Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu

Curricular Programming

Curricular programming offers students across diverse backgrounds the opportunity to prepare for a career in engineering. All pre-engineering students are recommended to take the Calculus sequence (MATH135, MATH137, MATH237); Linear Algebra (MATH236); Differential Equations (MATH312); introductory (PHYS226, PHYS227) and advanced physics courses (PHYS331 and beyond); general chemistry (CHEM 111 and 112, or CHEM 115), and, depending on your anticipated specialty, organic chemistry (CHEM 211 and 211), biochemistry (CHEM 351), and physical chemistry (CHEM 311 and 312).  Students with specific interests in electrical and computer engineering are encouraged to consider taking Laboratory Instrumentation (PHYS 348) and/or Digital Electronics (PHYS/COMP 340).

Further course choices will depend on the particular area of engineering, and you should choose them in consultation with one of the faculty advisors listed below. All graduate schools will list their entrance requirements. Have a look at the University of Minnesota offerings to get a feel for what programs are available and what you need to take during college to prepare for these distinct areas.

Students contemplating graduate studies in engineering are also strongly encouraged to consider a summer research experience in an engineering-related field. For example, the NSF-REU program has extensive opportunities for off-campus research in all areas of engineering.  See https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/ for more information.