Engineering

Custom Specialization

In consultation with an academic advisor, students may design a Custom Specialization to prepare for emerging fields not immediately definable with traditional specializations. 

Explore This Specialization

The 4+1 M.B.A and B.S. in Engineering pathway is part of the Bachelor’s Plus Program, which offers seamless admission into the Masters in Business Administration Program at RWU. RWU students can complete their undergraduate and graduate education in five years with the ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the AACSB-accredited Master of Business Administration with the 4+1 program. 

More information on the Bachelor’s Plus program

Roger Williams University and UMass Dartmouth have partnered to create three joint 4+1 master's programs. The educational partnership agreement between the institutions will provide undergraduate students at RWU with the opportunity to earn accelerated graduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and civil engineering at UMassD.  

During their senior year, RWU Engineering students can begin taking courses toward a master's degree at UMassD, allowing them to complete both degrees in five years. This unique opportunity offers students an efficient and cost-effective pathway to reach their academic goals and begin careers in high-demand fields. 

Eligibility & Application

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Students may apply to the accelerated pathway upon achieving classification as juniors with the Engineering major Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering Specializations. 

To apply, students must:

1.  Have a 3.2 or better GPA overall after completion of the fall semester of their junior year.
2. Complete a short application to be reviewed by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UMassD, including unofficial transcripts.
3. Provide one letter of recommendation from an RWU faculty member in Engineering. 

Students will apply during the spring semester of their junior year or when they have completed all the required courses for the first five semesters of study in the major. The RWU program coordinator will be responsible for sending applications to the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UMassD by March 31st. 

A preliminary decision on conditional admission to the accelerated pathway will be communicated before the end of April during the applicant's junior year. As a result of preliminary admission to the accelerated pathway, formal application and matriculation to the Computer Engineering master's program at UMassD will be expedited. A formal application to the master's program will be required. An official acceptance into the master's program at UMassD will be conveyed to the student no later than May 31st of their junior year.

Civil Engineering

Students may apply to the accelerated pathway upon completing 75 credits with a major in Engineering and a Specialization in Civil Engineering. 

To apply, students must:

1.  Have a 3.0 or better GPA overall.
2. Meet with the UMassD CEN Graduate Program Director in the spring of their junior year to discuss course selection for their senior year.
3.  Provide one letter of recommendation from a RWU Engineering faculty member. 

Students should apply to the accelerated program during the spring of their junior year no later than May 1st. Students may apply directly to the program through the UMassD Graduate Application portal.

Students may choose to take graduate level courses at UMassD during their senior year after consulting with the UMassD CEN GPO. Students may then register for graduate classes during the usual UMassD class registration period on or around March of their junior year after meeting with the UMassD CEN Graduate Program Director.

Accelerated Pathways

Computer Engineering

Accelerated Pathways

1. RWU students who complete any two RWU Computer Engineering Specialization courses from the list can apply six credits to the Computer Engineering MS degree at UMassD. The required grade is B or better for each course. 
   1. RWU ENGR 424 - Digital Signal Processing (3 credits) to UMassD ECE475 Digital Signal Processing (3 credits)
   2. RWU ENGR 450 - Mechatronics (3 credits) to UMassD ECE403 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   3. RWU ENGR 479 - Special Topics in Engineering VLSI (3 credits) to UMassD EGE 413 - Introduction to VLSI Design (3 credits)
   4. RWU ENGR 479 - Special Topics in Engineering Power Electronics (3 credits) to UMassD ECE403 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
2. RWU students may opt to take one graduate-level ECE course at UMassD during their senior year at RWU. The course should be chosen in consultation with the ECE graduate program director. The required grade is C or better. 
3. An RWU student may opt to take one of the following Cybersecurity-related courses at RWU as part of their full-time load, which counts as a 500-level free elective in the ECE graduate program. The required grade for the Cybersecurity-related course at RWU is (B-, B minus) or better.
   1. RWU SEC 600 - CyberSecurity Essentials (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   2. RWU SEC 615 - Intrusion Detection: Firewalling and Defense (3 credits)  to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   3. RWU SEC 620 - Ma/ware Analysis and Malicious Software (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   4. RWU SEC 625 - Pen Testing and Incident Response (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)

Double counting

• With option (1) only, a maximum of 6 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Computer Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following set:
  • ENGR 424, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics). 
  • The student will have 6 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Computer Engineering MS degree.
• With options (1) and (2) only, a maximum of 9 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Computer Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following sets: 
  • two courses from ENGR 424, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics), and one graduate-level ECE course at UMassD. 
  • The student will have 9 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Computer Engineering MS degree.
• With options (1) and (3) only, a maximum of 9 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Computer Engineering MS degree at UMassD from 3 of the following sets: 
  • two courses from ENGR 424, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics), and one course from SEC 600, SEC 615, SEC 620, SEC 625. 
  • The student will have 9 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Computer Engineering MS degree.
• With options (1), (2) and (3), a maximum of 9 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Computer Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following sets: 
  • two courses from ENGR 424, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics), and one course from SEC 600, SEC 615, SEC 620, SEC 625. 
  • By (3), the student will earn 3 credits for a standalone graduate-level ECE course at UMassD, which is excluded from the double counting scheme. All in all, the student will have 12 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Computer Engineering MS degree.

Electrical Engineering

Accelerated Pathways

1. RWU students who complete any two RWU Electrical Engineering Specialization courses from the list can apply six credits to the Electrical Engineering MS degree at UMassD. The required grade is B or better for each course.
   1. RWU ENGR 424 - Digital Signal Processing (3 credits) to UMassD ECE475 Digital Signal Processing (3 credits)
   2. RWU ENGR 445 - Dynamic Modeling and Control (3 credits) to UMassD ECE403 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   3. RWU ENGR 450 - Mechatronics (3 credits) toUMassD ECE403 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   4. RWU ENGR 479 - Special Topics in Engineering VLSI (3 credits) to EGE 413 - Introduction to VLSI Design (3 credits)
   5. RWU ENGR 479 - Special Topics in Engineering Power Electronics (3 credits) to UMassD ECE403 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
2. RWU students may opt to take one graduate-level ECE course at UMassD during their senior year at RWU. The course should be chosen in consultation with the ECE graduate program director. The required grade is C or better. 
3. RWU students may opt to take one of the following Cybersecurity-related courses at RWU as part of their full-time load, which counts as a 500-level free elective in the ECE graduate program. The required grade for the Cybersecurity-related course at RWU is (B-, B minus) or better. 
   1. RWU SEC 600- CyberSecurity Essentials (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   2. RWU SEC 615 - Intrusion Detection: Firewalling and Defense (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   3. RWU SEC 620 - Ma/ware Analysis and Malicious Software (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)
   4. RWU SEC 625 - Pen Testing and Incident Response (3 credits) to UMassD ECE591 Special topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 credits)

Double counting

• With option (1) only, a maximum of 6 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Electrical Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following set:
  • ENGR 424, ENGR 445, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics). 
  • The student will have 6 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Electrical Engineering MS degree.
• With options (1) and (2) only, a maximum of 9 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Electrical Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following sets:
  • two courses from ENGR 424, ENGR 445, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics), and one graduate-level ECE course at UMassD. 
  • The student will have 9 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Electrical Engineering MS degree.
• With options (1) and (3) only, a maximum of 9 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Electrical Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following sets: 
  • two courses from ENGR 424, ENGR 445, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics), and one course from SEC 600, SEC 615, SEC 620, SEC 625. 
  • The student will have 9 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Electrical Engineering MS degree.
• With options (1 ), (2) and (3), a maximum of 9 credits may be double counted toward the Engineering BS degree at RWU and Electrical Engineering MS degree at UMassD from the following sets: 
  • two courses from ENGR 424, ENGR 445, ENGR 450, ENGR 479 (VLSI), ENGR 479 (Power Electronics), and one course from SEC 600, SEC 615, SEC 620, SEC 625. 
  • By (3), the student will earn 3 credits for a standalone graduate-level ECE course at UMassD, which is excluded from the double counting scheme. All in all, the student will have 12 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the Electrical Engineering MS degree.

Civil Engineering

Accelerated Pathways

1. RWU students who complete two of the courses listed with a grade of B or better can apply up to six credits to the MS in Civil Engineering at UMassD.
   1. ENGR 405 Air Pollution and Control to UMassD CEN 430 Topics in Civil & Environ Eng
   2. ENGR 407 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management to UMassD CEN 430 Topics in Civil & Environ Eng
   3. ENGR 418 Construction Engineering to UMassD CEN 430 Topics in Civil & Environ Eng
   4. ENGR 428 Open Channel Hydraulics to UMassD CEN 430 Topics in Civil & Environ Eng
   5. ENGR 419 Highway Bridge Design to UMassD CEN 430 Topics in Civil & Environ Eng
2. RWU students may opt to take one graduate-level CEN course at UMassD during their junior or senior year at RWU. The course should be chosen in consultation with the CEN GPO. They may also apply three credits to the MS in Civil Engineering at UMassD for taking the following course.
   1. CNST 540 - Sustainable Construction to UMassD CEN 530 Topics in Civil & Environ Eng

Provided that the student meets the grade requirements for the two courses selected under (1) and completes the course under (2) with a B or better grade, the student will have 9 credits invested toward the 30 credits required for the CEN MS degree.

SECCM FAQ

Does SECCM accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits?

Please visit Advanced Placement for all your questions about AP credits.

How can I redo my math placement?

You can take the online Math placement up to two times. A third time may be allowed as an in-person exam. Please visit Placement by Subject for more information on Math placement and how to register for the online or in-person exam.

What is the writing placement process?  

Writing Placement at RWU is determined by a directed self-placement survey. Directed self-placement helps students decide which first-year writing course will be best for them. Please visit Placement by Subject for more information on Writing placement.

Engineering FAQ

How is a specialization different from a degree in that discipline at a different school?

At our university, students pursuing a degree in engineering receive an ABET-accredited B.S. in Engineering degree.  Students focused on a particular engineering discipline by specializing in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Computer, or Environmental Engineering. Unlike programs at some other schools where you must choose your major early on, our students can wait to decide on their specialization until the end of their second year. This approach allows students to explore various engineering disciplines through foundational courses before making a more informed choice.

Additionally, our interdisciplinary training emphasizes collaboration across different fields of engineering, reflecting the increasing interdisciplinary nature of the industry. This broadens students' skill sets and prepares them for the collaborative work environments they will encounter in their careers. Even with this interdisciplinary focus, students still complete all necessary courses for their specializations while meeting ABET standards, the leading engineering accreditation organization.

When do I need to declare my specialization?  What do I do if I want to do something other than the pre-listed specializations?

Students declare their engineering specializations by the end of their second year. This decision is made in consultation with academic advisors and after taking courses in several areas of engineering during the first two years. If you are interested in a specialization beyond civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, or environmental engineering, you can opt for a custom specialization. This requires you to develop a plan that will be reviewed and approved by a subset of the engineering faculty. Two examples of custom specialization that students have completed in the past have focused on biomedical engineering and chemical engineering.

Can I do a minor in another program? 

All engineering students automatically earn a minor in Mathematics by completing the program requirements. While most students focus on their engineering coursework, 5-10% choose to pursue a second minor, which is certainly possible with careful planning.

Popular second minors for engineering students include Architecture, Construction Management, Physics, and Sustainability Studies, allowing students to expand their expertise in complementary fields. With over 70 minors available at RWU, students have the flexibility to tailor their education to their career goals and interests.

Full list of majors and minors offered at RWU.

How can I access the fabrication shops? Can I use the 3-D printers?

Engineering students have access to fabrication and testing labs as well as our 3D printers in the Innovation Lab as part of their coursework and research. To use these resources, you will need to be enrolled in a course that integrates them or in a club that has approved use, ensuring you receive the proper training and follow safety protocols. 

These labs provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, supporting both class projects and research opportunities. If you have questions about access, safety procedures, or how to get involved, consult your course instructor or reach out to Mr. James Dorothy, SECCM’s Director of Operations.

Are there any study-abroad opportunities?

Yes, our engineering students have numerous study-abroad opportunities. Ireland and England are particularly popular destinations for semester-long study abroad programs. For more options and detailed information, visit our study abroad webpage.

Engineering students who wish to study abroad should discuss their plans with their academic advisors as early as possible, ideally at least a year before they intend to travel. Typically, students go abroad during the spring semester of their third year. Many students wonder if they can still graduate in four years, and the answer is yes, provided they follow the program guidelines and meet the requirements set by their advisors and the study abroad office.

It's becoming increasingly common for our engineering students to participate in semester-long study abroad programs. Additionally, many students opt for short-term study abroad experiences by taking summer courses. There are numerous summer course options, with the core senior seminar being a popular choice for summer study abroad between the junior and senior years. 

Learn more by visiting RWU’s study abroad web page.

What are the career outcomes for engineering graduates?

Our engineering program boasts a 95-100% employment rate for graduates within six months of graduation. This impressive statistic reflects our commitment to ensuring students attain employment or graduate school admission promptly. Graduates secure their first jobs in their industries of interest, including engineering, defense, construction, manufacturing, technology, and consulting. 

To support students in their career journeys, the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) offers various services, including resume reviews, career fairs, and alumni panels. Additionally, all engineering students take a 1-credit senior seminar course focused solely on career and professional development, run collaboratively between CCPD and our engineering program. This comprehensive approach equips our students with the necessary skills and connections to thrive in their chosen fields. 

What kinds of career opportunities are available for the graduates?

Graduates from our engineering program have numerous exciting career opportunities across various industries. They work for prestigious companies such as Raytheon, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Boeing, Aramco, and Amazon. Our alumni hold diverse roles, including design engineers, operations managers, project managers, and research scientists. They excel in sectors such as aerospace, defense, automotive, healthcare, and finance, contributing to advancements in technology, infrastructure, and more. Additionally, some of our graduates pursue advanced degrees, including master's and PhDs, further enhancing their expertise and career prospects.

What research opportunities exist?

Our engineering program offers numerous research opportunities for students, starting as early as their first year. Many faculty members have research projects funded both internally and externally, which often require student research assistants for both short and long-term engagements.

Students interested in participating in research should express their interest to their instructors and explore the faculty research interests on our faculty page. While ongoing paid research opportunities are not guaranteed, reaching out to faculty members is the first step.

Paid research opportunities are typically available every semester, including winter and summer sessions. Students generally work a few hours per week during the regular semesters, with the potential to work up to 20 hours per week. During winter and summer semesters, opportunities to work up to 40 hours per week are also available. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students looking to deepen their understanding of their field and contribute to cutting-edge engineering projects.

How can I get involved with an engineering club?

RWU and SECCM offer several engineering clubs and organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Robotics Innovation, the Society of Professional Engineers (SPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Engineers Without Borders (EWB). These clubs provide hands-on projects, networking opportunities, and professional development, as well as opportunities to practice leadership skills as an officer of the club. You can get involved by attending the Involvement Fair, reaching out to club leaders or faculty advisors, or joining meetings and events. Getting involved is a great way to apply your skills outside the classroom and connect with peers and industry professionals. For more details on engineering clubs and other opportunities, visit Ways to Get Involved.

Can I take classes part-time or online?

The Engineering program at RWU is designed as a full-time, in-person program, typically completed in eight semesters. While almost all required courses are in-person, there are some online course options, particularly within the general education curriculum, that may provide flexibility along the way. However, it is not possible to complete the entire degree online due to the hands-on nature of the curriculum.

This in-person experience is a key advantage, allowing students to engage in lab work, research, and collaborative projects while benefiting from direct faculty support and access to state-of-the-art facilities. 

Are there any opportunities for internships or hands-on experience?

Yes! RWU’s Engineering program emphasizes real-world, hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and industry collaborations. Many students intern with engineering firms, government agencies, and research institutions, often leading to full-time job offers after graduation.

Students also engage in lab work, design projects, and senior design experiences, working on real-world, client-based challenges that apply their engineering skills in practical settings. These opportunities help develop technical expertise, industry connections, and career readiness.

To explore these opportunities, students can connect with faculty advisors and RWU’s Center for Career & Professional Development, which offers resume reviews, career fairs, alumni panels, and other career support services.

Are there any resources available for students who need additional academic support?

Yes! Roger Williams University offers a range of academic support resources to help students succeed. The Tutoring Center provides free tutoring in subjects like math, writing, science, and business, as well as dedicated support for engineering courses through the SECCM Tutoring Center. The Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS) offers additional academic advising, peer mentorship, and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for students who need accommodations. Engineering students also benefit from small class sizes and a dedicated engineering faculty advisor who provides academic guidance throughout the students’ time in the program. These combined resources ensure students have the support they need to excel academically and professionally.

What is the typical class size for engineering courses?

Most engineering courses have around 24 students, typically ranging from 20 to 30. Lab sections are even smaller, usually between 12 and 16 students, ensuring hands-on learning, close faculty interaction, and individualized support. This structure allows students to collaborate effectively, engage deeply in experiments and design work, and receive personalized instruction.

Do you recommend I purchase a laptop with certain specifications?

You can purchase a new laptop or use one you already own if it meets or exceeds the specifications published by RWU’s IT department. Please note that students using Apple-based machines or Chromebooks may need to supplement the operating system to be able to work with Intel-only software packages.