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SCHOOL OF STEAM

General Engineering, Bachelor of Science

General Engineering: Franciscan-minded, career-focused, made with you in mind.

 

 

 

General Engineering is a fundamentals-focused program with multiple options for deeper study in a hands-on, ABET-accredited engineering program with a Franciscan foundation.  Choose a General Engineering Minor to deepen your knowledge of a particular field:

Aeronautics  ·   Computational Modeling  
Mechanical    ·     Robotics
Innovation/Entrepreneurship

Not just a number: experience faculty who care and a cohort of colleagues who prepare for your future.

 

 

Engineering the Saint Francis Way

Our engineers learn so as to serve.  Core to our engineering program is an eight-semester engineering design sequence, designed to bring you in contact with those lives you touch as professional, even while you are in school.  We believe that working on the challenges facing your fellow man, bit it a child struggling to walk or a meterologist in need of data from 80,000 feet, and starting that from the time you walk in the door.

 

Experience isn't limited to class: our students land internships locally and across the country as they broaden their depth of experience and find their niche in the world of engineering.  Check out some of our students stories here:  https://www.francis.edu/blog/engineering-majors-land-notable-internship-positions and how they led to making their first step into their careers.

general engineering
 The SFU LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Don't learn from the sidelines: get your hands dirty as you learn by doing at Saint Francis University

 

 

 

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

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CURRICULUM & COURSES

What You’ll Learn in the General Engineering Program

The General Engineering degree at Saint Francis University 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, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, and Innovation/Entrepreneurship.

 

As an SFU student you will have:

  • 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 
  • On-Campus:  

    Catalog - 24/25 

    • 134-136 total credits
    • 4-year anticipated completion  
    • Priority enrollment deadline: May 1 

    You will choose one of five minors in order 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 

    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


    Looking for more? 

    Visit our Engineering Page

  • 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 Saint Francis University 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 Saint Francis University General Engineering program are expected within a few years of graduation to:

    1. 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.
    2. Embrace lifelong learning and their professional responsibilities as they advance to positions of even greater responsibility.
    3. 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

  • general engineering

    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 Wagnerrwagner@francis.edu, 814.471.1215

    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!

     

    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:

      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!