College of Engineering
Engineering Exploratory
Explore engineering disciplines and find the path that's right for you.
Program details
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Designated
- STEM, STEM-OPT
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Explore engineering majors at UMass Dartmouth
Engineering combines math, science, and creative ingenuity to solve all kinds of problems. If you know you want to study engineering but you're not sure which engineering discipline is right for you, Engineering Exploratory is the perfect place to start.
You'll take introductory courses and have the opportunity to learn more about various engineering fields and career paths before deciding which to pursue.
Students in the Engineering Exploratory program have up to three semesters to declare a major.
Curriculum
The first year curriculum for all engineering majors at UMass Dartmouth is very similar, so you can complete your introductory coursework and build foundational skills while learning about the different majors within the College of Engineering. You'll explore your options without losing time, staying on track to complete your degree in four years.
Coursework will include EGR 111: Introduction to Engineering and Computing, which gives an overview of engineering majors and emphasizes project-based problem solving.
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally ranked engineering with ABET-accredited programs
The College of Engineering is home to ABET-accredited undergraduate programs and nationally-ranked graduate programs supported by significant research activity and industry partnerships. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratories, faculty-led research, internships, and work addressing emerging challenges in engineering, computing, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Engineering Exploratory program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
You can stay in the Engineering Exploratory program for up to three semesters before you will need to choose a major.
The Engineering Exploratory program is designed to cover introductory coursework shared by many of our engineering programs so you won't sacrifice progress toward your degree while you decide which major is right for you. Students who select a major by the end of their third semester can remain on track to graduate within four years.
UMass Dartmouth's College of Engineering offers programs in:
The Engineering Exploratory program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.