Program Overview

About Engineering Science

Engineering Science at Pitt offers flexible curricula in several interdisciplinary areas of concentration. The program is intended for motivated and ambitious students with broad interests in science, mathematics, and engineering. The Engineering Science curriculum is inherently aligned with the fundamental values of the David C. Fredrick Honors College and, as such, curricular requirements for the Honors Distinction and Honors Degree are waived for Engineering Science students. There are four areas of concentration within Engineering Science, and each contains an in-depth exposure to both science and engineering. Our graduates are successful in industry, research, law, education, and more.

The Engineering Science program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Engineering Science Criteria.

Alumni Perspectives

• Flexible schedules help students focus on their interests.
• Analytic science components in the program prepare students exceptionally for graduate school and industry.
• Students develop a much broader view on natural sciences and build up a more intact structure of the theories and equations due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

Mission and Program Objectives

The goal of this program is to develop the student's ability to think analytically across disciplines and tackle future technical challenges through a thorough understanding of the physical sciences and/or mathematics combined with engineering.

The objectives of the Engineering Science Program at the University of Pittsburgh are for our graduates to build successful, diverse careers based on the following:

• An understanding of the application of physical and/or life sciences to engineering analysis and design, leading to problem solutions often of an interdisciplinary nature.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development as exemplified by, for example, graduate study, training, conference participation, and certification.
• Advancement and leadership in professional and/or community life.

ABET Student Outcomes

At graduation, students must be able to demonstrate an ability to:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. 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. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. 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. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Requirements

Requirements for Engineering Science program curricula:

• Minimum 48 hours Engineering
• Minimum 44 hours Science + Math (minimum 18 hours of Math)
• Minimum 15 hours concentrated in a single Engineering program
• Minimum 101 hours total STEM classes (Science + Engineering + Math)
• Minimum 18 hours (six courses) of H/SS electives including one W course (per approved SSOE H/SS courses)

Options/Concentrations

The Engineering Science program offers several areas of concentration, including:

• Nanotechnology - Chemistry / Bioengineering
• Nanotechnology - Physics / Materials Science
• Engineering Physics
• Engineering Mechanics

Each concentration has its own curriculum and sample schedule.

Related Programs and Degrees

Engineering Accelerated Graduate (EAGr) Program

Qualified undergraduates in the Swanson School of Engineering can enroll in the new Engineering Accelerated Graduate (EAGr) Program. EAGr provides students with the opportunity to earn complementary bachelors and masters degree in their discipline within five years.

Honors Degree/Honors Distinction

• Curricular requirements (18 credits/9 credits)
• Co-Curricular requirements (6 credits/3 credits)
• Outside of the classroom curriculum (1200 points Honors OCC)
• 3.5 Overall GPA

Curricular requirements: Engineering Science Program overlaps well with the mission of Honors College to provide students with knowledge in several disciplines. Therefore, for students majoring in Engineering Science who want to pursue Honors degree/Honors Distinction, the Curricular requirements (total of 18 credits for Honors degree/9 credits for Honors distinction) are waived.

Photonics Certificate

Photonics is involved in many high-tech industries including optical communications, optical imaging, optical data storage, lasers, spectroscopy, quantum optics, and more. Photonics is an interdisciplinary field covering areas in physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering, and the photonics certificate offered at Pitt includes a combination of courses from these departments.

Sustainability Distinction / Sustainability Certificate

The sustainability distinction/sustainability certificate is for students who are willing to explore opportunities and challenges in sustainability and commit to sustainability in their career.

Minors and Certificates

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Engineering Science students can pursue minors and certificates with just a few extra classes. A list of related minors and certificates to the program is shown below:

• Physics minor: 0 (Engineering Physics/ Nanotechnology Curriculum Physics/Materials Emphasis)
• Mathematics minor: 2 (Engineering Mechanics)
• Materials Science minor: 1 (Nanotechnology Curriculum Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis)
• Electrical Engineering minor: 2 (Engineering Physics)
• Mechanical Engineering minor: 1 (Engineering Mechanics)
• Chemistry minor: 1 (Nanotechnology Curriculum Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis and Nanotechnology Curriculum Physics/Materials Emphasis)
• Bioengineering minor: 1 (Nanotechnology Curriculum Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis)
• Nanoscience and Engineering Certificate: 0 (Nanotechnology Curriculum Physics/Materials Emphasis)

Research Opportunities

The Swanson School of Engineering provides several research opportunities for undergraduate students who are interested in research work. The Engineering Science Program arms students with specialized knowledge in various academic areas which will help students catch every open research opportunity in the engineering school.

The Frederick Honors College provides funding for students who are interested in research.

The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation provides several undergraduate research programs during summer where students can engage in hands-on research and get paid.