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Eastern Illinois University

Pre-Engineering

Start your engineering education in EIU’s small, supportive classes before transferring to complete your bachelor’s degree at an engineering university. This two-year pathway builds a strong foundation in mathematics, science, computing and engineering while helping you prepare for your intended field and transfer destination.

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Pre-Engineering

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Degree Level
Non-Degree Transfer Pathway
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
67 Total, 67 in Major
Careers
Architectural, Managers, Technology, Engineers
Pre-Engineering students at EIU

Why Study Pre-Engineering at EIU?

  • Begin your engineering education in smaller, faculty-taught classes and laboratories
  • Complete a rigorous 67-credit foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing and engineering
  • Work individually with the Pre-Engineering Coordinator to plan for your engineering field and transfer destination
  • Explore different engineering specialties before completing your bachelor’s degree elsewhere
  • Build confidence with demanding STEM coursework in EIU’s collaborative, undergraduate-focused environment
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Pre-Engineering | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Pre-Engineering at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Conduct experiments in calculus-based physics and chemistry laboratories
  • Create technical drawings through computer-aided engineering coursework
  • Develop programming and computational problem-solving skills in computer science
  • Apply engineering principles through courses in statics, dynamics and electronics
  • Pursue faculty-mentored research and other collaborative STEM experiences
Hands-On Experience, Pre-Engineering students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU’s Pre-Engineering program is a two-year, 67-credit, non-degree pathway for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering at another university. It is a strong fit for analytical, curious students who enjoy mathematics, science, technology and solving complex problems.

View in Catalog
$155,157
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Architectural & Engineering Managers
  • Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology &…
  • Energy Engineers
  • Mechatronics Engineers
  • Microsystems Engineers
  • Photonics Engineers
  • Robotics Engineers
  • Nanosystems Engineers
  • Wind Energy Engineers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit RealisticRealistic interest typeYou like hands-on work: building, repairing or operating equipment, structures or materials. Many of these jobs are physical or take place outdoors.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Jie Zou
Pre-Engineering Program Coordinator, Professor
jzou@eiu.edu
2460 Physical Science
217-581-3220
Jie Zou Message Jie

Message Jie

or email jzou@eiu.edu directly
Andrew Mertz
Department Chair and Professor of Computer Science
aemertz@eiu.edu
3619
217-581-3828
Andrew Mertz Message Andrew

Message Andrew

or email aemertz@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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