School of Engineering
The School of Engineering at Tufts offers undergraduates the intellectual and technological depth of a world-class research institution with the breadth and flexibility of a liberal arts atmosphere. Faculty and students engage in cross-disciplinary courses and research in areas as varied as edible optics, wind and solar power, bioinformatics, and soft-bodied robots. Coursework and research at Tufts is often project-based, emphasizing collaboration between Engineering and Arts and Sciences, as well as Tufts' other graduate and professional schools. The Boston area affords students opportunities in local industry, laboratories, and internships, and with faculty who are not only professors, but also practitioners.
Bachelor of Science Degree Programs
Core strengths of the School of Engineering, present in each major and minor program, include engineering for human health (biomedical imaging, regenerative medicine, bioinformatics, waterborne disease, and metabolic engineering), engineering for sustainability (water and diplomacy, water quality, climate change mitigation, environmental remediation, smart structures, alternative energy, and smart grids), and engineering the human/technology interface (development and dissemination of educational technologies, robotics and cognition, sensors, human factors engineering, visualization).
The School of Engineering offers ABET accredited Bachelor of Science degrees in eight areas:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Learn more about each of these major programs.
The School of Engineering also offers Bachelor of Science degrees in seven additional areas:
- Architectural Studies
- Biomedical Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Psychology (Human Factors Engineering)
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Science
- Environmental Health
Learn more about each of these major programs.
Engineering Minors and Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities in Arts and Sciences
Engineers may minor in any of the programs offered in the School of Arts and Sciences (and they may double major in most of the major programs as well). In addition, special engineering minors include:
- Architectural Studies
- Biotechnology Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Engineering Education
- Engineering Management
- Entrepreneurial Leadership Studies
- Geoengineering
- Multimedia Arts
- Music Engineering
Learn more about each of these minor programs.
Engineering Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree, 38 courses in a combination of distribution and elective courses are required. The curriculum layout is typically as follows:
Introductory Course Requirements
- 4 Mathematics
- 1 Physics with lab
- 1 Chemistry with lab
- 1 Physics or Chemistry
- 1 Additional Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Geology
- 2 Engineering computing courses
- 1 Elective course in introductory engineering
- 1 English
Foundation Requirements (five to nine total; as determined by the department)
Foundation courses can be selected from the following areas of study: engineering science, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics and physics/astronomy. Two of the eight credits may be in either mathematics, applied mathematics or approved sciences.
Concentration Requirements (eleven to twelve total; as determined by the department)
Courses that complete the concentration requirements are determined by individual Engineering departments and vary according to your major. Please check with the specific departments for more detailed information.
Humanities/Social Science Requirements (five total)
Students in the School of Engineering will meet with their faculty advisor to plan out their five humanities/social science requirements, as the courses must be taken in the form of an "intellectual cluster" that promotes both breadth and depth of intellectual development. The courses selected include a minimum of one credit in the humanities and one credit in the social sciences. All levels of foreign language and English are accepted for the arts/humanities requirement. Courses excluded from the list are studio art, applied music, drama and dance.
Free Elective Requirements (one or two total, depending on major)
These two courses can be chosen without restriction.
Career Paths
Under the guidance of senior professors, students work alongside their peers in project-based teams to develop the problem-solving skills they need to become leaders in any discipline. Most engineering graduates go on to become professionals and leaders in technical fields. However, many students in the School of Engineering are preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, law, business, public health, human factors, urban planning, and management. The School of Engineering’s Gordon Institute offers programs to help entrepreneurially minded engineers to develop the blend of business knowledge and technical skills they need to advance their careers, inspire teams, and bring innovative products to market. Nearly 80% of Tufts engineers complete an internship by junior year. Placement in jobs and internships is aided by Robin Kahan from Career Services who devotes her time and employment outreach efforts to students in the School of Engineering through STEM career fairs, resume workshops, weekly office hours in the engineering facilities, and more.