Information About

Co-operative Engineering Education Program

Many mechanical engineering undergraduates elect to participate in the five-year Cooperative Engineering Education Program (Co-op), which provides alternate periods of on-the-job industrial experience with regular classwork at Northwestern. Typically, such students work in industry for two quarters (summer and one academic quarter) during each of their last three years after completing two years (six academic quarters) of study. During the 18 months of industrial employment, a student is afforded the opportunity of applying theory while gaining practical experience. The perspective gained enables students to develop an understanding of the responsibilities of their future professional career.

Students in good academic standing normally elect the Co-op program in the Fall of the Sophomore year by contacting the McCormick Cooperative Engineering Education Office, Tech Rm. L370. The office works with students to obtain a cooperative work assignment related to the student's professional objectives.

Generally, the first work experience for Co-op students occurs during the summer between their Sophomore and Junior years. Co-op experience for Junior transfer students and others with two years of academic credit begins in the spring of their Junior year. If necessary, special schedules can be worked out with the help of the student's academic advisor that will enable the student to fulfill special academic requirements as well as Co-op. These include four-year Co-op programs for students with advanced placement, and combined BS/MS programs. Co-op students are required to register at Northwestern for their work quarters, but no tuition or fee is charged.

Although emphasis is placed upon the experience gained from Co-op work rather than upon the income, Co-op students may earn a sizable portion of their educational expenses. The first work assignment currently averages about $1600 per month (based on 1992-93 figures).

In addition to the academic degree, the faculty of the McCormick School awards the Co-op student a certificate in recognition of successful completion of the Co-operative Engineering Education Program.

Two BS Degrees

Students with a wide range of interests may work toward two Bachelor of Science degrees in engineering. The full requirements for each degree must be approved by both departments (or program) no later than two academic quarters before completion of work for the second degree. The full requirements for each degree must be satisfied. At least 54 courses or equivalents must be presented before the awarding of a second degree. Students seeking two Bachelor of Science degrees in engineering should work with an advisor in each degree program. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a second bachelors degree outside of engineering should contact the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, Stephen Carr.

BS/MS Program

An option open to mechanical engineering undergraduates is the combined BS/MS program. Integrated planning of course work allows simultaneous study in undergraduate and graduate courses and early entrance into project or research work. Advanced placement, course exemption, and/or demonstrated proficiency may make it possible to complete the combined program in less than the normal five years. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree should contact the Mechanical Engineering Department Chair, Ted Belytschko, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, Stephen Carr.

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science Scholars Program

A high school student admitted into this program is almost immediately involved in the research program of an active faculty. Generally, the student will engage in research both during the academic year and during the summer, when he or she would be supported by the faculty or the McCormick School. Students in this program follow an accelerated academic curriculum, capitalizing upon advanced placement credits. Depending upon the advanced standing and record at Northwestern the student might be admitted to the Graduate School in the Ph.D. program as early as the third academic year. Support for the student (full tuition and stipend) would then be provided by the university through a Cabell or Murphy Fellowship. This program provided an opportunity for outstanding high school students to obtain their Ph.D. degrees in as little as six years after their high school graduation. The students are provided with continuous opportunities to interact directly with active researchers and to publish in recognized scientific journals at an early age.

Undergraduate Honors Program

A student with a good scholastic record may be admitted to the Undergraduate Honors Program anytime during the junior or pre-senior year. At the time of admission, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better. An honors student participating in the program must complete at least three units of approved advanced study (including courses normally accepted at the graduate level) with an average grade of B or better, and complete an extended independent study project (at least two quarters on the same topic) leading to an acceptable report. Successful completion of the Honors program will be noted on the student's transcript. Recognition will also be given in the commencement program. If a student's individually evaluated performance is not judged to meet the standards of success, the student will receive course grades and credit as earned.