Pre-Engineering
As an admit in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) , you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant learning community, engage with distinguished faculty members, and participate in cutting-edge research and projects.
How We Support You:
- A key part of success in Engineering is building a strong math and science foundation to progress in the rigorous CECS curriculum. Math Placement (if required)* will guide your course enrollment and could require participation in activities such as seminars, tutoring and other support designed to help guide you on your path to graduation. You will continue to be advised by our START Program and transition to the college once you have completed Pre-Calculus (Math 105) with a C- grade or higher.
- The Engineering Learning Center includes a variety of services and programs such as free tutoring, boot-camps, exam preparation, success coaching, and guided study sessions.
- You will have access to a variety of engineering laboratories (such as our state-of-the-art Engineering Lab Building) and equipment as part of your courses to test, apply, and practice what you are learning.
- You can take advantage of nearly two dozen clubs, teams, and professional organizations that will challenge you to problem solve, make connections, and prepare you for a fulfilling career in engineering.
- We are committed to providing you with access to research to enhance your education, and impact your future career goals.
*Math Placement Test is required unless we receive confirmation of:
- High School GPA of 3.5 or higher AND an SAT of 1200 (ACT of 25) or higher
- SAT/ACT Scores with a SAT math section score of 620 or higher or ACT math score of 26 or higher
- AP Calculus Exam with a score of 3, 4, or 5
- IB Mathematics Exam with a 5 or higher on an IB Mathematics SL exam or a 4 or higher on an IB Mathematics HL or HL Further exam
- Completed at least Pre-Calculus with a C grade or higher
Before Fall 2024, students applying to a major in CECS were either directly admitted to their major or placed in a pre-engineering track. However, as of Fall 2024, all students are admitted directly into their major, eliminating the pre-engineering placement option. Here's how students were placed prior to Fall 2024:
Freshman Requirements:
- Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher AND an SAT of 1200 (ACT of 25) or higher, or
- Students who have completed at least Pre-Calculus (Math 105 or equivalent) with a C grade or higher, or
- Students who place into Calculus 1 (Math 115) or higher on their placement exam or via the following automatic placements:
- SAT math section score of 620 or higher
- ACT math score of 26 or higher
- 3, 4, or 5 on an AP Calculus exam
- 5 or higher on an IB Mathematics SL exam or a 4 or higher on an IB Mathematics HL or HL Further exam
Transfer Requirements:
- Students who have completed Calculus II (Math 116 or equivalent) elsewhere with a C grade or higher AND have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Freshman Requirements:
- Students who satisfy the university's undergraduate admissions standards, but do not meet the above admission criteria for direct admission into CECS.
Transfer Requirements:
- Students will be required to show an overall transfer GPA of 2.75 or higher.
This program is designed to support students in building a stronger math and science foundation to be successful in the rigorous CECS curriculum. Pre-Engineering students will have excellent campus support in developing the fundamental knowledge our faculty have identified as key predictors of success in the engineering and computer science fields.
Pre-Engineering students will work closely with START Academic Advisors to enroll in appropriate classes to help ensure their chances are optimized to be successful in the intensive curriculum that lies ahead. Students following the Pre-Engineering path are expected to complete the transition expectations (below) within one calendar year or within their first 30 credit hours at UM-Dearborn, whichever comes first. At the completion of one year or 30 credit hours, students are required to declare a major in CECS (if they qualify), or in a different academic college on campus (if they do not qualify). Some students may complete their Pre-Engineering coursework within one semester.
- Freshmen can transition once they successfully complete Pre-Calculus (Math 105) with a C grade or higher.
- Transfer students can transition once they successfully complete Calculus II (Math 116) with a C grade or higher.
- All students transitioning into a CECS major are expected to be in good academic standing overall (2.0 GPA or higher).