The EAC operates on a walk-in basis, and appointments are also available. Students may request appointments with specific advisers. Excellent referral programs exist to help students succeed. For example, Penn State's Learning Resource Center, which has the Math Center, the Writing Center, Computer Learning Center, Tutoring Center, and Supplemental Instruction. Several engineering honor societies provide tutoring in courses in each of the majors.
Architectural engineering requires five years, or ten semesters, of study.
Students who participate in a Cooperative Education program can expect four and a half to five years of study. Almost 50 percent of the students who receive B.S. degrees in engineering have started at a campus other than University Park. Students at a campus compete on an equal basis for positions in the different engineering majors. Depending on the grade earned on the examination, varied amounts of credits are awarded by the University. Students are urged to consult with their adviser as to the appropriate strategy in the use of AP credits.