Engineering majors options at NC State

Hi all, I'm planning on studying engineering in college and NC State is one of the options on my list. Can anyone share some info about the engineering majors they offer? How wide is their variety, and are there different routes within each major/department? Really appreciate any info or advice, thanks!

North Carolina State University (NC State) certainly offers a wide range of engineering programs, so it's a great place to be considering!

One of the key strengths of NC State is the breadth of its engineering curriculum. You would have the opportunity to explore many sub-disciplines within engineering. They have everything from the more traditional disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering, to more specialized ones like Aerospace, Agricultural and Biological, and Nuclear engineering.

Furthermore, the university also offers other less typical, but still in-demand, fields like Industrial and Systems Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, and Textile Engineering. This breadth is a great benefit because you might find that a less common field of engineering may catch your interest.

Most engineering programs at NC State also offer several concentrations or tracks, so students are able to tailor their degree based on their interests within the larger department. For example, within the Biomedical Engineering program, you have the options to concentrate in pre-med, biomaterials, or biomechanics tracks, among others. Similarly, within the Mechanical Engineering department, you can focus on areas such as Energy Systems, Manufacturing Systems, or Structural Mechanics.

A major element of NC State's engineering programs is the emphasis they place on experiential, hands-on learning. Apart from classroom knowledge, you get to engage in real-world projects that are applicable in the industry. Many students also complete internships or co-op opportunities that can provide practical, hands-on experience and can be advantageous when seeking employment post-graduation.

Keep in mind that each engineering department has its own unique combination of major-specific courses, electives, and design-focused capstone projects, so I would highly recommend taking a look at the university's course catalog or department websites to get a more detailed idea of what each program would entail.

Just remember, regardless of the specific engineering field you choose, success in engineering is about using your creativity and problem-solving skills to design solutions to complex issues. It's about continuous learning, given how quickly technology and best practices can change. NC State should be a great place for you to begin this journey. Best of luck!