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Undergraduate Pre-EngineeringSchool of Arts and Sciences

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If you are interested in a career in engineering, this is a great place for you! As a pre-engineering student, you will become a well-informed leader in an interconnected world that is increasingly shaped by science and technology. Edgewood College nurtures life-long enthusiasm for scientific discovery and engineering design through hands-on learning—both inside and outside of the classroom. As a science major at a liberal arts institution, you will also be trained in critical thinking across disciplines and will hone the oral and written communication skills that are critical for engineers solving today’s interdisciplinary problems.

We have a dual-degree program with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville that allows you to earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Edgewood College and either a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. See below for details.

Many students interested in engineering complete a Bachelor’s degree at Edgewood College in Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics, depending on career goals. For additional technical experience, you can take courses in the Applied Science & Engineering Technology programs at Madison College and use them to fulfill major requirements. These majors will prepare you for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) fields or graduate work in engineering.

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Locations
Madison, WI
Formats
On-campus

Program Highlights

  • Our new Fab Lab provides access to high-tech equipment such as 3-D printers, CNC machines and laser cutters. The facility provides ample opportunities for student-directed projects, as well as new courses, including Introduction to Engineering and Engineering Modeling and Design. The Fab Lab is open to students from across campus, not just science majors.
  •  Classes are small, with no more than 20 students in introductory courses and typically between 8 and 10 students in upper-level courses.  Your faculty members are invested in helping you to succeed and build a strong foundation.
  •  Faculty advisors help you tailor your education to your needs by choosing courses and finding summer research or internship opportunities that are aligned with your career goals.
  • Edgewood College students interested in engineering have completed internships at Findorff Construction (civil engineering), John Deer (mechanical engineering), Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) (electrical engineering), and Morgridge Institute for  Research (biomedical engineering).
  • Partnerships with Madison College and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville allow you to take coursework in technical areas that complement the Edgewood College curriculum.

Facilities and Instrumentation

Pre-Engineering is located in the Sonderegger Science Center, which is well-equipped thanks to the Sonderegger Endowment Fund that allows us to purchase high-quality equipment for teaching and research.

Our new Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) provides student access to high-tech equipment including:

  • Multiple 3-D printers with different printing capabilities
  • A high-powered laser cutter capable of cutting or etching most woods and plastics
  • 3D scanner
  • Electronic and soldering equipment
  • Hand tools and project space
  • 2- and 3- dimensional design softwareComing soon:
    • CNC machine
    • Injection molding

The facility provides resources and opportunities for student-directed projects and is open to students from across campus, not just science majors.  Workshops and training sessions open to anyone are offered on a regular basis. It is also being actively integrated into Edgewood College courses, including two new physics courses, Introduction to Engineering (PHYS 160) and Engineering Modeling and Design (PHYS 170), as well as some theatre classes.

Office of Science Outreach

The Office of Science Outreach expands the resources and expertise of our science faculty and students from the labs and classrooms in the Sonderegger Science Center out into the community.

Our goals are to share the excitement of discovery, foster understanding of the natural world, improve personal lives through increased knowledge and awareness of science and technology, and support the next generation of scientists and engineers.  We host an annual Family Science Night, offer summer science programs for K-12 students and partner with schools and community organizations to ensure that ALL children have the confidence and preparation to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Career Outcomes

Students with an undergraduate degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics are able to find jobs in a variety of STEM-related fields after graduation. Recent graduates have found work at local engineering firms, biotech companies, state agencies, and information technology, to name a few.

Many students choose to pursue graduate work in engineering. There are many accelerated master’s degree programs designed for students with undergraduate degrees in Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry. Recently, Edgewood graduates have earned master’s degrees in engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Duke University.

Collaborative Programs

Edgewood College and Madison College have a partnership that allows students to easily transfer coursework between the two institutions. Edgewood College students may take coursework in the following areas at Madison College:

  • Renewable Energy
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Design Technology
  • Automated Systems Technology

These courses allow you to gain technical skills, which complement the theoretical training that you receive in traditional science courses. These skills will be useful for students who hope to work in STEM professions after graduation, including students who plan on attending graduate school. Courses taken in these areas are covered by your Edgewood College tuition, so that all scholarships and financial aid still apply. Talk with your advisor about how to register for these courses.

Our Collaborative Program with the University of Wisconsin-Madison allows you to take one course per semester at the UW and transfer it back to Edgewood College. This provides students to explore specialized coursework in science and engineering that is not available here at Edgewood College, and the credits count towards the elective credits for your Physics major. Tuition is covered by your Edgewood College tuition, so scholarships still apply. In addition, you may wish to take advantage of resources at UW-Madison, including library access and internship/research opportunities.

Engineering Dual-Degree with UW-Platteville

The dual degree program with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville allows you to earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Edgewood College and either a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Qualified students will spend 3 years at Edgewood College building a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and chemistry in our small classroom, high-engagement environment. Students can then apply for transfer to UW-Platteville, where after two years, they can expect to receive an ABET-accredited engineering degree. Students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 in their major coursework to apply for admission to this program.

Transfer Agreement with WI Technical College System

Through this agreement, you have an efficient pathway to transfer from Madison College, or any of the Wisconsin Technical College System schools, to Edgewood College. Students who have completed an associate degree in one of the following areas are eligible to transfer into the Physics: Applied Science major at Edgewood College, which is designed to be completed in as little as two years:

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Design Technology
  • Electromechanical Technology
  • Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology

If you are interested in this program, you should plan to major in Physics: Applied Science. The Applied Science concentration is a reduced version of the standard physics major that acknowledges the coursework taken while earning your associate degree. We will not transfer individual courses into the major, but have approved the associate degree programs as a whole.

You will likely have completed some of the general education requirements as part of your associate degree. For example, Written Communication, Economics, Critical Thinking, etc. We will review your transcript and give you credit for all general education courses that have already been completed. When you get to Edgewood College, you will be eligible to complete the Applied Associate to Bachelor Completion (ABC) general education requirements. Talk to your advisor for details.

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