What makes Central’s engineering program different from others?

Engineering at Central combines ABET accreditation, hands-on learning and small-class access in a way that large universities often can’t match. From day one, students gain extensive lab and project experience, work closely with faculty who have real industry backgrounds and develop both technical and professional skills in a collaborative, supportive environment. This interdisciplinary approach aligns well with modern industry needs, where engineers are increasingly expected to work across traditional boundaries.

How well does the program prepare students for jobs or internships?

Central engineering graduates are highly sought after, with most locking in a full-time position prior to graduation. We strongly encourage and support students to complete engineering internships near campus or internationally. In fact, about 75% of our students intern after their junior year, and 50% intern after their sophomore year. This opens the door to lifelong industry connections.

What kind of hands-on experience will I get in the engineering program?

Engineering students gain direct experience through our senior-level capstone course, often led by a practicing engineer from one of the nearby international companies. You will solve real-world problems! Past projects include a solar-powered snow blower, a remote-controlled window and a hand-cycle for people with disabilities.

Can I succeed as an engineering major as a student-athlete?

Absolutely! This program is very athletic-friendly and designed with balance in mind. At large universities, combining engineering with athletics can be extremely difficult. Here, faculty actively work with student-athletes, and many of our engineering students are also athletes. The time-management and teamwork skills developed through athletics translate directly into engineering success.

What kind of equipment and labs will I use?

You will learn in the nationally recognized Vermeer Science Center and be able to use dedicated mechanical and electrical engineering laboratories with advanced equipment. Students have direct access to state-of-the-art technology, including an X-ray diffractometer, a high-vacuum system with a mass spectrometer and industry-standard SOLIDWORKS software.

Will I have access to my professors, or will I feel like just a number?

You will definitely not feel like just a number, come meet our faculty and see for yourself! Engineering classes typically have fewer than 20 students, and labs have about a dozen, ensuring meaningful interaction. With five full-time faculty who maintain open-door policies, you will quickly get to know your professors. They also bring significant industry experience, giving you practical insight alongside theory.

Engineering

Design a Future You’ll Love

Engineering at Central College is where brains meet bolts — and maybe a solar-powered snow blower. Our four-year program, accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, blends mechanical and electrical engineering with creativity, communication and real-world problem-solving.

We’ve teamed up with big-name international corporations just down the road from campus. Seniors even tackle hands-on projects with practicing engineers — it doesn’t get much more real-world than that.

In short: Build stuff, break limits and graduate ready to engineer just about anything (except maybe your roommate’s sleep schedule).

Student Success

90%

The amount of material on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam Central engineering students cover (compared to 80-85% covered on average by non-integrated programs)

98%

of Central STEM grads are employed, in grad school or completing a year of service one year after graduation

Watch Video

Sprint. Study. Succeed.

At Central College, Ava Parkins ’27 thrives blending interests in engineering and physics as she works toward her dream career of architecture.

See More Stories

In the News

Explore the Universe During Front Row with Scott Ransom and Harry Smith ’73

Central College Students Complete Summer Research

Central Engineering Student Chosen for Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship

Meet the Faculty

Watch Video

Making Waves

From lightbulb moments in the classroom to lifelong connections beyond it, Liz Golovatski, associate professor of physics, is creating space for more voices in STEM — and showing students what’s possible.

See More Faculty Stories

Elizabeth Golovatski, B.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics
Viktor Martisovits, RNDr., M.S., Ph.D., Professor of Physics
Alexey Pronin, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics
Kristen Thompson, B.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Engineering
Anudeep Vedire, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Engineering
Wendy Weber, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics

Request Info

Want to find out more about Engineering at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.

Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Course Catalog

Engineering

Design a Future You’ll Love

Sprint. Study. Succeed.

First Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

In the News

Explore the Universe During Front Row with Scott Ransom and Harry Smith ’73

Central College Students Complete Summer Research

Central Engineering Student Chosen for Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship

Meet the Faculty

Making Waves

Request Info

Engineering

Design a Future You’ll Love

Sprint. Study. Succeed.

First Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

In the News

Explore the Universe During Front Row with Scott Ransom and Harry Smith ’73

Central College Students Complete Summer Research

Central Engineering Student Chosen for Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship

Meet the Faculty

Making Waves

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Request Info