Today’s engineering careers demand not only technical knowledge but creativity, versatility and great communication skills. Central College’s Bachelor of Science engineering degree is designed to be completed in four years and readies you for a rewarding career at the interface of mechanical and electrical engineering.
Central has partnerships with three large, international companies headquartered a short distance from campus, including two Fortune 500 companies. Studying engineering at Central opens doors to ample opportunities for students to apply for internships and jobs.
The Vermeer Science Center classrooms and laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and advanced technological equipment to support coursework, augment independent studies and elevate research projects. Additional mechanical and electrical engineering laboratories with cutting-edge equipment and a design studio are available in Peace Hall.
Professor of Physics Viktor Martisovits does his homework to make learning fun for students.
Begin building your résumé by working alongside professors as a student instructor and/or teaching assistant. Funding for student research in engineering is made possible through the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research, which supports collaborative research projects with faculty and alumni.
At Central, you’ll find a wide variety of research and professional development opportunities to choose from, including an X-ray diffractometer and a high-vacuum system with a mass spectrometer to conduct additional research projects. The on-campus observatory with an 11-inch reflector telescope allows you to observe planets, stars and other celestial objects.
Central’s physics department is licensed by the state of Iowa to own and use a plutonium-beryllium neutron source and a cesium gamma-ray source for experiments in atomic and nuclear physics.
Students who want to develop an open mind and broaden his or her perspective as a global citizen and earn credits toward an engineering degree can participate in one of Central’s international programs. Get the attention of prospective employers and graduate schools by adding this to a résumé.
Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Central’s Career and Professional Development staff can provide guidance to help students identify career options in the engineering field.
Central offers assistance with finding and applying for internships and summer opportunities, including specific internship programs in Chicago and Washington, D.C., help with graduate school essays and related application materials, career mentoring through the use of a database of Central alumni in a wide variety of engineering careers and an annual graduate school conference with representatives from regional universities and presentations about success in graduate school. Find out what it means to be Forever Dutch®.
Central College graduates have found successful careers in engineering careers.
WorkSMART Connector’s “Career Awareness & Exploration” program has been named a 2021 STEM BEST partner. The program is a collaboration with Central College, Pella and surrounding K-12 schools, area community colleges and regional employers.
An articulation agreement between Pella Community High School, Des Moines Area Community College and Central College has been finalized to provide a clear pathway for Pella High School students to begin their engineering studies in high school, move to DMACC for one year and then transfer to Central to complete the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in an additional three years.
The engineering major includes coursework in materials, electronics, thermodynamics, dynamic systems, physics and mathematics. The major culminates with a two-semester Capstone Design course. Students can complete the degree in four years (eight semesters) and gain practical experience through summer internships.
Graduates will have a strong foundation in physics and the basic sciences which, coupled with the Central College core curriculum, will prepare students broadly for careers or graduate school and long-term success in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Engineering students are strongly encouraged and supported to complete internships and/or co-ops in engineering at local, national and international locations. Students interested in study abroad can complete international internships during a semester or summer around the globe. Internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities open the door to lifelong connections.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Students majoring in engineering should be ready for Calculus I fall semester their first year. Pre-calculus concepts should be covered prior to enrolling.
Want to find out more about Engineering at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
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