Pre-Engineering Specialization FAQs

A bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as an engineer, and depending on the discipline, additional licensure or certifications may also be necessary. Many of our alumni have gone on to work both in Wyoming and across the country. Interestingly, a large number of those who leave the state for early career opportunities often return to Wyoming, where demand for engineers is consistently high. Local industries and public works agencies employ many of our graduates, providing strong career opportunities close to home.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering typically takes 4–5 years to complete, depending on a student’s initial level of math preparation. Engineering is a highly structured program that builds on sequential prerequisites, which is why careful planning is so important. Our department offers two degree pathways: one designed for students who are calculus-ready when they arrive, and another that supports students who need to strengthen their math foundation first. In both cases, faculty work closely with students to create academic plans that keep them on track toward timely graduation and long-term success.

Absolutely. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning through labs, design projects, and real-world experiences. Students gain valuable practice in our courses, in engineering club activities, and through site visits to local engineering projects. We also take students on engineering site visits and bring practicing engineers to campus to share insights with students. In addition, motivated students often secure internships with regional firms and industries, which provide invaluable professional experience before graduation.

Yes, and in fact, that is one of our department’s primary objectives. We work diligently to ensure the transferability of our courses and to align our degree programs with university structures. This means that our students can transfer seamlessly into a four-year engineering program at the junior level, continuing their studies without losing momentum. 

Our engineering program stands out because we offer students the opportunity to complete their foundational coursework in a supportive, small-class environment taught by full-time faculty who are dedicated to teaching. Our faculty have been recognized with numerous awards for instructional quality and are deeply committed to student success. 

We also invest heavily in modern equipment and software, including PASCO lab systems, MATLAB, and SolidWorks. Several of our courses even prepare students to earn industry-recognized certifications, such as in SolidWorks, which can enhance internship and job opportunities. 

Finally, our strong network of alumni and industry connections with companies such as Simplot, Western - EGI, JFC, WYDOT, WE Soda, and Tata Chemicals, the success and reputation of our program. Students who start here gain both the personal attention of a community-focused department and the preparation needed for a competitive engineering career.