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  1. Academics
  2. Majors, Minors, and Programs
  3. Engineering

Engineering

The Engineering Program at Centre College brings together science, mathematics, and design with a liberal arts perspective to prepare you to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Overview

At Centre College, students can major or minor in Engineering or major in Engineering Studies.

The Engineering major and minor focus on technical and applied engineering skills, including design, problem-solving, mathematics, computing, and systems thinking.

The Engineering Studies major provides students with a technical background in engineering fundamentals paired with coursework in humanities, social science, or the natural sciences. The major is designed for students interested in careers such as Architecture, Environmental Science, Entrepreneurship, or other technical professions.

Centre’s engineering programs prepare students for a wide range of careers and graduate programs through hands-on learning, close faculty mentorship, and strong training in critical thinking, communication, and analytical problem-solving. Students graduate prepared to contribute in technical fields while also understanding the broader human, economic, and environmental impact of engineering and technology.

Educational Objectives & Outcomes

YOUR MAJOR TOOK YOU WHERE?

Centre graduates have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

  • Bloomberg (software engineer)
  • Morris-Shea Bridge Company (project administrator)
  • Intertek PSI Engineering (civil engineer)
  • Ventera (automation testing engineer)
  • Amazon (software development engineer)
  • Lockheed Martin (aerospace engineer)

Postgraduate Study

  • Duke University (electrical)
  • Purdue (ecological sciences and engineering)
  • University of Alabama Huntsville (aerospace)
  • University of California-Berkeley (industrial)
  • University of Kentucky (electrical)
  • Washington University (biomedical)
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Curriculum

Engineering

The Engineering major and minor are designed in preparing students with core engineering principles to pursue jobs or graduate programs in various engineering fields. Among the core requirements in the engineering major, you will take courses in engineering, physics, math and chemistry.

Engineering Major requirements
Engineering Minor requirements

 

Engineering Studies

The Engineering Studies major introduces you to engineering concepts while connecting them to other fields such as biology, medicine, business, public policy, and law. You’ll build a strong understanding of how engineering and technology affect people and society while preparing for graduate study or careers in specialized and interdisciplinary fields.

Engineering Studies requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Engineering and Engineering Studies majors at Centre College use modern tools and software in class including Autodesk and MATLAB as well as Makerspace workshop experiences. They will also have the opportunity to engage in mentored research with faculty and peers and through the Centre for Career and Professional Development, engage in internships in their field.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Centre students have taken part in internships at Microsoft, the University of Kentucky Department of Biomedical Engineering, OnPoint Warranty Solutions, Norton Healthcare, Asurion, Hitachi Automotive and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Centre graduates have found success in a wide array of careers in engineering and related fields including aerospace engineering, civil engineering, project management, automation testing, environmental engineering architecture, education, software development, government, law, public policy and health care.

The well-rounded nature of the Centre Experience has helped me pursue both engineering and music, perform with music ensembles, gain career experience, and study abroad in Spain - all within my first two years at Centre."

Cora Bertsch

Engineering & Music, class of 2027

Cora Bertsch

Centre has made it easy for me to combine the Engineering Studies and Studio Art majors together to pursue architecture after graduating. From this combination of classes Centre offers, I will be ahead and ready to pursue my Masters in Architecture.

Jaydn Adams

Engineering Studies & Studio Art, class of 2027

Jaydn Adams

Engineering Faculty

All Faculty & Staff
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Emily Crabb

  • Assistant Professor of Physics
  • Dual-Degree Engineering Program Advisor
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Christine Goble

  • Marlene & David Grissom Chair of Engineering and Associate Professor of Engineering
  • Chair of Engineering Program
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Bruce Rodenborn

  • Associate Professor of Physics
  • Chair of Physics and Chemical Physics Programs

Dual-Degree Partnership

Centre’s Dual-Degree Engineering Partnerships combine the depth of your major with specialized training at a top engineering school. You’ll spend three years at Centre building strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, then transfer to either Washington University in St. Louis or the University of Kentucky to complete an engineering degree in approximately two years. As a graduate, you will earn two degrees—one from Centre and one from the partner institution—positioning you for success in a wide range of engineering careers with a distinct interdisciplinary advantage

Washington University

After three years at Centre, students transfer to Washington University in St. Louis and complete their studies.

Learn more about the partnership with Washington University

University of Kentucky

After three years at Centre, students transfer to the University of Kentucky and complete their studies.

Learn more about the UK partnership

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