Engineering Major | Assumption College

Course Information

Welcome

Engineer majors at Assumption (including those pursuing a minor) are provided a comprehensive curriculum that lays the foundation for future success. Students who choose to be an engineering major can pursue a dual degree through partnership agreements with both the University of Notre Dame and the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) at Washington University in St. Louis. Assumption engineering students are uniquely positioned as exceptional, well-rounded candidates in a competitive job market, with degrees from two prestigious institutions of higher learning.

Engineering degree candidates are provided a strong liberal arts education at Assumption. The science and mathematics courses prepare them to continue their studies in engineering and have meaningful careers in the field. Students who pursue a minor in engineering are provided a sound foundation in the discipline and graduate with degrees in math, computer science, chemistry or environmental science. Small class sizes provide a personalized education that allows students to immerse themselves in their subject matter and faculty mentors offer one-on-one advising that will aid them in making the right choices at both the graduate and professional levels.

Engineering Degree Partnership Programs

Partnerships with the University of Notre Dame and the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) at Washington University in St. Louis allow students to earn a valuable dual degree. By matching a vital grounding in the liberal arts with high-level coursework at one of the nation’s leading engineering universities, these partnerships ensure that students are ready to make their mark in the engineering world.

Engineering Degree Partnership with the University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame’s 3-2 engineering partnership with Assumption College allows Assumption students to earn a B.A. in chemistry, environmental science, mathematics or computer science from Assumption College and a B.S. in one of several fields of engineering from the University of Notre Dame in just five years.

Engineering Partnership with the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) at Washington University in St. Louis

Assumption’s 3-2 and 3-3 partnerships with at the Washington University in St. Louis allows qualified students to pursue an undergraduate degree from Assumption College as well as an undergraduate degree in engineering (2-year option) or a combination of an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree (3-year option) from SEAS.

Why be a Engineering Major at Assumption?

Engineering majors can earn a B.A. and a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame or a B.A. and a Master’s in Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.
Students who pursue an engineering minor are provided a sound foundation in the discipline and graduate with degrees in math, computer science, chemistry or environmental science.
Gain a solid grounding in the liberal arts that will hone your critical-thinking skills and set you apart in a competitive job market.
Take part in meaningful internships with a top engineering company.
Engage in summer research opportunities at the University of Notre Dame.
Benefit from the expertise of faculty with decades of real-world experience, industry insight, and professional networks.

Program Overview

Major in Engineering

(Please scroll down for information on the minor.)

Assumption’s partnership programs are designed to provide students with a strong liberal arts education in the sciences and mathematics as well as state-of-the-art engineering training.

Assumption’s dual degree program partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis allows students to work towards both an undergraduate degree from Assumption and either an additional undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis (2-year option) or a combination of an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis (3-year option) or Bachelor of Science from Notre Dame.

In this program, students spend three or four years of study at Assumption College and then complete two or three additional years of study at the University of Notre Dame or Washington University in St. Louis (depending on their course of study). At least 90 units of acceptable transfer credit must be earned by Assumption students.

University of Notre Dame College of Engineering

Assumption College’s agreement with the University of Notre Dame College of Engineering allows qualified Assumption students to earn a B.A. in chemistry, environmental science, mathematics or computer science from Assumption College and a B.S. in one of several fields of engineering from the University of Notre Dame. The program is designed to provide the student with a strong liberal arts education in the sciences and mathematics as well as state-of-the-art engineering training at the University of Notre Dame, one of the nation’s leading engineering universities.

Students attend Assumption for 3 years, where they pursue coursework in one of the following tracks specially approved to count toward an undergraduate degree in a major at Assumption, and transfer credit toward an undergraduate degree in a major at Notre Dame College of Engineering:

Aerospace Engineering (with Math major at Assumption)
Chemical Engineering (with Chemistry major)
Civil Engineering (with Math major)
Computer Engineering (with Computer Science or Math major)
Electrical Engineering (with Math major)
Environmental Earth Sciences or Environmental Engineering (with Environmental Science major)
Mechanical Engineering (with Math major)

After the fifth semester, the student applies for transfer admission as a first-semester junior to the specific program offered by Notre Dame College of Engineering. Applicants who have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, at least a C in all courses, and a recommendation from Assumption’s 3+2 Engineering Program coordinator, can normally be expected to be admitted to full standing and complete Notre Dame’s engineering degree requirements in two years. Upon transfer to Notre Dame, students receive the same consideration for financial aid as other transfer applicants.

Upon completing the program, the student receives a Bachelor of Arts degree in their major from Assumption, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Notre Dame’s College of Engineering in their major.

Assumption students who choose the two-year option may also spend two years at Washington University in St. Louis to complete an undergraduate degree there and will be classified as Washington University undergraduate student for both years.

Assumption students who choose the three-year option will spend three years at Washington University in St. Louis to complete the requirements for both an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree and will be classified as Washington University graduate students for all three years.

Washington University in St. Louis

Students at Washington University can choose to study:

Biomedical Engineering (with Biology or Chemistry major)
Chemical Engineering (with Chemistry major)
Computer Engineering (with Computer Science or Math major)
Electrical Engineering (with Math major)
Mechanical Engineering (with Math major)
Systems Science and Engineering (with Math major)

Assumption will accept all units completed at Washington University in St. Louis and count these units toward the completion of an Assumption College undergraduate degree.

To be eligible for admission to the dual degree program, students must be recommended by Assumption College and, prior to entering SEAS, complete the entrance requirements specified by SEAS. Admission to SEAS is not guaranteed and SEAS cannot guarantee that financial support will be available to students admitted to the program.

Assumption students who have already completed all of their undergraduate degree requirements are also eligible to apply for this program if they apply within 12 months of earning their undergraduate degree.

Minor in Engineering

Assumption College’s engineering minor provides students with a curriculum that uniquely positions them as exceptional, well-rounded candidates in a competitive job market.

Assumption’s undergraduate engineering program is designed to provide students with a strong liberal arts education. The science and mathematics courses prepare them to continue their studies in engineering and have meaningful careers in the field. Students who pursue a minor in engineering are provided a sound foundation in the discipline and graduate with degrees in math, computer science, chemistry or environmental science. Small class sizes provide a personalized education that allows students to immerse themselves in their subject matter and faculty mentors offer one-on-one advising that will aid them in making the right choices at both the graduate and professional levels.

MINOR REQUIREMENTS

The engineering minor is designed for students interested in obtaining a foundation in engineering, but who do not wish to transfer to one of the College’s 3-2 engineering partner schools.

The minor is a good option for those considering obtaining a graduate degree in engineering. The minor consists of six courses

PHY213 Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving
MAT 355 Differential Equations
CSC 117 Introduction to Programming
PHY 301 Statics

Two Electives (electives need to be from two different disciplines)

MAT 356 Numerical Analysis
CSC 317 Java Programming
PHY 275 Applied Optics
PHY 302 Dynamics
CHE 311 Physical Chemistry I (or equivalent Thermodynamics course)

Approved engineering courses (transfer credit or consortium)

Faculty

James Hauri, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry

Courses

BIO 160 CONCEPTS IN BIOLOGY
An introductory course required of all science majors that emphasizes major concepts in biological science: structure and function, homeostasis, energetics, perpetuation, and evolution of living organisms. The laboratory will introduce students to the techniques and approaches used in biology. Three lectures and one laboratory period each week. Should be taken by intended science majors in the first year. Lab Fee: $400.00. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab. (Fall, Spring) Staff/Four credits

CHE 131–132 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I AND II
Fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics covered in CHE 131 include: matter and measurement, atomic and electronic structure, stoichiometry, gases, bonding, and solutions. In CHE 132: chemical equilibria (gases, solubility), acids and bases, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, nuclear and coordination chemistry. Emphasis is placed on problem solving. Laboratory work includes Qualitative Analysis. CHE 131 is a prerequisite for CHE 132. Intended science majors should take this series in their first year. Lab Fee: $400.00 each semester. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab. (Part I, Fall; Part II, Spring.) Hauri, Knurr, Marcotte, Niece /Four credits each semester

CSC 117 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
This course is an introduction to the field of computer science and structured programming in C11. Topics include basic computer architecture, the algorithmic approach to problem solving, various number systems, and logic. The programming language constructs introduced include types of variables, arithmetic operations, input/ output, decision statements, loops, and functions. (Fall) Brown/Three credits

CSC 250 INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING
This course extends the computer science and programming concepts introduced in CSC 117. The advanced topics include: objects, pointers, arrays, records, string types, and functions with output parameters. Prerequisite: CSC 117. (Spring) Brown/Three credits

ENG 130 ENGLISH COMPOSITION
This writing course emphasizes planning, composing, and revising. Specifically, the course deals with strategies for generating ideas, recognizing audience, clarifying purpose, focusing on a perspective, and choosing effective arrangements of ideas. Techniques of revision, which are central to the course, focus on appropriateness of language and effectiveness of development, as well as on editing. Counts in the Core Curriculum. (Fall/Spring) Staff/Three credit

ENV 150 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An introductory course designed as a foundation course for all students interested in environmental science. The interdisciplinary nature of environmental science will be stressed by covering the chemical, biological, and social aspects of environmental issues and problems in a case study approach. The lab will expose the students to both field and lab work associated with applied environmental work. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Lab Fee: $400.00 This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab. Hauri/Four credits

LTE 140 INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
This course is designed to acquaint the students with the form and structure of various genres of literature. Readings are mainly drawn from English and American literature. Class discussion and writing assignments will make use of such critical concepts as point of view, imagery, and tone. Counts in the Core Curriculum. (Fall/Spring) Staff/Three credits

MAT 117 CALCULUS I
An introductory course in differential calculus. Topics to be covered include limits and continuity, the derivative and applications, and an introduction to integration. The department also offers sections of MAT117 with a specific emphasis on business applications. Not open to those who complete MAT 131. Prerequisite: MAT 114 or department permission through placement. (Fall, Spring) Staff/Three credits MAT 118

MAT 118 CALCULUS II
The continuation of MAT 117. Topics to be covered include the definite integral and applications, elementary techniques of integration, partial derivatives, and first-order differential equations. The department also offers sections of MAT118 with a specific emphasis on business applications. Not open to those who complete MAT 131 or MAT 132. Prerequisite: MAT 117. (Fall, Spring) Kelton/Three credits

PHY 201–202 GENERAL PHYSICS I AND II
Mechanics and heat (first semester); sound, electricity, magnetism, and light (second semester). Three lectures and one laboratory period. Prerequisite: MAT 114 or Calculus (may be concurrent). Lab Fee: $400.00 per semester. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab. (Fall, Spring) Georgiev, Rodriguez/Four credits each semester

PHY 213 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING
This introductory course is designed to acquaint students with the variety of engineering disciplines, as well as provide students with the basics of the engineering mindset. The ability to develop and resolve solutions to applied problems is a necessary skill for a multitude of disciplines. The structure of the course emphasizes group projects and the use of computers to create models to solve problems. Prerequisite: Mat117/131 and Mat118/132 (can be taken concurrently). (Spring) Hauri/Three credits.

COURSES FOR ENGINEERING MINOR

MAT 355 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
First and second order differential equations. Linear differential equations and linear systems. Existence and uniqueness theorems. Applications. Prerequisite: MAT 232 must be completed or taken concurrently. (Spring 2017, Spring 2019) Carlin/Three credits

PHY 301 MECHANICS I: STATICS
The goal will be to endow students with a fundamental understanding of the engineering mechanics of static objects and fluids. Students will emerge proficient in problem solving, application of physical mechanical principles and critical thinking skills. This will be the first course in a year-long sequence on engineering mechanics. Topics to be covered include: Vector Algebra/Calculus, Vector forces & moments in 2-D & 3-D systems, Equivalent systems of forces, Equilibrium of rigid bodies, Centroids, centers of gravity, and distributed forces, Trusses, frames, machines: two-force and multi-force members, Beams: internal forces, shear and bending moment diagrams, Dry friction, Wedges & screws, Moments of inertia, Fluid Statics, Virtual work mechanics essentials.

Two electives (electives are chosen from two different disciplines)

MAT 356 NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
Roots of equations. Analysis of errors. Convergence. Interpolation and polynomial approximation. Numerical differentiation and integration. Solving linear systems, unstable matrices. The computer is used throughout the course. Prerequisite: MAT 118 or MAT 132. (Spring 2018, Spring 2020) Brown/Three credit

CSC 317 JAVA PROGRAMMING
Java is an object-oriented programming language with many interactive multimedia capabilities. This course covers the fundamentals of Java programming language, including how to write, debug, and execute Java programs. The course covers object-oriented programming techniques, as well as creating Java applets and applications. Prerequisite: CSC 305. (Spring 2017, Spring 2019) Katcher/Three credits

PHY 275 APPLIED OPTICS
The course investigates the general methods and applications of optics within the natural sciences. We will consider the optics of waves, the electromagnetic nature of light, reflection and refraction, interference and diffraction, polarization and geometrical optics, and optical instruments widely used in the natural sciences. Lab Fee $400.00. Prerequisites: PHY 201, PHY 202 and MAT 114 or MAT117. Georgiev/Three credits

PHY 302 MECHANICS II: DYNAMICS
This course is a 3 credits course, the second in a year-long sequence on engineering mechanics, the first being statics, a required sequence for most engineering tracks. Students will explore the fundamentals of physical-mechanical principles and apply them to the dynamics of objects and fluids. Topics to be covered include: friction forces and spring forces, power, work, and energy, momenta, impulses, and collisions, dynamics of systems of particles, kinetics of a rigid body, fluids. This course is only offered in the spring, every other year. There is no lab requirement for this course.

CHE 311–312 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I AND II
An intensive study of the structure and interconversions of matter in its several states. Intra- and inter-molecular forces, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, and statistical and quantum mechanics are considered. Prerequisites: CHE 201–202, PHY 201–202 (may be concurrent with permission of instructor), MAT 117–118 or MAT 131–132 or permission of the instructor. Lab Fee: $400.00 per semester. (Fall, Spring) Knurr/Four credits each semester.

Approved engineering courses (transfer credit or consortium)

Internships & Outcomes

Academic Internships
Assumption students participate in paid summer internships opportunities at neighboring Worcester Polytechnic Institute, funded by a National Science Foundation Grant. The competitive, 10-week program accepts 15 students from across Massachusetts each summer.

Career Internships
Assumption students are encouraged to participate in the College’s career internship program and spend a semester gaining practical experience applying to professional settings what they have learned in the classroom. This internship may be paid or unpaid and provides valuable experience.

Assumption engineering students are provided a number of opportunities to participate in an internship. Our students have held internships in a variety of organizations, including:

Loftware Inc.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
J. H. Maxymillian (Civil Engineering General Contracting Company)

Jesse Brunelle '15
Majors: Computer Science and Engineering
Internship: Intern at Loftware Inc.
3:2 Program: Engineering Partnership with the University of Notre Dame
"The experiences that I had at Assumption, both in and out of the classroom, were an integral part of my preparation for the internship at Loftware Inc. My studies at Assumption provided me with the skills to overcome any challenges that I faced, and I even used completed project work from Assumption to give myself an edge during the interview process."

Academics

Engineering Degree Partnerships