Engineering Foundations First‑Year Program
The Engineering Foundations First-Year Program is designed to give every incoming engineering student at Utah State University a strong, unified start. Instead of navigating a maze of different introductory courses, all first-year engineering students follow the same coordinated curriculum built around the essential math, science, programming, and problem‑solving skills needed for success in any engineering major.
This shared first-year experience ensures that students develop a solid academic foundation while also building a sense of community with peers who share their interests, challenges, and goals. By learning together, students gain confidence, discover how different engineering disciplines connect, and enter their sophomore year prepared for the rigor of upper-division coursework.
For more information, contact the Engineering Advising Center.
Your First-year Engineering Courses
All engineering freshmen complete a common set of courses, including:
- Calculus I & II – Core mathematical tools for modeling, analysis, and engineering problem solving.
- Chemistry & Physics – Foundational science principles that underpin all engineering disciplines.
- Engineering Exploration – A hands-on, team-based course where students tackle real engineering challenges, explore majors, and practice communication, teamwork, and design thinking.
- Programming for Engineers – An introduction to computational problem-solving using Python, with additional experience in MATLAB, Excel, and Arduino tools commonly used throughout the College of Engineering and in industry.
- General Education Courses – Supporting breadth, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
Why This Approach Benefits Students
- A Strong and Consistent Foundation
All students begin with the same academic footing, ensuring they have the fundamental knowledge required across engineering fields. - Early Exposure to Real Engineering Work
Engineering Exploration and Programming for Engineers help students understand what engineers actually do – making it easier to choose a major and stay motivated. - Skill-Building That Matters
Teamwork, communication, creativity, computational thinking, and problem‑solving are embedded throughout the first-year curriculum. - Supportive Community
With all students taking similar classes, it's easier to form study groups, connect with peers, and access academic support. - Flexibility for Choosing a Major
Student can confidently explore engineering fields and choose or confirm the major that fits them best – while staying fully on track for graduation.
Engineering Foundations Sample Schedules
Your first-year schedule in Engineering Foundations will depend on your math starting point. Students generally follow one of the pathways below:
- Calculus Pathway (start in Calculus I)
- Precalculus Pathway (start in Algebra & Trigonometry)
- Math Readiness Pathway (start before Algebra & Trigonometry)
Calculus Pathway (start in Calculus 1)
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 1210: Calculus 1 | 4 | MATH 1220: Calculus 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 1210: Chemistry 1 | 4 | PHYS 2210: Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1215: Chemistry 1 Lab | 1 | PHYS 2215: Physics 1 Lab | 1 |
| ENGR 1010: Engineering Exploration | 3 | ENGR 1400: Programming for Engineers | 4 |
| Engineering 360° Seminar | 0 | ||
| General Education | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 16 |
Precalculus Pathway (start in Algebra & Trigonometry)
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 1050: Algebra | 4 | MATH 1210: Calculus 1 | 4 | MATH 1220: Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MATH 1060: Trigonometry | 2 | CHEM 1210: Chemistry 1 | 4 | PHYS 2210: Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1215: Chemistry 1 Lab | 1 | PHYS 2215: Physics 1 Lab | 1 | ||
| ENGR 1010: Engineering Exploration | 3 | ENGR 1400: Programming for Engineers | 4 | ||
| Engineering 360° Seminar | 0 | ||||
| General Education | 3 | General Education | 3 | ||
| General Education | 3 | ||||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 9 |
Math Readiness Pathway
| Your academic advisor will help you create a personalized plan to keep you moving toward Calculus and your engineering degree. |
Engineering Foundations First‑Year Program - Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to be accepted into an engineering major?
Any student admitted to Utah State University who declares an engineering major is automatically accepted into the USU College of Engineering.
Is every incoming engineering freshman required to participate in the Engineering Foundations First-Year Program?
Yes. All incoming freshmen who declare an engineering major are automatically enrolled in the Engineering Foundations First-Year Program.
When do I declare a major?
You will select and declare your major when you apply to Utah State University. If you are interested in engineering but unsure which major to choose, select the one that sounds most interesting to you – you can always change it later.
What engineering majors does the USU College of Engineering offer?
- Biological Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (an optional Aerospace Emphasis is available)
What are the requirements to successfully complete the Engineering Foundations First-year Program?
To successfully complete the Engineering Foundations First-Year Program, you must:
- Maintain a 2.80 Engineering Foundations GPA, and
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all math, science, and engineering courses.
Students who meet these requirements will receive an Engineering Foundations Certificate of Completion.
Where do I go if I need help with my classes?
Utah State University and the College of Engineering offer several free academic support resources, including:
- Engineering Tutoring Center – ENGR 320
- Engineering Math Resource Center – ENGR 332
- Engineering Writing Center – LIB 405
- Aggie Math Learning Center – ANSC 118
- USU Writing Center – RWST 104
Your academic advisor can also help connect you with additional campus resources.
When do I start taking courses related to my major?
Engineering Foundations is designed to prepare you for your sophomore year, when you will begin taking major-specific engineering courses.
Can I change my major?
Yes. You can change your major at any time. Engineering Foundations is designed to make it easier to explore engineering fields and adjust your path without delaying your progress.
However, changing majors after completing Engineering Foundations may require additional time, depending on the major you choose.
What classes will I take during my first year as an engineering student?
First-year engineering students typically take the following courses:
- Math: Calculus I and Calculus II
- Science: Chemistry and Physics
- Engineering: Engineering Exploration and Programming for Engineers
- General Education: English and/or other courses
What if I'm not ready to take Calculus I?
That's okay. Students who are not ready for Calculus I can still complete the Engineering Foundations Program within one year by taking some courses during the summer. Your academic advisor will work with you to create an academic plan tailored to your needs.
Do I need a laptop or desktop computer?
Having your own laptop is strongly recommended, especially for Programming for Engineers. Below are the minimum recommended specifications:
For most majors (no 3D CAD modeling):
- 8 GB RAM
- 2.50 GHz processor (or equivalent)
- Good battery life
- HDMI port (or an adapter)
For students who want to run 3D CAD software (primarily Mechanical Engineering):
If you plan to run SolidWorks on your personal device, please review the official SolidWorks system requirements.
Keep in mind: the Engineering Computer Lab provides access to the software you need, so owning a computer that can run SolidWorks is helpful — but not required.
Which high school classes will best help and prepare me to study engineering?
Math is the language of engineering, so taking as much math as possible in high school is one of the best ways to prepare.
If your high school does not offer advanced math courses, that's okay – you can take the courses at USU. If you have to choose between calculus and statistics, we strongly recommend calculus.
In general, any course that challenges you and helps you build strong problem-solving skills will support your success in engineering.
How can I get more information?
Contact the Engineering Advising Center at engineering.advising@usu.edu or call 435-797-2705.