Thomas Grove Awarded DoD Cyber Scholarship

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Thomas Grove Awarded DoD Cyber Scholarship mjubas Tue, 07/08/2025 - 08:40

Honors Program Profile Cole Weiland

mjubas — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:31:59 +0000

Honors Program Profile Cole Weiland mjubas Tue, 06/24/2025 - 11:31

Draft of General Engineering

SEvans — Thu, 29 May 2025 13:03:39 +0000

Draft of General Engineering SEvans Thu, 05/29/2025 - 08:03

SCHOOL OF STEAM

General Engineering, Bachelor of Science

Explore a Franciscan-minded, career-focused General Engineering major designed with your goals in mind.

The General Engineering B.S. program at ��Ƶ is designed for students like you—curious, hands-on learners who want options. Whether you’re aiming for a career in a specific field, planning to go to grad school, or want to apply engineering in unexpected ways, this program gives you the tools, experiences, and support to shape your future.

Hear from our students:

General Engineering the SFU Way

Our General Engineering B.S. program offers a flexible, hands-on education that equips you with strong problem-solving skills and a broad understanding of engineering principles. Here are a few things that make this program unique.

Options to Deep Dive: Choose from one of 5 Specialized minors: Aeronautics, Computational Modeling, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Mechanical Engineering, or Robotics.
Hands-On Learning: Tackle real-world projects with community impact as you gain technical rigor.
Personalized Education: With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, you can expect individualized attention and mentorship.
ABET Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that it meets industry and academic standards.

The best way to explore what the student experience really feels like is to schedule a visit!

The Power of Hands-On, Experiential Learning

Built to Serve

At ��Ƶ, engineering is more than equations and problem sets—it’s about using your skills to serve others. From your very first semester, you’ll dive into an eight-semester design sequence that connects classroom learning with real-world impact. Whether you’re helping a child struggling to walk or aiding a meterologist in need of data from 80,000 feet, you’ll work on meaningful projects that touch real lives—starting day one.

Careers Launch Here

Your hands-on experience doesn’t stop there. Our students gain hands-on knowledge through internships both locally and across the country, discovering where they fit in the vast world of engineering. Want to see how they turned these experiences into career launches? Explore a few of their stories here: Engineering Majors Land Notable Internships and see how internships led to first jobs.

Follow Us on Facebook to See SFU Engineering Students in Action

CURRICULUM & COURSES

What You’ll Learn in the General Engineering Program

The General Engineering degree at ��Ƶ is a 4-year bachelor of science degree focused on the broad application of engineering fundamentals with a particular focus on problem-solving and analytical skill-building.

Minors within the General Engineering B.S. include:

Aeronautics, Computational Modeling, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mechanical Engineering, and Robotics

The program offers:

a solid foundation in basic engineering and science
strong math and programming skills
advanced, focused engineering topics
upper-level engineering electives and advanced math and science topics that foster your applied technical problem-solving abilities

Program Overview

On-campus bachelor's degree program with specialized minors
Course Descriptions: Catalog - 25/26
134-136 total credits
4-year anticipated completion
Priority enrollment deadline: May 1

Choose one of five minors to complete your degree:

Aeronautics

Offering a more practice-oriented entry into aviation, this minor mixes flight training for a Private Pilot's license with a mechanical engineering background. Additional coursework will enable further flight training, including instrument, commercial, and CFI ratings.

Plan of Study

Computational Modeling

Computational and numerical design programs; computational modeling skills, mathematical solution methodologies, and specialized computer programming.

Plan of Study

Innovation/Entrepreneurship

Leave the beaten path and forge your own direction. Entrepreneurship and innovative practices; prepare for consulting or developing new technologies or new technical startup companies.

Plan of Study

Mechanical Engineering

The mechanical engineering minor prepares you for entry into the breadth of engineering with coursework ranging from control theory to heat transfer to machine design and advanced fluid mechanics. Excellent preparation for jobs from mechanical design to aerospace.

Plan of Study

Robotics

Autonomous systems (like self-driving cars) and unmanned vehicles, robotic controls. Advanced topics in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Plan of Study

More options:

Visit our Engineering Program Portfolio Page to see all of our engineering offerings.

Apply Now

Each student will have demonstrated proficiency in the following outcomes upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering:

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Accreditation Statement:

The General Engineering program at ��Ƶ is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org

ABET accreditation was received in the 2020-2021 cycle and is retroactive to October 1, 2019. Accreditation extends through September 2025.

ABET may be contacted at 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202; 410-347-7700; www.abet.org

ABET accreditation is external proof that our General Engineering Program has met certain standards necessary to produce graduates who are ready to enter the engineering profession.

In order to maintain our status as an accredited program, we are focused on helping our students attain the "Program Educational Objectives" and "Student Outcomes" that are published below.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates from the ��Ƶ General Engineering program are expected within a few years of graduation to:

Create value in their professional enterprise whether in fields of engineering practice, or in such related fields that draw on the knowledge, skills, and values of the engineering professional.
Embrace lifelong learning and their professional responsibilities as they advance to positions of even greater responsibility.
Contribute a Franciscan perspective as they ethically shape the culture in their workplace, community, and civil society writ large

Enrollment (as of May 2024)

Freshman 11
Sophomores 11
Juniors 16
Seniors 5
Graduates 16

Dedicated Researchers; Passionate Teachers

Our faculty members bring strong academic credentials to the classroom coupled with experience in authentic field projects and research to give you a hands-on experience that translates to real-world skills.

Program Chair:
Dr. Rachel Wagner,
rwagner@francis.edu,
814.471.1215

Meet Our Faculty

Career Outlook in General Engineering

General Engineers are prepared to work in fields commonly inhabited by mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers. Our graduates have been employed as engineers by a range of companies, including the following: HF Lenz, Markosky Engineering, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo DRS, the United States Department of Energy, Electric Boat, Curry Supply, McLanahan Corporation, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, and more.

With all these options, let us help you figure out where you want to go! Explore the world of engineering through weekly seminars, annual engineering-focused networking events, and more!

Ready to take the next step?

We’re here to help you succeed. Our enrollment team is happy to answer your questions, set up a time to meet with faculty, and walk you through the application & financial aid processes.

Find your Enrollment Advisor
Explore our team directory and the areas/regions they serve. When you're ready, connect with your enrollment advisor by phone, email, or text.

Meet the Team

Schedule your personal visit today and/or sign up for one of our upcoming events!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the General Engineering Major

Students in the General Engineering program complete a year-long capstone design experience by completing all of the following courses:
ENGR 415 Senior Lab
ENGR 498 Capstone Design
ENGR 497 Capstone Design Proposal
Our students have worked with industry and government partners in previous years on their capstone projects.

The median wage for a General Engineer is $90,000.

Our General Engineering degree prepares you for a career in all different kinds of engineering by giving you a robust, carefully planned foundation of technical knowledge. Our concentrations give you some opportunities to gain depth. For example, if you are leaning towards electrical engineering, we recommend our Robotics minor, which includes classes such as Autonomous Systems (CPSC 450) and Control Theory (ENGR 435) in addition to the Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering class (ENGR 325) taken by all our General engineering students.

We can also be creative with minors in other programs that will help you learn the things you need to do in other engineering professions. For example, if you are interested in biomedical engineering, check out the movement science minor. We will work with you to help you achieve your goals!

And don’t forget about our Environmental Engineering program, which offers minors in renewable energy and ecological engineering.

The world is your oyster! We are happy to work with you on a project that interests you. Students have worked on projects such as converting a golf cart into an electric golf cart and all kinds of drone-based projects (from remodeling drones to change their payload capacity, to programming for managing drone-obtained data, to building and testing remotely-operated underwater vehicles). Our faculty are eager to have student involvement in their research!

Features and News

Blog

��Ƶ: A Unique Gem in Engineering Education

Mitchell Jubas | 01/30/2025

��Ƶ is one of the few small master’s comprehensive universities with an ABET-accredited engineering program, offering both personalized learning and graduate opportunities. This unique distinction sets SFU apart from most small schools, combining a close-knit community with the resources of a larger university.

SFU-1 Team Rockets Past Key Milestone in Satellite Mission

Mitchell Jubas | 01/10/2025

��Ƶ’s SFU-1 team completed the Mission Definition Review for its first satellite, a 3U CubeSat studying solar flares’ effects on the ionosphere. With a launch planned for 2027, the team now prepares for the next milestone: the Preliminary Design Review in fall 2025.

��Ƶ named "College of Distinction" ten years in a row

University Communications & Marketing | 07/25/2024

��Ƶ celebrates 10 years of earning the "College of Distinction" honor for demonstrating hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes.

Go Baby Go! offers cool wheels and big smiles

Rachel (Vasilko) Heckman ‘13 | 05/09/2024

Interdisciplinary, community-engaged program, Go Baby Go! benefits children with disabilities and offers hands-on experience for OT, PA, and engineering students at ��Ƶ.

Hands-On Learning Experiences Making Headlines

University Communications & Marketing | 02/09/2024

��Ƶ garnered front-page headlines in The Tribute-Democrat newspaper twice this week, both showcasing experiential learning in action.

SFU students present at American Astronomical Society meeting in New Orleans

Dr. Lanika Ruzhitskaya | 02/08/2024

“SFU in the Stratosphere” student members and Dr. Lanika Ruzhitskaya represented SFU at the 243rd American Astronomical Society meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 7-11, 2024

Go Baby Go! Alternative Electric Mobility for Kids at SFU

General Engineering & PT Departments | 07/27/2023

Physical Therapy and General Engineering students teamed up to take on the challenge of providing a custom-modified Power Wheels car for a local child struggling with physical disabilities impeding her from getting around on her own.

Saint Francis joins Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project with NASA

University Communications & Marketing | 06/14/2023

Officially joining the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEPB) with NASA, the Saint Francis team will gather and contribute valuable scientific and engineering data by casting weather balloons far into Earth's atmosphere during solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024.

Engineering Internships Help Secure Employment After Graduation

Engineering Department | 05/02/2023

Completing an engineering internship can open the door to many career opportunities and help you take the first steps toward your dream job. This year, we are proud to announce a class of interns and graduates from ��Ƶ’s General Engineering program that includes several students participating in a stratospheric ballooning project, students working for companies ranging from Leonardo DRS to Lighthouse Electric, and two students that we are proud to highlight below. These two students have secured job offers in their desired engineering field, which stemmed from their

Engineering Majors Land Notable Internship Positions

Engineering Department | 05/01/2023

Engineering internships allow students, like junior Kaitlyn Maxwell and senior Skye Eicher, to gain practical experience in various engineering fields. Kaitlyn & Skye will learn from experienced professionals, work on exciting projects, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Read their stories!

Why I Served: A Storytelling Event

mjubas — Fri, 23 May 2025 14:38:22 +0000

Why I Served: A Storytelling Event mjubas Fri, 05/23/2025 - 09:38

ROTC Profile: Hunter Blasko

mjubas — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:35:23 +0000

ROTC Profile: Hunter Blasko mjubas Tue, 04/22/2025 - 08:35

Honors Program Profile Veronica Crum

mjubas — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:23:38 +0000

Honors Program Profile Veronica Crum mjubas Tue, 04/22/2025 - 08:23

Honors Program Profile Toby Cree

MYoung — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:39:54 +0000

Honors Program Profile Toby Cree MYoung Tue, 04/01/2025 - 07:39

Set Sail for Laughter: Anything Goes at ��Ƶ!

mjubas — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:22:05 +0000

Set Sail for Laughter: Anything Goes at ��Ƶ! mjubas Fri, 03/14/2025 - 14:22

Honors Program Profile Ava Rhoads

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Veterans: Share Your Story at the "Why I Served" Workshop & Event

mjubas — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:47:45 +0000

Veterans: Share Your Story at the "Why I Served" Workshop & Event mjubas Fri, 02/28/2025 - 11:47

School of STEAM

Thomas Grove Awarded DoD Cyber Scholarship

Honors Program Profile Cole Weiland

Draft of General Engineering

General Engineering, Bachelor of Science

Explore a Franciscan-minded, career-focused General Engineering major designed with your goals in mind.

Hear from our students:

General Engineering the SFU Way

The Power of Hands-On, Experiential Learning

Built to Serve

Careers Launch Here

Follow Us on Facebook to See SFU Engineering Students in Action

CURRICULUM & COURSES

What You’ll Learn in the General Engineering Program

Program Overview

Choose one of five minors to complete your degree:

Aeronautics

Computational Modeling

Innovation/Entrepreneurship

Mechanical Engineering

Robotics

Accreditation Statement:

Program Educational Objectives

Enrollment (as of May 2024)

Dedicated Researchers; Passionate Teachers

Career Outlook in General Engineering

Ready to take the next step?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the General Engineering Major

Features and News

Why I Served: A Storytelling Event

ROTC Profile: Hunter Blasko

Honors Program Profile Veronica Crum

Honors Program Profile Toby Cree

Set Sail for Laughter: Anything Goes at ������Ƶ!

Honors Program Profile Ava Rhoads

Veterans: Share Your Story at the "Why I Served" Workshop & Event

Set Sail for Laughter: Anything Goes at ��Ƶ!