Mechanical Engineering (BS) | Cornell University

Mechanical Engineering (BS) | Cornell University
Mechanical Engineering (BS)
College of Engineering
Program Website
Taxonomy Codes
CIP:
14.1901
HEGIS:
0910.00
NYSED:
05598
Program Description
The Mechanical Engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of
ABET
This major is designed to provide a broad background in the fundamentals of the discipline as well as to offer an introduction to the many professional and technical areas in which mechanical engineers work. The program covers both major streams of mechanical engineering.
Mechanical systems, design, and materials processing
is concerned with the design, analysis, testing, and manufacture of machinery, vehicles, devices, and systems. Other topics covered are engineering materials, computer-aided design, vibrations, dynamics and control systems. Particular areas of concentration are robotics, vehicle engineering, space systems and biomechanic.
Engineering of fluids, energy, and thermal systems
is concerned with the efficient conversion of energy, aerospace and surface transportation, the environmental impact of engineering activity (including pollutants and noise), aeronautics, and the experimental and theoretical aspects of fluid flow, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and combustion. Specific areas of concentration include aerospace engineering, energy and the environment, and thermo-fluids engineering.
Program Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
Location: Ithaca, NY
Minimum Credits for Degree: 127
Program Requirements
During the fall semester, sophomores who plan to affiliate with the mechanical engineering major take
ENGRD 2020
(also
MAE 2020
) as an engineering distribution course.
ENGRD 2210
(also
MAE 2210
) is required for the major (but not required to affiliate). The Sibley School supports students who have unusual requirements, but delays or substitutions must be discussed with and receive approval from their major advisor.
The major requires 10 courses (beyond
ENGRD 2020
already mentioned) plus six major program electives, which include three major-approved electives, one senior design elective, one math elective, and one technical elective.
Students must complete the courses required for the Common Curriculum plus the major requirements outlined below for a minimum of 128 total credit hours.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Required Major Courses
ENGRD 2210
Thermodynamics (crosslisted)
MAE 2250
Introduction to Mechanical Design
MAE 2030
Dynamics
Select one of the following:
MAE 3780
Mechatronics
ENGRD 2100
Introduction to Circuits for Electrical and Computer Engineers (crosslisted)
PHYS 3360
Electronic Circuits (crosslisted)
MAE 3230
Introductory Fluid Mechanics
MAE 3240
Heat Transfer
MAE 3270
Mechanics of Engineering Materials
MAE 3260
System Dynamics
MAE 4272
Fluids and Heat Transfer Laboratory
MAE 4300
Engineers and Society
Design Requirement
Each Mechanical Engineering student must complete a senior design elective. One way of satisfying this requirement is to take a 3+ credit section of
MAE 4291
Supervised Senior Design Experience
, directed by a faculty member as an individual or team exercise. The other option is to take a 4-credit senior design elective course:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Senior Design Elective
3-5
MAE 4021
Wind Power
MAE 4121
MAE 4131
Mechanics of Composite Structures
MAE 4161
Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture
MAE 4221
Introduction to Internet of Things - Technology and Engagement
MAE 4231
Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
MAE 4341
Innovative Product Design via Digital Manufacturing
MAE 4351
Interdisciplinary Design Concepts
MAE 4441
Spacecraft Thermal Management
MAE 4631
Advanced Product Design
MAE 4641
Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics
MAE 4671
Polymer Mechanics
MAE 4721
Advanced Applications of Finite Element Analysis Using Ansys
MAE 4861
Automotive Engineering
Electives
Students should use the flexibility provided by the major electives, advisor-approved electives, and liberal studies distribution electives to develop a program to meet their specific goals.
M.E. Major Program Electives
M.E. students must complete any three upper-level major-approved electives totaling at least 9 credits. The major-approved electives are listed below. Students may choose to focus on one subject area, or may select major-approved electives from several different areas.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Aerospace Engineering
MAE 3050
Introduction to Aeronautics
MAE 4060
Introduction to Spaceflight Mechanics
MAE 4070
Dynamics of Flight Vehicles
MAE 4150
GPS: Theory and Design (crosslisted)
MAE 4160
Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture
MAE 4230
Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
MAE 4440
Spacecraft Thermal Management
MAE 4540
Propulsion of Spacecraft
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Biomechanics
MAE 4640
Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics (crosslisted)
MAE 4650
Biofluid Mechanics (crosslisted)
MAE 4660
Biomedical Engineering Analysis of Metabolic and Structural Systems (crosslisted)
MAE 5680
Soft Tissue Biomechanics (crosslisted)
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Energy and the Environment
MAE 4020
Wind Power
MAE 4120
(crosslisted)
MAE 4230
Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
MAE 4580
Introduction to Nuclear Science and Engineering (crosslisted)
MAE 4590
Introduction to Controlled Fusion: Principles and Technology (crosslisted)
MAE 5010
Future Energy Systems
MAE 5430
Combustion Processes
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Engineering Materials
MAE 3120
Mechanical Properties of Materials, Processing, and Design (crosslisted)
MAE 3130
Atomic and Molecular Structure of Matter (crosslisted)
MAE 4130
Mechanics of Composite Structures
MAE 4240
Materials Processing and Manufacturing (crosslisted)
MAE 4450
Additive Manufacturing: Process Physics, Materials, Properties and Post Processing
MAE 4640
Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics (crosslisted)
MAE 4670
Polymer Mechanics
MAE 4700
Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design
MAE 4721
Advanced Applications of Finite Element Analysis Using Ansys
MAE 5720
Advanced Applications of Finite Element Analysis Using Ansys
2-3
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Mechanical Systems and Design
MAE 3780
Mechatronics
MAE 4150
GPS: Theory and Design (crosslisted)
MAE 4180
Autonomous Mobile Robots (crosslisted)
MAE 4190
Fast Robots (crosslisted)
MAE 4220
Introduction to Internet of Things - Technology and Engagement
MAE 4320
Integrated Micro Sensors and Actuators: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds (crosslisted)
MAE 4341
Innovative Product Design via Digital Manufacturing
MAE 4351
Interdisciplinary Design Concepts
MAE 4630
Advanced Product Design
MAE 4700
Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design
MAE 4730
Intermediate Dynamics
MAE 4760
Foundations of Robotics (crosslisted)
MAE 4770
Engineering Vibrations
MAE 4780
Feedback Control Systems
MAE 4810
Robot Perception (crosslisted)
MAE 5120
(crosslisted)
MAE 5350
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
MAE 5910
Model Based Systems Engineering (crosslisted)
Students who took
MAE 3780
Mechatronics
as a required course (see above) may not use it again as a major-approved elective
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Thermo-fluids Engineering
MAE 4230
Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
MAE 4360
Design and Simulation of Multiphase Flow Systems
MAE 4510
Propulsion of Aircraft and Rockets
MAE 4530
Computer-Aided Engineering: Applications to Biological Processes (crosslisted)
MAE 4540
Propulsion of Spacecraft
MAE 5010
Future Energy Systems
MAE 5310
Advanced Thermodynamics of Multiphase Systems
MAE 5430
Combustion Processes
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Vehicle Engineering
MAE 3050
Introduction to Aeronautics
MAE 3870
Fundamentals of Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering
MAE 4860
Automotive Engineering
MAE 5070
Dynamics of Flight Vehicles
Note:
**
MAE 5210
Dimensional Tolerancing in Mechanical Design
is a 1 credit course; if it is used as a major approved elective, an additional major approved elective course or courses must be selected, so that the total number of credits toward major approved elective requirements is 9 or greater.
Math Elective
Each student must complete an approved upper-level math course taken after
MATH 2940
Linear Algebra for Engineers
. Currently, the approved courses are:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Upper-Level Math Elective
ENGRD 2700
Eng Probability and Statistics: Modeling and Data Science
CEE 3040
Uncertainty Analysis in Engineering
ENGRD 3200
Engineering Computation
BTRY 3010
Statistics I
CS 2800
Mathematical Foundations of Computing
Courses also satisfy the probability and statistics requirement.
Probability and Statistics Requirement
Significant probability and statistics coursework is required for graduation from the Mechanical Engineering Program. Students must take 1 course that fulfills the probability and statistics requirement. That course can also be used as a math elective (MathE),
or
a technical elective (TechE),
or
an advisor approved elective (AAE), as indicated below.
Courses currently approved to satisfy the probability and statistics requirement:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Required Probability and Statistics Course
ENGRD 2700
Eng Probability and Statistics: Modeling and Data Science (MathE or TechE or AAE)
CEE 3040
Uncertainty Analysis in Engineering (MathE or TechE or AAE)
ECE 3100
Introduction to Probability and Inference for Random Signals and Systems (MathE or TechE or AAE)
BTRY 3010
Statistics I
ECON 3110
Applied Probability and Statistics (crosslisted)
CS 2800
Mathematical Foundations of Computing (MathE or TechE or AAE)
MAE will also accept a satisfactory score (4 or 5) on the CEEB Advanced Placement Exam in Statistics as fulfilling the Probability & Stats requirement, but this does not also fill the math elective
Technical Elective
The technical elective may be any course at an appropriate level, chosen from engineering, math, or science (physics, chemistry, or biological sciences). Appropriate level, typically 2000+, is interpreted as being at a level beyond the required courses of the college curriculum. Courses in biology and society (BSOC), economics, business, and organizational behavior are not accepted; advisors may approve such courses as advisor-approved electives. Advanced placement in biology cannot be used for the technical elective, but advisors may approve as an advisor-approved elective.
MAE 4980
and
MAE 4610
may not be used as an M.E. major program elective.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Technical Elective
Any course at an appropriate level, chosen from engineering, math, or science (physics, chemistry, or biological sciences)
Advisor-Approved Electives
To maximize flexibility (i.e., the option for study abroad, Co-op, internships, pre-med, and flexibility during the upper-class years), the Sibley School faculty recommends that students delay use of advisor-approved (AA) electives until after the third semester. Students must seek advisor approval before taking an AA elective. Advanced placement credit may not count as an AA elective. Up to 6 credits of Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) courses numbered 3000 or above or co-listed in an academic department are allowed as AA electives.
Because these courses should help develop and broaden the skills of the engineer, advisors will generally accept the following as approved electives: One introduction to engineering course, engineering distribution courses, courses stressing oral or written communication, upper-level engineering courses, advanced courses in mathematics, and rigorous courses in the biological and physical sciences. Advisors are likely to approve courses in business, economics, and language that serve the student's educational and academic objectives. In other cases, a student's interests might be better served by approved electives that expand the major, or other parts of the curriculum, including the liberal studies requirements.
Some courses are automatically approved as an advisor-approved (AA) elective.  These courses include:
ENGRG 3400
Engineering Student Project Teams
MAE 4900
Individual and Group Projects in Mechanical Engineering
Any 2000+ course used towards a minor.
Any 2000+ liberal studies course (the same course cannot be used as fulfilling a liberal studies requirement as well).
Students can receive pre-approval or verify if their courses can be automatically approved by contacting the MAE Undergraduate Office at
mae_undergrad@cornell.edu
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Advisor-Approved Electives
Advisor Advisor Approved Elective
Other Considerations
It is recommended that the liberal studies distribution electives include studies in history of technology, societal impacts of technology, history, foreign languages, ethics, communications, political science, aesthetics, economics, and/or architecture.
The Sibley School facilitates its students to spend a semester or year abroad at foreign universities with which the college has an exchange agreement, such as the Ecole Centrale de Paris.
The Engineering Communication requirement of the common curriculum is satisfied by
MAE 4272
Fluids and Heat Transfer Laboratory
A limited set of second- and third-year courses is offered each summer under the auspices of the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions and the Engineering Cooperative Education Program.
Preparation in Aerospace Engineering
There is no separate undergraduate major in aerospace engineering, but students may prepare for a career or graduate program in this area by majoring in mechanical engineering and taking courses from the aerospace engineering minor, for example, spacecraft technology, introduction to aeronautics, and aerospace propulsion systems. It is also possible to prepare for a career or graduate program in aerospace engineering through appropriate course selection in other majors, for example: electrical and computer engineering, engineering physics, or the physical sciences. Subjects recommended as preparation for aerospace engineering endeavors include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, structures, vibrations, feedback controls, applied mathematics, chemistry, and physics.
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the
college registrar’s office
for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters
. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations
. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Additional Requirements for Undergraduate Students
The University has two requirements for graduation that must be fulfilled by all undergraduate students: the swim requirement, and completion of two physical education courses. For additional information about fulfilling University Graduation Requirements, see the
Physical Education website
Physical Education
All incoming undergraduate students are required to take two credits (two courses) of Physical Education prior to graduation. It is recommended they complete the two courses during their first year at Cornell. Credit in Physical Education may be earned by participating in
courses offered by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education
and Cornell Outdoor Education, by being a registered participant on a varsity athletic team, or performing in the marching band.
Students with medical concerns should contact the
Office of Student Disability Services
Swim Requirement
The Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education has established a basic swimming and water safety competency requirement for all undergraduate students. Normally, the requirement is taken during the Fall Orientation process at Helen Newman Hall or Teagle Hall pools. The requirement consists of the following: jump or step feet-first into the deep end of the pool, float or tread for one minute, turn around in a full circle, swim 25 yards using any stroke(s) of choice without touching the bottom or holding on to the sides (there is no time limit) and exit from the water. Students who do not complete the swim requirement during their first year, during a PE swim clas
s or during orientation subsequent years, will have to pay a $100 fee. Any student who cannot meet this requirement must register for
PE 1100
Beginning Swimming
as their physical education course before electives can be chosen.
If a student does not pass the swim requirement in their first Beginning Swimming PE class, then the student must take a second Beginning Swimming PE class (
PE 1100
or
PE 1101
). Successful completion of two Beginning Swimming classes (based on attendance requirements) with the instructor's recommendation will fulfill the University's swim requirement.
Students unable to meet the swim requirement because of medical reasons should contact the
Office of Student Disability Services
. When a waiver is granted by the Faculty Committee on Physical Education, an alternate requirement is imposed. The alternate requirement substitute is set by the Director of Physical Education.
College of Engineering Graduation Requirements
Undergraduate Study
Students in the College of Engineering spend most of their first two years of undergraduate studies in the Common Curriculum, which is administered by the College Curriculum Governing Board (CCGB) through the associate dean for undergraduate programs and Engineering Advising. By the end of their third semester, they typically apply to affiliate with an Engineering major and must be affiliated by the start of their fifth semester.
Criteria for affiliation with the majors are described in this section under "Affiliation with a Major". The Undergraduate Engineering Majors are listed on the
College of Engineering Programs page
Many of the majors have a corresponding minor, in which the student can pursue a secondary interest if eligible. In addition, there are minors that cut across majors including applied mathematics, engineering management, engineering statistics, game design, artificial intelligence, information science, and business. See Engineering Minors section of the
College of Engineering Programs page
for a listing of Undergraduate Minors.
Engineering Core Requirements - Engineering Major
Engineering Majors
To receive the bachelor of science degree, students must meet the requirements of the Common Curriculum (outlined below) as set forth by the College of Engineering, including the requirements of their chosen major, as established by the school or department that administers the major. (Further explanation of the revised Common Curriculum and major flow charts are provided in the
Engineering Undergraduate Handbook
Course Category-Credits
Course Category
Credits
Mathematics (major-specific)
14-16
Physics (major-specific)
8-13
Chemistry (major-specific)
4-8
First-year writing seminars
≥6
Engineering Communication
1-3
Computing
Engineering Distribution
a. One introduction to engineering (ENGRI)
3-4
b. Two engineering distributions (ENGRD)
6-8
Liberal studies distribution (6 courses min.)
≥18
Advisor Approved electives
≥6
Major program
a. Major-required courses
≥30
b. Major-approved electives
≥9
c. Courses outside the major
≥9
Two semesters of physical education and demonstration of proficiency in swimming (university requirement)
Engineering-communication courses may simultaneously fulfill another requirement.
Total credits required for graduation vary by major (see Engineering Majors).
Mathematics
The normal program in mathematics includes
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
MATH 2930
or
MATH 2940
depending on the major), and a major-specific math course for some majors. At least C– must be attained in these courses; if not, the course must be repeated immediately before the next course in the sequence is taken. Failure to achieve at least C– the second time will result in, at minimum, an automatic required leave of absence for one semester from the College of Engineering. Courses that are taken a second time do not yield additional credit toward a degree.
Physics
The normal program in physics includes
PHYS 1112
PHYS 1110
PHYS 2213
, and
PHYS 2214
or the corresponding honors courses (
PHYS 1116
PHYS 1110
PHYS 2210
PHYS 2217
, and
PHYS 2218
). Engineering students should attain at least C– in each math prerequisite of a physics course before taking the physics course (e.g., C– in
MATH 1910
before taking
PHYS 1112
and C– in
MATH 1920
before taking
PHYS 2213
). Substitutions for
PHYS 2214
are possible in certain majors. Please consult the
Engineering Undergraduate Handbook
for details.
Chemistry
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
is required. While the content of
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
is the same as that of
CHEM 2070
and
CHEM 2071
, Engineering students are expected to take
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
Typically,
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
is taken during the first year, but students who wish to first complete the physics sequence (
PHYS 1112
PHYS 1110
PHYS 2213
, and
PHYS 2214
, depending on the major) may postpone
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
until the sophomore year.
Students considering chemical engineering or a health-related career such as medicine must take
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
in the fall of their first year and
CHEM 2080
and
CHEM 2081
in the spring semester.
Computing
Students must complete one Introduction to Computing course during either semester of the first year. Students can take either
CS 1110
or
CS 1112
. Some majors may have a preference of either
CS 1110
or
CS 1112
, however, either one will count toward the degree requirement.
First-Year Writing Seminars
Each semester of their first year, students choose a first-year writing seminar from courses offered by over 30 different departments across the university. These courses offer the student practice in writing English prose and college level discourse within a small class (<20) setting.
Engineering Communications
Students can fulfill the Engineering Communications Requirement using one of the options below. See the
Engineering Communications Program website
for more information.
Category A: Via the Engineering Communications Program Courses and Opportunities
Engineering Communication Program Courses
Courses in this category, offered by the Engineering Communications Program (ECP), develop communication skills in a variety of genres, including writing, presenting, multimodal forms, graphics, charts, posters, and other. These courses fulfill the Engineering Communication Requirement for Cornell's College of Engineering.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
ENGRC 3025
Creating and Communicating Your Digital Professionalism
ENGRC 3026
Engineering Presentations and Expert Presence
ENGRC 3027
Cross-cultural Communications and Ethics in the Workplace
ENGRC 3340
Independent Study in Engineering Communications
1-3
ENGRC 3350
Organizational Communications for Engineers
ENGRC 3500
Engineering Communications
ENGRC 3700
Communications Consulting for Engineers
Complete a Communication-Intensive Co-op, listed as
ENGRC 3024
This is an opportunity to combine work and academics. Some co-op students do a significant amount of writing and other communicative work on the job; under certain circumstances, a set of authentic work artifacts combined with on-site manager reviews and guide, reflective summary assignments with an ECP instructor will satisfy the Engineering Communications Requirement. This option does not count toward the Liberal Studies requirements for engineers. Students should begin organizing this request the semester prior to being on-site for the co-op or internship. Not offered AY 2025-2026.
Enroll in and pass
ENGRC 3023
A one credit attachment to an engineering course that is not one of the officially designated W-I or C-I courses. CE instructors may occasionally wish to extend communication competencies with added work inside their course for a given semester so that it will fulfill the Engineering Communications Requirement. With approval from the College Curriculum Governing Board (CCGB) Subcommittee on Engineering Communications, instructors may have students co-register in
ENGRC 3023
, which may be taken more than once with different courses by permission of the engineering instructors. This option does not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement for engineers, even via petition. More information can be found at the
Cornell Engineering website
To begin,& send an email to
engrcomm_info@cornell.edu
, requesting the full
ENGRC 3023
information packet. Please insert "3023 request" in the subject line.
Paperwork is due by the last Wednesday in January for the Spring semester.
Complete and Pass a One Credit Partner Course
The current options are below, and they require enrollment in the departmental course (usually three credits) and its corresponding ENRGRC course (one credit). The below courses do not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement for engineers, even via petition:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
ENGRC 3120
Communications for Practical Tools for Operations Research, Machine Learning and Data Science
ENGRC 3152
Communication for Game Development
ENGRC 3610
Communication for Transportation Engineering
ENGRC 4152
Communication for Advanced Game Development
ENGRC 4590
Physical Design Communication in Biological Engineering
1cr partnered with
ORIE 3120
Practical Tools for Operations Research, Machine Learning and Data Science
1cr partnered with
CS 3152
Introduction to Computer Game Architecture
INFO 3152
Introduction to Computer Game Design
1cr partnered with
CEE 3610
Introduction to Transportation Engineering
1cr partnered with
CS 4152
Advanced Topics in Computer Game Architecture
INFO 4152
Advanced Topics in Computer Game Design
1cr partnered with
BEE 4590
Physical Design in Biological Engineering
Apply for
ENGRC 3341
Guided Fieldwork for Engineering Communications
Occasionally, a student will be doing a significant amount and variety of engineering or technical communication elsewhere in the College of Engineering, usually as part of a research team, as part of leadership in a project team, and the like. It may be appropriate to petition the CCGB's Subcommittee on Engineering Communications for permission to use as
ENGRC 3341
as an option for upcoming projects (not past ones) to meet the Engineering Communications Requirement. This option does not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement for engineers, even via petition. It is essential for students and their mentoring Engineering faculty to prepare well in advance for this option. Request the information packet and form by emailing
engrcomm_info@cornell.edu
with "3341 request" in the subject line. This option is not to be used for work done by teaching assistants, nor is it to be used to finish up work from prior semesters in another course. More information can be found at the
Cornell Engineering website
Paperwork is due by the last Wednesday in August for the Fall semester and the last Wednesday in January for the Spring semester.
Category B: Via Other Paths
Take an officially designated Writing-Intensive (W-I) or Communication-Intensive (C-I) engineering course.
Note: The following course list is not comprehensive, as different engineering departments may offer W-I or C-I courses on an ad-hoc basis. Indeed, these offerings can change each semester. Students need to check with their major advisors each semester to confirm if a course will fulfill the Engineering Communications Requirement; curriculum approvals are made by each major via CCGB approval. W-I or C-I courses are based in a major, as part of that major's regular core offerings to its declared/affiliated undergraduate majors. This option does not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement for engineers, even via petition. See also the
CE Undergraduate Handbook
It's important to note that these options usually only fulfill the Engineering Communications Requirement for their own majors. Students, advisors, and departments need to cross check against each student's major requirements for graduation. The Engineering Communications Program does not control, monitor, or assess for these courses. This option does not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement for engineers, even via petition.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
BEE 4530
Computer-Aided Engineering: Applications to Biological Processes (crosslisted)
BEE 4730
Watershed Engineering
BEE 4590
Physical Design in Biological Engineering
BME 4190
Laboratory Techniques for Molecular, Cellular, and Systems Engineering
BME 4390
Circuits, Signals and Sensors: Instrumentation Laboratory
BME 4490
Biomechanics Laboratory (crosslisted)
CHEME 4320
Chemical Engineering Laboratory
ECE 4920
ECE Technical Writing
MAE 4272
Fluids and Heat Transfer Laboratory
MSE 4030
Senior Materials Laboratory I
ORIE 4100
Manufacturing Systems Design: A Consulting Boot Camp
Enroll in and Pass
COMM 3020
or
COMM 3030
Enroll in and pass
COMM 3020
or
COMM 3030
taught by the Department of Communication (in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences). The Engineering Communications Program does not control, monitor, or assess for these courses. This option does not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement for engineers, even via petition. See also the
CE Undergraduate Handbook
Introduction-to-Engineering Course:
An introduction-to-engineering course (designated ENGRI) is expected to be completed by the end of a student’s first year. This course introduces students to the engineering process and provides a substantive experience in an open-ended problem-solving context. See the Introduction-to-Engineering
course listing for current course offerings.
Enroll in and pass
HADM 3670
, taught through the Nolan School
The Engineering Communications Program does not control, monitor, or assess for these courses. This option does not also fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement, even via petition. See also the
Engineering Undergraduate Handbook
Engineering Distribution
Two engineering distribution (ENGRD) courses (6–8 credits) must be selected from two different categories listed below. A student may use any one of the possible substitutions described.
Scientific computing:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
ENGRD 2110
Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (crosslisted)
ENGRD 2112
Object-Oriented Design and Data Structures - Honors (crosslisted)
ENGRD 2140
Computer Systems Programming (crosslisted)
ENGRD 3200
Engineering Computation (crosslisted)
Materials Science:
ENGRD 2610
Mechanical Properties of Materials: From Nanodevices to Superstructures
ENGRD 2620
Electronic Materials for the Information Age
Mechanics:
ENGRD 2020
Statics and Mechanics of Solids
Note: Majors in Engineering Physics may use
AEP 3330
as an ENGRD in this category.
Probability and statistics:
ENGRD 2700
Eng Probability and Statistics: Modeling and Data Science
Note: Majors in Engineering Physics may substitute
MATH 4710
for
ENGRD 2700
. Majors in Civil Engineering, Biological Engineering, and Environmental Engineering may substitute
CEE 3040
for
ENGRD 2700
ENGRD 2720
Electrical sciences:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
ENGRD 2100
Introduction to Circuits for Electrical and Computer Engineers (crosslisted)
ENGRD 2300
Digital Logic and Computer Organization (crosslisted)
ENGRD 2550
Engineering Quantum Information Hardware (crosslisted)
Thermodynamics and energy balances:
ENGRD 2111
Biomolecular Thermodynamics
ENGRD 2190
Chemical Process Design and Analysis
ENGRD 2210
Thermodynamics
Earth and life sciences:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
ENGRD 2250
The Earth System (crosslisted)
ENGRD 2510
Engineering Processes for Environmental Sustainability (crosslisted)
ENGRD 2600
Principles of Biological Engineering (crosslisted)
Biology and chemistry:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
ENGRD 2202
Biomedical Transport Phenomena (crosslisted)
CHEM 3890
Honors Physical Chemistry I
ENGRD 2520
The Physics of Life (crosslisted)
BIOMG 3300
Principles of Biochemistry, Individualized Instruction
or
BIOMG 3310
Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism
or
BIOMG 3350
Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins, Metabolism, and Molecular Biology
Additional Information
Some majors may require completion of 9 specific engineering distribution courses for affiliation (acceptance into the major), or as a prerequisite for upper-class courses. For complete information, please see Affiliation with a Major and the flow charts for each major in the
Engineering Undergraduate Handbook
Note: Some majors require additional distribution courses after affiliation.
Liberal Studies Distribution
Global and diverse societies require that engineers have an awareness of historical patterns, an appreciation for different cultures, professional ethics, the ability to work in multifaceted groups, and superior communication skills. Cornell has a rich curriculum in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, enabling every engineering student to obtain a truly liberal education. The rationale for these distribution courses is discussed in the Requirements for Graduation section of the
Engineering Undergraduate Handbook
and these courses should be chosen with as much care and foresight as courses from technical areas.
Requirements:
At least six courses (totaling at least 18 credits)
The six courses must be chosen from the categories listed and come from at least three different groups outlined in the following section
At least 3 or more credits must be chosen from Group 7
No more than two courses may be chosen from Group 6 (CE)
At least two courses must be at the 2000 level or higher
The categories outlined above have been organized into seven Groups based on common themes in content. Those Groups are as follows:
Group 1. Cultural Analysis, Literature and the Arts, Social Differences
Cultural Analysis (CA)
Literature and the Arts (LA)
Literature, the Arts and Design (LAD)
Arts, Literature, and Culture (ALC)
Social Difference (SCD-HA only. SCD-AS not allowed in this group.)
Group 2. Historical Analysis
Historical Analysis (HA/ HST)
Group 3. Ethics, Cognition, and Moral Reasoning
Knowledge, Cognition, and Moral Reasoning (KCM)
Ethics and the Mind (ETM)
Group 4. Social Science and Global Citizenship
Social and Behavioral Analysis (SBA)
Social Sciences (SSC)
Global Citizenship (GLC)
Group 5. Foreign Languages (not literature courses) (FL)
Courses teaching language skills, inclusive of reading, writing, listening, and spoken non-English languages, at beginning to advanced levels.
Group 6. Communications in Engineering (CE)
Engineering specific courses exploring communication as a way of acting in the world
Courses must be specifically designated by CCGB as satisfying the CE category (no petitions)
No more than two courses from this category may be used to satisfy the liberal studies requirement
Group 7. Race and Equity
Social Difference (SCD-AS only. SCD-HA not allowed in this group)
Diversity (D-AG only. D-HE not allowed in this group)
Students should utilize the current Courses of Study as the master list of approved liberal studies courses. Refer to Cornell Engineering Advising's
Liberal Studies Policies
webpage for complete lists of additional approved courses and unacceptable courses. Please direct any questions to Engineering Advising, 180 Rhodes Hall.
Electives
Advisor-Approved electives:
6 credits required (approved by the faculty advisor
). Because these courses should help develop and broaden the skills of the engineer, faculty advisors generally accept the following as approved electives (as long as they are not being used elsewhere toward degree requirements):
One additional introduction-to-engineering course (ENGRI)
Engineering distribution courses
Courses stressing written or oral communication
Upper-level engineering courses
Advanced courses in mathematics
Rigorous courses in the biological and physical sciences
Courses in business, economics, or language (when they serve the student's educational and academic objectives)
Courses that expand the major or another part of the curriculum, including liberal studies electives not already being used toward the Liberal Studies Distribution requirement.
Up to 6 credits of approved electives may come from ROTC courses at the 3000-level or higher.
Major-approved electives:
9 credits (approved by the major and faculty advisors in the major). Refer to the major curricula for descriptions of courses in this category.
Outside-the-major electives:
9 credits of courses outside the major to ensure breadth of engineering studies; these courses may be subject to major specific requirements for appropriateness.
In the event a student and their faculty advisor disagree regarding the suitability of an approved elective, the student may appeal the decision to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Associate Director) for their major department or to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs.
First-Year Requirements
During the first year, engineering students are expected to complete (or receive credit for) the following core requirements:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
Calculus for Engineers
and Multivariable Calculus for Engineers
Select two of the following:
4-8
CHEM 2080
General Chemistry II
CHEM 2081
General Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 2090
Engineering General Chemistry
PHYS 1112
Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 1110
Introduction to Experimental Physics
PHYS 2213
Physics II: Electromagnetism
PHYS 2214
Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, and Quantum Physics (or the Honors equivalent)
One of: CS 111X
Two first-year writing seminars
One introduction to engineering (ENGRI) course
Two physical education courses and the university swim test
Depends on the major.
Depending on the major, students interested in chemical engineering, pre-med, or other health-related careers should enroll in the
CHEM 2090
and
CHEM 2091
CHEM 2080
and
CHEM 2081
sequence during their first year.
Students interested in biomedical engineering should additionally complete
BIOMG 1350
during the first year.
Affiliation with a Major
Students are encouraged to apply for affiliation with a major during the first semester of their sophomore year, although earlier affiliation may be granted at the discretion of the major. This is done by completing the Application for Major Affiliation via the Engineering Registrar's website. To affiliate, students must:
make good progress toward completing required courses in the common curriculum,
have a GPA ≥ 2.0, and
have satisfied the major's course and grade requirements as specified below:
Students must be affiliated or conditionally affiliated with a major by the beginning of their fifth semester or they will be withdrawn from the College of Engineering, and therefore Cornell.
Biological Engineering
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and at most one grade below C– in any math, chemistry, physics, and engineering courses:
CS 1110
CS 1112
, ENGRI, ENGRD, and any engineering course cross-listed with ENGRI or ENGRD. Completion of
BEE 2600
ENGRD 2600
or
ENGRD 2510
with at least C–,and one year of Introductory Biology (two lectures and a lab) with grades of at least C–. Allowable courses include
BIOMG 1350
BIOG 1440
BIOG 1445
BIOG 1500
, and
BIOEE 1610
. No more than two credits of research/project team and two credits of arts performance courses will count toward the cumulative GPA required for affiliation.
Biomedical Engineering
Minimum GPA of 2.4 in designated math, science, and engineering courses completed with grades of C- or higher.
To apply for affiliation in the third semester, a student must be on track to complete the following requirements by the end of the third semester:
BIOMG 1350
(or a score of 5 on the CEEB AP Exam (or equivalent)),
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
MATH 2930
PHYS 1112
PHYS 1110
PHYS 2213
CHEM 2090
CHEM 2091
ENGRD 2111
, CS 111X, and any ENGRI.
BIOG 1440
cannot be used to satisfy this requirement for students entering Fall 2017 and after.
To apply for affiliation in the fourth semester, a student must be on track to complete the above courses plus the following additional courses by the end of the fourth semester:
MATH 2940
ENGRD 2020
BME 2000
, and
BME 2010
Chemical Engineering
At most one grade below C- in chemistry, math, physics, and chemical engineering courses, and a GPA ≥2.2 in math, science, and engineering courses (except independent study, seminar, research, or project teams).
To apply for affiliation in the third semester, a student must be on track to complete the following requirements by the end of the semester:
Mathematics:
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
, and
MATH 2930
Chemistry:
CHEM 2090
CHEM 2091
, and
CHEM 2080
CHEM 2081
(or a score of 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement exam for Chemistry and
CHEM 2150
or
CHEM 2080
CHEM 2081
Physics:
PHYS 1112
PHYS 1110
, and
PHYS 2213
Computing: CS 111X
Engineering Distribution: One Introduction to Engineering course (ENGRI 1XXX),
ENGRD 2190
, and
CHEM 3890
Two First-Year Writing Seminars
One Liberal Studies Distribution course
Students applying in the fourth semester must be on track to complete the following prerequisites for junior year as well as the core requirements listed above:
MATH 2940
or
CEE 3040
or
ENGRD 2700
CHEM 2900
CHEME 2200
CHEME 3230
, and additional Liberal Studies Distribution course.
Civil Engineering
GPA ≥ 2.0 in all engineering, math, and science courses that have been completed at the time of affiliation. C grade or higher in
ENGRD 2020
Computer Science
At least C (not C-) in all completed CS courses and all critical math courses. GPA ≥ 2.5 in
CS 2110
CS 2112
and
CS 2800
CS 2802
, or
ECE 2400
ENGRD 2140
and
CS 2800
CS 2802
and
CS 3110
. CS GPA calculation may be supplemented by the following courses:
CS 3110
and
CS 3410
CS 3420
. GPA ≥ 2.3 between
MATH 1920
and any other completed critical math course(s):
MATH 2940
MATH 4710
BTRY 3080
STSCI 3080
CS 4850
ECON 3130
ECE 3100
ENGRD 2700
. If only AP/CASE credit appears, then another Cornell critical math course must be taken to affiliate. Qualifying courses must be taken at Cornell for a letter grade. A required supplemental application must be submitted along with the College of Engineering Application for Major Affiliation.
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
The following courses must be completed or currently enrolled in at the time of affiliation:
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
MATH 2930
MATH 2940
PHYS 1110
PHYS 1112
PHYS 2213
CHEM 2090
CHEM 2091
CHEM 2080
CHEM 2081
(or
CHEM 1570
or
PHYS 2214
). Must have at least a C- in all courses taken and a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher.
Electrical and Computer Engineering
At least C+ in:
MATH 2930
or
MATH 2940
PHYS 2213
, and one of
ECE 2100
ENGRD 2100
ECE 2720
or
ECE 2300
ENGRD 2300
Must have a GPA ≥ 2.5 in (if completed):
MATH 1920
MATH 2930
MATH 2940
PHYS 2213
ENGRD 2110
ECE 2400
ENGRD 2140
ECE 2300
ENGRD 2300
ECE 2100
ENGRD 2100
ECE 2720
ENGRD 2720
Engineering Physics
At least B– in all required math and physics courses:
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
MATH 2930
MATH 2940
PHYS 1110
PHYS 1112
PHYS 1116
PHYS 2213
PHYS 2217
PHYS 2214
PHYS 2218
PHYS 2210
Environmental Engineering
GPA ≥ 2.0 in all math, science, and engineering courses. At least C– in
BEE 2510
ENGRD 2510
Independent Major
Students must submit, and receive approval for, a proposed program including endorsement from advisors for a primary and secondary area. See the
IM website
for specific requirements and deadlines.
Information Science Systems, and Technology
At least a C in two of
MATH 2940
CS 2110
ENGRD 2110
, and
ENGRD 2700
(must have taken at least two of these courses at time of affiliation). GPA ≥ 2.5 between
CS 2110
ENGRD 2110
ENGRD 2700
, and all completed MATH and ISST Major core courses. Qualifying courses must be taken at Cornell, and for a letter grade. A
required supplemental application
must be submitted to ISST in addition to the College of Engineering’s Application for Major Affiliation.
Students in their senior year of study intending to change majors to ISST or add ISST as a second major must submit a course plan to demonstrate they can complete all degree requirements by their current expected graduation date.
Materials Science and Engineering
On track to complete by the end of the fourth semester the following required courses, and completion of at least 24 credits from these courses, when applying for affiliation:
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
MATH 2930
MATH 2940
(all with a minimum grade of C),
PHYS 1110
PHYS 1112
PHYS 1116
PHYS 2213
PHYS 2213
CHEM 2090
CHEM 2091
, and
CS 1110
CS 1112
Additionally, cumulative GPA ≥2.0 in the completed required math, physics, and chemistry courses (including
MSE 3010
if taken) and at least C in
ENGRD 2610
or
ENGRD 2620
For any course that is repeated, the most recent grade will be used for affiliation requirements. However, repeated grades will be included for GPA calculations.
Students who will not satisfy these requirements by the end of the fourth semester should contact the MSE department about alternative paths to affiliation.
Mechanical Engineering
At least C– in
ENGRD 2020
and all completed required math, physics, chemistry, and computer science courses.
ENGRD 2210
is recommended prior to affiliation. GPA > 2.5 in these courses:
ENGRD 2210
(if taken),
MATH 2930
PHYS 2213
, and
ENGRD 2020
Operations Research and Engineering
At least C in each of
ENGRD 2700
and
MATH 2940
. GPA ≥ 2.2 in math, science, and engineering courses (both overall and in the term immediately before affiliation). At least C– in all ORIE courses completed thus far. Good academic standing in the College of Engineering.
Students may major in biological engineering and environmental engineering through the College of Engineering or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Students who do so through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are jointly administered by the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Honors Program Within Majors
Many of the engineering majors supplement the major with an honors program.
Eligibility
The B.S. degree with honors is granted to engineering students who, in addition to having completed the requirements for a B.S. degree in a major, satisfactorily complete the honors program in the major and are recommended for the degree by the honors committee of that major. To enter an honors program, the student must be on track to graduate with distinction, and a student who does not stay on track to graduate with distinction is will be dropped from the honors program.
At least 9 extra credit hours are required for the honors degree, and a student must be in the program for at least two semesters before graduation. Courses taken to satisfy the honors requirement may not be used to satisfy any other B.S. degree requirements.
No research, independent study, or teaching for which the student is paid may be counted toward the honors program.
Procedures
An applicant to the honors program in a major must have an honors advisor: a faculty member from that major who will supervise the honors program and direct any research or project. The honors advisor need not be the student's advisor in the major.
The application for the honors program should be a letter from the student that describes the proposed honors program in detail and includes the explicit approval of the honors advisor.
Students must complete a written application no later than the beginning of the first semester of their senior year, but they are encouraged to make arrangements with the honors advisor during the second semester of their junior year. Each major may place further constraints on timing.
Major-Specific Information
Each major defines the content of the honors program and may also place other requirements on the program, in terms of timing, content, and procedures. Information is given within the description of the individual majors.
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