College of Engineering

Website

The mission of the College of Engineering is to provide a teaching, learning, and research environment that results in the highest-quality education for our students. Consistent with this goal, while providing a practice-oriented, experiential, and interdisciplinary program, the College of Engineering seeks to prepare students to contribute to the accumulation and application of technical knowledge. The college further seeks to help students master the fundamental mathematical and scientific principles underlying a particular branch of engineering; develop and demonstrate competence in analysis and design appropriate to an engineering specialization; reason clearly and communicate effectively; and recognize the need to continue professional development.

Through laboratory exercises, senior design projects, professional association activities, cooperative work assignments, and other experiential opportunities, students put theory into practice and clarify their professional goals.

The college offers a Bachelor of Science degree with specializations in bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering. There are also a number of combined majors offered within the college and between the College of Engineering and other colleges. Combined majors are continually being developed in response to student interest. In addition, students can pursue accelerated master’s program offerings.

Students have options available to participate in cooperative education experiences as they pursue  completion of  Bachelor of Science degree programs. Those seeking an 18-month co-op work experience may wish to enroll in the PlusOne accelerated master's program. Four-year programs are available for all majors and combined majors in the college.  

The college encourages students to study the arts, sciences, business, and other areas outside engineering to allow for an increased awareness of the social, economic, political, aesthetic, and philosophical influences that shape the world in which graduates will practice their professions. Students may complete a minor in different areas such as business, computer science, biomedical engineering, math, or music. In many cases, the minor can be completed without course overloads.

The college also offers an array of international educational experiences, including a number of study-abroad options, international co-op experiences, and Dialogue of Civilizations classes (which offer a four- to six-week opportunity to study engineering or a related field in the context of an international experience).

In addition to a full array of services at Northeastern University, specialized advising and other support services (including tutoring) are provided. Students in the John Martinson Honors Program may participate in honors sections of a number of courses. Students are encouraged to become involved in a broad range of student organizations offered within the college as an enriching addition to academic studies and co-op experience. There are over 50 student organizations in the College of Engineering that offer a broad array of experiences and opportunities. Students are also encouraged to explore research opportunities and participate in experiences that complement classroom learning.  

Undergraduate Academic Standards

Effective September 6, 2023

Academic Progression Standards

In addition to meeting university progression standards, it is expected that undergraduate engineering students enroll in four (4 credit) courses, with corresponding labs and recitations, and successfully complete at least 12 semester hours each academic semester (fall, spring) with an acceptable grade-point average as noted below.  

Criteria for Academic Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation effective for the following academic semester for any of the reasons noted below:

First-Year Students: 

• Not earning a semester GPA of at least a 1.800 at the end of an academic semester (fall, spring)
• Not earning at least 12 semester hours at the end of an academic semester (fall, spring)

Upper-Level and Transfer Students:

• Not earning a semester GPA of at least a 1.800 at the end of an academic semester (fall, spring)
• Not earning at least 12 semester hours in an academic semester (fall, spring)
• Not maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 at the end of an academic semester (fall, spring)
• Accumulating three or more outstanding course deficiencies (grades of F, I, W, NE, U, or missing grades, excluding 1-semester-hour courses, labs, and recitations)

A notation of the academic probation action will appear on the internal record but not on the permanent transcript.

Criteria for Academic Dismissal

Students who earn below a 1.000 GPA or earn fewer than 4 semester hours in any academic semester (fall, spring) may be dismissed, regardless of their prior academic status. After two semesters (fall, spring) on academic probation, students may be academically dismissed if they fail to meet academic progression standards.

A notation of the academic dismissal action will appear on the permanent transcript.

Pass/Fail Coursework

Students may elect to take courses on a pass/fail basis in accordance with university policy. A maximum of 8 semester hours may be taken pass/fail toward fulfillment of degree requirements in the College of Engineering. A maximum of 4 semester hours of pass/fail coursework is allowed per semester. Only general electives taken outside the College of Engineering may be taken on a pass/fail grading basis.

Graduation Requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.000 in major coursework and a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.000 overall are required for graduation. 

The college reserves the right to amend programs, courses, and degree requirements to fulfill its educational responsibility to respond to relevant changes in the field.

Students must complete all of the requirements in the degree program in which they are candidates. Degree requirements are based upon the year of graduation, determined by the date of entry or reentry into the College of Engineering. Degree requirements and the year of graduation for a degree candidate who fails to make normal academic progress will be subject to review and possible change.

Progression Toward Fulfillment of Degree Requirements

Students are expected to develop and follow a program of study outlining scheduled coursework to complete degree requirements. If changes to the year of graduation are to be made after completion of the third year of study in the major program curriculum, revised plans should be submitted to an academic advisor for review and approval. Students pursuing a minor course of study should declare their minor no later than the third year.