Engineering Raises Admission Standards

Dean Alex Cheng (in red gown) congratulated School of Engineering graduates during commencement ceremonies.Photo by Robert Jordan/Ole Miss Communications

To enroll in the Bachelor of Science programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer and information science, electrical engineering, geological engineering, geology, and mechanical engineering, students must have a minimum ACT math subscore of 25 and high school core GPA of 3.0. These standards are based on the level of preparedness students need for the first-year engineering curricula.

For less-prepared students, a pathway to success is created in the General Engineering degree program. Students with a minimum ACT math subscore of 20 and high school core GPA of 2.8 can be admitted to the pre-engineering program in general engineering.

Preparatory math and first-year student experience courses are provided to assist students in meeting the prerequisites of the first-year curricula. Students will be individually guided for a successful transfer into the engineering degree programs they choose, for an on-time completion or a minimum amount of extra time to degree.

The five engineering degrees – chemical, civil, electrical, geological and mechanical – have been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology since the 1950s. The computer and information science degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The General Engineering degree remains one of the school’s most innovative and versatile programs. Students in this program can pursue different emphases, such as pre-med, pre-law, business, education, manufacturing, public policy and military leadership.

During the last eight years, the school has seen a great success in its education programs. The undergraduate enrollment has more than doubled, from 651 students in 2008 to 1565 in 2016.

During this period, the level of preparedness of the freshmen class also has greatly improved. The average ACT score of the entering freshman class has increased from 24.0 to 27.3, and the GPA from 3.07 to 3.66.

As a professional school in the state’s flagship university, the School of Engineering’s mission is to give its graduates, through an interdisciplinary background, the abilities to adapt to the rapid changes in engineering.

A large number of engineering students are enrolled in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, one of the nation’s top honors programs. Many students have opportunities to pursue undergraduate research, study abroad or to enroll in special programs, such as the flagship language programs and the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence.

In collaboration with the School of Law, the engineering school also has a 3+3 accelerated engineering+law degree program. Most of our students are engaged in service; the school is particularly proud of a highly successful Engineers Without Borders chapter that renders service in Africa.

The school’s broad-based education has produced well-rounded engineers, and many of them have become national leaders in the industry, government and higher education sectors. Graduates enter not only the professions of engineering and technology, but also the diverse fields of medicine, law, business and public service.

The school is committed to its mission of providing a liberal arts-enhanced professional education of the highest quality that broadens students’ experiences and future success.

Courtesy of Edwin Smith and the Ole Miss News Desk

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