James Madison University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What type of engineering does this program focus on?
This Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) is an engineering program that encompasses traditional technical training in engineering but also coursework in business administration and in applied project and group communication skills.  The theme of the program is Sustainability. 

What role does Sustainability play in engineering?
Our engineering graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to design products, manufacturing processes, and technological systems that do not deplete, diminish, or degrade environmental quality and natural resources.

Will there be engineering sub-disciplines such as mechanical or chemical as at other schools of engineering?
No, this will be a broad-based engineering program that draws from many areas of engineering to train engineering versatilists who are aware of the need for sustainability in the systems and devices they design.  Faculty expertise and student projects may include elements from a variety of fields including materials science, mechanical, civil, and other sub-disciplines of engineering.

When does the program start?
The first freshman class will be admitted for fall semester 2008 and the first graduating class will be in 2012. 

What high school coursework should a prospective student complete?
High school students should complete advanced coursework in mathematics, the sciences, and technology as available at their school.  As with any science or technology area in college, advanced placement or International Baccalaureate coursework is beneficial.  Prospective students should also engage in extracurricular high school activities, if available, that involve teamwork, design, and group projects.

Are there special admissions requirements to major in engineering at JMU?
No, although students have two targets to watch while planning their engineering curriculum: the progression standard and the prerequisite chain. Progression Standard Engineering students must meet the following progression standard before being admitted into junior-level (ENGR 3xx) or senior-level (ENGR 4xx) engineering courses.

The lowest grade of record for any of the following required in-major courses is a "C-."

  • ENGR 112, ENGR 212, ENGR 221, ENGR 231, ENGR 232
  • MATH 235, MATH 236, MATH 237, MATH 238
  • PHYS 240, PHYS 140L, PHYS 250, PHYS 150L
  • CHEM 131, CHEM 131L

A student's overall GPA and required major GPA (for the same list of courses) must be at least 2.500 (no rounding).

Prerequisite Chain Engineering students should be aware that many courses include prerequisites, or courses that must be successfully completed before enrollment in a specific course. The following list includes prerequisites that students should consider when planning their courses of study.

Course Prerequisite Course(s)
ENGR 112 MATH 235 or MATH 231 and PHYS 240, PHYS 140L or
CHEM 131, CHEM 131L or GEOL 210
ENGR 212 ENGR 112, PHYS 240, PHYS 140L, and MATH 237
ENGR 221 ENGR 112
ENGR 231 ENGR 112
ENGR 232 ENGR 231
ENGR 311 MATH 238, PHYS 240 and PHYS 140L
ENGR 312 ENGR 311
ENGR 313 MATH 238, PHYS 250 and PHYS 150L
ENGR 314 ENGR 212, PHYS 240, PHYS 140L and MATH 238
ENGR 322 ENGR 221
ENGR 331 ENGR 232
ENGR 332 ENGR 331
ENGR 411 CHEM 131, CHEM 131L and either MATH 231-232 or MATH 235
Corequisite: CHEM 132L
ENGR 431 ENGR 332
ENGR 432 ENGR 431

Will graduates be prepared to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) licensure examination?
Yes, students will be prepared for and required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) general engineering examination.

Will the program be accredited?
The program anticipates an application for engineering accreditation with ABET, the accrediting body for engineering programs, in 2012, the year of our first graduating class.

Could I graduate in engineering from JMU in four years?
Yes, the B.S. in Engineering will require 70 credit hours of major coursework, 41 hours of general education coursework, and 9 credits of elective coursework, totaling 120 credit hours for graduation.

Will engineering students have different General Education requirements from other JMU students?
No.  A full liberal arts-rich education is fundamental to the graduation of every JMU student, and our engineers will be no different.  In fact, the full awareness of humanity and our shared experiences and culture that comes from a liberal education will be a distinguishing feature of JMU engineers necessary to fulfill the goal of understanding the need for sustainability in design.

What will graduates from this program be prepared to do?
Our engineering graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce directly as front-line engineers or as managers of a high technology business.  They will also be prepared to enter graduate school in a wide range of engineering sub-disciplines or non-engineering disciplines such as law, business, or medicine

Will be there be opportunities for real-world projects?
Yes, this is a primary focus of our engineering program.  Students will be required to work in teams to solve real-world problems in six engineering design courses throughout the curriculum.

Will business courses be part of this program?
Yes, part of the mission of this program is to prepare students to integrate business, social, and ethical issues into engineering solutions. Business content will be presented in two required courses in Management of Technology, one General Education course, and integrated in many other courses throughout the curriculum. In addition, students will have the option to pursue a minor in Business.

Will this program properly prepare students to enter either JMU’s or another university’s MBA program?
Yes, students can meet all MBA prerequisites by using their electives to take several more business courses to supplement the required engineering degree coursework. Students who combine this undergraduate engineering degree with an advanced degree in business will be highly desirable for many companies.

Can JMU students in other major programs enroll in engineering courses?
Yes, if they have the prerequisites and space is available.

Can engineering students at JMU minor in other areas?
Yes, students may chose from a variety of programs in business, the sciences, technology, and the liberal arts, to name a few possibilities.

Can JMU students minor in engineering?
Currently there is no minor in engineering; however, a minor will be explored in the future.