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Lyles College of Engineering

Pre-engineering

Fresno State’s Pre-Engineering program offers numerous benefits, including skill development through hands-on projects and coursework, exploration of various engineering disciplines, and preparation for upper-division coursework. Students also gain access to valuable networking opportunities, develop problem-solving skills, and receive mentorship from faculty or industry professionals. These experiences build confidence and lay a strong foundation for success in engineering careers. 

What Can You Expect From Pre-Engineering? 

By taking math, science, and engineering courses, you will build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills essential for engineering. With the support of a dedicated academic advisor, you will receive guidance to help you navigate coursework and meet admission requirements. Through this program, you will gain the confidence and preparation needed to excel in your engineering studies.  

Pre-Engineering Curriculum: 

Include link to catalog pre-engineering catalog 
Discuss advising note 2  

First year students, who are ready to enroll in Calc 1, will follow the Pre-engineering curriculum as shown.  LCOE Advising Center will work with Pre-engneering students who are not yet ready to begin Calc 1 or who have already completed some of the required Pre-engineering courses to adjust these course schedules as necessary.

Course Descriptions: 

Fall Semester 
Course Title Credits 
ENGR 1 Intro to Eng 1
(B4)MATH 75 Calc 1 4
(A2) ENGL 10 Written Comm 3
(B2) BIOL 10 Life Science 3

(A1) COMM 3,7,8

Oral Comm  3

 

TOTAL 14

 

Spring Semester 
Course  Title Credits
CE 2/ME 2/ECE 1 Intro to CE/ME/ECE 1
MATH 76 Calc 2 4
PHYS 4A Mech and Wave 3
PHYS 4AL Mech/Wave Lab 1
(D1) HIST 11,12 US History 3
PLSI 2 FED, STE & LCL GOV 3
  TOTAL 15

 

Engineering courses taken as a part of the Pre-engineering program are specifically designed to prepare students with fundamental skills that will support their success in future engineering coursework. 

ENGR 1: 
Students will engage in active learning across various engineering disciplines in this course. Diving into the design process, teamwork dyanmci, ethical responsibilties of engineers, and the best practices for success within the LCOE degree program.  

Central California Engineering Design Challenge (CCEDC) 
The Central California Engineering Design Challenge is a vital part of ENGR 1 across several institutions, including CSU Fresno, Fresno City College, Reedley College, College of the Sequoias Williow International, and West Hills College. Competing teams present their designs to judges, demonstration creativity, technical feasibility, and problem-solving skills. Through this hands-on experience, students hone their teamwork, communication, and practical engineering abilities, preparing them for future challenges in the field. 

CE2: Engineering Communication and Essentials 
This course focuses on developing technical writing and oral communication techniques used by engineers, as well as graphical presentation of data and reading of civil engineering work products including plans, specifications, and proposals. It also includes a review of mathematical concepts essential for performing civil engineering calculations. Taught by Kimberley Stillmaker.

ME2: Computer Applications in Mech Engineering Lab
In this course, students acquire essential skills in basic analytical and design tools employed in mechanical engineering. Covered topics encompass spreadsheet applications, graphing data, technical communication, programming concepts, and computer-aided design (CAD). Taught by Dr. Weerasinghe.

ECE 1: - Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
This course serves as an introduction to electrical and computer engineering, offering hands-on exercises and projects to orient students to the field. Topics include circuits, components, instrumentation, electronic prototyping, computer productivity tools, and hardware/software troubleshooting. Taught by Dr. McBee and Dr. Stillmaker.

These courses are not part of pre-engineering, however, they are also typical first year courses: 

GME 66L: Computer- Aided Mapping 
This course offers in-depth training in creating maps and plans vital for civil and geomatics engineering projects. Students develop skills in preparing transportation alignment, topographic, property boundary, environmental, cross-section, structural, and GIS maps. Hands-on experience with computer mapping design enhances their proficiency for real-world applications in the industry.

ME 26: Engineering Graphics 
This course requires a basic level of computer literacy and covers principles of orthographic projection, dimensioning, and descriptive geometry. Students will apply these principles to solve engineering problems, including utilizing interactive computer graphics

ECE 72: Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering Tools
This course serves as an introduction to engineering applications, focusing on the utilization of Matlab software for analysis and synthesis. Students will learn essential concepts such as basic commands, data arrays, plotting, and data presentation. Additionally, the course covers topics like data transfer, computation with loops, iterative solutions, integration with C programming, and technical problem-solving.

Admission Requirements to Transition from Pre-Engineering to Civil, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering Major: 

  • Completed the 10 Pre-Engineering courses with C or better within 2 years of first attending Fresno State
  • Maintain a 2.25 overall GPA 

If you want to change into pre-engineering from another major, first:   

1. Make an appt with the advising center to see if you qualify and complete a curriculum roadmap. Refer to advising note 9 in the catalog description for qualifications. Schedule an appointment here: link.  

2. Meet with the director of FFS to complete the change of major form

  • I have completed all my pre-engineering math and science courses. Would I be prevented from taking 100-level engineering courses?  

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