Engineers solve real-world problems through innovation, design, and technology. WCU's
ABET-accredited B.S. in Engineering prepares students for careers in Civil Engineering,
Industrial Engineering, and Robotics and Automation. With small classes, expert faculty,
hands-on research, and industry partnerships, you'll graduate ready to tackle complex
challenges and build a better future.
For motivated undergraduate engineering students, WCU offers the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's (ABM) track, a streamlined path to earning a Master of Science in Engineering. This path
often adds only one additional year beyond the Bachelor of Science degree.
Explore Engineering Analysis and Design, Robotics, Computer Simulation and Modeling,
Optimization, Advanced Systems and Analytics, and more.
WCU’s engineering program focuses on project-based learning, which means you’ll experience
and apply the concepts and theories you’re studying. You’ll also take foundational
classes in calculus and physics and specialized courses in one of the program’s dynamic
concentrations: Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Robotics and Automation.
Students experience a two-semester senior capstone project, where you’ll be part of
a team that works in collaboration with a mentor from one of our industry partners
and solves a real engineering challenge.
Students interested in advanced study can also pursue WCU’s Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s (ABM) pathway, which allows qualified students to begin graduate-level coursework during
their senior year. By counting selected courses toward both the B.S. and Master of
Science in Engineering (MSE) degrees, students can gain advanced expertise and complete
their master’s degree at WCU with as little as one additional year of study.
Where You'll Go
Our graduates find jobs in engineering roles including mechanical, civil, electrical,
industrial, research and design, distribution, nuclear, construction, network and
applications engineers, as well as roles as project managers, business owners, quality
analysts and more. They work in public and private sectors in diverse industries including
automotive, commercial products, medical, aerospace and defense, computing and gaming
platforms, construction, transportation, manufacturing and energy.
Students seeking to accelerate their careers can continue into WCU’s Master of Science
in Engineering through the Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s pathway. Designed to
reduce both time and cost, the ABM option enables eligible students to complete graduate
coursework while earning their bachelor’s degree and transition seamlessly into the
MSE program. Graduates with advanced engineering credentials are prepared for expanded
opportunities in leadership, research, innovation, and specialized technical roles
across industry, government, and academia.
Students who want to make the world a better place and help solve 21st-century challenges in areas such as energy, new product design, advanced manufacturing,
advanced mechatronics, the environment, and human health, may choose to pursue a degree
in engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) program in Western
Carolina University's College of Engineering provides a foundation in mathematics, science and engineering augmented with engineering
specializations.
The program combines the strengths of a traditional engineering curriculum such as
design and system analysis with extensive hands-on laboratory and real-world experience.
The focus is on project-based learning and strong faculty-student interaction.
We believe successful engineers must have a broad base of technical skills to meet
the engineering challenges of the future. Graduates will be prepared to succeed in
the engineering workforce or graduate degrees.
Learn to design and oversee the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels,
dams, bridges and water systems.
Optimize complex systems, processes, and organizations by integrating people, materials,
information, equipment, and energy.
Gain experience with mechanical and electrical systems, robotics, automation, and
motion control.
The B.S. in Engineering requires 126 credit hours, with core courses in engineering,
math, and science, including a 26-hour concentration.
Current WCU undergraduates interested in the MSE may apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s
to Master’s (ABM) program, which allows students to complete up to 12 cross-listed
graduate credits while still undergraduates.
Transfer as seamlessly as possible from a community college to one of the College
of Engineering’s programs.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation
Commission of ABETunder the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering, General
Engineering, Engineering Physics, and Engineering Science.
