Students exploring majors
 

2023 Engineering Major Exploration Activities

Every semester, the Penn State College of Engineering hosts various activities to provide pre-major students with more information about their academic options and help them to make informed major selection decisions. Review the digital resources on this page, and check back for fall semester events. 

Additional resources for first-year student engagement can be found here.

College of Engineering Exploration Activities


Aerospace Engineering

Charting Your Course for Aerospace Engineering
October 2 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | 220 Hammond

Students will hear from the Aerospace Engineering Department head as well as the acting undergraduate program director. They will also have the opportunity for Q&A with students representing a variety of clubs, activities and backgrounds.

What is aerospace engineering? Video »


Architectural Engineering

Prospective Student Visit
September 22, October 6, October 20, November 3 | 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. | 104 Engineering Unit A

Join us for an Architectural Engineering overview session led by faculty and students.

What is architectural engineering? Video »


Biological Engineering 

BE Open House
October 3 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Agricultural Engineering Building Hallway

You will be able to talk to Cibin Raj, undergraduate coordinator, and current students from different major options in BE.

What is biological engineering? Video » 


Biomedical Engineering

Information Session
October 5 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | 107 CBEB

The event will include an informational presentation and opportunity for Q&A.

What is biomedical engineering? Video »


Chemical Engineering

Information Session
October 4 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | 001 CBEB

This will be informational and will include a student panel of ChE students.

What is chemical engineering? Video »


Civil Engineering

Engineer Your Future: A CEE Major Exploration Event
September 26 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Kunkle Lounge

In this one-hour workshop, you will hear from the department's director of undergraduate programs, academic adviser, and current students. There will also be student-led activities and demos!

What is civil engineering? Video »

Pre-recorded Open House
View event recording.


Computer Engineering

CSE Spectacular Event
September 26 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | W375 Westgate

This event will be an informational presentation in which we present and compare the three CSE majors. 

What is computer engineering? Video »


Computer Science

CSE Spectacular Event
September 26 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | W375 Westgate

This event will be an informational presentation in which we present and compare the three CSE majors. 

What is computer science? Video »


Data Sciences

CSE Spectacular Event
September 26 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | W375 Westgate

This event will be an informational presentation in which we present and compare the three CSE majors. 

What is data science? Video »


Electrical Engineering

EE Major Information Night
September 28 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | 101 EE East

This event will be a major information night with discussion and demos.

What is electrical engineering? Video »


Engineering, B.S.

Alternative Energy and Power Generation: Virtual Program Research Showcase (Penn State Hazelton) 
View event recording.

Applied Materials: Brief Major Overview with a Lab and Facilities Tour (Penn State DuBois)
View video. 


Engineering Science

ESM Major Night
October 5 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | TBD

This event will allow prospective students the chance to explore all engineering science has to offer by interacting with current studnets, faculty, and graduate students.

What is engineering science? Video »


Industrial Engineering

Prospective Student Visit
September 22, October 6, October 20, November 3 | 2:00 p.m. | 311 Leonhard Building 

Join us for an Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering overview session led by faculty and students.

IME Open House
September 27 and 29 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon (9/27) and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (9/29) | 113/114 Leonhard Building

The Department of Industrial Engineering will offer an open house for any pre-major students to stop by our undergraduate office. Our academic advisor, Giancarlo Labruna, will be available to answer questions and we will have student ambassadors present to chat with about the IE major. Students will also be able to take a tour of Leonhard led by a student ambassador.

What is industrial engineering? Video »


Mechanical Engineering

ME Open House
September 29 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | 140B Reber Building

This event will be held in a flexible format. Arrive at anytime for 1:1 discussion with our undergradute program coordinator along with mini tour and engagement with current students as available.

What is mechanical engineering? Video »


Nuclear Engineering

NucE Major Night
October 4 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. | Kunkle Lounge

Join us for an open house to meet nuclear engineering faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Have some pizza while learning about nuclear science and engineering and the nuclear engineering major!

What is nuclear engineering? Video »


School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI)

SEDI Minor Event

October 26 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Kunkle Lounge

Join us for Jersey Mikes subs and a chance to meet with faculty and current students to learn more about the minors (engineering design, engineering leadership development, and social entrepreneurship) available within SEDI. 


College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

College of Earth & Mineral Sciences Open House
September 30 | 10:00 a.m. - noon | Deike Building, Ryan Family Student Center

Come find out what makes this small college unique. Meet the Ryan Family Student Center team and explore our space. Make sure to stop by our Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery.  


Energy and Mineral Engineering

Energy & the Environment Coffee Chat
October 3 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hosler Building, Room 110A (Student Lounge)

Come learn about our engineering majors: energy engineering, environmental systems engineering, mining engineering, petroleum and natural gas engineering.


Environmental Systems Engineering


Mining Engineering


Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering


Materials Science and Engineering

MATSE Major Exploration Night
September 27 | 6:00 - 7:30pm | Steidle Atrium

MATSE Major Exploration Night activities include:

  • Material science hands-on demonstrations
  • “What is MATSE?” information table
  • Games – cornhole, Connect 4, Jeopardy
  • Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream

Discover Materials Science and Engineering 
September 30 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.| Steidle Building, Room 112 (Ground Floor) 

Learn about the multi-faceted field of Materials Science and Engineering, a Penn State engineering major within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, by taking part in hands-on demonstrations in polymers, metals, and ceramics. Visitors can also explore Steidle Building, our state-of-the-art academic home and LEED Silver Certified facility. 


College of Information Sciences and Technology

The College of Information Sciences and Technology brings knowledge and experience from a variety of fields—business, computer sciences, psychology, math, sociology, and art, to address the world that exists where people, information, and technology intersect. We are individuals with diverse experiences and circumstances who bring our perspectives together to create a positive impact and open doors for a world of changemakers.

Explore IST's major offerings.

From the classroom to the real world, IST students earn valuable experience and build their professional network through internships. Explore past student internships.