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Engineering

What Is Engineering?

Engineering is the art of inventing solutions to real-world challenges in areas of industrial machinery, transportation, power generation, computing, and so much more. With tools from science and mathematics, engineers put their creative abilities to work by designing technologies and systems that improve the world around them. Through their influence on daily life, engineers contribute to the safety and well-being of society while expanding the horizons of the technologically possible. As a result, engineering is a rewarding career with endless opportunities for variety and success.

Is Engineering for me?

Engineering @ Southern

The engineering program at Southern prepares students for rewarding careers in the engineering industry or for future graduate studies. Students gain engineering design experience through interactive and practical labs, industry internships, and capstone projects. Through service-oriented projects, faculty and students at Southern contribute to the well-being of communities.

How do I know if engineering is right for me?


Engineers are known as problem-solvers, who build, design, and create new things as solutions. If you exhibit any of the following:

  • Creative, curious, and technically/analytically-minded
  • Enjoy problem-solvering and being hands on
  • Strong interest in science and math
  • Enjoy multidisciplinary environments and jobs
then engineering could be for you!

Find the concentration that is right for you

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering focuses on the development of the hardware and software components that drive modern technology. In Southern’s computer engineering concentration, students are exposed to microcontrollers, real-time embedded systems, printed circuit board design, computer architecture, digital and analog electronics, robotics, programming, and operating systems.

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Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering focuses on the design and application of equipment related to electricity. In Southern’s electrical engineering concentration, student’s deal with power generation and transmission systems, analog and digital electronics, signal processing, and robotics and electromechanical devices.

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Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering focuses on systems in motion, mechanical engineering investigates topics such as mechanical power transfer, engines, material deformation, heat transfer, and fluid motion. In Southern’s mechanical engineering concentration, students are exposed to a variety of engineering systems encountered in power generation, HVAC, refrigeration, robotics, manufacturing, and many other areas.

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Our Program Educational Objectives

Think: Engage in lifelong learning with intellectual curiosity and discipline.
Design: Apply the principles and skills of engineering in professional practice or advanced study.
Serve: Communicate with clarity, act with integrity, and labor in humble service to God, family, church, employer, colleagues, and society.

Learn More on our ABET Information page

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I plan on taking in high school to be prepared for engineering? What should I take at another school (e.g., a community college) before transferring to Southern?
To best prepare for an engineering program during high school, it is recommended that students take as many math and science courses as their schedules allow. Courses such as Pre-Calculus and Pre-Trigonometry provide a background in the necessary math skills prior to beginning Calculus at the college level.

Exposure to calculus in high school is recommended and highly encouraged. 

If starting with classes at a community college, it is recommended that students consult with a faculty advisor at Southern prior to registering for classes to ensure the best possible transfer pathway.
How long does it typically take to get a degree in engineering?
With a full array of math, science, engineering, and laboratory-intensive courses, it is typical for engineering students to take 4.5-5 years to complete their degree program.

According to nation-wide institutional data, less than half of engineering graduates complete their degrees in four years.
What kinds of internships and research opportunities do students have?
Internships form an integral part of the engineering education experience. These learning opportunities often develop into full-time employment following graduation. At Southern, we suggest that students obtain at least one internship during their course of study – often during the summer following their sophomore or junior year.

If you're interested in continuing your education to the graduate level, research experiences provide an excellent chance to get a taste for grad school and engineering research.
Will I need a Master's degree to get a job as an engineer?
With a Bachelor’s in engineering you can go straight into working as an engineer. This does of course vary based on job requirements, but the majority of practicing engineers do not have a Master’s degree
How hard is it to get into graduate school after earning my bachelor's?
Following an undergraduate degree in engineering, graduate school is an obtainable goal. Thorough preparation in math and science courses within engineering is particularly important for students heading to graduate school.

Additionally, many graduate engineering programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for graduate school applications.
How much money do engineers make?
The average wage for engineers is $83,700 as of May 2022.
What should I expect as a new student coming into engineering?

The first year or two you’ll spend a lot of time with math and sciences as well as introductory engineering courses, then move into your specialized concentration. Students should be prepared for a rigorous program that gets them ready for the field of engineering.

Is there a specific laptop I need to purchase for engineering?
Having a laptop is not required, but it is highly recommended as an engineering student. There is no specific brand that we suggest, but there are several specs that we highly suggest having: 
  • Windows operating system (Macs are much less common in the engineering field outside programming/computer science and often do not support engineering-specific software products that we use)
  • i5 processor (or equivalent – e.g., Ryzen 5)
  • 8 GB of RAM at an absolute minimum (16 GB is preferable, 32 GB is typically unnecessary)
  • 256 GB for a hard drive at an absolute minimum, 512 GB SSD is preferable
  • Discrete graphics card is not necessary, but makes CAD and simulation programs faster to run
What kind of software does the engineering program use?
The engineering program uses several different types of software, including Cadence for MCAD. 

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