Engineering Exploration

Spend up to a year exploring RIT’s portfolio of engineering majors before you declare a major.

Overview for Engineering Exploration

If you are passionate about engineering and all it encompasses – from science, mathematics, innovation, and design to processes and operations – but aren’t sure which major best matches your interests and career goals, the engineering exploration option is for you. Through a seminar offered in your first semester, you will gain an in-depth understanding of each engineering major, enabling you to identify the program that best meets your interests and career aspirations. You will have a full academic year to make an informed decision about the engineering career path that’s best for you as you remain on pace to graduate on time.

The engineering exploration option is for students who would like additional time to fully explore RIT’s portfolio of engineering majors before committing to a program of study. Students may choose a major anytime during the first year.

What You’ll Study

During your first semester, you’ll take a one-credit course, Engineering Exploration Seminar, which provides an overview of RIT’s engineering programs and the career opportunities in each field. Since each engineering program shares similar first-year course offerings, the course work you take as an engineering exploration student will transfer into all engineering programs without any loss of time toward graduation.

Students in the engineering exploration program are guaranteed admission into any engineering program in the Kate Gleason College, provided the student is in good academic standing and has successfully completed Calculus I.

Engineering vs. Engineering Technology

Two dynamic areas of study, both with outstanding outcomes rates. Which do you choose?

What’s the difference between engineering and engineering technology? It’s a question we’re asked all the time. While there are subtle differences in the course work between the two, choosing a major in engineering vs. engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.

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#51 Best Engineering Undergraduate Programs, 2025

RIT’s engineering majors are ranked among the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs in the nation.

Find out why

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Engineering Exploration

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Engineering Exploration, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
MATH-181	Calculus I	4
This is the first in a two-course sequence intended for students majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of the derivative, Riemann sums, definite integrals, and indefinite integrals. (Prerequisites: MATH-111 or (NMTH-220 and NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275) or equivalent courses with a minimum grade of B-, or a score of at least 60% on the RIT Mathematics Placement Exam.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
CHMG-131	General Chemistry for Engineers	3
This rigorous course is primarily for, but not limited to, engineering students. Topics include an introduction to some basic concepts in chemistry, stoichiometry, First Law of Thermodynamics, thermochemistry, electronic theory of composition and structure, and chemical bonding. The lecture is supported by workshop-style problem sessions. Offered in traditional and online format. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
EGEN-100	Engineering Exploration Seminar (fall)	1
A one-credit hour seminar course for engineering exploration students that provides information to introduce the seven engineering programs offered at RIT. Program curricula, sample lab/project work, and various career opportunities pertaining to each major are presented. (This course is restricted to ENGRX-UND or UNIVST-UND Major students.) Lecture 1 (Fall).
	General Education- First Year Writing	3
	General Education Perspective Courses	9-12
MATH-182	Calculus II	4
This is the second in a two-course sequence. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers techniques of integration including integration by parts, partial fractions, improper integrals, applications of integration, representing functions by infinite series, convergence and divergence of series, parametric curves, and polar coordinates. (Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH-181 or MATH-181A or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
PHYS-211	University Physics I	4
This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton's Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. (Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH-181 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: MATH-182 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall, Spring).
	Engineering Course‡	3-6
YOPS-10	RIT 365: RIT Connections	0
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
	Wellness Education*	0
Total Semester Credit Hours		31-37

Please see General Education Framework for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

‡ Students choose one or two engineering courses in consultation with their adviser.

Admissions and Financial Aid

First-Year Admission

A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:

4 years of English
3 years of social studies and/or history
4 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus is preferred.
2-3 years of science. Chemistry and physics are required.

Transfer Admission

Transfer course recommendations without associate degree
Pre-engineering courses such as calculus, calculus-based physics, chemistry, and liberal arts.

Appropriate associate degree programs for transfer
AS degree in engineering science

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

December 6, 2023

SHED serves new generation of makers, performers, and active learners

With its five extra-large classrooms, seven makerspaces, performing arts studios, and glass box theater, the $120 million SHED complex is made for a new generation of RIT students who see themselves as makers and doers, performers, and active learners.
April 25, 2023

SHED and Wallace Library classrooms offer new teaching and learning experience

When the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) opens in the fall, the multi-use facility will create an entirely new learning environment for RIT faculty and students alike.