Pre-Engineering Program

The Pre-Engineering Program at the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is designed to help you achieve your goal of becoming an engineer or engineering technologist. Pre-Engineering is a referral only program, meaning that students cannot apply directly. Students are placed into Pre-Engineering by the Recruitment & Admissions staff when additional academic preparation is recommended before direct entry into an engineering major, while recognizing their potential for future success in the field. 

Rather than starting in a specific program (i.e. Chemical Engineering), Pre-Engineering students have the flexibility to decide what they want to study later in their college experience. After 1-3 semesters in CEAS, Pre-Engineering students can apply to transition to their major of choice as long as they meet the Transition Criteria. 

When CEAS refers students to Pre-Engineering, it is because we know they can graduate with degrees in engineering and engineering technology.

Pre-Engineering is for students who show the potential to succeed in CEAS but whose academic record suggests they may benefit from additional guidance as they begin the engineering curriculum. Starting in Pre-Engineering allows students to demonstrate their readiness while working toward admission to their intended major.

Both UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont offer their own transition, non-degree Pre-Engineering Program. This offers students 1-3 semesters of coursework that can be taken largely at the regional campuses. This program offers greater flexibility in part-time/full-time enrollment, more flexible admissions requirements, and regional campus tuition is generally lower than Uptown campus tuition. Students who successfully transition to CEAS from a regional campus are eligible for the CEAS Regional Campus Scholarship. However, students who begin at a regional campus will forfeit any Uptown campus funding they receive as first-year Uptown admits.

UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont students cannot meet with CEAS academic advisors until they have completed the transition application process. Regional campus students are also ineligible for CEAS-specific supports like the Engineering Living Learning Community and Co-op advisement.

Pre-Engineering students are guaranteed admission to all CEAS programs if they meet the Transition Criteria.

Pre-Engineering students will be assigned to the academic advisor that corresponds with their academic interest. This means that students will get the most informed advice on their enrollment and will not need to transition to a different advisor after after being accepted into their CEAS major.

The Pre-Engineering Program is housed within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. This means that Pre-Engineering students are included in all college communications, events, and activities. Students will have access to all general CEAS courses like the mandatory first-year Engineering Design Thinking courses (ENED). Pre-Engineering students are also welcome to live in the Engineering Living Learning Community (ELLC) their first year.

All students, whether you're set on your engineering or engineering technology discipline of choice or still exploring, will be well-supported on their journeys to find their best-fit majors at UC. Events like Engineer Your Major, which hosts panels including faculty, current students, and industry workers, as well as resources like My Majors, are available to all CEAS students to help them choose their best fit program!