First Year Course Selection Advice

For all engineering students at Lafayette College (this includes students interested in both AB and BS programs), the first year in engineering is designed so that you can delay the selection of an engineering major until the spring semester. The common first semester sequence is shown below:

Fall Semester

  • FYS: First-Year Seminar – This course is required of all students and designed to introduce them to intellectual inquiry by engaging them as thinkers, speakers, and writers. Each seminar focuses intensively on a special topic that is articulated with related co-curricular activities.
  • Introduction to Engineering
  • Calculus 1, 2, 3, or differential equations (depending on placement). See Mathematics FAQ for information on math course registration.
  • General Chemistry I

Visit the Registrar site for AP credit information.

Lafayette offers five engineering majors, yet many students are not sure which is right for them. Our Introduction to Engineering course is designed with this in mind. You have the opportunity to learn about the different disciplines of study, enabling you to make an informed decision about your major. If you are unsure whether or not you would like to study Engineering at Lafayette College, we encourage you to take the recommended first semester engineering courses. It is easier to switch from Engineering to another major because the courses will count towards other majors. It is more difficult to come in to Engineering without taking the foundation courses.

If you have questions about Engineering, please contact the Director of the Engineering Division, Professor Scott Hummel, via email or (610) 330-5403.

 


First Semester Sample Schedule for all Engineering programs, and requirements fulfilled
First Semester Sample Schedule
Course # Course Name Requirements
1 FYS First Year Seminar CCS
2 ES 101 Introduction to Engineering Exploring possible major
3 MATH 161 Calculus I (required placement test) Exploring possible major and CCS
4 CHEM 121 General Chemistry (required placement test) Exploring possible major and CCS