Engineering

Historical Note

At its beginning, engineering education at Manhattan developed out of a science program in coordination with liberal arts. In 1892, Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering were among four curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Civil Engineering has continued uninterruptedly since. Electrical Engineering, suspended shortly after its introduction, was re-established as a degree program in 1935. Curricula in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering were introduced in 1957, 1958, and 1993 respectively, followed by Computer Engineering in 1998.

Mission Statement

The School of Engineering has developed the following mission statement with input from all constituents:

The mission of the Manhattan College School of Engineering is congruent with the mission of the College and prepares students for a productive and rewarding career in engineering or a related profession. The curriculum instills the techniques and skills of engineering design through the study of basic and advanced engineering science. This foundation is integrated with practice-oriented engineering design experience which addresses both technical and non-technical aspects of engineering practice. Students earning a Manhattan College engineering degree are prepared to enter the world of professional practice and to continue their studies through the pursuit of post-baccalaureate education.

The strong foundation coupled with thorough preparation in an engineering discipline ensures that the student will have life-long access to rapidly developing new technologies and prepares each student to be a citizen, an advocate, and a leader in the complex world of the 21st century.

Educational Objectives and Outcomes of Engineering

Graduates of the School of Engineering, who are practicing their profession will be valued by the engineering community for their ethical practices and moral character, leadership and involvement in engineering and related professions, dedication to the profession through self-improvement, and recognition that engineering is a service to humanity.

The Mission of the School of Engineering is consistent with the Lasallian Catholic traditions of Manhattan College. Graduates of its engineering programs are expected to meet high academic standards, reflect on moral and ethical considerations in all aspects of their lives, and appreciate the need for life-long learning in the fulfillment of professional goals.

The objectives of the School of Engineering embrace those of its individucal programs and are summarized below. Program objectives are consistent with those of the School of Engineering. School of Engineering objectives are organized into three distinct categories: Employ the skills of the profession in their professional duties; Recognize the importance of ethics, values, and person-centered attitudes in the practice of the engineering art as reflective of the Lasallian Mission of the College; Appreciate the importance of life-long learning in their individual engineering disciplines.

These objectives are fostered by outcomes, as detailed below, that embody the skills and abilities envisioned for the school’s graduates:

Outcomes to sustain a graduate’s professional skills: have fundamental knowledge of science, mathematics, and engineering science; able to use the analytic tools of engineering including modeling, and analysis, using associated computer techniques; able to use a variety of communicative methods (verbal, written, graphic); able to solve open-ended problems as a result of design experience; understand how to work effectively in settings requiring teamwork.

Outcomes to support the awareness and importance of ethical elements within the practice of engineering: be aware of social justice issues through education consistent with the Lasallian traditions; understand issues related to the practice of the profession through a broad-based education in the humanities and social sciences; enable professionals to cope with social, ethical, and multi-cultural aspects of engineering from their values-centered educational experience.

Outcomes needed to appreciate the importance of life-long learning: be aware of educational needs to understand emerging technologies; undertake graduate education, continuing education and professional licensing.

¹ Objectives are expected accomplishments of some or all engineering graduates during their first few years (3-5) after graduation.

Outcomes are considered to be those intellectual abilities and practical skills  that a student is expected to  possess at the time of graduation.

Engineering Education

The foundation of the engineering curriculum includes: (1) the study of science representing the current state of human knowledge of the physical world and its behavior; (2) the study of mathematics, the language and tool that engineers use to describe the physical world; (3) breadth of study in the humanities and social sciences, the basis for making ethical and moral engineering decisions; (4) development of the ability for independent learning and critical thinking; and, (5) development of skills in written, verbal, and graphical communication.

In an age of revolutionary advances in science and technology continual re-examination of trends in engineering education becomes imperative. Accordingly Manhattan’s engineering faculty, in consultation with a distinguished group of engineers and industrial leaders assembled from engineering-related organizations, the Manhattan College Council on Engineering Affairs, study and evaluate the concepts of engineering education and the College’s program.  These studies re-emphasize the importance of humanities, mathematics and sciences as the foundation of engineering education. The engineering curriculum is, therefore, planned to provide the sound and broad education required in important branches of engineering.

Curricula

The engineering curricula have been designed with two premises in mind: one, that sound undergraduate engineering education must establish fundamental concepts at the expense of specialization; and two, that first-line engineering research, development or design requires post-collegiate specialization and advanced study through graduate work or industrial training, together with continuing self development.

The engineering curricula are four-year programs and lead to the bachelor of science degree in one of the traditional branches of engineering: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Programs provide opportunities for minor studies or concentrations within its discipline. Despite the apparent division of engineering study into these curricula, there is a core engineering curriculum designed to offer the fundamental education required for all engineering students.

All students must complete ENGL 110. International students may be required to successfully complete ENGL 095 or ENGL 106 before enrolling in ENGL 110. Students graduating from an American high school may be required to complete ENGL 106 before enrolling in ENGL 110. Neither ENGL 095 nor ENGL 106 will count towards degree credit in any engineering program.

The curriculum for the first year is common to all branches of engineering. In order to enable a student to test his or her interest in one of the major engineering disciplines, he or she takes designated courses from this discipline in the sophomore year. The curricula of the various engineering majors are outlined at the end of this section.

Each curriculum offers four areas of study:

1.   Humanities and Social Science Studies: Courses in this area comprise about one fifth of the entire curriculum and are conducted throughout the four years. This sequence aims to develop foundations for the fuller life of the student as a person. Courses in history, literature, philosophy, social sciences and religious studies blend humanistic and religious knowledge with the scientific and technological growth of the student so that he or she may progress as a more complete person toward a satisfying professional life.

2.   Mathematics and the Basic Sciences: Approximately one quarter of the entire curriculum provides a thorough grounding in mathematics, at least through differential equations, and the basic sciences of chemistry and physics. These subjects are essential to all engineering students as the foundation of the engineering sciences. All students are required to pass a mathematics proficiency examination prior to taking Calculus I.

3.   The Engineering Sciences: Fundamental concepts in engineering sciences provide a comprehensive foundation for all engineering disciplines. Topics such as statics, dynamics, electrical circuits, materials science, and thermodynamics integrate and build on principles introduced in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Engineering science enables students to develop the competence to apply essential principles to synthesize and design engineering systems.

4.   The fourth area of study is the major field which is described in the following paragraphs.

The Major

Although significant specialization is postponed until after the bachelor’s degree, basic programs in Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering are offered as a major, comprising about one half of each curriculum. Each student is able to concentrate on one aspect of the engineering discipline in greater depth and to develop proficiency in engineering design.

The programs in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering are accredited at the basic level by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology.

 

 

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

 

Minor Studies

To provide the engineering student with the opportunity to develop some depth in an area other than the major, it is possible to minor in a number of programs.

Students may minor in Biology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Chemistry, English, Government, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Peace Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Urban Affairs. In general a minor consists of 15 credits. Courses must be completed at Manhattan College.

Engineering students may also choose to minor in another engineering discipline. The following minor programs are offered:

Chemical Engineering:

CHML 207, 208, 305, 306, and one of CHML 308, 321, 439 or CHEM 319.

Civil Engineering:

CIVL 302, 303, 308, 309, 409.

Computer Engineering:

CMPT 101, 102, ELEC 229, 230, and one additional course approved by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Chair.

Electrical Engineering:

ELEC 203, 229, and three courses to be approved by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Chair.

Environmental Engineering:

ENGS 204, ENVL 202, 315 or 505, 506, and one of the following Environmental Engineering design classes: ENVL 307, 408, 410, 435.

Mechanical Engineering:

A different minor program is defined for each of the other programs.

•     Chemical Engineering: ENGS 206, 220, and MECH 211, 230, 323.

•     Civil Engineering: MECH 211, 302, 323, 325, 411.

•     Electrical and Computer Engineering: MECH 211, 230, 318, 323, 325.

•     Environmental Engineering: ENGS 220, and MECH 211, 230, 302, 325

Note that students are responsible for any required prerequisites. Completion of the minor may qualify students for entry to the graduate program of the minor department. Students should contact the chair of the minor department for further information.

Engineering students may pick up an Application for Minor form in the Office of the Dean of Engineering. After the form is completed by the department Chair offering the minor, the form should be returned to the Office of the Dean of Engineering by the student.  When all courses have been completed, the Dean will notify the Office of the Registrar.

Cooperative 3-2 Program

Engineering at Manhattan College has cooperative arrangements with several liberal arts Colleges which enables a student to earn a B.S. degree in liberal arts and a B.S. in engineering degree in one of the engineering programs after five years of study. The B.S. degree with a major in chemistry, physics, or mathematics is awarded by the liberal arts college and the B.S. in engineering degree by Manhattan College. The student spends the first three years of the five year sequence at the liberal arts college and the final two years in Engineering at Manhattan College.

Ten colleges are presently participating in this program:

College of The Sacred Heart

Dominican College

Le Moyne College

Pace University

Saint Anselm College

Saint Thomas Aquinas College

Saint John Fisher College

Siena College

St. John’s University

St. Joseph’s College (Maine)

Transferring from a Community College

Students who complete a pre-engineering program will generally be permitted to transfer up to 67 credits towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. In accordance with accreditation principles of the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, transfer credit will only be permitted for courses in which a grade of C (2.0) or higher has been earned.

Students who graduate with an Associate Degree in a technology program will generally only be permitted to transfer 9 credits towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree.

Engineering maintains articulation agreements with many of the community colleges in the Tri-State area. Additional information can be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Engineering at (718) 862-7281.

Graduate-Level Courses (5XX, 6XX, 7XX)

Students in all engineering disciplines, who have a grade point average of at least 3.00 or the permission of the department chair can elect to take graduate-level courses. These courses will count for either undergraduate or graduate credit but not for both degree programs. Undergraduate students who enroll for undergraduate credit will be graded according to the standard undergraduate grading system, and the grade will be counted in the undergraduate grade point average. Tuition for the undergraduates in the graduate-level courses will be charged at the undergraduate rates provided the student does not exceed the total number of credits permitted for the academic year.

Seamless Master’s Degree Program

Outstanding students may be invited to participate in a Seamless Master’s Degree program in Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering. Academically strong students who enter Manhattan College with Advanced Placement and/or undergraduate college credit will generally be in a position to take graduate courses during their senior year at Manhattan College while completing the requirements for the Bachelor’s degree. It may then be possible to obtain a Master’s degree with an additional year of study.

Undergraduate students who have earned a minimum of 3.20 GPA are eligible to apply for the Seamless Master’s Degree program upon the recommendation of a member of the engineering faculty. Transfer students may be considered after completing courses at Manhattan College. Admitted students are required to complete the baccalaureate degree with a 3.00 GPA prior to continuing for the additional year of graduate study.

Students admitted into the Seamless Master’s Degree program may enroll in 500, 600, or 700 level courses while completing the requirements for the Bachelor’s degree. These courses will count for either undergraduate or graduate credit but not for both degree programs. Since some required graduate courses are offered on a two-year rotation, admitted students must meet with the chair of the major department prior to their senior year in order to select appropriate 500, 600, and 700-level courses to satisfy the Master’s Degree requirements. There is no tuition increase for enrolling in graduate courses during the senior year provided the student does not exceed the total number of credits permitted for the academic year.

After completing the undergraduate degree requirements, financial support may be available from individual departments for the additional year of graduate study. This support typically includes research assistantships, academic scholarships and grants, and industrial fellowships.

Professional and Career Development

Professional Engineering Licensing

An important goal for each engineering student is to achieve the distinction of being a licensed professional engineer. Receipt of the baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) is one important step. The requirements for licensure include a two part examination. Engineering students in good academic standing at Manhattan College may take the first part, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, during their senior year. This FE examination is heavily based on mathematics, basic sciences, and the engineering sciences. The engineering curriculum at Manhattan College is excellent preparation for success on the examination.

Preparation for Law School

Students interested in entering law school may receive information and guidance through the Prelegal Advisory Committee. In addition to personal interviews, the Committee conducts group meetings to advise students on specialized fields of law. The committee makes information available on requirements for admission to law schools, the availability of scholarships, and special opportunities in the legal profession. Further information is available from the Office of the Chair of the Prelegal Advisory Committee.

Preparation for Medicine and Dentistry

The Health Professions Advisory Committee is a body of faculty members who give guidance to students interested in preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry and allied fields. The Committee attempts to help students become aware of the qualifications essential for admission to professional schools. The Committee advises students on the selection of programs of study that will furnish them with specialized pre-professional courses in the sciences and with a broad liberal education to prepare them for effective participation in the human community. Further information is available from the Office of the Chair of the Health Advisory Committee.

The minimum required courses for admission to professional schools are:

Biology 111-112, 113-114, Chemistry 101-102, 319-320, 323-324, English 110, Mathematics 103-104, and Physics 101-102 or 107-108. Specific schools may require or recommend other courses. Pre-professional students are expected to maintain an average of at least a 3.0 in their science courses.

Academic Standing

Students are considered to be in good academic standing in the College when their Manhattan College cumulative grade point average is at least 2.00. In addition, to be considered in good academic standing in the School of Engineering, their cumulative engineering grade point average must be at least 2.00, and their term grade point average must be at least 2.00. Grade point averages are computed at the end of each semester.

A letter of academic warning is typically issued to each student earning a grade of D or F in any given semester, but is still in good academic standing in Engineering. Letters of academic warning in two consecutive semesters, while the student is still in good academic standing in Engineering, will result in a meeting with the Academic Advisor or the Dean. The letter of academic warning clearly spells out the danger to an academic program of receiving unacceptable grades.

A letter of academic probation is typically issued to each student failing to remain in good academic standing in Engineering. Also, a letter of academic probation is typically issued to students receiving multiple unsatisfactory grades (especially grades of F) even though the student may be in good academic standing. Freshman failing to remain in good academic standing after their first semester may be placed on academic probation. Students on probation are required to take a reduced course load of 12 credits for the following semester and may be restricted from participating in College activities. Students may remove themselves from academic probation by achieving a grade point average of 2.0 by the end of the following regular semester. Failing to achieve good academic standing while on probation can lead to an academic contract or, in extreme cases, dismissal.

A letter of academic contract is typically issued to students failing to achieve good academic standing in Engineering as a result of their being on academic probation. Also, a letter of academic contract is typically issued to a student if the most recent term grade point average falls below 1.0 even if they were not on probation the previous semester. A student may not be on academic contract for two consecutive semesters without authorization of the Dean.

Students are subject to suspension when they fail to satisfy the terms of the academic contract or fail to achieve good academic standing while on probation. In these situations, a judgment is made by the Dean that the student’s studies should be interrupted for a designated time period, usually six months or one year, before reinstatement would be considered. Suspended students must present evidence of their ability to continue their studies successfully when applying for such reinstatement into the School of Engineering. Upon return, suspended students are subject to academic contract for their first semester back.

Dismissal is a permanent separation from Manhattan College (not just the School of Engineering). A letter of dismissal from the College may be issued to each student failing to satisfy the terms of the academic contract or failing to achieve good academic standing while on probation. A student may also be dismissed from the College when they receive failing grades in all courses attempted in any one semester.

Generally, a student not in good academic standing may not enroll in more than four courses or for more than 14 credits, whichever is less. Exceptions to this provision requires the written permission of an Engineering Academic Advisor or the Dean.

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in MATH 103, 104, 201; CHEM 101 and 102; and PHYS 101, 102, as required for their program of study, before enrolling in any 300 level engineering courses. A grade of C (2.0) is required in MATH 203 prior to taking any 400 level engineering course.

A student is permitted no more than three grades below a C (2.0) in Engineering Courses. If a student earns less than a C (2.0) in more than three engineering courses, the student must repeat one or more of them, and earn grade of C (2.0). The course(s) to be repeated will be determined in consultation with, and with the approval of, an Engineering Academic Advisor.

The following courses are included in the above requirement: CHEM 309, 310, 319, 320, and 323; PHYS 201, 251; all CMPT and MATH courses required for any engineering program, and any math and science elective courses. Additional courses may be added and students are advised to connect with the chair of the department.

Humanities and Social Science Requirements

Studies in humanities and social sciences serve not only to meet the objectives of a broad education but also to meet the objectives of the engineering profession.

Students matriculating in September 1995 and thereafter must choose nine courses (27 credit hours) from programs offered by the School of Arts. ENGL 110 and RELS 110 are required of all students. The remaining seven classes shall include no more than two from any one department and may follow a common theme. These courses must include:

•     One Literature course offered by the English Department.

•     One Humanities course (Modern Foreign Languages, (200 Level or higher) Fine Arts, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and English).

•     Two Social Studies courses (Government, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology).

•     One additional course in either the Humanities or Social Sciences.

•     Two Religion courses (one 300 Level and one 400 Level course)

Additional restrictions may be applied and final approval of all Humanities and Social Science courses are subject to approval by the Office of the Dean.

Students matriculated prior to September 1995 must select one literature course offered by the English Department. Two courses from one of the following humanities must be completed: Fine Arts, History, Modern Foreign Language (200 level or higher), Philosophy, Religious Studies, English. One course from one of the social sciences must be completed: Economics, Government, Psychology, Sociology. One additional course from one of the following departments must also be completed: Economics, English, Fine Arts, Government, History, Modern Foreign Languages (200 level or higher), Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

Guidance Program

The guidance and advisory program for students in Engineering follows the pattern established for the entire College. Freshmen are advised by the Academic Advisor in the Office of the Dean of Engineering. The chairs of engineering departments act as advisors to upper division students. These students may also receive guidance and advice through the Office of the Dean of Engineering. The phone number for the Office of the Dean of Engineering is (718) 862-7281.

Departmental faculty are also available to counsel junior and senior students with respect to career opportunities in their major, as well as the program of study.

Student Societies

Student chapters of several national engineering societies have been established at Manhattan College to assist the student in becoming familiar with the engineering profession: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Other organizations of special interest to engineering students include: American Chemical Society, Newton Mathematical Society, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Association of Computing Machinery, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers, Electronics Club, The New York Water Environment Association, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. Chapters of Tau Beta Pi (Engineering), Omega Chi Epsilon (Chemical Engineering), Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering), Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering), Tau Chi Alpha (Environmental Engineering) and Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering) honor societies have been chartered at Manhattan College to recognize students who excel in scholarship and leadership. Member-ship in these national honor societies is open to juniors and seniors.

CERTIFICATION FOR GRADUATION

The Dean of the School of Engineering must certify that the student has satisfied all requirements for his or her program of study prior to graduation. The Dean may approve program modifications, if necessary, to meet program requirements.