College of Engineering and Science

Dean John Harris, Ph.D.

Laboratory Director
Peter Zappala

Mission Statement and Overview

The mission of the College of Engineering and Science is to educate and challenge students in the basics of rigorous engineering and scientific theory, ethics and practice, and to expand collective knowledge through novel research, discovery and entrepreneurship. The college is enthusiastic and proud of how faculty members and students engage and answer challenging questions for numerous industry partners and government agencies, which ensure that both research and educational efforts produce a relevant and focused impact on society.

The College of Engineering and Science includes six departments: 

• Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences  
• Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences  
• Department of Computer Engineering and Sciences  
• Department of Mathematical Sciences  
• Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  
• Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences  

The college is also home to the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information, the Human-Centered Design Institute, and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (CAMID). 

Admission

General admission regulations and the process for applying are presented under General Academic Information (all students) . Additional information on requirements for specific programs is present under the respective department listings.

Undergraduate students who attend a community college for two years before transferring into the College of Engineering and Science should comply with articulation agreements where they exist and refer to the following list of “Recommended Courses to be Transferred (Undergraduate).” This list is for general guidance only. The detailed curriculum plan for the desired program should be consulted for more specific guidance. If possible, the prospective student should review their community college curriculum periodically with an appropriate university faculty member. Some of the courses normally taken during the first two years of a program could be unavailable at some community colleges. As a result, it may take one or more semesters beyond the nominal two years following community college graduation to complete a specific bachelor’s degree program.

Most mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, applied mechanics, computer programming and English courses at the first- and second-year levels are offered every semester. A transfer student can usually be registered for a full schedule of courses that are tailored to his or her immediate academic needs. Exceptions, when they occur, are usually the result of the student completing all coursework in some disciplines, such as mathematics and the humanities, without having started coursework in other essential areas, such as physics or chemistry.

Graduate students are expected to have already earned a bachelor’s degree in their anticipated graduate area or a closely-related area. Most College of Engineering and Science master’s programs offer thesis or non-thesis options, though some programs may offer only one or the other. Some graduate programs require a capstone project as an alternative to a non-thesis final program examination. All doctoral programs require students to complete a plan of research culminating in a dissertation.

For general admission requirements for Florida Tech, see General Academic Information (all students) .

Recommended Courses to be Transferred (Undergraduate)

Additional transfer credits, such as applied mechanics: statics and dynamics or calculus-based electric circuit theory for some engineering majors, or a second semester of chemistry for some science and engineering majors (for example: oceanography, environmental science, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering/science, or chemical engineering majors), could reduce the time and credit hours remaining for graduation. Before applying for admission, community college students are urged to contact the appropriate academic unit for assistance in transferring to Florida Tech. The enrolled student is advised to meet with their faculty advisor to plan their program of study for degree completion.

Selection of a Major

A student typically selects a major at the same time the application for admission is submitted. Students entering Florida Tech with less than 30 credit hours will be assigned a freshman advisor in the First Year Experience office prior to the start of classes. Those with more than 30 credits hours will begin immediately with their assigned faculty advisor who is affiliated with the major program. A student who prefers to postpone the selection of a major may initially enroll in the first-year non degree General Engineering  or General Science  programs. However, selection of a degree program must occur by the start of the sophomore year.

As long as the requirements for continued enrollment are met, students are permitted to remain in their selected major. A change of major can be initiated by the student but is subject to the approval of the new academic department head and/or program chair. Students can generally change majors between any two closely related degree programs during the sophomore year or perhaps during the early part of the junior year without greatly increasing the time needed to complete all degree requirements. Before initiating a request for a change of major, the student should speak with the program chair of the new major being considered. 

Course Loads

The normal course load taken by undergraduate students in the College of Engineering and Science is 15-18 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. For students wishing to take courses in the summer semesters, the normal course load is 3-9 credit hours. Students may enroll for lighter loads in the fall and spring semesters and are strongly encouraged to do so if difficulty is experienced in keeping up with all coursework when a full load is attempted. However, the duration of the program would, of necessity, likely be extended from eight semesters to nine or more semesters.

Student Coordinator Office

The College of Engineering and Science Student Coordinator Office provides information, guidance, and assistance to students to help them carry out the academic administrative functions necessary for them to successfully complete their academic programs (e.g., obtaining needed signatures on student academic requests, preparing graduate defense paperwork, performing degree audits, maintaining student records, etc.). The student coordinators serve as the initial contact point with a student’s academic department as it pertains to academic administrative functions directly involving the students. Student coordinators direct students to other administrative units outside the College of Engineering and Science, as needed, to complete any requested academic administrative functions. Before reaching out to the Student Coordinator Office for assistance, students should first meet with their academic advisor to discuss their academic needs.

Fast Track Master’s Program for College of Engineering and Science Students

This program allows undergraduate students currently enrolled in the College of Engineering and Science to complete a master’s degree program in one year by earning graduate-level credit hours during their senior year and applying up to six credit hours to both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The program is available to undergraduates who have completed a minimum of 35 credit hours at Florida Tech with an earned GPA of at least 3.3, and who have completed at least 95 credit hours toward their undergraduate degree by the time the approved student begins taking graduate-level courses. The credit hours are treated as transfer credit (GPA does not apply) when applied towards the master’s degree. Interested students should consult with their program chair or Graduate Admissions for more information about this program.

Work Experience

Students in the College of Engineering and Science are encouraged to participate in professional practice opportunities offered by Florida Tech to gain knowledge that is useful in better defining career goals. The Office of Career Services allows qualified undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to participate in programs to gain valuable, practical experience in a chosen field and earn some of the funds needed to further their education. Options include full-time cooperative education opportunities, full-time summer internships and part-time internships.

Programs

• General Engineering
• General Science