Duration of Study, Majors and Minors

The College's 17 engineering majors are designed to be completed in four years. Some students may spend an additional semester, or two, for completion of second majors, minors, co-op/internship experiences, study abroad, or accelerated master’s degrees.

All UA Engineering degree programs offer minors. Students also are encouraged to pursue studies outside the College. Engineering students minor in subjects ranging from music, dance and language to mathematics, business and pre-med. For each three-unit class your Wildcat can expect to do nine hours of work a week outside the classroom.

Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program

The comprehensive Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program provides undergraduates at all levels with real-life design experience. It starts with hands-on design competitions and maker fests in introductory courses; continues through community projects, business instruction, and design courses aligned with each major; then culminates with industry- and university-sponsored sponsored capstone and entrepreneurship projects.

Learn more about the four-year design program >

Choosing and Changing Majors

The first-year curriculum is common to all undergraduate Engineering degree programs. In fact, first-year students are admitted without a major, which gives them time to decide which of the College’s 16 majors best matches their interests and abilities.

Once they have completed ENGR 102: An Introduction to Engineering and Calculus I  ̶ with a “C” or better  ̶ students are encouraged to select their majors, often by the end of the first year. The major declaration process is non-competitive, with no caps or quotas. Before declaring, students must also meet unit and GPA requirements. Academic advisers in the College and departments assist students in declaring and making adjustments to their majors and minors.

Advice and Guidance for Students

Initially, advisers in the College’s Academic Affairs Office help students choose their classes and majors. Once they declare their majors, students work with advisers from their academic departments.

Academic advisers help students identify resources, clarify program requirements and discuss programs of study. Continuing UA students register online through their UAccess account. Priority registration is organized by class rank. Students should seek advising as needed and use available tools to monitor their academic progress.

Your student’s academic adviser also provides career guidance and connections to on-campus services.

Work and Play Outside the Classroom

The College is strongly committed to and provides programmatic support for nearly 40 clubs and organizations, which give students hands-on engineering experience, professional skills and contacts, and tools to support academic success. Many student organizations also participate in community service projects and philanthropic endeavors.

Starting in their first year, students are encouraged to apply for research positions and internships. The college advises students about research and internships, provides professional development opportunities and career fairs, and urges students to explore their potential and take charge of building their experience for industry or graduate school.

Living On Campus

Campus residence halls are an essential part of the first-year experience, and beyond. Though not required, living on campus can help students feel connected and supported in their academic and social lives.

The College of Engineering offers two themed communities where students live with peers who have similar personal or academic interests -- creating a home away from home. Students living in themed communities have a built-in cohort of peers. They attend classes together and have unique networking opportunities with engineering faculty, alumni and professionals and at College-sponsored events.

The Engineering Leadership Community, or ELC, is an engineering-specific living-learning environment in Yuma Hall, for first-year students. The STEM and research-based option affiliated with the UA Honors College is Cambium: a STEM Scholars Community. Students may apply for these communities through the housing selection process after admission to the University of Arizona.

Getting Around the University

Parking on campus is available via permits issued by Parking and Transportation. However, many students find it easier to navigate without a vehicle. The University of Arizona is a residential campus with most major amenities within walking distance. SafeRide and Cat Tran provide free transportation on and around the campus, and students can qualify for a reduced rate for the local bus and streetcar services.

You Are Part of the Campus Family, Too

Parents, guardians and family members are essential to our Wildcat Engineering family. Check out all the Family Weekend events.

Homecoming is another great time to visit and get into the Wildcat spirit! The College also hosts Engineering or departmental-specific programs or pre-commencements for students and families to share the graduation experience.

Parents and families can stay up to date on events and opportunities by signing up for regular emails from the associate dean of academic affairs. Fill out this brief form to subscribe.