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 spring semester events. 

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

College of Engineering Exploration Activities


Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Prospective Student Visit

February 24 | 2 sessions: 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
204 Sackett

For more information, contact Robert Melton at rgmelton@psu.edu.

What is aerospace engineering? Video »


Architectural Engineering

Architectural Prospective Student Visit
February 24 | 2 sessions: 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
104 Engineering Unit A

For more information, contact Ben Carr at bjc5186@psu.edu.

What is architectural engineering? Video »


Biological Engineering 

What is biological engineering? Video »

Explore & Tour Biological Engineering 
February 13 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
133 Ag. Engineering Building 

Students will learn about opportunities in BE by touring research, teaching, and collaboration spaces. Sweet treats will be provided. 

For more information, contact Megan Marshall at mnm11@psu.edu 


Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Prospective Student Visit
February 24 | 1:00 p.m.
116 CBEB

For more information, contact Justin Brown at jlb92@psu.edu.

What is biomedical engineering? Video »


Chemical Engineering

CHE Major Exploration Night
February 13 | 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
001 CBEB

An opportunity for pre-major students to hear about the CHE major.

For more information, contact Alishia Moore at arl12@psu.edu.

What is chemical engineering? Video »


Civil Engineering

What is civil engineering? Video »

CE Major Exploration Night: A Student Panel Discussion 
February 27 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm 
202 Hammond Building (Stavley Conference Room) 
RSVPs encouraged 

A panel of current students will be available to describe their experiences as civil engineering undergraduates. Exploring students will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, research, co-curriculars, and career options within civil engineering. Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information, contact Jena Bogovich at jzb6652@psu.edu 

Pre-recorded Open House
View event recording.


Computer Engineering

What is computer engineering? Video »


Computer Science

Computer Science and Engineering Prospective Student Visit

February 24 | 1:00 p.m.
W375 Westgate

For more information, contact John Hannon at jjh9@psu.edu.

CSE Major Exploration Presentation

Students can view a pre-recorded presentation by faculty and studentsStudents can view a pre-recorded presentation by a faculty and students  

What is computer science? Video »


Data Sciences

What is data science? Video »


Electrical Engineering

EE Major Information Night
February 21 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.
101 Electrical Engineering East

A presentation about the EE major (with a couple of demos) and a panel discussion with current EE undergrads. Food will be provided.

For more information, contact David Salvia, dsalvia@psu.edu.

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. 

Multidisciplinary Engineering Design: Program Overview and Virtual Tour of MDE Facilities (Penn State Abington, Penn State Brandywine, and Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies)


School of Engineering Design and Innovation

SEDI Minors Night  
February 1 | 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. 
Kunkle Lounge, Hammond Building

Students will meet faculty and current students and learn more about the minors available with SEDI.  

For more information, contact Denise Olivett at dro3@psu.edu 


Engineering Science

What is engineering science? Video »

ESM Spring Mixer 
February 23
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
Kunkle Lounge, Hammond Building

Students will have a chance to speak with faculty and students about the ESM program and research opportunities available to them. Food will be provided.  

For more information, contact Shelby Barron at sxb5933@psu.edu.


Industrial Engineering

What is industrial engineering? Video »

IME Open Houses

March 21 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. 
March 22 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
113 Leonhard Building

Students will have a tour of our building and a presentation from our undergraduate team.  

For more information, contact Kelly Schiffer at knk5138@psu.edu 


Mechanical Engineering

What is mechanical engineering? Video »

Explore ME Open House 
February 7 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
125 Reber Building 

Students will interact with third- and fourth-year ME students, explore our building and labs, and build a 3D-printed gadget to take home. 

For more information, contact Sachin Gore at sag114@psu.edu 


Nuclear Engineering

NucE Major Exploration Student Panel
February 15 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
112 Hallowell Building

Students will interact with a graduate student panel and food will be provided.

For more information, contact Melika Sharifironizi at mvs6807@psu.edu.

What is nuclear engineering? Video »


College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Earth and Mineral Sciences Exposition (EMEX)
March 25 | 8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
14 Deike Building

EMEX is the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ annual student-run Open House. All high school students, current Penn State students, and transfer students who are considering an EMS major are invited to attend.

EMEX provides an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, students, and alumni. All EMS facilities will be open for tours. EMS offers several engineering degrees that are accredited by ABET.

For more information, contact Stacy Davidson at sjp123@psu.edu.


Energy and Mineral Engineering


Environmental Systems Engineering


Mining Engineering


Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering


Materials Science and Engineering


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.

If you have questions, please schedule a virtual appointment with us. We’d love to learn more about your interests and help you find the right path.