Requirements: Bachelor of Science Degree

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Overview of First Two Years and Major Affiliation

  • First Two Years

    In the first two years, Cornell Engineering students take Common Curriculum courses designed to provide a firm foundation for later specialization.

    Some majors require specific courses within the Common Curriculum. Be sure to review Requirements with Variations by Major for details.

  • Year Two: Applying to Affiliate

    During the second year, students apply to affiliate with an undergraduate major.

  • After Major Affiliation

    After affiliating with a major, students take courses to satisfy the Bachelor of Science degree in that major.

Requirements Common to All Engineering Majors

  • First-year Writing Seminars

    ≥6 credits

    Two courses.

  • Libreral Studies Requirements

    ≥18 credits

    Six courses.

  • Engineering Communications Requirement

    This requirement may be met by taking an Engineering Communications Requirement course as:

    • an engineering distribution course
    • liberal studies course
    • advisor-approved elective
    • major course

  • Physical Education and Swimming

    Two semesters of physical education and demonstration of proficiency in swimming (university requirement).

Requirements with Variations by Major

The total number of credits required for graduation vary by major.

Specific requirements for each major are given in the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook and on the major websites.

 

  • Major Program

    • ≥30 credits
      • Major-required courses
    • ≥9 credits
      • Major-approved electives
    • ≥9 credits
      • Courses outside the major

  • Physics

    8 credits1

    [fulfills “math and science credit”]

    PHYS 1112, 1110, and 2213

  • Chemistry

    4-8 credits1

    [fulfills “math and science credit”]

    All majors: CHEM 2090

    Major-dependent details:

    • Chemical Engineering majors should take CHEM 2090 and then 2080.
    • Environmental Engineering majors should take CHEM 2090 and CHEM 1570/3570.
    • Earth and Atmospheric Sciences majors should take CHEM 2090 and then 2080/1570.
    • Students planning on a health-related career should take CHEM 2090 and then 2080

  • Mathematics

    14-16 credits1

    [fulfills “math and science credit”]

    • All majors: MATH 1910, 1920, 2930 or 2940
    • Major-specific: A mathematics course chosen by the major

  • Fourth Science

    3-4 credits1

    [fulfills “math and science credit”]

    Major-specific: All majors also take an additional math or science course designated by the major.

  • Computing

    4 credits*

    CS 1110 or CS 1112

    *If a student takes both CS 1110 and CS 1112 they will only earn 6 credits total for the two classes instead of 8 credits.

  • Engineering Distribution

    • 3-4 credits
      • One introduction to engineering (ENGRI) course
    • 6-8 credits
      • Two different category distribution courses (ENGRD), one of which may be required by the major

  • Advisor-Approved Electives

    ≥6 credits

Note

1Math and science credit. The total number of math and science credits (including any courses designated as math/science substitutes for specific majors by CCGB) must be ≥31.