Along with the engineering classes specific to the chosen major, students studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering degree must complete numerous mathematics and science courses. Although the specific course list varies among universities, common requisites include calculus, physics and chemistry. State institutions typically do not require engineering students to enroll in liberal arts coursework during their enrollment. Specific details concerning required credits can be found within an individual school's course catalog and website.
Many engineering departments offer several different focal points of study including electrical, civil, computer and chemical engineering. Students can obtain a specific degree in each of these fields after completing the designated coursework. In addition to these disciplines, schools may offer degree programs in less common branches of engineering such as mineral engineering, ocean engineering and nuclear engineering. Colleges typically list the available majors within a specific area of study in the annual course catalog and website.
According to the U.S. News and World Report ranking of undergraduate engineering programs in 2011, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is the top-ranked computer, chemical, mechanical and civil engineering program in the nation among schools who offer degrees as high as bachelor's and master's. Other noted institutions include Cooper Union, Harvey Mudd College, Bucknell University and Gonzaga University. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology received the highest ranking among institutions that grant degrees as high as the doctorate level.
Each engineering discipline has its own professional organization that includes working professionals and recent college graduates. These organizations typically require annual membership fees in exchange for networking opportunities and informational seminars. Students can find information concerning these organizations through their college's engineering department.