The Swanson School of Engineering’s undergraduate programs prepare students for entrance into a diverse spectrum of careers, providing both a strong, fundamental engineering education and a thorough understanding of the broader aspects of society. Students have an opportunity to participate in the highly successful Cooperative Engineering Education Program, an increasing number of study abroad opportunities, joint programs with the University Honors College, and a number of certificate programs. Students also have the option of earning a minor or a dual degree from various Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences programs. Minors may also be earned from the other Swanson School of Engineering undergraduate degree programs. The curricula provide sufficient flexibility to allow graduates to pursue careers in industry, government, or education, including programs in medicine, law, or business.
Full-time Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree programs are offered on the Pittsburgh campus in the following engineering disciplines: bioengineering, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, engineering science, environmental, industrial, materials science, and mechanical. Special interdisciplinary programs can be structured based upon individual student interest and ability through the engineering science program. The Cooperative Engineering Education Program, in which students alternate terms of relevant work experience with course work, is available for students in all undergraduates. Approximately half of the graduating seniors complete at least three co-op rotations. There are also certificate programs in nuclear engineering; innovation, product design and entrepreneurship; product realization; supply chain management; engineering for humanities; international engineering studies; engineering simulation in design; and sustainable engineering.
Contact Information
Prospective First Year & Transfer Students
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
First Year Engineering Program
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-9825
pittengrvisitors@pitt.edu
Academic Issues
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-9815
pjr10@pitt.edu
Administrative Issues
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Office of Administration
151 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-9800
ssoeadm@engr.pitt.edu
Application Procedures
The Swanson School of Engineering works closely with the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA). Ultimately, all admissions, financial aid and scholarship decisions take place through OAFA following the procedures detailed below:
First Year Engineering Applicants
All admissions to the Swanson School of Engineering are determined by the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. (Please see Pittsburgh Campus Freshman Admissions section of this bulletin for details.) Approximately 550 first year students enter the Swanson School of Engineering each fall term.
Transfer Students from Other Colleges and Universities
The Swanson School of Engineering admits transfer students from within the University system, and from other U.S. and international programs. Approximately one-third of the students receiving the BSE degree transferred into the school. Transfer applicants are evaluated according to their academic record and potential for completing the particular engineering program, and conditional upon space available in the program of choice. An applicant for transfer to the Swanson School of Engineering from another college or university should apply through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Contact the First-Year Engineering Program at 412-624-9825 or see the transfer engineering student Web site for more information on transfer procedures.
A transfer applicant from a four-year college should have a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.000 (for courses that satisfy Swanson School of Engineering’s first-year requirements) on a 4.000 scale to be considered for admissions. Applicants from a two-year college should have a minimum GPA of a 3.250 on a 4.000 scale. Students interested in the Bioengineering program from any institution (two-year or four-year) need a minimum of 3.500 GPA. Students must also have completed two semesters of Calculus, Calculus-based Physics and Chemistry for consideration. In general transfer students will only be accepted for the upcoming Fall Term except for special cases of well-prepared applicants.
All transfer applicants are required to provide SAT I critical reading and mathematics scores and high school academic records. Advanced standing credits will be granted for college course work at another accredited institution depending on grades received and on the relevance of the courses to the applicant’s proposed program in the Swanson School of Engineering. Only courses in which the applicant received at least a C (2.000 on a 4.000 scale) will be considered for transfer and then only if the courses are applicable to their degree program.
Transfer Students from another University of Pittsburgh Oakland Campus School
Most transfer applicants from other Pittsburgh campus units to the Swanson School of Engineering come from either the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (DSAS) or the College of General Studies (CGS), although students from any of the University’s other schools are eligible for transfer if they meet the Swanson School of Engineering’s requirements. Students must submit a Program Change Form through their current advising or academic records center for transfer consideration.
An applicant for transfer from an Oakland campus school must have a minimum 3.000 cumulative GPA (3.500 for Bioengineering) and must have completed no fewer than 7 of the 8 First Year Engineering courses (MATH 0220 and 0230 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 and 2; PHYS 0174 and 0175 - Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2; CHEM 0110 and 0120 - General Chemistry 1 and 2; and ENGR 0015 and 0016 Introduction to Engineering Analysis and Introduction to Engineering Computing) with a grade of “C” or better to be considered for admission. Completion of all transfer minimum requirements does not guarantee transfer, as space limitations within each degree program will be considered. For additional information, see the transfer engineering student Web site.
The GPA for students transferring into the Swanson School of Engineering from another school or campus within the University will be recalculated in accordance with the Swanson School of Engineering’s policy.
Regional Campus Students
Request forms for relocation from the Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, or Titusville campuses are available at each regional campus. Pre-engineering students who have a grade point average of 3.000 or higher (with the exception of bioengineering, which requires a 3.500 GPA) in the required first year engineering curricula are eligible to relocate pending departmental approval. Completion of all transfer minimum requirements does not guarantee transfer, as space limitations within each major will be considered. Students from the Bradford campus in Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical must complete the first-two years of their degree program before applying to transfer to the Oakland campus.
Consistent with our admissions deadlines with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, we will not be able to consider Regional Campus transfer students for the Spring semester if required engineering curricula course grades are in process during the applicant’s Fall term. Exceptions to this rule must be approved in advance by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Advanced Standing / Transfer Credit for Courses Taken Outside the University
Students transferring into the Swanson School of Engineering from other college-level programs will have their academic records officially reviewed for advanced-standing credit only after they have been admitted and pay their tuition deposit. This determination will be made by the responsible academic department or program in accord with Swanson School of Engineering’s policy and criteria established by ABET, the engineering accrediting agency. Advanced standing for engineering or engineering science courses will be considered only if the student completed the course and earned a grade of C or better. Courses that are taken on a pass/fail system that includes a D grade as passing will not be approved for advanced standing. Advanced standing for mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences courses will be awarded to the extent that such courses match specific University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences courses as required by the Swanson School of Engineering. In particular, humanities and social sciences courses must correspond to those on the Swanson School of Engineering’s approved list of humanities and social sciences electives. Contact the Swanson School for information on these approved electives. Additionally, Writing Designated courses (“W” Courses) may not be transferred in from another institution.
Additional transfer credit policies are as follows:
- All courses that have equivalent counterparts at Pitt in terms of content and credits in the Swanson School of Engineering curriculum are eligible for transfer.
- No transfer credits can be part of the final 30 required for a degree. These must be earned in residence. In interpreting this regulation, credits earned on regional campuses are considered as transferable.
- Transfer credits need to be earned within 12 years of the date when the Swanson School of Engineering degree requirements will be completed.
- In accordance with University policy, re-evaluation of credits will be done by the admitting school, when necessary, according to applicable University policy and procedure. The policy applies to all previous credits earned, no matter if they were earned at the University of Pittsburgh or another institution.
- No more than 60 credits may be transferred from a two-year college. No more than 90 may be transferred from a four-year college.
- If a course for which advanced standing credit has been granted is repeated, the advanced standing credit is canceled.
- Coursework earned in approved foreign study programs will be awarded on a Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) basis, assuming a grade of C or better has been earned.
- One credit taken at a quarter system school is equal to two-thirds a credit at the University of Pittsburgh. This may affect the ability of a course to transfer.
- Engineering courses must be completed at an ABET certified institution with the exception of approved study abroad courses.
- The Swanson School of Engineering does not accept CLEP credit for course credits.
Credits for students transferring from a college that has a 3/2 program articulation agreement with the Swanson School of Engineering (see Combined Liberal Arts-Engineering 3/2 Program), a community college having an articulation agreement with the Swanson School of Engineering, or a pre-engineering program at a University of Pittsburgh regional campus will be accepted in accord with those agreements, University policy, and available space in the program of interest.
If a student participates in the University of Pittsburgh College in High School Program, grades earned in Pitt CHS courses appear on an official University of Pittsburgh transcript and are part of the student’s academic record. The grade(s) will be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average at the University. CHS courses are only eligible to be repeated at the University if the original grade was below C and no more than one year has passed since the original course was taken, per the Swanson School of Engineering Course Repeat policy.
Students enrolled in the Swanson School of Engineering may take courses at other universities to satisfy graduation requirements only if the student’s academic advisor or undergraduate coordinator has approved those courses in advance. Such courses must be taken at colleges or universities that offer full four-year degree programs. Students must earn a grade of C or higher for the course to be accepted for transfer credit. Students must arrange for their transcript to be sent to their undergraduate coordinator.
Students may also earn advanced standing credit by taking Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes in their high schools. Students who have their AP or IB scores sent to the University of Pittsburgh will have those scores evaluated by an academic advisor, who will determine their transferability.
For more information on the IB, see the IB Score Information . For more information on the AP, see the AP Score Information .
Summer/Special Session Courses Taken Elsewhere*
Swanson School students in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of at least 2.000) may attend a summer or special session of another accredited institution in order to supplement their program, provided they receive prior approval from their academic advisor in the Swanson School of Engineering. Swanson School students may not be enrolled for classes at the University of Pittsburgh and another institution concurrently. Students must submit the name of the institution, the course number, and the relevant course descriptions to their advisor. Courses may not be a repeat of any course taken (passed or failed) before unless an exception is made by the undergraduate coordinator. A maximum of two courses (no more than 8 credits) may be taken in a single period of enrollment elsewhere.
Students who wish to take “winter term” (e.g. “wintermester”, “January-term”) courses at another institution must obtain the approval of the Associate Dean through their Academic Advisor/Undergraduate Coordinator. Math, science, and engineering courses will not be approved winter term courses. The winter term in question may not overlap with Pitt’s fall or spring term.
* On 10/14/2020 the following information was updated in the published catalog. In an effort to provide accurate information the update was made on 10/15/2020.
Interdepartmental Transfers
A Swanson School of Engineering student whose academic record satisfies the minimum requirements for continued registration may apply for transfer from one engineering department or program to another. To initiate a change of program status, the student must complete a Program Change form, available at the Swanson School of Engineering Office of Administration. It is the prerogative of the department or program to which the student desires to transfer to approve or reject a change-of-status transfer request, based on academic performance and/or space limitations/availability.
Reinstatement
An engineering student in good academic standing who has not attended the University of Pittsburgh for three consecutive terms and has attended no other institution in the intervening period will be considered for reinstatement after making application to the department chair or program director. If the student has attended another institution and completed more than 12 credits, the student must reapply through the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid in accordance with the procedure for transfer applicants from other colleges or universities.
A student who has withdrawn while on academic probation may be reinstated only by action of the appropriate faculty committee, typically based upon substantial evidence of a positive change in the student’s attitude toward academic work. The student must initiate the request for reinstatement with the appropriate department chair or program director/head.
Grading Policies
The following section details the Swanson School of Engineering’s regulations regarding some of the grades that may appear on a student’s transcript. (For a complete discussion of all grades and grading options, see the Grading and Records section of this bulletin.)
G Grade (Incomplete)
An instructor may give the G grade when a student is unable to complete the work of a course during the term because of extenuating personal circumstances. When given a “G” grade, you are usually instructed to complete some clearly defined work (e.g. a final examination paper) within the next term of registration or within the time specified by the instructor (no later than one year than one year after the term or session in which the course was taken). Upon completion of the course work, the instructor of the course will complete a Grade Change Authorization form and send it to the Swanson School of Engineering Office of Administration for processing. A student should not request or be given a “G” grade if, in actuality, the student will need to repeat the course. Once the deadline has passed, the “G” grade will automatically change to “NG” and will no longer appear as “in progress” on a student record. The “NG” grade will remain on the record and the student will be required to re-register for the course if it is needed to fulfill requirements for graduation.
Students may not move forward in a course sequence until G grades in previous classes in the same sequences have been changed to a letter grade, indicating that all work has been completed and the previous course requirements have been satisfied. Students who register for subsequent classes in a course sequence anticipating completion of the previous course are responsible to drop such classes if a G grade is assigned. Students may only enroll in the next class after outstanding work is completed.
S/NC Option
With the exception of undergraduate seminar courses, which are only offered satisfactory/no-credit (S/NC), the S/NC option cannot be used for any course that is used to meet graduation requirements. All other Swanson School of Engineering courses are only offered on a letter grade basis. This restriction includes humanities/social science electives and other science/engineering electives. First-Year Students may not elect to take courses under the S/NC option. Upper-class engineering students may elect to take non-engineering courses that will not be used to meet graduation requirements as S/NC. Because S/NC courses are not considered in the calculation of the grade point average, the option is appropriate for students wishing to explore disciplines they might not otherwise pursue because of potential negative impact on the grade point average.
A student who wishes to take a course under the S/NC option should first consult his/her advisor to assure that the S/NC option is permissible. A student must register for and complete at least one course for a letter grade to be eligible for an S/NC option course in any term. To register for more than one S/NC option course per term, and a maximum of two, a student must register for 12 or more credits for letter grades.
Calculation of the Grade Point Average
Each credit carried for a letter grade is awarded quality points as noted under the Grading and Records section of this bulletin. A student’s term grade point average (term GPA) is the total quality points earned for the term divided by the total credits assigned letter grades. The cumulative grade point average (cumulative GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of credits assigned letter grades. Only credits and quality points for courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh and that count toward the requirement for the BSE degree are used in the calculation of the GPA.
Repeating Courses
A Swanson School of Engineering student may wish to repeat a course or may be required to repeat a course to fulfill degree requirements. Students should note:
- A student may only repeat a course twice.
- A student’s third attempt must be approved by the undergraduate coordinator.
- A student who fails to successfully complete a required course after three attempts will be dismissed from the Swanson School of Engineering even if the student’s GPA is 2.000 or higher.
- If a student wants to repeat a course in which they earned a C or above, the student must receive permission from their undergraduate coordinator.
- No sequence course may be repeated for credit after a more advanced course in that sequence has been passed with a C or higher grade.
Course repeats must be completed at the University of Pittsburgh unless approved by the undergraduate coordinator.
A grade replacement may be possible in some situations; refer to the Grade Replacement section below for more details.
Grade Replacement for Repeated Courses
A grade replacement and GPA recalculation occurs for a Swanson School of Engineering student who repeats a course in which they have earned below a C and repeats the course within one year of the original registration.
- No course may be repeated at any other institution and have that grade accepted as a replacement for the original grade earned at the University of Pittsburgh.
- The original course and grade remain on the transcript and/or the academic record; however, the grade and credits originally earned are not counted in the calculation of the QPA (prior to Fall term 2005) or the GPA. All grades earned when repeating a course will be posted and recalculated into the academic transcript, even if the student earns a lower grade than the prior attempt.
- The repeated course does not increase the number of credits counted toward meeting the degree requirements unless an F is replaced by a passing grade.
- W, R, N, or NC grades reported for the repeated course will not be identified as a course repeat, thus the original grade earned will continue to be counted in the QPA (prior to Fall term 2005) or GPA. Incomplete (G or I) grades will not be identified as repeated courses until the course work is completed.
- A sequence course cannot have the grade replaced if a succeeding course in that sequence has been taken (e.g., MATH 0220, 0230, and 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1, 2, and 3; PHYS 0174 and 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2).
- Course number and title must match for the grade replacement to occur unless an exception has been made by the associate dean for academic affairs. Exceptions should be discussed with your advisor or undergraduate coordinator.
- The same course repeat and grade replacement rules will apply to transfer students from other schools within the University of Pittsburgh and the regional campuses.
Academic Standing
Swanson School of Engineering Term Warning and Swanson School of Engineering Probation:
To be considered in good academic standing, a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be at least 2.000, AND the student must be making satisfactory progress toward earning an engineering degree. More information on Satisfactory Academic Progress standards can be found at https://oafa.pitt.edu/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress/. The policy for students determined to be in jeopardy of not maintaining good academic standing is:
Swanson School of Engineering Term Warning (One time only):
A student who earns a term GPA less than 2.000, but has a cumulative GPA still greater than or equal to 2.000 will receive a warning letter from the Swanson School of Engineering that he/she is in academic difficulty. The letter will state that the student is potentially subject to probation, suspension or dismissal if academic performance does not improve. The student is still considered to be in good academic standing.
Swanson School of Engineering Probation:
Engineering students will be placed on School Probation if:
1. The student meets two consecutive semesters at full time status where his/her Term GPA is less than 2.000, but his/her Cumulative GPA is still greater than or equal to 2.000 or
2. The student fails a course for the second time.
Participation in activities such as the Co-op Program or the International Program is at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Additional Notes on University of Pittsburgh Academic Probation/Suspension/Dismissal for SSOE Students
- Students who have fallen below the standard pace of completion (67%) and/or have surpassed the maximum time frame may be subject to dismissal by the Swanson School of Engineering. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs office.
- A student who is not in good academic standing will be placed on academic probation and may be subject to suspension or dismissal if his or her cumulative GPA remains below a 2.000 for two consecutive terms (with the exception of first year students). Every engineering student’s academic record is reviewed at the end of each term to certify whether or not the student is in good academic standing. Students will be notified by letter if they are no longer in good academic standing and are on probation, suspension or dismissal.
- Students in the First Year Engineering Program who enter in the fall term may be suspended or dismissed from the Swanson School of Engineering if they do not attain a cumulative GPA of 1.750 or greater by the end of the Spring Term. Typical first term engineering courses are MATH 0220 , PHYS 0174 , CHEM 0960 , AND ENGR 0011 or their equivalents. Furthermore, First Year Engineering students with cumulative GPA’s between 1.750 and 1.999 by the end of their first academic year who fail to obtain a cumulative GPA of 2.000 by the end of their third term are subject to suspension or dismissal. A similar time line will apply to students who begin the First Year Engineering program in the spring term.
- After being suspended, students are not eligible to re-enroll for one calendar year, after which they are required to apply for reinstatement through the Swanson School of Engineering Office of Administration. Students returning from academic suspension are reinstated on academic probation and their academic performance will be reviewed after each subsequent term.
- If the student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.000 for two consecutive terms, s/he will be subject to dismissal.
- Students may only repeat a course twice. Any student who fails to successfully complete a required course three times will be dismissed from the Swanson School even if his or her cumulative GPA is 2.000 or higher. Students dismissed from the Swanson School of Engineering who wish to enroll at another school/college at the University of Pittsburgh are subject to the admission requirements for that school.
Students should review the University of Pittsburgh’s official policy on Academic Probation/Suspension/Dismissal, which is found at https://www.cfo.pitt.edu/policies/policy/09/09-01-10.html.
Honors Lists
At the end of each term, the academic records of all undergraduate degree students in the Swanson School of Engineering are reviewed to determine eligibility for the Term Honor List and the Dean’s Honor List. Students who qualify for both honor lists will appear only on the Dean’s Honor List.
Term Honor List
To be eligible for the Term Honor List, a student must
- Earn a GPA of at least 3.250,
- Complete a minimum of 15 credits of academic work for letter grades at the University of Pittsburgh, and
- Complete a minimum of 6 credits of work for letter grades in the term of eligibility.
Dean’s Honor List
To be eligible for the Dean’s Honor List, a student must
- Earn cumulative and term GPA’s of 3.250 or higher,
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits of academic work for letter grades at the University of Pittsburgh, and
- Complete a minimum of 6 credits of work for letter grades in the term of eligibility.
Late Withdrawal Policy
Between the end of the University’s stated add/drop period (approximately the third week of the fall and spring terms) until the last day of the monitored withdrawal period (approximately the ninth week of the academic term for fall and spring terms), a student may withdraw from any Swanson School of Engineering course for any reason. The academic dean or designate will approve the course withdrawal (the instructor’s approval is not required).
After the end of the monitored withdrawal period, students will only be withdrawn from courses with the permission of the associate dean for academic affairs. Withdrawals will be approved only for documented exceptional reasons including medical or personal incidents that preclude the student from continuing with and/or completing his/her studies. In those cases the student must withdraw from all courses. Withdrawals from a specific course outside the Swanson School of Engineering must be arranged through the dean’s office of the unit offering the course. Note that a withdrawal cannot be processed after grades have posted and students should seek withdrawals prior to final exams.
Credits
In the Swanson School of Engineering, a credit or credit hour is one of the following:
- One hour of lecture or recitation a week, requiring two hours of outside preparation
- Two hours of laboratory a week, requiring one hour of outside preparation
- Three hours of laboratory a week, requiring no outside preparation
Registration
Each student registers for future terms with the assistance of his or her academic advisor during registration periods specified by the Office of the University Registrar. A student who has registered for a course but has failed to satisfy the prerequisites for that course prior to the beginning of the term may not be permitted to continue attending class and must withdraw from the course if requested to do so. First Year engineering students register for the fall term during the summer advising sessions. All entering students are required to take the ALEKS Math placement exam before registering for their first Math class at the University of Pittsburgh, regardless of advanced standing credit (AP, IB, transfer credit) or prior ALEKS experience.
Maximum Credit Registration
All full-time undergraduate engineering students are expected to register for a normal full term of academic courses (i.e., at least 12 credits). No student shall be allowed to register for more than 18 credits without specific written permission from his/her academic advisor and approval by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Such permission is given only after a review of the student’s academic record in order to verify that an overload is academically justifiable. All credits above 18 for undergraduates will be billed over and above the full-time tuition rate at the prevailing per-credit tuition charge.
Registration for Graduate Credit
A Swanson School of Engineering undergraduate student requiring fewer than 15 credits to complete the requirements for the baccalaureate degree and who intends to continue study toward an advanced degree may be permitted during their final term to register for graduate courses that will later apply toward a graduate degree. The student must obtain written permission from the school of proposed graduate study that the courses may count when and if the student is admitted into the graduate program. Although these credits will appear on the undergraduate transcript, they will not count toward fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements. They will be posted as advanced standing credits on the graduate record.
Statute of Limitations
All required academic work for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, including courses for which advanced-standing credit has been granted, must be completed within 12 consecutive calendar years. Under unusual circumstances, a student may, with the approval of the department or program chair, request a waiver of this policy. This policy means that part-time students must progress toward the degree at a minimum rate of 12 credits per calendar year.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate with a BSE, a student must have satisfactorily completed all degree requirements and earned the total number of credits required by the department or program in which the student is enrolled. The student must also have obtained a minimum GPA of 2.000 for (a) all required courses completed at the University of Pittsburgh and (b) all program courses.
The work of the senior year (a minimum of 24 credits) should be completed while in residence at the Swanson School of Engineering. Exceptions will be granted for students to take a limited number of credits needed to complete their degree, or through participation in an approved study abroad program. Such requests must be approved in advance by the appropriate undergraduate coordinator, chair or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
(See the Graduation section of this catalog for further information on graduation requirements and procedures.)
Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct*
The integrity of the academic process requires fair and impartial evaluation on the part of faculty and honest academic conduct on the part of students. Students are expected to conduct themselves with a high level of responsibility in the fulfillment of their course of study and their conduct in and out of the classroom. Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy can impact a student’s grade or status with the University as some serious or subsequent violations could lead to suspension or dismissal. Academic Integrity violations can also affect a student’s eligibility for scholarships. It is the corresponding responsibility of faculty to make clear to students those standards by which they will be evaluated and the resources permissible for use by students during their course of study. The educational process is perceived as a joint faculty-student enterprise that will involve professional judgment by faculty and may involve, without penalty, reasoned exception by students to the data or views offered by faculty. Consistent with these considerations (and without limiting their scope and application in their entirety to the academic programs of the University), faculty and students are directed to observe established University of Pittsburgh and Swanson School of Engineering guidelines on academic integrity and the University Code of Conduct. The Swanson School of Engineering and the University of Pittsburgh Guidelines on Academic Integrity are available to faculty and students in the departmental offices of the Swanson School of Engineering and is also available at Policy Guidelines - SSOE . The University’s student Code of Conduct is available at: http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2016_Code_of_Conduct_Nov4.pdf
*On 10/5/2020 the following information was updated in the published catalog. In an effort to provide accurate information the update was made on 10/20/2020.
Assessment
As part of the Swanson School of Engineering’s commitment to student learning and academic achievement, effective teaching, and continuous improvement of our programs, we regularly conduct outcomes assessment activities. To obtain periodic measurements of student perceptions and intellectual growth, students will be expected to participate in surveys, focus groups, interviews, and related activities. While individual input is collected, the data resulting from these assessments will be published only in aggregate form.
Advising
First Year Engineering Student Advising:
All students are assigned an advisor and are expected to meet with their advisor prior to registration. The First Year Engineering Program’s professional staff serves as first year advisors. Throughout the freshman year, students are encouraged to meet with their advisor if they need to register for classes, withdraw from classes, add and/or drop classes, seek out resources, find out about their academic progress, discuss problems they are having in a course, or get help deciding on a program. First Year Students are also assigned an Engineering Peer Mentor, who co-facilitates ENGR 0081 - Freshman Engineering Seminar with a professional staff advisor.
Continuing Undeclared Engineering Students will be advised by staff in the First-Year Engineering program (in collaboration with the Engineering programs) until they are department-ready. Students are considered Continuing Undeclared Engineering Students if they meet any of the following criteria:
- have yet to successfully complete more than one First-Year Engineering course
- have a cumulative GPA below 2.000
- have a grade of C- or lower in MATH 0230 (Calculus 2)
- have yet to successfully complete a critical class for their intended major, as follows:
Students are expected to make progress toward completion of First-Year Engineering Program requirements within the first year of enrollment. Students who are unable to declare their major due to incomplete First-Year Program Requirements at the end of the first year have one additional year to complete these requirements and may be limited or restricted from taking departmental classes until first-year requirements are finished. Students should consult with their academic advisor on the most efficient academic path toward First-Year Program completion. Review of a student’s academic progress will be made if first-year requirements are not completed by the end of the second year of enrollment.
Transfer Student Advising:
Incoming transfer students are directly admitted into their upper-level engineering program and will have a declared major, unless otherwise noted on their admission letter. For academic advisement, transfer students will be assigned an engineering faculty advisor by their department, which will be found in the student PeopleSoft Student Service. Undergraduate Coordinators/Directors and the Office of Transfer Student Services are also available as support resources during their academic career.
Upperclassmen Engineering Advising:
Undergraduate engineering students who have declared their major and entered an engineering department are assigned a faculty advisor upon entering their department. Undergraduate Coordinators/Directors are also available as faculty resources to undergraduate engineering students in their major. Students may consult their PeopleSoft Student Service Center to see the name of their Academic Advisor.
General Degree Requirements
The degree requirements are established by the individual departments and programs. Depending on the program, between 126 to 135 credits may be required for the individual degree. Each program’s requirements include the common freshman year, a mathematics sequence (four or five courses depending on the program), and six approved humanities and social science electives (including the W-course requirement). The specific degree requirements are found in the program descriptions below.
Humanities and Social Science Requirement
An important part of the undergraduate engineering student’s education is the humanities and social science component. All Swanson School of Engineering undergraduates must complete at least six humanities and social science elective courses from the school’s approved list of Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) courses, while meeting the school and ABET requirements for breadth and depth. To meet the depth requirement, a student must complete two or more courses in the same area of study only one of which can be considered an introductory course from the Dietrich School including both humanities and social sciences courses. The depth requirement can also be satisfied by taking two or more courses with a related theme, e.g., courses that focus on a geographic region, historic period, or ideological perspective. For the breadth requirements, it is recommended that the courses include approved offerings from at least three different departments from Arts and Sciences. Students may use one study abroad course that might not otherwise be counted toward satisfying this requirement.
No more than two of the required six elective courses can be satisfied via high school Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or GCE-A-Level credits.
Students must also complete one W-designated course; i.e., a course that has a substantial writing component that has been so designated by the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Depending on the course, it may also count as one of the humanities/social science electives. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs maintains a list of approved humanities and social science electives. Students are not permitted to use College of General Studies courses including those indicated as either hybrid, self-paced, or online web courses.
Additional information about the Humanities and Social Sciences electives can be found here: Approved Humanities/Social Science Electives and Requirements .
Writing-Designated Course (W Course) Requirement
Engineering students must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively. This includes both written and oral communication and the ability to make professional presentations. Upon admission, students with an SAT Evidence-Based Reading score below 560 (ACT 24) will be required to take at least one English Composition Course during their first year that will not count toward the Swanson School of Engineering graduation requirements.
All students must take at least one W course as part of their humanities/social science requirements. Please note that students may also satisfy the W requirement by taking a science course with a writing component. In addition, each engineering program has substantial communications components throughout the curriculum. Some programs require a specific course in communications. It is important to refer to each program’s graduation requirements to identify requisite communication courses.
For students planning on a dual degree from the Swanson School of Engineering and a Dietrich School major, it is important to note the following: The University of Pittsburgh Composition Program has agreed that the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences composition requirement is satisfied by ENGCMP 0210 .
Writing courses may not be transferred in from another institution.
Online Courses
Undergraduate engineering students may take one humanities/social science and one engineering, engineering science, math or science course online subject to the following conditions:
- Student must present a valid reason for taking the course.
- The course must be from a four-year college or university that is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (or equivalent if outside the region).
- In addition, an engineering or engineering science course must be from an ABET accredited program.
- The humanities/social science courses must be from the arts and science unit of the institution and not from a continuing education, or general studies unit. The course must be taught in English.
- The course must be first approved by the undergraduate coordinator and then by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Major and Degree Options
The following majors (described in the Program Descriptions section) within the Swanson School of Engineering offers the Bachelor of Science in Engineering:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering (administered through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
- Computer engineering (administered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science, A&S)
- Electrical engineering (administered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering)
- Engineering Science (administered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
- Environmental Engineering (administered through the Department of Civil Engineering)
- Industrial engineering
- Materials science and engineering (administered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
- Mechanical engineering (administered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
Minors in Engineering
The Swanson School of Engineering offers a number of minors to its students who wish to expand their field of knowledge in engineering. Engineering students may also pursue a minor from a Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences program (see A&S section of this bulletin for details on the minors offered within A&S). Engineering students are not permitted to minor in the same field in which they are majoring. Students from outside the Swanson School of Engineering may pursue one of these minors with the permission of the administering program. Any student interested in a minor should consult with the given department to determine the eligibility and completion requirements for each minor. The minors offered by the school are as follows:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Materials science and engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Petroleum engineering
- Polymer engineering
Certificates Programs
Swanson School of Engineering undergraduate students are encouraged to broaden their educational experience by electing to take one of the certificate programs currently offered by Arts and Sciences, the University Center for International Studies (UCIS), or the Swanson School of Engineering. These certificate programs may be used by the engineering student to partially fulfill the humanities/social sciences requirement, thereby allowing specialization in an area of interest while pursuing an engineering degree. The requirements for each certificate vary, and students should contact the appropriate certificate program director.
The Swanson School of Engineering offers a number certificates at the undergraduate level:
- Engineering for Humanity Certificate
- Engineering Simulation in Design Certificate
- Health Systems Engineering Certificate
- Innovation, Product Design, and Entrepreneurship Certificate
- International Engineering Studies Certificate
- Nuclear Engineering Certificate
- Supply Chain Management Certificate
- Sustainability
In addition to certificates offered by the Swanson School of Engineering, additional certificates are available from other schools within the University, such as the one listed below.
- Engineering-School of Education Certification Program
The Swanson School of Engineering realizes the need to provide program flexibility and a variety of career options to undergraduate engineering majors. Careers in the teaching of mathematics, chemistry, and physics present one such option to students who have acquired a knowledge base in engineering. Through an articulated agreement with the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, a five-year Program of Study combines course work in engineering with Content Core Studies for the teaching of chemistry, mathematics, or physics; additionally, general education courses and pre-educational professional credits are included in the program. During the program’s fifth year (after completion of the BS in engineering degree), students will complete the requirements for the Instructional I Certificate in their area of choice. This two-term program will enable them to teach in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
For more information regarding scheduling and the admission policy of the agreement, talk with your advisor, or call 412-648-2230 to schedule a pre-admission meeting with a School of Education representative. See also http://www.education.pitt.edu/programs/certificates.aspx
Special Academic Opportunities/Programs
The Swanson School of Engineering offers numerous special academic opportunities as detailed in the following pages:
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Academic programs within the Swanson School of Engineering may give credit to students enrolled in Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). This credit may be given in one of the following ways.
- Upon commissioning, some departments will award one technical elective for the student’s entire ROTC coursework and training; or
- Some programs may review the specific courses and course objectives for individual ROTC courses to see if the individual course or courses may be counted toward toward program requirements.
Students enrolled in the ROTC program should meet with the undergraduate coordinator for review of how the ROTC program and courses may be counted for a specific major. Students are encouraged to participate in ROTC if this is of interest to them. With this in mind, the Swanson School of Engineering is lenient with those in the Navy program who must travel to Carnegie Mellon University for coursework and typically are permitted to take over 18 credits per term to satisfy the ROTC requirements.
Arts and Sciences-Engineering Dual Degree Program
The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and the Swanson School of Engineering have developed an undergraduate dual degree program that permits a student to combine a major in arts and sciences with a program in engineering and then receive degrees from both A&S and the Swanson School of Engineering. A student can apply for admission into this program through either A&S or the Swanson School of Engineering and must be admitted into both schools.
While the form of the program is dependent upon the individual student’s interests, the first year’s curriculum is typically the standard engineering program. During the next three years the student may complete the specific requirements for his or her engineering degree while fulfilling certain A&S major and general education requirements. Typically, the fifth year is then used to complete the A&S requirements. Students must complete a minimum of 90 A&S credits, including all A&S skills and general education requirements and an A&S major (but not a related area). Students must also complete all the degree requirements of their chosen engineering program, usually consisting of 70 or more Swanson School of Engineering credits. Each program should be developed with an advisor in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and an advisor in the Swanson School of Engineering and tailored to the student’s special interests. Students in this program have combined engineering with neuroscience, philosophy, economics, music, and a number of the language programs.
Students must satisfy both schools’ normal progress requirements and criteria for academic standing as long as they remain in the joint degree program. Students also must apply for graduation from both schools. A&S students earn either a BA or BS degree, depending upon the A&S program of study. The student’s GPA for graduation from A&S is calculated based solely upon the credits earned for the A&S degree. For further information, students may contact one of the following: the First Year Engineering Program Office, 152 Benedum Hall; an engineering departmental undergraduate coordinator; the A&S Office, 140 Thackeray Hall; the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall; or the University Honors College engineering advisor, 3600 Cathedral of Learning.
University Honors College Opportunities
Students admitted to the University Honors College (Pitt Honors) and students interested in participating in honors courses have the opportunity to participate in several unique programs. Students admitted to Pitt Honors may elect to pursue the Bachelor of Philosophy degree or the Honors Joint degree in addition to their engineering Bachelor of Science degree. Students who have not been admitted to Pitt Honors prior to the first year may apply for degree candidacy in the University Honors College (UHC) after completing their first year at Pitt.
Students interested in taking honors courses but who do not wish to pursue the honors degree options may instead choose to challenge themselves in and out of the classroom by electing to pursue Honors Distinction , which involves both honors coursework and participation in the Honors Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) . Students interested in the Honors College should contact the Dean of the Honors College: 3500 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, or call 412-624-6880. (See the University Honors College section of this bulletin.)
Architecture Design Minor (Offered by History of Art and Architecture in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences)
Those working in many aspects of Civil Engineering, particularly in structural engineering and other building sciences, work intimately with architects. The Minor in Architecture - Design provides an opportunity for students to obtain experience and understanding of various aspects of the architecture profession. Students engage in two studio courses (ARC 0201 and ARC 1201 ), ARC 0110 - APPROACHES TO THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT , and at least one additional ARC or HAA elective. The requirements of the Minor are used to partially satisfy SSOE humanities requirements and ARC 1201 satisfies one 3 credit CEE elective requirement. Due to the nature of the Architecture - Design Minor, students must generally begin in their first or sophomore years. This Minor is administered through the History of Art and Architecture Department (HAA). For more information visit Department of History of Art and Architecture. However, SSOE students wishing to pursue this Minor are advised to contact Dr. Kent Harries in CEE before applying. Dr. Harries is located in 218B Benedum Hall, email: kharries@pitt.edu.
Cooperative Engineering Education Program
The school’s Cooperative Engineering Education Program enhances the student engineer’s educational experience through a series of challenging, highly relevant “real world” work sessions. This is accomplished by integrating a rotation of school and employment terms that enables the cooperative education student to complement his or her formal classroom training with additional technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and financial remuneration. The co-op graduate possesses the maturity and assurance of a more seasoned employee and the ability to incorporate academic knowledge and theory into practice. During co-op sessions, students earn competitive salaries, which also makes this program financially rewarding. Almost half of the graduating seniors complete the co-op program requirements.
Through the assistance of the Swanson School of Engineering’s Cooperative Education Office, formal arrangements are established with industry that permit students to rotate four-month terms between the workplace and the classroom. At the University of Pittsburgh, this rotation begins during either the sophomore or junior year and extends into the senior year, with the co-op student completing at least three four-month work periods. These employment sessions, which are typically with the same employer, allow job duties to increase as the knowledge and skills of the student engineer progress. The positions can be local, national, or international. This practical work experience has also been found to increase academic motivation and classroom performance.
Because some of our students have also desired to see another industry or spend a term with full-time research, we have added that option as long as the student has a two-term experience with the same employer; this alternative to the standard program allows for the required depth in the assignment while completing the third term in another venue. Co-op students become aware of business practice and etiquette and possess a mature, responsible attitude. Thus, upon graduation, students who have successfully completed the three co-op rotations are able to handle more challenging initial assignments with confidence and assurance. A high percentage of co-op students also obtain and accept full-time offers from their co-op employers.
Keep in mind that students who are on co-op rotations are unable to simultaneously hold employment positions as student workers or federal work study positions during that semester. Students earn transcript certification and a total of three credits towards departmental graduation requirements upon satisfactory completion of the program requirements. The co-op program offers resume preparation, interviewing skills, workshops and job fairs in order to facilitate appropriate placements for students.
Sample Co-op Schedules
SCHEDULE A
|
Fall
(Sept.-Dec.) |
Spring
(Jan.-April) |
Summer
(May-Aug.) |
| First Year |
School |
School |
|
| Second Year |
School |
School |
|
| Third Year |
Work |
School |
Work |
| Fourth Year |
School |
Work |
School |
| Fifth Year |
School |
|
|
SCHEDULE B
|
Fall
(Sept.-Dec.) |
Spring
(Jan.-April) |
Summer
(May-Aug.) |
| First Year |
School |
School |
|
| Second Year |
School |
School |
Work |
| Third Year |
School |
Work |
School |
| Fourth Year |
Work |
School |
Work |
| Fifth Year |
School |
|
|
SCHEDULE C
|
Fall
(Sept.-Dec.) |
Spring
(Jan.-April) |
Summer
(May-Aug.) |
| First Year |
School |
School |
|
| Second Year |
School |
Work |
School |
| Third Year |
Work |
School |
Work |
| Fourth Year |
School |
Work |
School |
| Fifth Year |
School |
|
|
For more information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Cooperative Engineering Education Program
152 Benedum Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-9826
paub2m@pitt.edu
www.engineering.pitt.edu/coop/
Engineering International Programs
As the world around us grows ever more connected, it is evident that engineering students must be prepared to engage in an increasingly globalized world, and, upon graduation, to compete in an international job market. Accordingly, the Swanson School of Engineering has placed a strong emphasis on the development of exciting and academically enriching international programs for its students.
All students in SSOE are encouraged to add a global dimension to their education by pursuing one or more international programs as part of their academic study. At present, SSOE students may elect to participate in study, research, co-op, internship, or service learning abroad. Most of these opportunities are offered on a for-credit basis, and many can be used to satisfy major, minor, technical elective, or other degree requirements. Foreign language study is helpful, but not required, as many courses are on offer in English. Depending on their academic and personal interests, students may elect to participate in dozens of individual international programs. Some of these may last for only a week or two, either during spring break or over the summer term. Others may involve a commitment of a semester or even an entire academic year abroad. Depending on the type of study abroad program, there may be a minimum GPA requirement.
The Swanson Signature Study Abroad Programs are short term opportunities that focus on a relevant engineering topic in detail over the course of 10 to 14 days, to up to five weeks. Recently, Swanson Signature programs have occurred in Sweden, Denmark, Uruguay, Italy, Jamaica, and Germany, studying such diverse topics as renewable energy and sustainability, island nation risk, and global supply networks. Plus3 is another innovative short term program designed for first year SSOE students, and which has gone to such locations as Italy, Germany, Costa Rica, China, Vietnam, and Korea. Meanwhile, students who wish to invest in longer term language or cultural study may decide to participate in an exchange program. This affords them the opportunity to study engineering, social sciences or humanities at a foreign college or university for one or two consecutive academic terms, and for little more than the cost of a regular term in Pittsburgh. Finally, scholarships and other funding opportunities are also available, and financial aid administered by the University of Pittsburgh may apply.
There is a Global Distinction offered to University of Pittsburgh students that formally recognizes broad and meaningful engagement in global learning. The Swanson School of Engineering encourages its students to explore the requirements to obtain this distinction as a complement to their degree program.
Current and prospective SSOE students and their parents are welcome to contact the Office of Engineering International Programs for more information:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Office of Engineering International Programs
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-9825
http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/international/
Combined Liberal Arts-Engineering 3/2 Program
The Swanson School of Engineering has developed combined liberal arts/engineering dual degree programs with a number of accredited liberal arts colleges. In these “3/2 programs,” students first complete a three-year structured course of study at the liberal arts college, including that college’s general education requirements, specific introductory courses required for the engineering program of interest, and other courses necessary for acceptance into a Swanson School of Engineering program. With the recommendation of the faculty advisor at the liberal arts college, the student applies for transfer to the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, spending the final two or more years in an engineering program. Such programs typically enable the student to earn both a liberal arts degree and an engineering degree.
For additional information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
First Year Engineering Program
Coordinator of Transfer Student Services
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-9825
ssoetransfer@pitt.edu
Swanson School of Engineering-Diversity Initiatives
The Engineering Office of Diversity exists to create and sustain learning and working environments where differences and similarities are valued and respected, and all students, especially underrepresented students, are included and empowered to excel in engineering education. The office provides diversity education to undergraduates, graduate students, staff and faculty. The office also provides continuous academic and community support services through the its pre-college, undergraduate and graduate student programming.
Diversity Programs
The Swanson School of Engineering pre-college and undergraduate diversity programs develop and implement activities that promote and support the academic excellence of high achieving pre-college and undergraduate students from groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. These initiatives provide a continuous pipeline for students to prepare for, enter and graduate from the University of Pittsburgh as STEM majors.
Pitt EXCEL Program
The Pitt EXCEL Program is a comprehensive undergraduate diversity program committed to the recruitment, retention, development, and graduation of historically underrepresented engineering scholars. Pitt EXCEL scholars strive to advance in the areas of scholarship, professionalism, graduate endeavors, and community engagement. In addition, Pitt EXCEL scholars have access to academic counseling, peer mentoring for first year and upperclassmen scholars, year specific seminars, tutoring, engineering research, graduate school preparation and career development workshops. Lastly, first year Pitt EXCEL scholars are eligible to participate in our two-week intensive study skills, math and science summer bridge program.
The vision of the Pitt EXCEL Program:
1. Achieve 100% placement in each Pitt EXCEL scholar’s desired engineering field of pursuit, inclusive of graduate school, industry, and medical school.
2. Establishing lifelong connections with fellow undergraduate students, staff, faculty, alumni, and industry relations.
3. Producing the highest achieving scholars that rank in the top 20% in all engineering disciplines within the Swanson School of Engineering.
For additional information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Pitt EXCEL Program
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: 412-624-9625
Fax: 412-624-8869
http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/EXCEL/
Global Engineering Preparedness Scholarship (GEPS) Programs
Educating Engineers in Cultural and Societal Contexts
Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering and its Office of Diversity (EOD) have established the Global Engineering Preparedness Scholarship program (GEPS). GEPS helps to support the recruitment, retention and graduation of low-income students from underrepresented minorities and majority populations. GEPS also prepares students for the global marketplace by offering international opportunities that students would not normally be able to participate without additional supporting funds.
Because the engineering career of the 21st century is more globally competitive than ever, GEPS also provides an integrative framework that focuses on access, continuous academic support, development of global competency and leadership experience. International experience is now an integral part of engineering education, and highly sought after by employers across all engineering disciplines. GEPS Scholars will have access to Pitt’s exceptional education abroad programs to experience international skills sought by the engineering profession.
All GEPS Scholars who complete the second year of the program with GPA of 3.000 and above are eligible for the GEPS International Study Abroad Scholarship.
For additional information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Engineering Office of Diversity
128 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
eodadmin@pitt.edu
412-624-9842
PITT STRIVE Program
The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering PITT STRIVE Program (formerly known as the AGEP-TDAE). STRIVE stands for Success, Transition, Representation, Innovation, Vision, and Education. Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering and its Office of Diversity (EOD) have established the PITT STRIVE Program to improve the transitions of Underrepresented Minorities (URM), who are US citizens, into doctoral engineering programs at the University of Pittsburgh and to ensure their successful completion by employing evidence-based strategies for student and faculty engagement and fostering an inclusive academic climate for URM doctoral students.
Scholarship Eligibility
PITT STRIVE Scholars will be recruited from members of underrepresented minority group (Black/African American, American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander) meeting US citizenship or permanent residency requirements with an undergraduate GPA of 3.3/4.0.
Other SSOE Diversity Initiatives:
First Year Diversity Workshop
Freshman Diversity Workshop is considered mandatory for all First Year engineering students. It provides the attendees with diversity awareness skills and explains the broad meaning of diversity and what it contributes to the personal, professional, and social improvement.
Diversity Professional Development Workshops
During Fall and Spring semesters, the Engineering Office of Diversity and PITT STRIVE program organize a series of workshops that allow the campus community to meet the leading experts in diversity-related issues and initiatives. The Engineering Office of Diversity and PITT STRIVE program also organize seminars and workshops dedicated to such nationally recognized celebrations as Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women History Months, etc.
For additional information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Engineering Office of Diversity
128B Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh PA 15261
eodadmin@pitt.edu
412-624-9842
http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/diversity/
Pre-College and Community Outreach
INVESTING NOW
INVESTING NOW, created in 1988, is a college preparatory program created to stimulate, support, and recognize the high academic performance of pre-college students from historically underrepresented groups. The purpose of this program is to expose high achieving students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and prepare them to be successful at the University of Pittsburgh or other highly competitive universities.
The program’s primary goals are to:
- Create a pipeline for well-prepared students to enter college and pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors;
- Encourage and support student’ enrollment and achievement in advanced mathematics and science courses;
- Ensure that the participants make informed college choices;
- Support and encourage parents in their role as advocates for their children; and
- Coordinate partnerships between the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering and local and regional schools.
Membership in INVESTING NOW a student’s commitment to attend year-round programming from ninth through twelfth grade.
For additional information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
INVESTING NOW
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-0224
http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/InvestingNow/
Office of Retention
The Office of Retention provides academic support programs for Swanson School of Engineering students who want to achieve and maintain academic excellence towards graduation. Students who work with the director and consistently participate in programming improve academic performance as they learn about study skills, the learning process, how to study difficult material, forming study groups, test anxiety and test taking strategies, managing distractions, growth mindset, grit, discipline, organization, productivity, and time management. Tutoring, peer mentoring and academic coaching sessions available.
For additional information, please contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
Office of Retention
152 Benedum Hall
3700 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-9161
apersaud@pitt.edu
Swanson School of Engineering Faculty
School of Engineering Faculty
Program and Course Offerings
Students enter one of the specific engineering major programs below at the sophomore level after successfully completing the First-Year Student Engineering Program .
Degree Programs in BS in Engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Science
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Certificate Programs
Engineering for Humanity Certificate
Engineering Simulation in Design Certificate
Health Systems Engineering Certificate
Innovation, Product Design, and Entrepreneurship Certificate
International Engineering Studies Certificate
Nuclear Engineering Certificate
Supply Chain Management Certificate
Sustainability Certificate
Programs
Major
Certificate
