Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in General Engineering?
General Engineering is a new program at Miami and was offered in the School of Engineering and Applied Science starting Fall 2004. The General Engineering major is designed for students interested in pursuing non-technical career paths. It provides students with a rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of the engineering discipline and emphasizes problem-solving skills and comprehension of the role of engineering in modern society. The General Engineering major enables students to appreciate and comprehend engineering practice in the context of fields typically outside of engineering.
Students are able to select among many different electives, minors, and paths to different disciplines. There are a minimum of 9 free electives that students can combine with a thematic sequence to have a minor in a chosen area of interest such as engineering, physics, chemistry, political science, history, etc. Students who are thinking of medical school may use these elective hours to fulfill the premed requirements. Others who are interested in careers in law may select political science courses for a pre-law path. Other concentration areas include (but are not limited to) health care, nursing, and language.
The international component of this major is designed to provide the student with a significant international experience. This component will enable the student to learn about other cultures, experience the basic elements of global communication, engage in interdisciplinary activities, and examine their liberal and professional education in global settings. The outcome of such an experience will prepare the student to work effectively in the global society.
The program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in General Engineering.
Interests
This course of study is excellent for students who want a strong engineering foundation but interested in pursuing a non-technical career path.
Competencies
- Communication
- Preparing technical reports
Writing technical information
Informing/explaining both orally and in writing
Organizing/reporting data
Communicating information graphically
Communicating interpersonally on multiple levels
Making formal presentations - Analytical
- Thinking logically
Summarizing research findings
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Developing theories
Clarifying problems
Organizing ideas/materials
Using technical background to solve problems (problems may be technical or non-technical) - Interpersonal Skills
- Working as part of a team
Project management
Developing common goals
Interest in global issues - Investigative
- Reviewing relevant data
Applying concepts
Utilizing formulas
Identifying problems
Gathering information
Perceiving patterns/structures - Technical
- Applying technical knowledge to every day problems
Recognizes technical impact on societal issues
Using computer technology
Opportunities - Careers
Graduates may pursue graduate education to specialize in any field of their choice, such as business, medicine and law. Also, gradates will be able to work in a diverse spectrum of technical and non-technical fields such as public policy, policy analysis, technical sales and other fields where an advanced technology background would be a recognized asset.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Graduates may continue their education to obtain advanced degrees in engineering, business, or other professional programs.
Opportunities - Experiential
Students may complete a semester in Luxembourg or other approved program for their international component of this major. Miami participates in a variety of exchange agreements with foreign universities which Miami students may be able to attend. Students can gain industry experience through the co-op program in which students alternate semesters of study with semesters of work or through summer internships. Students are also encouraged to get involved with student organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Sources of Additional Information
- School of Engineering & Applied Science (106 Benton Hall, 529-0700)
- * Miami Plan Requirements
* Career Decision Making
* Curriculum Requirements - * Course Selection
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.