Majors

Engineering (pre-professional) major

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Central College offers a dual degree program in engineering with the nation’s foremost engineering institutions: Washington University, Iowa State University or The University of Iowa. The program culminates in a B.A. degree from Central College and a B.S. in engineering from the engineering institution. Students spend three years at Central and then enroll at the engineering institution. Credits transfer back to Central so the students receive a B.A. from Central.

Students often opt to spend four years at Central, complete the B.A. degree before leaving Central and continue with engineering studies at the graduate level thereafter and earn a M.S. degree in engineering. 

 

Faculty

Successful Careers

Internships

Are you looking for practical experience in a given field of engineering? An internship might be the answer. When it comes to future employment or entrance into graduate school, students with internship experience have a proven track record in a professional environment. In today’s competitive job market, proven experience is a priceless commodity. Many students turn their internship into employment after graduation. Past internships include:

Learn more about internships at Central.

Courses

Students usually major in physics, chemistry, computer science or mathematics at Central, depending on which of these majors is the most closely allied with their engineering field(s) of interest. The following courses must be included:

Facilities

The pre-engineering program is located in the Vermeer Science Center which recently underwent a $20-million renovation and expansion. The building contains 13 high-tech classrooms. Each contains a ceiling-mounted projector, computer with flat panel monitor, Wolfvision document camera, combination VCR/DVD player and a Ken-a-vision flex camera. Vermeer also contains several computer labs with new Dell computers with flat panel monitors and the most recent versions of math and science computer programs. Numerous science laboratories with state-of-the-art science equipment allow students to conduct their own research. Central was awarded a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) medal rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making the science center the first LEED-rated building in the state.

Numerous physics laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment are available to students. In general physics lab students can utilize specially designed equipment to test and explore physics concepts. They also use advanced devices and computers to collect and analyze data. The recently redesigned electronics lab allows students to experiment with analog circuits, digital circuits and even build microcomputers by themselves. The advanced labs offer a large variety of experiments including cloud chamber, stereo amplifier, laser optics, bomb calorimeter, radio isotopes and speed of light so students can enhance their knowledge through hands-on experimental investigations.

The physics department is licensed by the state of Iowa to own and use a plutonium-beryllium neutron source and a cesium gamma-ray source for experiments in nuclear physics. Our observatory with an 11-inch reflector telescope is located at an optimum site for students to observe stars and other celestial objects. Students can use an x-ray diffractometer and a high-vacuum system with a mass spectrometer to conduct research projects. The pre-engineering program is supported by a mechanical shop with a mill, a lathe and welding equipment.

The chemistry department maintains state-of-the-art instrument research equipment including NMR, IR, AA, GC, HPLC, UV-VIS and luminescence.

The computing science program is proud to offer a unique computing laboratory with an advanced networking lab which allows students to get hands-on computer networking experience. The laboratory includes an eight-node, 16-processor cluster to support high performance, parallel computing activities. The laboratory also has other advanced technologies to support courses and independent studies.

Benefit

Central’s dual degree engineering program is an excellent way for students to obtain both an engineering degree and a liberal arts degree in a small classroom setting taught by exceptionally well-qualified faculty devoted to their teaching. A broad background in science, mathematics and the liberal arts, as well as our emphasis on communication skills, helps students to establish themselves as thoughtful, creative, productive engineers. For more information check the physics major at the http://www.central.edu/academics/majors/physics/ 

Career Center — a helpful resource

Staff of the Career Center, located in the Maytag Student Center, Suite 244, provides the following:

Strengths in Central's pre-engineering program