Mission of the Pre-Engineering Certificate Program
The mission of this new certificate program is to provide to students, through direct experience, projects, and academic study, an understanding of the nature of engineering as well as the specific academic preparation they will need to study engineering at the university level. The Pre-Engineering Capstone Senior Project affords students the opportunity to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the engineering design process or a particular interest in an engineering field. The Pre-Engineering Program allows students to earn a certificate in recognition of their achievement.
Step 1: Choose an Advisor
Choose an advisor from the faculty of either the Mathematics or Science Departments. This can be done as early as the end of your Freshman year, or as late as March of Sophomore year. You and your advisor will map out your coursework to be sure you will have satisfied the requirements; the two of you will also work to find extra-curricular activities that you can participate in as a part of the team-based and individual engineering experiences.
Step 2: Identify Topic for Capstone Project
With your advisor, identify and develop a topic or area of interest for your capstone project. Write up a detailed proposal in which you explain your reasons for making your choice, what you intend to achieve by engaging with this topic, how you will accomplish your goals related to this topic, and what your capstone project will include. Have a parent or guardian sign your proposal so he or she is aware of your commitment. Submit your proposal to your advisor, who will then present the proposal on your behalf to the committee for approval. This can be done before as soon as an advisor has been selected but must be done prior to completion of Junior year.
Step 3: Present Your Capstone Project
You will present your capstone project during senior project presentations on the last day of school.
Essentials of Engineering
The requirements for Highland's Pre-Engineering certificate program are broken down in the expanding boxes below: