Undergraduate Degree Options

Arts and Sciences—Engineering Joint Degree Program

Arts and Sciences (A&S) and the Swanson School of Engineering have developed an undergraduate Arts and Sciences-Engineering Joint 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. This challenging five-year program can be tailored to a student’s special interest.

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. Engineering students may apply for Engineering-School of Education Certification Program, 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.

Certificate 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 School of Arts & Sciences, the University Center for International Studies, or the Swanson School of Engineering. The certificate programs may be used by engineering students to partially fulfill the humanities/social sciences requirement or technical electives requirement as determined by the undergraduate director, 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 six certificates at the undergraduate level.

• Energy resource utilization
• Fessenden Honors in Engineering Program
• International engineering studies
• Nuclear engineering certificate
• Product realization certificate
• Sustainable engineering

University Honors college

The University Honors College is something of a paradox: Though headquartered in a newly renovated suite at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, it's not really a bricks-and-mortar school within the University. And although UHC offers specific courses and the bachelor of philosophy degree, the options are available to any student (in any major) who demonstrates an extraordinary ability to pursue independent scholarship.

cross-registration Program

The Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) cross-registration program provides opportunities for enriched educational programs by permitting full-time undergraduate and graduate students to cross-register at any other PCHE school.

Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Education Program (or Co-op Program) is a partnership among the employer, university, and student that provides relevant work assignments for the students while at the undergraduate level. The employers benefit from the expertise and enthusiasm of the student, and find the program a cost-effective means of completing projects. Many employers also utilize the program as a recruitment tool for post-graduate employment.

The program integrates a rotation of school and employment terms that enables the cooperative education students to complement their 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 makes this program also financially rewarding.  

Swanson School of Engineering Minors

The departments in the Swanson School of Engineering offer the following minors.

• Bioengineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Materials Science and engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Petroleum engineering
• Polymer engineering

School of Arts & Sciences minors

Twenty-three departmental minors are available in programs offered by the School of Arts & Sciences. The minors are africana studies, chemistry, classics, computer science, economics, english literature, film studies, french, german, history, japanese, linguistics, mathematics, music, neuroscience, philosophy, physics, political science, religious studies, sociology, statistics, studio arts, and theatre arts  Students must complete at least half of the credits earned for a minor at the University of Pittsburgh and must complete a minor with at least a 2.0 GPA. 

emerging leaders program

Emerging Leaders introduces participants to four fundamental of leadership; self-knowledge, valuing others, personal accountability and integrity. Learners explore these topics while building skills in group dynamics, conflict management, power and influence, diversity, ethics and life-work planning. This 10-week program provides learners with opportunities to:

• Explore and assess your leadership skills and style
• Practice and experiment with new leadership behavior
• Receive feedback on your style and behavior
• Plan for your on-going leadership development

international education

The Swanson School of Engineering is making a concerted effort to expand students' knowledge through International Education. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalization is a way of life, Engineering students must understand how to operate in a global manner to remain competitive. The school's programs provide opportunities for students to broaden their horizons in numerous ways.

The Swanson School of Engineering has designed several international programs for the benefit of its students. Students are encouraged to participate in overseas study and/or internship programs for academic credit during a semester, summer, or academic year.

Admissions

Undergraduate students are admitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science through the School of Engineering Admissions Office.