Pre-Engineering Degree Pathways

Student working on a computer in a class setting Interested in becoming an engineer? The University of Saint Mary offers multiple engineering pathways that allow you to build a strong STEM foundation while receiving personalized support from expert faculty.

Whether your goal is mechanical engineering, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, or another engineering specialty, USM provides flexible options that prepare you for success through small class sizes, hands-on learning, and individualized academic advising.

Students can choose the engineering pathway that best aligns with their career goals.

Why Study Pre-Engineering at USM?

At the University of Saint Mary, engineering students benefit from more than rigorous science and mathematics coursework. You'll learn in a supportive environment where faculty know you by name and help you prepare for competitive engineering programs and careers.

Engineering Program Highlights

Small class sizes with personalized faculty mentorship
Strong foundation in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics
Hands-on laboratory and research experiences
Individualized academic advising from your first semester
Transfer planning and partnership support
Scholarship opportunities, including eligible NSF S-STEM funding
Located near Kansas City's growing engineering and technology industries

Engineering Pathways

3+2 Mechanical & Civil Engineering (Applied Mathematics)

Students interested in mechanical engineering or civil engineering can complete USM's 3+2 partnership with the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC).

Students spend three years at USM completing coursework in mathematics, science, general education, and engineering fundamentals before transferring to UMKC for two years of specialized engineering study.

How the 3+2 Program Works

Years 1–3 at USM

Complete foundational mathematics and science courses
Receive personalized advising and faculty mentorship
Prepare for transfer into UMKC's engineering program

Years 4–5 at UMKC

Complete upper-level engineering coursework
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from USM after the first year at UMKC
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering from UMKC after the second year

Why Choose the 3+2 Program?

Students graduate with two bachelor's degrees, combining a strong mathematical foundation with an ABET-accredited engineering education.

3+2 Biomedical Engineering (Applied Biology)

Students interested in biomedical engineering can pursue an innovative 3+2 partnership between USM and UMKC through the Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology.

This interdisciplinary pathway combines biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to prepare students for careers developing medical technologies, improving patient care, and advancing health care innovation.

How the Biomedical Engineering Pathway Works

Years 1–3 at USM

Students complete coursework in:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Engineering fundamentals

Years 4–5 at UMKC

Students complete specialized biomedical engineering coursework.
After successfully completing the first year at UMKC, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology from USM.
After completing the second year, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from UMKC.

Biomedical Engineering Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

Biomedical engineering
Biotechnology
Medical device development
Pharmaceutical research
Health care technology
Laboratory and research sciences
Graduate and professional programs

This pathway combines scientific knowledge with engineering expertise to prepare graduates for one of today's fastest-growing STEM fields.

Pre-Engineering Program

Students who want flexibility in choosing their engineering specialty may enroll in USM's Pre-Engineering Program.

Rather than following a specific transfer partnership, pre-engineering students complete a rigorous foundation in mathematics and science before transferring to the engineering school of their choice.

This option is ideal for students interested in engineering disciplines such as:

Aerospace Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Materials Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Software Engineering
Other specialized engineering fields

Faculty advisors work closely with students to develop an academic plan that meets transfer requirements for their intended university.

Personalized Advising for Future Engineers

From your first semester, USM faculty help you build a plan for success.

Pre-engineering students receive:

Individual academic advising
Long-term degree planning
Transfer preparation
Faculty mentoring
Academic support services
Scholarship guidance

Whether you're pursuing a 3+2 engineering partnership or planning to transfer into another engineering program, you'll receive personalized support throughout your undergraduate experience.

Hands-On STEM Learning

Pre-engineering students gain valuable laboratory and research experience through coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

These experiences strengthen technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities while preparing students for upper-level engineering coursework and professional careers.