University of Penn. School of Engineering?

[Point Conception]

https://catalog.upenn.edu/undergraduate/engineering-applied-science/

My nephew is interested in 'engineers without borders' What are the applications related to The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering ? The courses seem to be a blend of other specialties with engineering. To put the question this way : Would a mechanical, electrical , chemical or civil engineer chose a school like this ? Or is this school to train students for " peace corps " type applications.

 

[Chestermiller]

https://catalog.upenn.edu/undergraduate/engineering-applied-science/

My nephew is interested in 'engineers without borders' What are the applications related to The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering ? The courses seem to be a blend of other specialties with engineering. To put the question this way : Would a mechanical, electrical , chemical or civil engineer chose a school like this ? Or is this school to train students for " peace corps " type applications.

My daughter went to Penn as a ChE undergraduate, and then on to a PhD in ChE at Minnesota in coatings technology. During her time at Penn, she participated in authoring a text on Process Design of chemical plants. She is currently working in industry as an engineer/manager at a large international chemical company in the Philadelphia area. Does this sound like the Peace Corps to you?

 

[CWatters]

https://catalog.upenn.edu/undergraduate/engineering-applied-science/

My nephew is interested in 'engineers without borders' What are the applications related to The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering ? The courses seem to be a blend of other specialties with engineering. To put the question this way : Would a mechanical, electrical , chemical or civil engineer chose a school like this ? Or is this school to train students for " peace corps " type applications.

Some universities offer courses that specialise from day one. However an increasing number others offer course that have a broader first year and they allow you greater freedom to switch specialism/major after first year. This is possible because there is a lot of overlap between subjects. For example the maths you need for most engineering degrees is similar regardless if its mechanical engineering or electronics. Some also require you to take a non engineering module (language or social science) in first year.

None of these are in any way lower grade degrees. If you aren't 100% sure of which branch of engineering you want do do they offer greater flexibility.

 

[jtbell]

If you're not from the US, you need to be aware that in the US, undergraduate degree programs in general (not just engineering) are not as totally specialized in their subject field, as in most other countries. Engineering and science students are generally required to take courses in other fields such as English, history, and the social sciences. History students often have to study some science and/or math. The detailed requirements vary at different universities.

 

[FactChecker]

I think you can assume that any degree from Penn qualifies one for the full range of pursuits in that field. Its engineering might not be MIT, but it is still Ivy League.