to analyze, design, improve and evaluate integrated technology–based systems. Our program welcomes a diverse student body and provides the support to foster its success.

Graduates of the BS in engineering program will:

Use their education to be successful in a technical career or graduate studies, demonstrating competence in applying classical methods and modern engineering tools;
Analyze technical, environmental, and societal issues related to engineering designs and technology systems;
Be productive team members and leaders, using skills in human relations and communication;
Practice a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development; and
Demonstrate commitment to the professional and ethical standards of engineering and recognize the importance of community and professional service.

Graduates of the BS program have: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of math, science and engineering; (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments/analyze and interpret data; (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process; (d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams; (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; (g) an ability to communicate effectively; (h) an ability to evaluate the impact of technology in a global/societal context; (i) an appreciation for lifelong learning; (j) knowledge of contemporary issues; (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools for engineering practice; and (l) an ability to apply engineering concepts to an area of concentrated study, chosen from biomedical engineering, bioprocess engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, or mechanical engineering.

The BS program is distinctive from many other engineering programs in that it: 1) focuses on hands-on project applications of engineering, beginning with the freshman year and continuing throughout the program; 2) promotes a team-based learning approach where students work closely with each other and the faculty; and 3) integrates science, math and engineering content to assure a coordinated presentation of concepts that flow from theory to advanced practice and application.

Engineering students are encouraged to pursue registration as a Professional Engineer (PE). The first step in this process is completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Students are encouraged to take the FE exam during their senior year. Subsequent to graduation, professional licensure requires at least four years of progressive engineering experience and successful completion of the PE Examination.

Admission

Admission to the university or college does not guarantee admission to the engineering program. Students with an interest in engineering should indicate engineering as the desired major when they apply to the university and complete a separate application to the engineering program. The engineering application can be found on the Department of Engineering Web site at www.tecs.ecu.edu/engineering. Once students have been accepted into the university, the engineering admissions committee evaluates program applicants based on a number of success indicators including SAT/ACT scores, performance in math and science courses, high school GPA, and rank in class. The average SAT for freshmen admitted to the engineering program at ECU is typically over 1100 on mathematics and critical reading. Prior to enrolling in classes, engineering students also take an engineering mathematics placement test focused on calculus readiness. Information on this test is included in the engineering acceptance letter.

Transfer admission: Students transferring to the engineering program must first meet university transfer requirements. Once transfer students have been admitted to the university, they may apply to the engineering program and will be evaluated by the department admissions committee on the potential to succeed with particular emphasis on performance in math and science classes. Students who have completed an associate degree from an approved pre-engineering program will be directly admitted to the BS program.

Special Department Programs

Cooperative Education. Students in the industrial and systems and mechanical engineering concentrations may request to participate in the cooperative education program that alternates semesters of engineering work and academic enrollment. Co-op students earn money during their periods of employment and also learn how their coursework relates to engineering activities. Furthermore, they have an opportunity to experience different areas of engineering during their co-op work periods. Eligibility requirements and availability of co-op placements can be obtained from the academic advisor.

Internships. All engineering students are encouraged to complete internships, service learning projects, and professional practice activities prior to graduation. The department maintains a number of internship relationships at local and regional employers. Full-time students who have completed 24 credit hours and have a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA are eligible for these ECU internships. Transfer students must complete 12 credit hours at ECU before applying for the internship program.

Engineering Learning Community. Incoming freshmen are encouraged to live in the engineering learning community dormitory on campus. This program builds teamwork and collaboration skills and facilitates the transition to university life.

Undergraduate Research. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue undergraduate research with a faculty member. Up to 3 s.h. of undergraduate research may be applied toward degree requirements as a technical elective. Information regarding undergraduate research may be obtained from the concentration coordinator.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Engineering, BS

Courses

Biomedical Engineering

Bioprocess Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Engineering Core

Engineering Management

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Systems Engineering