ENGINEERING

Otto Miller Hall
(206) 281-2140
www.spu.edu/depts/ee

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In a Christian context, engineering is a ministry of designing, manufacturing, and marketing products that serve and preserve God’s creation. An engineer applies the principles of science and mathematics to create economically the tools, products, and processes that people want or need. Today, as civilization becomes more complex the engineer must have a deeper understanding of the physical world, a wider versatility with mathematical and experimental techniques, and an increased sensitivity to the long-term effects of technology on people. The engineering program not only develops these skills in the applied sciences, but it also provides the liberal arts enrichment that makes the engineer better able to communicate ideas to other segments of our society. A more complete description of our vision and goals is found at the Web site www.spu.edu/depts/egr/vision.

Majors

SPU offers B.S. degrees in electrical engineering (BSEE), computer engineering (BSCPE) and engineering and applied science (BSEAS). The BSEE degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). We are currently seeking the same accreditation for the BSCPE degree retroactive to our first graduating class in 2000. The BSEAS degree offers options in bio-engineering, engineering physics, environmental engineering and missions applications. The missions application option is a unique blend of practical engineering training for the missions setting and an opportunity to minor in global and urban ministries.

To offer the advantages of combined Christian liberal arts and other engineering majors, SPU has formal arrangements for dual degree programs with the University of Washington, Columbia University in New York, and the University of Southern California. For example, if a student is interested in aeronautical, civil, or mechanical engineering, he or she can obtain a baccalaureate from SPU and a B.S. from the participating engineering school. Three years are spent in residence at SPU, during which time the student satisfies many requirements for the B.S. degree by taking the core Christian foundations, liberal arts, and prescribed courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. If the student then fulfills the entrance requirements, he or she may transfer to the participating university. At that university, the student would spend two years in civil or mechanical engineering to complete the second degree. Details of this 3/2 transfer program are available from the engineering program director. Seattle Pacific University engineering seniors are urged to take Washington state’s Department of Licensing Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Those passing the test are certified by Washington state as licensed engineers-in-training.

Evening Electrical and Computer Engineering Program
In addition to the day courses, evening courses in electrical and computer engineering make a BSEE or BSCPE degree available for students who work full-time during the day. Students are strongly advised to complete a direct transfer A.A. degree through Washington community colleges. Contact the director of engineering at (206) 281-2296 for more information.

Intern Program
All engineering majors are required to do an internship with industry or another career entity. Normally this internship is accomplished during the summer between their junior and senior years. In almost all cases the interns are paid. These internships are facilitated by the director of engineering.

Expectations of Entering Students
In addition to meeting all the general SPU admission requirements, the high school graduate entering the engineering program should present a high school record showing four years of mathematics and one year of physics or chemistry (preferably both). SAT scores of at least 1100 are recommended. Those students entering with deficiencies should consult an engineering advisor for a program of preparation for the engineering curriculum. Scores higher than 1200 are given consideration for freshman engineering scholarships. Transfer students should have at least a 2.75 transfer GPA; and a 3.0 is preferred.

Admission to the Major
Student performance during the first two years will be used as an indicator of the student’s promise of success in engineering. Application for admission to the major should be made in the spring of the sophomore year. The application includes an essay that reflects the student’s engineering mission and goals.The engineering faculty will review these applications. Students with SPU grade point averages below 2.5 are normally not granted admission to the major. Transfer students (sophomores and beyond) apply in the first Spring Quarter after one full quarter of class work (12 or more hours) in the SPU engineering program. Students must be admitted to the major prior to taking senior (4000-level) courses and must have completed EE 2727.

Humanities and Social Science
Requirement To satisfy ABET accreditation guidelines, all engineering students must take at least 24 credits of philosophy, religion, history, literature, fine arts, sociology, psychology, political science, or foreign languages other than a student’s native language(s). These courses satisfy a general humanities and social-science accreditation requirement. Students who take the full SPU Core and Exploratory general education program more than meet this requirement. However, transfer students should carefully select their courses to ensure they fulfill the 24-credit humanities and social-science requirement both in breadth and depth. They must see their assigned general education advisor to ensure this requirement is met.

EE majors are exempt from the SPU foreign language requirement.

Requirements for the Computer Engineering (CPE) Major
Requirements for the Computer Engineering (CPE) Minor

Requirements for the Electrical Engineering (EE) Major
Note: Because engineering courses require many mathematics and science prerequisites, the electrical engineering major must specify those prerequisites, leaving few electives. However, the 15-credit natural-science general education requirement is met by the courses in this major. Note that electrical engineering students are not required to fulfill the foreign language competency. The BSEE degree can be completed in four years by taking approximately 17 credits per quarter. A four-year plan is available from the department. Taking and passing the online practice EE exam is required. Requirements for the Electrical Engineering Minor

Requirements for Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) Major
The engineering and applied science major offers a unique program that combines a basic engineering foundation with an applied science. Because engineering courses require many mathematics and science prerequisites, the engineering and applied science major must specify those prerequisites, leaving few electives. However, the 15-credit natural-science general education requirement is met by the courses in this major. Normally, the BSEAS degree can be completed in four years by taking approximately 16 credits per quarter. The following coursework is required of all students majoring in engineering and applied science:

Students may wish to obtain their Christian liberal arts and basic engineering education at SPU. Later they may want to transfer to another university and obtain an engineering degree not offered at SPU. Contact the director of engineering for more information.

Engineering Transfer Program Curriculum
Students may select mathematics, science and engineering courses, which they may transfer, from the following list:

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