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General Engineering

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The Bachelor of Science in Engineering is a versatile undergraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive foundation in various engineering disciplines. This interdisciplinary program is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates for a diverse range of careers in the dynamic field of engineering.
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General Engineering is a broad term that covers a variety of different types of engineering. General engineering is a comprehensive approach to the subject matter, meaning students that come out of this career have an opportunity to develop large buildings and bridges, or create beauty products and airplanes. It turns out, general engineers are mainly employed by the federal government. It was the 47th most popular job in the U.S. government in 2014.

Like most engineering fields, people in general engineering are often skilled in science and mathematics. Many courses in this field require students to work on projects together, so it is critical that students are willing to get along with one another and work co dependently. Though this field lets students explore different options, most have already decided what type of engineering they would like to pursue, whether it’s closer to mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. Employers in general engineering often look for graduates with skills in problem-solving and project management, as well as a strong grasp of physics, design systems and math.

Reasons to consider general engineering include:

  • Broad Foundation: A general engineering degree equips you with a strong foundation in various engineering disciplines like mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and computer science. This allows you to explore your interests and discover your specific niche later.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: With a diverse skillset, you’re not limited to one industry or role. You can adapt to changing job markets and pursue diverse career paths, from aerospace engineering to biomedical engineering to environmental engineering.
  • Strong Problem-Solving Skills: Your studies will hone your analytical and critical thinking skills, making you adept at tackling complex technical problems and finding creative solutions. This is a valuable asset across various fields.
  • Potential for Higher Education: A general engineering degree serves as a solid springboard for pursuing graduate studies in specialized engineering fields, giving you a chance to deepen your knowledge and expertise.
  • Good Job Market: Although specialization may offer higher salaries in some cases, general engineering graduates are still in high demand across various industries due to their adaptability and diverse skillset.

A general engineer is a jack-of-all-trades in the engineering world, equipped with a broad skillset that can be applied to various technical challenges. They possess a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, allowing them to tackle diverse projects across different disciplines.

 

Here’s a breakdown of what a general engineer might do:

  • Problem-solving: Identifying and analyzing problems: General engineers excel at pinpointing technical issues, understanding their root causes, and evaluating potential solutions. They often work closely with other engineers and stakeholders to gather information and define the scope of the problem.
  • Developing and implementing solutions: With their diverse knowledge, general engineers can devise creative solutions that consider various factors like feasibility, cost, efficiency, and safety. They might utilize their understanding of mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, and other disciplines to craft effective solutions.
  • Project Management: Planning and scheduling: General engineers often play a crucial role in project planning, coordinating tasks, allocating resources, and setting realistic timelines. They ensure projects stay on track and within budget, mitigating risks and adapting to unforeseen challenges.
  • Communication and collaboration: Effective communication is key for general engineers. They collaborate with teams of specialists, including other engineers, technicians, and project managers, to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals. They also communicate project progress and updates to stakeholders.
  • Adaptability and Lifelong Learning: Embracing new technologies: The engineering field is constantly evolving, and general engineers must be adaptable and willing to learn new skills and technologies. They stay updated on the latest advancements in their chosen field and readily embrace new tools and software to enhance their work.
  • Tackling diverse challenges: The beauty of being a general engineer lies in the variety of projects they encounter. They might work on anything from designing bridges and buildings to developing medical devices and optimizing manufacturing processes. This keeps their work interesting and intellectually stimulating.

 

In essence, a general engineer is a versatile problem-solver with a broad range of technical expertise. They are the glue that holds many engineering projects together, ensuring smooth execution and successful outcomes. Their adaptability, critical thinking, and collaborative spirit make them valuable assets in any technical team.

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Graphics
  • MATLAB
  • Engineering Ethics
General Engineering 4 Year Plan
Freshman Year
FallSpring
MTH 1415 Mathematics for Engineers I (4)MTH 1425 Mathematics for Engineers II (4)
MME 1005 Introduction to Engineering Design (3)MME 1015 Programming in MATLAB (2)
MME 1050 Engineering Graphics (2)MME 2014 Engineering Ethics (3)
Intellectual Discovery (4)First Year Writing (4)
ECO 2050 Priniciples of Microeconomics (4)Foreign Language Core (4)
President's Seminar (1)
18 credits17 credits
General Engineering is a generic, flexible degree. The above is a standard freshman year which serves as a foundation and assists with student registration and transfer into another engineering program.
The degree requirements are as follows:
General Education Requirements:
Mathematics and Science (32 credits)
MTH 1415 Mathematics for Engineers I (4)4 credits
MTH 1425 Mathematics for Engineers II (4)4 credits
MTH 2050 Mathematical Models for Engineering and Physics I (4)4 credits
MTH 2150 Mathematical Models for Engineering and Physics II (4)4 credits
STS 3005 Probability and Statistics for Engineers (4)4 credits
MTH 2310 Linear Algebra (4)4 credits
or
CSC 2342 Discrete Structures
PHY 2010 Fundamentals of Physics I (4)4 credits
PHY 2020 Fundamentals of Physics II (4)4 credits
or
CHM 1010//11 General Chemistry (and lab) (4)4 credits
Foundational Engineering courses (13 credits)
MME 2014 Engineering Ethics (3)3 credits
MME 1005 Introduction to Engineering Design (3)3 credits
MME 1050 Engineering Graphics (2)2 credits
MME 1015 Programming in MATLAB (2)2 credits
ECO 2050 Principles of Microeconomics (4)  - counts as social science core4 credits
Engineering course beyond the Foundational Engineering courses, excluding senior design project (>= 40 credits)
>= 8 credits of Computer Science
>= 8 credits of Electrical and Computer Engineering
>= 8 credits of Mechanical/Aerospace/Mechatronics Engineering
Senior Design Projects (4 credits)
MME 4900 Senior Design Project I (2)2 credits
MME 4910 Senior Design Project II (2)2 credits
or
ECE 4900 Senior Design Project I2 credits
ECE 4910 Senior Design Project II2 credits
Notes:
All prerequisites must be satisfied
Minimum of 124 credits for the degree (will likely need at least 130 credits)
At least 12 credits in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, or mechanical/mechatronic engineering must be at the 3000 level or beyond
Gen Ed Core Requirements
Intellectual Discovery(4 credits)
First Year Writing(4 credits)
Foreign Language(4 credits)
Ethical Reasoning and Religious Traditions(4 credits)
Natural Sciences (PHY 2010 Fundamentals of Physics I)(4 credits)
Social Sciences (ECO 2050 Principles of Microeconomics)(4 credits)
Arts (4 credits)
Humanitites(4 credits)
Quantitative Reasoning (MTH 1415 Mathematics for Engineers I)(4 credits)
The American Context(4 credits)
Integrative Course(4 credits)
Diversity Course(4 credits)
Experiential Learning(4 credits)
President's Seminar(1 credit)
Major Elective Requirements
>=40 credits of engineering courses beyond the required courses (above), which must include:
>= 8 credits of MME (Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering) courses
>= 8 credits of ECE (Electrical/Computer Engineering) courses
>= 8 credits of CSC (Computer Science) courses
At least 12 credits in computer science (CSC prefix), electrical and computer engineering (ECE prefix), or mechanical/mechatronic engineering (MME prefix) must be at the 3000 level or beyond. This ensure that there is some depth or specialization to the degree.
A minimum of 124 credits is required for the degree. The typical student will take 131 credits.

ABET, the accreditation agency, requires the following:

The curriculum requirements specify subject areas appropriate to engineering but do not prescribe specific courses. The program curriculum must provide adequate content for each area, consistent with the student outcomes and program educational objectives, to ensure that students are prepared to enter the practice of engineering. The curriculum must include:

  1. a minimum of 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences with experimental experience appropriate to the program.
  2. a minimum of 45 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of engineering topics appropriate to the program, consisting of engineering and computer sciences and engineering design, and utilizing modern engineering tools.
  3. a broad education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program educational objectives.
  4. a culminating major engineering design experience that
    1. incorporates appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints
    2. is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work.
Program Goals & Objectives

Program Goals

Three to five years after graduation, the graduates of a General Engineering degree at HPU will:

  • Be employed or be pursuing graduate degrees in their disciplines or in a closely related field.
  • Be progressing toward professional licensure.
  • Be continuing to develop their knowledge, sense of ethics, and skills in engineering through means such as professional societies, engineering conferences, mentorship opportunities, and formal or informal courses.
  • Be fully contributing, and actively adding value, to their businesses or academic organizations, and developing as professionals.

Program Objectives

Prepare graduates for a career as a professional general engineer. Within 3-5 years of graduation, students will be able to:

  1. Attain increased responsibility beyond their entry-level position within General Engineering or related employment, while recognizing global and societal matters.
  2. Become ambassadors for engineering and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve, through collaboration, innovation, and effective communication.
  3. Successfully progress within graduate degree programs in General Engineering, progress toward other professional degrees or professional engineering licenses, and/or continue lifelong learning in a broad range of fields to advance their careers.
  4. Successfully serve the profession by acting in a professional and ethical matter.
Student Outcomes of the Program

Skills students will possess at the time of graduation include:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. an ability to 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. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. an ability to 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. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Course Requirements 2024/2025
Bachelors of Science in General Engineering
Bachelors of Science in General Engineering
Course Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 79
University Core Requirements 36-44
Electives 5-13
Total 128
Requirements for the B.S. in General Engineering

Core Requirements
Requirements for the B.S. in General Engineering

Core Requirements
Course Course Title Credits
MME 1005 Introduction to Engineering Design 3
MME 1015 Programming in Matlab 2
MME 1010 Engineering Graphics 2
MTH 1415 Mathematics for Engineering I 4
MTH 1425 Mathematics for Engineering II 4
MTH 2050 Mathematical Models for Engineering and Physics I 4
MTH 2150 Mathematical Models for Engineering and Physics II 4
STS 3005 Probability and Statistics or Engineers 4
Select one course from the following list:
MTH 2310 Linear Algebra 4
CSC 2342 Discrete Structures 4
Select one course from the following list:
PHY 2020 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
CHM 1010/1011 General Chemistry/Lab 4
Select one set of courses from the following list:
MME 4900, MME 4910 Senior Design Project I AND Senior Design Project II 4
OR
ECE 4900, ECE 4910 Engineering Senior Design Project I AND Engineering Senior Design Project II 4
Major Electives

Select 40 credits of engineering courses beyond those required for the major. Selected courses must include at least:
• 8 credits of MME courses
• 8 credits of ECE courses
• 8 credits of CSC courses
At least 12 credits from this list must be at the 3000-level or higher.

Course Descriptions
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