Engineering: the first-year core and how to choose a major
What engineering students take in their first year, what ABET accreditation means, and how to compare engineering majors. Every fact below names its source.
Last checked:
What it is
Before entering majors such as mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering, students complete Chemical Principles I, Cornerstone Engineering Design, Calculus With Analytic Geometry I and II, and General Physics: Mechanics, each with a grade of C or better. [1] [2] [3]
The list differs by major: electrical engineering accepts a programming course or Cornerstone Engineering Design, and computer engineering asks for a programming course alongside chemistry, calculus and physics. [4] [5]
Students qualify to enter these majors with 29 to 55 graded Penn State credits, not counting transfer and AP credits, and the minimum cumulative GPA differs by major, for example 2.60 for electrical engineering and 3.20 for mechanical engineering at University Park; a higher minimum cumulative grade-point average is likely to be needed when a major is under enrollment control. [4] [1]
The first-year core
Accredited engineering programs must include at least 30 semester credit hours of college-level mathematics and basic sciences with experimental experience, and at least 45 semester credit hours of engineering topics, made up of engineering and computer sciences and engineering design. [6]
Mechanical engineering students complete these first-year courses with a grade of C or better before entering the major. [1]
The rows below show one named example: the first-year courses in the Penn State 2026–2027 bulletin. Course descriptions are in our own words. Course names and numbers differ at every college; confirm each college’s own list.
| Course | Status | What it covers (example: Penn State bulletin) | Comes after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus With Analytic Geometry I and II | Required in this example program[1] | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I (MATH 140) builds the skills to analyze change, including derivatives and their uses for rates of change and integration by substitution, and Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (MATH 141) covers logarithms, exponentials, inverse trigonometric functions, the uses and techniques of integration, and sequences and series. [7] | MATH 140 comes after earlier math courses or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination, and MATH 141 comes after MATH 140. [7] |
Get ready with these topics: Limits from graphs and tables · Limits algebraically and continuity · Exponential and logarithmic models · Identities and trig equations · The derivative as a limit · The chain rule · Derivatives in context: motion and rates · The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus · Integration by substitution | |||
| General Physics: Mechanics | Required in this example program[1] | General Physics: Mechanics (PHYS 211) is a calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics, including motion, vectors, force, Newton's laws, friction, work and energy, momentum and collisions, rotation and torque, static equilibrium, gravity, oscillations and waves. [8] | MATH 140 is taken before or at the same time. [8] |
Get ready with these topics: Physics skills: units, vectors and graphs · Describing motion: position, velocity and acceleration · Newton's second law: net force, mass and acceleration · Momentum and its conservation · Conservation of energy: modeling energy in a system · Torque, rotation and equilibrium · Vectors: components and operations | |||
| Chemical Principles I | Required in this example program[1] | Chemical Principles I (CHEM 110) introduces the basic principles of chemistry, linking the structure of matter at the smallest scale to the properties we can see. [9] | It comes after completion of or placement beyond MATH 22. [9] |
Get ready with these topics: Atoms and electron arrangement · Periodic table patterns · Ionic and covalent bonding · The mole and molar mass · Stoichiometry and conservation of mass · Acids and bases · Quantities, units and rates · Literal equations and formulas | |||
| Cornerstone Engineering Design | Required in this example program[1] | Cornerstone Engineering Design (EDSGN 100) teaches the basics of engineering design through hands-on team projects, where students practice with many design tools and present their work. [10] | No prerequisite is listed for it. [10] |
Get ready with these topics: Designing energy-conversion devices: power and efficiency · Impulse and designing for safer collisions · Modeling with geometry: density and design · Cross-sections and solids of revolution · Designing solutions with constraints | |||
| Programming for Engineers with MATLAB or C++ | One of the choices in this example programThe mechanical engineering B.S. requires Programming for Engineers with MATLAB or Programming for Engineers with C++. [1] | Programming for Engineers with MATLAB (CMPSC 200) introduces algorithm development, data types, control structures, functions, plotting and basic numerical analysis for science and engineering, and Programming for Engineers with C++ (CMPSC 201) teaches algorithms in a procedure-oriented language, with emphasis on numerical methods for engineering problems. [11] | Each comes after MATH 140, with MATH 141 before or at the same time. [11] |
ABET accreditation: what it means
To check whether a program is accredited, ask the school and look it up on ABET’s website.
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that accredits programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor's and master's degree levels. [12]
ABET currently accredits 4,863 programs at 950 colleges and universities in 42 countries. [12]
Accreditation supports entry to a technical profession through licensure, registration and certification, all of which often require graduation from an ABET-accredited program as a minimum qualification. [13]
Accreditation ensures that graduates have met the educational requirements necessary to enter the profession, and verifies that the education meets the global standard for technical education in the profession. [13]
Program accreditation is voluntary in the U.S. [13]
Accredited engineering programs must also include a culminating major engineering design experience that uses appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints and builds on the knowledge and skills from earlier course work. [6]
Typical high school preparation
- In addition to university requirements, its applicants need 4 units of high school math, including Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, and pre-calculus/trigonometry or calculus, and 3 units of high school science that must include physics and chemistry, and they must also meet one of its ACT or GPA standards. [14]
- If the minimum admission has not been met, a student may be admitted based on an individual review. [14]
This is one university’s admission list for its engineering college, not a rule for every college. Confirm each college’s own list.
Engineering majors
Each major has its own page: typical college courses from a named university catalog, high school preparation, licensing, and careers with a bachelor’s degree.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, and it is divided into two broad areas: mechanical systems and thermal systems. [1]
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is the application of electronics, electrical science and technology, and computer systems to the needs of society. [4]
Civil Engineering
Penn State's civil engineering program places emphasis on the fundamentals of civil engineering principles and design techniques. [2]
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers are employed in a broad array of industries, from pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies to semiconductor manufacturing. [15]
Biomedical Engineering
The biomedical engineering curriculum emphasizes the continuous integration of classical and modern engineering principles with the life sciences and health care. [16]
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering students take a balanced program of instruction covering the basic principles of the design and application of computer systems. [5]
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering emphasizes the analysis, design and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. [3]
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering offers an education in manufacturing, operations research, ergonomics and service, grounded in mathematics and the physical and engineering sciences. [17]
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering prepares students to plan, design, operate and renew the built systems that protect public health and the environment. [18]
Materials Engineering
Materials such as ceramics, metals, polymers and composites are critical to many industries and key to most engineering disciplines. [19]
Where this degree can lead with a bachelor’s
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, setting and experience. This is not a promise of pay or a job.
Examples from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Other careers may need more study after the bachelor’s degree.
Architectural and engineering managers
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering. [20]
The median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers was $171,270 in May 2025. [20]
Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. [20]
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer. [20]
Health and safety engineers
Health and safety engineers apply their knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, psychology and other disciplines to promote worksite or product safety. [21]
The median annual wage for health and safety engineers was $115,160 in May 2025. [21]
Employment of health and safety engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. [21]
Health and safety engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, often in an engineering discipline such as chemical, mechanical, industrial or systems engineering. [21]
Getting licensed: the FE and PE exams
Overview only. For dates, registration, rules and scoring, see each test maker's own site.
The FE exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE). [22]
The FE exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. [22]
The FE exam is a computer-based exam with 110 questions, given year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers, and the exam appointment is 6 hours long. [22]
The PE exam
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline and is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years of post-college work experience. [23]
The path to a PE license
To use the PE seal, engineers must earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program, pass the FE exam, complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE, and pass the PE exam. [24]
Every state regulates the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only Professional Engineers (PEs) the authority to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public. [24]
Exam names are trademarks of their owners. NCEES and NSPE are not affiliated with and do not endorse UpOnly Learning.
Questions people search
Chosen from our search-question research. Every answer is cited.
What classes do engineering majors take in the first year?
Before entering majors such as mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering, students complete Chemical Principles I, Cornerstone Engineering Design, Calculus With Analytic Geometry I and II, and General Physics: Mechanics, each with a grade of C or better. [1] [2] [3]
Accredited engineering programs must include at least 30 semester credit hours of college-level mathematics and basic sciences with experimental experience, and at least 45 semester credit hours of engineering topics, made up of engineering and computer sciences and engineering design. [6]
What is ABET accreditation, and why does it matter?
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that accredits programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor's and master's degree levels. [12]
Accreditation supports entry to a technical profession through licensure, registration and certification, all of which often require graduation from an ABET-accredited program as a minimum qualification. [13]
What math do you need for an engineering degree?
Accredited engineering programs must include at least 30 semester credit hours of college-level mathematics and basic sciences with experimental experience, and at least 45 semester credit hours of engineering topics, made up of engineering and computer sciences and engineering design. [6]
Mechanical engineering programs must include mathematics, including multivariate calculus and differential equations, and civil engineering programs mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics. [6]
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Sources
- The Pennsylvania State University. Mechanical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/mechanical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Civil Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/civil-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Aerospace Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/aerospace-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Electrical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/electrical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Computer Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/computer-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- ABET. Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, 2026–2027. https://www.abet.org/2026-2027_eac_criteria. 2026–2027 review cycle (Engineering Accreditation Commission). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Mathematics (MATH) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/math/. University Bulletins, 2026–27 edition. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Physics (PHYS) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/phys/. current University Bulletins (the MATH and EDSGN course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Chemistry (CHEM) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/chem/. current University Bulletins (the BMB, BIOL and NUTR course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Engineering Design (EDSGN) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/edsgn/. University Bulletins, 2026–27 edition. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Computer Science (CMPSC) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/cmpsc/. current University Bulletins (the MATH and EDSGN course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- ABET. About ABET. https://www.abet.org/about-abet/. no edition stated. Checked .
- ABET. Why ABET Accreditation Matters. https://www.abet.org/accreditation/what-is-accreditation/why-abet-accreditation-matters/. no edition stated. Checked .
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Engineering. Admission Requirements. https://engineering.unl.edu/undergraduate-programs/admission-requirements. no edition stated (page footer © 2025). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Chemical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/chemical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Biomedical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/biomedical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Industrial Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/industrial-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Environmental Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/environmental-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Materials Science and Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/earth-mineral-sciences/materials-science-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Architectural and Engineering Managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Health and Safety Engineers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/health-and-safety-engineers.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). FE exam. https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/. no edition stated. Checked .
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). PE exam. https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/. no edition stated. Checked .
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). What is a PE? https://www.nspe.org/about/about-professional-engineering/what-pe. no edition stated. Checked .
Format: Publisher. Page title. URL. Edition or catalog year. Checked date.