Why should I choose the NDSU College of Engineering?

As a student-focused university we want you to thrive inside and outside the classroom. You’ll be prepared for the job market through rigorous coursework, experienced academic advisers and supportive faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping you succeed and graduate on time.

Hands-on learning: Throughout your time here at NDSU, your classroom learning will be enhanced by extensive hands-on opportunities. Students are engaged in their labs, studios, team-based class projects and extra-curricular activities.

In-demand careers: We have a long-standing regional and national reputation for producing high-quality graduates. More than 250 companies recruit on campus each year and we have a 95% job placement rate among recent graduates.

Affordable: The NDSU College of Engineering has been ranked as one of the nation's best values. Visit our Office of Admission for the estimated costs.

Campus size: NDSU’s campus is not so big that you end up being just another number in a crowd. Many students comment about how much they appreciate the size of campus. They value the small campus feel along with the activities and amenities of a much larger campus.

Class size: As a freshman, your entry-level classes may vary in size from 20 to 100+ students. Your upper-level engineering courses may range from 15 to 35 students which provides students with more individualized attention from the instructor.

What suggestions do you have to help a student determine if engineering is for them?

There are many sources of information available to students trying to determine if engineering is for them. Prospective students should think about their strengths, interests, and values to see if they align with a career in one these disciplines. Talk to your high school counselor and individuals who work in the field to what you can about the career path. The internet is an excellent source for information as well. Check out these sites:

• Discover Engineering
• Engineering - Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Engineer Girl
• Book Recommendation: 21 Things Every Future Engineer Should Know: A Practical Guide for Students and Parents

What if I am not 100% sure which area of engineering I want to go into?

You don't need to know which College of Engineering major you want to study before arriving on campus. If you're undecided, you can enroll as Engineering-Undecided. You'll work with our expert academic advisor to choose courses based on your interests and career goals so you stay on track to graduate on time.

We also offer an Introduction to Engineering course so you can learn more about our different disciplines before declaring a major.

What are the admission requirements for NDSU?

To learn all about the admission process, requirements, costs, deadlines, etc., visit the NDSU Office of Admission website.

How will I know which math class to sign up for?

Math is the foundation of any engineering program. For this reason, NDSU offers a Math Placement Test, which evaluates your level of math understanding and places you into an appropriate math course that aligns with the engineering math sequence required. We encourage all incoming engineers to take this exam before coming to orientation regardless of any AP test scores or transfer math credits that are expected. Taking this exam allows for an optimal path to graduation as well as experiencing a smoother registration process at orientation.

How do my AP Credits and Credits by Examination transfer into NDSU?

Students may demonstrate evidence of college-level achievement through the use of nationally standardized tests. Competency to write these examinations may have been gained through intensive preparation in high school, extensive reading in a particular field, or other types of formal or informal preparation. Please visit the Credit by Examination page for more information.

Will I have an advisor to meet with periodically?

Yes, all students are assigned an academic advisor who will help them choose classes and serve as a campus resource.

Are there opportunities for freshmen to get involved with activities outside the classroom?

Most definitely! Getting involved in extracurricular activities is an important part of your college experience. You will gain many transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills that will benefit you for years to come. With 30 clubs/organizations within the College of Engineering and over 250 organizations throughout campus there is surely something for everyone.

College of Engineering Student Organizations

Campus-wide student organizations

Are internships available to students who wish to get hands-on experience?

Internships/Co-ops are an excellent way to test your major and career direction. Engineering students are encouraged to participate in one or more over the course of their college years. Depending upon the needs of the employer and the skill set of the student, internships are available to all students who meet the program requirements.

If I need assistance with my coursework, is there assistance available?

The Engineering Learning Lab is a dynamic and immersive educational environment designed to enhance the engineering education experience. Its primary purpose is to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, foster innovation, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving. The Engineering Learning Lab is accessible to all engineering students, regardless of their level of study.

The ACE Tutoring Center is also available at no charge. Students visit ACE to get help with homework, tips on studying for an exam, or strategies for taking notes.

Do I need my own computer?

Students are not required to have their own computers; however, many bring one for the convenience of having one in their room. There are many computer labs scattered across campus. Additionally, each of the departments has a lab where you will have access to the different technical applications used for your engineering courses.

For more information, download our PDF.

Can students work part-time while going to school?

Choosing to attend college is a big financial commitment and each student should plan ahead for the expenses that they will incur. For some students, working part-time may be part of the plan to finance their education. What students need to remember, however, is that the engineering path may require extra time for homework, group projects and lab assignments. We encourage students to get adjusted to the new freedoms of college life and make sure that they have developed good time management and study habits before committing to part-time job. A rule of thumb to follow is that a student should not plan on working over 10 hours per week if they plan on attending school full-time (12+ credits).

What are NDSU’s foreign language requirements?

NDSU students are not required to enroll in foreign language courses. Students who have an interest in taking a foreign language class may do so as part of their General Education requirements.