ENGINEERING

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

FACULTY:  Kevin Bolding, Don Peter, Melani Plett

John Lindberg, Physics/GEngr Appropriate and Sustainable Engineering

Phil Prins, Computer Science/Coordinator Computer Engineering

Elaine P. Scott, Engineering/Director of Engineering Programs

Engineering Programs Mission: Preparing engineers with a Christian worldview who are called to serve, equipped to lead, and sent to engage the world with their lives and through the appropriate use of technology.

Engineers apply knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of humankind and our world. Today, as civilization becomes more complex, engineers must not only have a deeper understanding of the physical world and our rapidly changing technologies, but they must also hold an increased sensitivity to the long-term effects of technology on people and the environment.  

At Seattle Pacific University, our engineering programs provide a unique environment for integrating our Christian beliefs with its calls for service and stewardship with engineering problem solving skills and the liberal arts focus on critical thinking and communication.

Here at Seattle Pacific, students develop these skills through an academically challenging curriculum with hands-on, design-oriented applications, in a Christ-centered community-oriented environment, supported by a dedicated and easily accessible faculty. With these foundations, our graduates are well prepared to engage our culture’s technical challenges to change the world for the benefit of humankind and God’s creation.

Majors

SPU offers B.S. degrees in electrical engineering (BSEE), general engineering (BSGE), and computer engineering (BSCPE). The BSEE degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The BSGE degree offers concentrations in computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and appropriate and sustainable engineering. The computer and mechanical engineering concentrations are natural complements to the electrical engineering program due to the many areas of synergy between these fields. The appropriate and sustainable concentration is a unique program designed as a direct response to our Christian calls for stewardship of our planet and service to the poor.

Here, we seek to address our environmental footprint in the developed world through sustainable engineering solutions while addressing the needs of the world’s poor through development of appropriate technology.

Details for the Electrical Engineering major and minor

Details for the General Engineering major

Details for the Computer Engineering major and minor

3-2 Transfer Program
To offer the advantages of combining Christian liberal arts with engineering majors not offered at SPU, SPU has dual-degree agreements with the Columbia University and the University of Washington.

These agreements allow students to complete three years of study at SPU and two years at the partnering school resulting in a B.A. in physical sciences from SPU and a B.S. from the participating engineering school.

During the three years spent in residence at SPU, the student satisfies both the requirements for the SPU B.A. degree and many fundamental 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 of the partnering university, he or she may then transfer to the participating university. At that university, the student will spend two years taking upper-division engineering courses to complete the second degree.

Details for the 3-2 Transfer Program

Electrical Engineering “Flex” Degree Program for Full-time Working Students
SPU offers a unique opportunity for students to earn their BSEE degree in our ABET-accredited electrical engineering program while working full time. This program is specifically designed to address the needs of working students through its state-of-the-art technologically enhanced learning environment.

Students interested in the flex program are strongly advised to contact the electrical engineering chair for details. Completion of a direct transfer A.A. degree through Washington community colleges is highly recommended. See the transfer student guide for more information.

Internship Program
All engineering majors are required to participate in an engineering-related internship with industry or another career entity. The internship must include a minimum of 200 hours of work; in almost all cases, the student will be paid by the employer. Normally students complete internships during the summer between their junior and senior years.

The Engineering Department will provide information to help students find internships, but students are individually responsible for finding and completing appropriate internships.

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
Seattle Pacific University electrical engineering seniors are urged to take Washington State Department of Licensing Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Those passing the test are certified by the state of Washington as licensed engineers-in-training. Electrical engineering majors are required to pass a practice version of the exam before graduating.

Expectations of Entering High School 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, one year each of physics and chemistry, and three years of a particular foreign language. 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. SAT scores higher than 1200 are given consideration for freshman engineering scholarships.

Expectations of Entering Transfer Students
Transfer students should have at least a 2.75 transfer GPA; a 3.0 is preferred. Transfer work will be evaluated by the Engineering Department to determine if the student needs to take EGR 1402 Introduction to Engineering (1) or EGR 3402 Introduction to Engineering II (1). More information on preparing to transfer to SPU to study engineering is available in the engineering department's transfer student guide.

Calculus Successful Progress Requirement

All students intending on majoring in engineering (EE, CPE, general engineering, physical sciences) must meet the successful calculus progress requirement listed below:

• Students who earn a grade of C+ or higher in Calculus I in Autumn Quarter and a grade of C+ or higher in Calculus II in Winter Quarter satisfy the calculus successful-progress requirement.
• Students who earn a grade of C or lower in Calculus I in Autumn Quarter, or who register for Calculus I in Winter Quarter are required to register for EGR 1125 (Engineering Study Preparation) in Winter Quarter.
• Students who earn a grade of C or lower in either Calculus I or Calculus II in Winter Quarter are required to register for EGR 1125 (Engineering Study Preparation) in Spring Quarter.
• Students who complete Calculus I and II at a different institution are exempt from this requirement.

Admission to Engineering Majors
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 an engineering major should be made in the Winter Quarter of the sophomore year. Transfer students will be evaluated for admission on a case by case basis.

For applicants to the electrical engineering major or the general engineering computer engineering concentration, the completed coursework must include EE 2726 Circuits I or a course taken at SPU requiring Circuits I as a prerequisite.

For applicants to the general engineering mechanical or appropriate and sustainable concentrations, the completed coursework must include either EE 2726 Circuits I or EGR 2981 Statics, or a course taken at SPU requiring Circuits I or Statics as a prerequisite.

Students must complete the major requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog year of admittance to the major.

Humanities and Social Science Requirement
To satisfy ABET accreditation guidelines, all electrical 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.

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