Choosing an Engineering Curriculum: What You Need to Know
If you're thinking about majoring in engineering, you’ve probably already heard that it’s rigorous—but rewarding. What you may not know is that not all engineering programs are structured the same way. Depending on the college or university, the curriculum design can vary significantly, affecting your academic experience, flexibility, and even career path.
In this post, we'll break down the most common types of engineering curricula, so you can better understand your options and choose a program that fits your goals and learning style.
1. Traditional Discipline-Based Curriculum
This is the most common structure at many large universities. Students choose a specific engineering discipline—such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or chemical engineering—and follow a highly structured sequence of courses tailored to that field.
What It Looks Like:
First-year: foundational math and science (Calculus, Physics, Chemistry)
Second-year: introductory courses in the chosen discipline
Junior/Senior years: specialized upper-level courses (e.g., thermodynamics, circuits, structural analysis)
Best for: Students who are already certain about their specific area of interest.
2. General Engineering or Engineering Science Core
Some colleges offer a broad-based engineering core during the first two years, delaying specialization until junior year. This gives students more time to explore different fields before committing.
Schools with this model:
Harvey Mudd College
Olin College of Engineering
Some programs at Dartmouth and Smith College
Benefits:
Interdisciplinary approach
Strong foundation in problem-solving and systems thinking
Often emphasizes collaboration and design from the start
Best for: Students who are curious about multiple types of engineering or want a well-rounded foundation before specializing.
3. Project-Based or Design-Centered Curriculum
Some schools build design projects and hands-on learning into the curriculum from day one. This is often referred to as a “learn by doing” or “maker” approach.
Schools known for this:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Olin College
Cal Poly
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Highlights:
Early exposure to real-world engineering problems
Teamwork, communication, and creativity are emphasized
Often includes capstone projects and industry collaboration
Best for: Hands-on learners who want to build things and work in teams from the start.
4. Combined Liberal Arts + Engineering Programs (3-2 Programs)
In these dual-degree programs, students spend three years at a liberal arts college, then transfer to a partner engineering school for two additional years. At the end, they earn two degrees: a BA and a BS in Engineering.
Examples:
Amherst or Williams + Dartmouth
Wesleyan + Columbia
Pomona + Caltech
Pros:
Small classes and close faculty mentoring in the early years
Broad liberal arts education + technical training
Cons:
Requires transferring and often more than four years to complete
Some students find the transition challenging
Best for: Students who want the best of both worlds—liberal arts and engineering.
5. Integrated or Interdisciplinary Programs
These programs blend engineering with other fields like business, biology, or computer science. They may offer custom majors like bioengineering, robotics, or engineering management.
Look for:
Flexible electives
Faculty from multiple departments
Opportunities for interdisciplinary research
Best for: Students with overlapping interests who want to tailor their path.
Final Thoughts!
When comparing engineering programs, it’s not just about rankings—how a program is structured can have a big impact on your academic satisfaction and success. Think about how you learn best, whether you're ready to specialize, and how much flexibility you want. Then, ask schools specific questions about their curriculum during campus visits or info sessions.
Choosing an engineering major is a big decision, but with the right information, you can find a program that empowers you to build, solve, and innovate your way to the future.
Bettina Weil
Founder, Weil College Advising, LLC