The Beginning

A curriculum that includes intensive work in chemistry, physics, calculus, and computer science (technical requirements), plus a focused version of Columbia College’s famed Core, featuring small, discussion-based classes examining foundational texts in the humanities (liberal arts). In the first year, applied engineering and design experience in the Botwinick Lab, the nation’s only required service-learning introductory design course for engineers. Also required at the beginning, a professional-level course that allows students to connect academic and professional work and learn more about their potential major.

Core Requirements

• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• First-Year Engineering Design (Botwinick Lab)
• Literature Humanities, Contemporary Civilization, or a Global Core sequence
• Music or Art Humanities
• Physics
• Physical Education
• Principles of Economics
• Professional-Level Course
• University Writing

Beyond

Advanced course work that prepares students for leadership roles in engineering and applied sciences—and in nearly any professional field: law and government, business and finance, education and social science, medicine and social service. Minors in the liberal arts. Hands-on lab work guided by prize-winning faculty. Hundreds of research opportunities every year, including the Undergraduate Research Involvement Program, offering students positions on faculty research projects. Distinctive opportunities for community engagement and entrepreneurship. An engineering education for the 21st century.

Columbia Engineers take their education outside the classroom with a number of pre-professional and engineering based clubs and organizations including the Society of Automotive Engineers.