North Carolina State University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Engineering begins with a strong core of engineering fundamentals including calculus, physics, chemistry, computer programming and introductory engineering design. After the first one or two years students move into a chosen major where study becomes discipline-specific. Typical topics by major include:

• Mechanical Engineering: dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials, machine design, control systems and CAD/CAM.
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: circuits, signals and systems, digital logic, microprocessors, electromagnetics and embedded systems.
• Civil Engineering: statics and dynamics, structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation, water resources and construction management.
• Chemical Engineering: transport phenomena, process control, reaction engineering, thermodynamics and unit operations.
• Materials Science and Engineering: structure-property relationships, materials processing, characterization techniques and failure analysis.
• Industrial and Systems Engineering: operations research, systems modelling, quality engineering, ergonomics and manufacturing systems.
• Biomedical Engineering: biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging and bioinstrumentation.

Across majors students engage in laboratory courses, computation and modelling, and progressive design experiences leading to a senior capstone design project. Electives and technical minors allow interdisciplinary study, and many students take advantage of research opportunities with faculty, participation in multidisciplinary design teams, or internships and co-operative education placements to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and applicants are expected to present a strong secondary school record with a rigorous STEM curriculum. Typical preparation includes advanced mathematics (calculus where available), physics and chemistry, as well as coursework in computer science or technical subjects if possible. North Carolina residents and out-of-state/international applicants are considered; recognised secondary qualifications or equivalent are required.

Additional considerations during selection include performance in relevant coursework, letters of recommendation, personal statements or essays, and any demonstrated practical experience such as outreach programs, robotics, research or internships. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or institutional pathways. Transfer applicants from community colleges are routinely considered and articulation agreements exist to support credit transfer into the engineering curriculum.

Career prospects

Graduates from NC State's engineering programmes go on to work across industry, government and academia. Common early-career roles include design engineer, project engineer, systems engineer, controls engineer, process engineer, quality engineer, field engineer and software or hardware developer. Employers span sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy and utilities, biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, semiconductors and electronics, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing and consulting.

Many graduates pursue professional licensure (for example becoming a Chartered/Professional Engineer where applicable) or continue to graduate study in specialised master’s or PhD programmes. The programme’s emphasis on practical design, teamwork and employer-engaged learning supports pathways into research, product development, entrepreneurship and leadership positions.

Why study at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University’s College of Engineering is known for combining rigorous classroom teaching with extensive hands-on and applied learning. Students benefit from access to modern laboratories, makerspaces and research centres as well as interdisciplinary collaboration on Centennial Campus and strong connections with industry in the Research Triangle region. The university supports student professional development through career services, employer recruitment events, and co-op/internship programmes that frequently lead to full-time employment.

The engineering community at NC State emphasises teamwork, design experience and innovation, with many opportunities to participate in student design teams, undergraduate research and entrepreneurship initiatives. This practical, industry-connected environment helps prepare graduates for the technical and professional demands of engineering careers or further study.