Program Overview

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Introduction to the Human-Centered Engineering Program

The Engineering Department at Boston College offers an undergraduate major in Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) to students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering.

Program Requirements

The HCE major is a 79 credit major, consisting of:

• 20 engineering courses
• 5 math/science co-requisite courses
• 8 semesters of HCE Reflection

HCE majors also fulfill the MCAS Core Curriculum (15 courses) and the MCAS Language Requirement, which involves attaining intermediate proficiency in a modern or classical language.

Coursework

The program includes a variety of courses, such as:

• Introduction to Human-Centered Design: Students take one course from this category, which includes options like "Innovation Through Engineering Design" and "Making the Modern World: Design, Ethics & Engineering."
• Introductory Engineering Courses: These include "Introduction to Human-Centered Engineering," "Physical Modeling and Analysis Lab," "Engineering Analysis Lab," and "Engineering Computation and Programming."
• Engineering Foundations Courses: A series of studio courses (I-V) that cover the foundations of engineering.
• Major Projects: Include "Collaborative Service Engineering Project" and "Senior Impact Project" (offered in both Fall and Spring semesters).
• Advanced Engineering Courses: Courses like "Engineering for Society" and "Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis and Machine Learning."
• Advanced Math and Science Courses: Students must take "Advanced Math for Engineers" or a minimum of 3 credits of math/science taken outside of the department, with approval from the engineering department.
• Eight semesters of reflection: Reflection courses are taken each semester, starting from the first year.

Corequisite Courses

Corequisite courses for the B.S. in Human-Centered Engineering include:

• PHYS2200: Introduction to Physics I for Physics Majors
• CHEM1109/CHEM1111: General Chemistry I with Lab
• Calculus 1 and Calculus 2

Advanced Placement

Students who receive at least a 4 on the Physics AP exams fulfill a Natural Science Core but do not fulfill the HCE requirement for PHYS2200. Similarly, students who receive at least a 4 in Calculus AB or BC place out of certain calculus requirements but must take an equivalent number of math/science credits.

Sample Program of Study

A sample program of study is provided to help students plan their coursework over four years.

Course Offerings

The department offers a wide range of courses, including those focused on engineering foundations, human-centered engineering, and advanced topics like machine learning and materials engineering.

Study Abroad and Summer Programs

The department supports students interested in studying abroad, with the possibility of applying up to two three-credit engineering technical elective courses from institutions abroad towards their HCE degree. Summer term courses are also available, including global engineering projects.

Information for First Year Students and Non-Majors

Incoming first-year students are directly admitted as HCE majors. BC students not admitted as HCE majors can enroll in HCE courses open to non-majors and may reach out to HCE faculty for research opportunities.

Student Perspectives

Current students share their favorite courses and experiences in the Human-Centered Engineering program, highlighting the interdisciplinary approach, project-based learning, and real-world applications.

Facilities and Resources

The Engineering Department is located at 245 Beacon Street, with access to various facilities and resources to support student learning and research.

Giving to Engineering

Alumni and friends can support the Engineering Department through donations, which help fund scholarships, research initiatives, and facility upgrades.

Apply

Prospective students can apply to the Human-Centered Engineering program through the Boston College Office of Undergraduate Admission.