The diversity of opportunities offered by undergraduate study in the School of Engineering and Applied Science attracts students with an interest and aptitude in mathematics and the fundamental sciences who wish to develop rigorous powers of analysis, whether for engineering and applied science careers in industry, teaching, or research, or for such varied fields as business, law, or medicine. The practice of engineering can have powerful appeal to those who want to apply science to the solution of many critical problems confronting our industrialized society. The complex interdependence of technological, environmental, and sociological factors requires that problems be addressed by those who have been broadly educated. For this reason, engineers must consider the economic, environmental, political, and social implications of their work in technology. Undergraduates in engineering have ample flexibility to develop a broad educational base, and we encourage our students to explore the many fascinating courses offered through the A.B. departments.
Rigorous analysis is emphasized.
We make sure that our engineering graduates have the fundamental tools and methodology necessary to pursue a wide variety of specific professions, not just the narrow applications of a particular skill. A sound command of general principles will enable the new engineer to assimilate the design process quickly. This kind of background allows graduates of the engineering school to contribute to the development of unforeseen technologies or to pursue other careers that will benefit from the technical expertise and analytical skills developed as an engineer. The rigorous engineering and applied science curriculum provides a base from which students can extend their knowledge. The programs in applications of computing, applied and computational mathematics, architecture and engineering, engineering biology, engineering and management systems, engineering physics, geological engineering, materials science and engineering, and robotics and intelligent systems offer engineering students special opportunities to draw together courses and independent work from several departments.