Western Carolina University

Your preparation in high school and your willingness to study in college directly affect your chances for success in the Kimmel School's engineering programs.

Project-Based Learning

You will need good grades to get in, but you do not have to be a genius. You will need disciplined study habits, because engineering programs are rigorous and require you to build on the knowledge you acquire in your classes and labs. Also, you will be involved in project-based learning, which requires you to use what you are learning as you solve real problems.

Engineering Basics

A strong engineering candidate will enjoy and excel at solving problems. You can enrich your problem-solving skills by taking as many math classes as your school offers, including calculus and trigonometry. You also should take lab-science courses, such as chemistry and physics. Because engineers convey ideas graphically and may need to visualize products or processes in three dimensions, you will find courses in graphics, drafting, or design to be helpful. If you have missed those classes in high school, you may want to take them at a community college before you apply to WCU and transfer your credits, if possible, upon admission.

The most successful engineers know how to communicate effectively. They typically work with other engineers in teams, with management and/or with clients on product design and development. You will want to work on building strong interpersonal, writing, and communications skills in high school and in college.

A healthy dose of curiosity also is helpful. If you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together, if you like to figure out how things work, you should do well once you are accepted into an engineering program.

Explore Engineering

In addition to classes, you may want to talk with engineers you already know, contact others through professional engineering societies or explore engineering websites on your own. Many engineers will be happy to talk with you about their career, why they chose engineering as a profession, how best to prepare for college-level studies, and what they see as the keys to success in college.

Honors College

Nearly a third of our EE students are members of the Honors College, which offers high-achieving students special housing, academic, leadership and social programs. The Honors College coordinates undergraduate research and pre-professional programs.

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Learn More

If you have further questions about admission to WCU's engineering program or just want to learn more about the programs, contact the Department of Engineering & Technology at (828) 22-2775 or  etdept@wcu.edu. 

Visit the School

Please visit the Kimmel School to learn more about what the school is doing as a leader in higher education and as a partner in technology-led economic development throughout the region.