Goodwin College of Business
College of Science and Health
Engineering Science
Engineering Science Program at Benedictine University: A Pathway to Diverse Engineering Careers
At Benedictine University, the Engineering Science program is designed to offer students both flexibility and comprehensive support as they navigate their journey into the world of engineering. Known for its strong foundation in the sciences, BenU provides an exceptional starting point for students aspiring to specialize in various engineering disciplines.
Our program structure allows students to complete their initial general engineering courses at Benedictine, followed by advanced engineering studies through either a dual acceptance program with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) or by transferring to another accredited engineering school. This educational path typically spans about five years, culminating in the awarding of two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Engineering Science from Benedictine and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a specific engineering field from the transfer institution.
For students who opt to complete their entire four-year study at Benedictine, the program equips them with a broad skill set and knowledge base, preparing them for a variety of rewarding career opportunities in fields that do not necessitate a specialized engineering degree. This approach underscores Benedictine University’s commitment to providing a versatile and supportive educational environment for aspiring engineers.
The BenU Difference
Students in the Engineering Science program have the opportunities to:
- make an informed choice about which area of engineering best suits their interests, aptitude and passions.
- compete in a world where communication skills are rapidly becoming as important as technical ability in the engineering field.
- enjoy the benefits of being a Benedictine student for five years with the 3+2 program and earn degrees from both Benedictine and IIT.
The Best of Both Worlds at Benedictine University
Benedictine University’s engineering science major uniquely blends the broad perspective of a liberal arts education with the technical rigor of an engineering degree. This fusion creates a well-rounded educational experience, equipping students with versatile skills and knowledge.
A Gateway to Specialization
The program lays a robust foundation in engineering science, preparing students to delve into more specialized fields. Options include electrical, aerospace, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering, among others, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career aspirations.
A Collaborative Educational Journey
For nearly three decades, Benedictine University has maintained a fruitful partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). This collaboration opens doors for students to benefit from the combined strengths and resources of both institutions. As a result, students have access to an array of 10 different engineering degrees, each backed by the expertise and prestige of both universities.
Embrace a World of Creative and Professional Opportunities
Students graduating with a degree in Engineering Science have a wide array of career paths available to them, thanks to the broad and versatile nature of their education. Here are five sample careers that are well-suited for graduates of this program:
Systems Engineer: Systems engineers are responsible for designing, integrating, and managing complex systems over their life cycles. They ensure that all parts of a project work together effectively, making this role crucial in industries ranging from aerospace to advanced technology sectors.
Research and Development Engineer: These professionals work in various industries, focusing on the innovation and improvement of products or processes. They apply their engineering knowledge to develop new technologies, improve existing ones, and solve complex problems.
Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers use principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to address environmental issues. They are involved in efforts like pollution control, waste management, and sustainable design, making significant contributions to protecting the natural world.
Biomedical Engineer: This role combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences. Biomedical engineers develop technologies and devices that improve healthcare, from advanced diagnostic equipment to artificial organs and prosthetics.
Quality Assurance Engineer: These engineers ensure that products meet certain thresholds of acceptability. They often work in manufacturing or software development, focusing on testing products to identify and correct flaws before they reach the market.
Each of these careers leverages the strong analytical and problem-solving skills developed in an Engineering Science program, allowing graduates to contribute significantly to their chosen fields.
What our Alumni have done with this degree
Our students have gone on to successful careers at The Boeing Co., Caterpillar Inc., NAWCAD, Sargent & Lundy, Exelon Corp., Associate Math Test Engineering, CTS Corp., Wrigley Co. and many others. Our recent graduates have enrolled in top-tier Ph.D. programs at The University of Chicago, Purdue University, Georgetown University, University of Illinois and IIT — just to name a few.
Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Engineering Science program:
- Introduction to Engineering
- Principles of Physics
- Calculus and Advanced Mathematics
- Computer Programming and Software Design
- Materials Science
These courses provide a comprehensive base, equipping students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in various fields within engineering science.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
Jeremy Tapia
Class of ’17, Engineering Science
“BenU allowed me to get involved with a lot of campus activities like clubs and events, also I was a resident assistant for 2 years. These were all opportunities for me to push outside my comfort zone because I was a very shy person. This helped me develop my networking and time management skills. Also, a company had reached out to the engineering department asking if any students would like internships and the head of the department recommended me, which resulted in me getting my first internship at Molex LLC. I worked for Molex part-time while I finished my master’s degree and when I graduated I was offered a full-time job as a launch engineer.”
