Program Overview

General Engineering, Nondegree Program

The General Engineering, Nondegree Program, is designed for first-year students interested in engineering but still deciding on a major. This program offers the flexibility to explore different fields while completing engineering courses important to all engineering degrees.

Program Description

Engineering solves problems, optimizes functionality, and enhances safety and efficiency. The general engineering program allows students to discover their interests and strengths as they delve into solid coursework in chemistry, calculus, physics, and computer science. Students can earn up to 30 credit hours while exploring their options, and acceptance into their desired degree program is automatic unless academically dismissed.

Locations Offered

• Melbourne Campus

Why Choose Florida Tech for General Engineering?

At Florida Tech, students thrive in a dynamic setting that fosters exploration, learning, and future success in engineering. Through coursework, hands-on projects, and interactions with faculty and peers, students uncover their interests and strengths. Early networking opportunities and the university's reputation as a top engineering school enhance internship and career prospects, regardless of which engineering major they ultimately choose.

Careers in General Engineering

Engineering careers can span various interdisciplinary fields, though typically aligning with the student's major. They offer intellectual challenge, creative fulfillment, financial rewards, and the chance to make a positive impact. Engineers engage in cutting-edge projects, shaping the future while enjoying competitive salaries, ample growth opportunities, and job security across industries.

Curriculum

The general engineering curriculum is designed to allow students more time to become familiar with all College of Engineering and Sciences academic programs and explore their options. Courses include:

• General Chemistry 1
• Physics 1
• Calculus 2

Choosing Your Engineering Path

Deciding on a type of engineering to pursue can be an exciting but complex choice, given the breadth of fields and specialties. The general engineering program can serve as a great starting point, helping students acquaint themselves with the options and providing access to experienced engineers and other expert faculty who can offer guidance and address any questions they may have along the way.

Related Programs

• General Science Nondegree Program: Designed for students who intend to major in an area of science, providing students a chance to see where their strengths and interests lie.
• General Studies Nondegree Program: Designed for students planning to major in communication, humanities, psychology, or business, providing a freshman-year curriculum for students who are uncertain about which major to choose.

Campus Organizations

As an engineering student, students can build leadership and networking skills and get professional experience through campus academic organizations. At Florida Tech, there are over 200 campus-wide student organizations, including:

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
• Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Society of Ocean Engineers
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Society of Automotive Engineers

Advanced Degree Options

Advanced degree options are related to the chosen field of study, but there is notable overlap among disciplines. A graduate with a background in mechanical engineering, for instance, might opt for further studies in aerospace engineering, while a civil engineer might gravitate towards a graduate program in ocean engineering. Interdisciplinary engineering advanced degrees include:

• Engineering Management, M.S.
• Systems Engineering, M.S.
• Systems Engineering, Ph.D.