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Pre-Engineering Track

Pre-Engineering: Your Pathway to College of Engineering at UMassD 

Welcome to Pre-Engineering! If you are excited about engineering, computer science, and physics and beginning your UMassD journey as a pre-engineering student in the College of Arts and Sciences, this pathway is designed for you. Pre-Engineering gives you time, guidance, and the right courses to build a strong foundation for a successful transition to the College of Engineering. 

As a Pre-Engineering student, you will: 

  • Begin with math, science, and introductory courses that prepare you for advanced study.
  • Work closely with STAR Center advisors to create a plan that fits your academic goals.
  • Connect with a community of students intending to pursue engineering, with opportunities to join clubs, participate in events, and utilize resources that support your success.

Transitioning to College of Engineering 

When you meet the program requirements - to be accomplished within your first three semesters – you will be ready to declare your engineering major and continue your journey. 

Students are ready to declare an engineering major within their first three semesters by: 

  1. Completing required foundation courses.
  2. Meeting GPA and program-specific benchmarks.
  3. Submitting the Undergraduate Major/Minor/Concentration Change Form.

Pre-Engineering students can complete their degree in four years if they meet course requirements on schedule and remain on track in math and science. In some cases, the pathway may extend to a fifth year, depending on placement, course sequencing, or individual circumstances. Your advisors will work closely with you to help minimize delays and make the most of your academic journey. 

Schedules and Details 

Placement in mathematics via the ALEKS placement assessment is a key factor in your timeline: 

  • Students who place directly into Calculus I will also take EGR 111: Introduction to Engineering and Computing in their first year. EGR 111 introduces the engineering profession and the design process and incorporates hands-on projects across all engineering and computing disciplines.
  • Students who place into other math courses (Precalculus MTH 150, College Algebra MTH 148, or Basic Algebra MTH 100) should plan to take summer courses to stay on track. Without summer courses, completing the degree will likely extend to five years.

For further details, see the linked curriculum flowcharts for: 

Preparing for Success 

Engineering, computing and physics are rigorous and demanding fields of study. The curriculum requires strong skills in mathematics, science, and problem-solving, and courses build quickly on one another. Staying on track in your early math and science courses is so important. 

At the same time, you won’t be on this journey alone. Faculty, advisors, and peers are here to support you through challenges, and many students discover that the very discipline and persistence engineering requires are what make their success especially rewarding. 

Exploring Your Options 
Participation in Pre-Engineering does not obligate you to an engineering degree. One of UMassD’s strengths is the wide range of academic pathways available across the university. 

If you discover that engineering isn’t what you imagined, or that another field better matches your interests and goals, advisors will help plan a smooth transition to other programs—including those in the College of Arts & Sciences, the Charlton College of Business, and the College of Visual & Performing Arts - while leveraging completed coursework whenever possible. 

No matter which direction you choose, the Pre-Engineering experience provides a strong academic foundation, valuable problem-solving skills, and the confidence to succeed in whichever path you pursue. 

Questions? 

Contact the Admissions Office at admissions@umassd.edu or 508.999.8605.  

For academic questions related to Engineering, you may also reach out to the College of Engineering at coe@umassd.edu.