Engineering Science Major (Bachelor of Science)
The engineering science major is flexible and interdisciplinary–offering students the opportunity to select a program of study to meet special interests or objectives. Many students choose a program of study in engineering management, communication of science and technology, various engineering concentrations, environmental science or materials science; however, students may develop unique plans of study to specialize in areas for which facilities and faculty competence exist but which are not covered within a single existing degree program at Vanderbilt. Engineering science graduates may establish careers in engineering or science, interface with engineers (e.g., in marketing and sales), or use their analytical and problem-solving skills to build future professional careers. Defined areas of concentration exist in engineering management, communication of science and technology, secondary education, and materials science and engineering. Individual programs have been developed for students interested in careers in engineering mathematics, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, teaching, technical communications, and other areas requiring nontraditional combinations of engineering courses. Because of the flexible nature of the engineering science programs of study, accreditation has not been sought for these programs of study, and engineering science majors will not qualify for engineering licensure in most states.
Engineering Management. Engineering management is an interdisciplinary program of study designed to give students the tools to manage technology development and innovation, to enhance manufacturing quality and productivity in a competitive international environment, and to implement these objectives successfully in an organization. Engineering management links engineering, science, and the management disciplines. In addition to the core science and math courses required of all engineering students, topics of study include entrepreneurship, human resources management, finance in technology-based organizations, technology strategy, communications, and operations.
Communication of Science and Technology. Many careers that are attractive to graduates of the engineering science program require the communication of engineering and science to people who are not technically trained. The Communication of Science and Technology interdisciplinary program prepares engineering students for careers in areas such as technical consulting, high-technology marketing and sales, environmental law, and journalism. The program combines traditional engineering and science courses with communications and humanities courses in a flexible curriculum. Engineering science majors may select from a set of program electives identified by the faculty committee of the School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Science that supervises the program.
Minors. Students may also pursue a minor consisting of at least five courses of at least three credit hours within a recognized area of knowledge. Minors are offered in engineering management, materials science and engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, scientific computing, environmental engineering, energy and environmental systems, nanoscience and nanotechnology, and most disciplines within the College of Arts and Science. Students must declare their intention to pursue minors by completing forms available in the Office of Academic Services of the School of Engineering.