All first-year engineering students pursue a common academic program consisting of mathematics, chemistry, physics, humanities/social science electives, and two specially designed first year engineering courses. These courses provide each student with an overview of the fields and methods of engineering; introduce certain skills basic to engineering; and acquaint students with the interaction of skills, techniques, logic, and creativity in engineering problem formulation and solving. Although the curriculum is common, the actual schedule for each student is based on their incoming background and their anticipated major. Upon completion of the first-year curriculum, students with a 2.00 (or higher) on a 4.00 scale choose their major from any of the ten departments or programs.

First year students also participate in an engineering seminar, facilitated by their Academic Advisor and an Engineering Peer Mentor. These seminars provide general information on the transition to college, study skills, co-curricular opportunities, and provide an overview of the various engineering fields. First Year Engineering Seminar (ENGR 0082) is a group Advising experience that provides weekly contact with advisors and peer mentors.

The science and general education requirements are the same regardless if you enter the First Year Engineering Program as a first-year student or as a transfer student. The ENGR 0011/0012 or 00711 courses are the traditional first-year sequence. For transfer students instead of ENGR0011/0012 there are off semester courses ENGR0015 and ENGR0016.  

Upon completion of the first-year curriculum, students with a 2.00 (or higher) choose their major from any of the ten departments or programs.

Frederick Honors College 

Entering first-year students who meet eligibility requirements may opt to take honors courses. Students may take University Honors College courses that substitute for regular required course offerings. Students may enroll in all honors courses or a combination of courses, but students are encouraged to be conservative in opting into Honors college classes.