ENGINEERING BRIAN ’13
The “just” engineering major No one can blame Brian for being “just” an engineering major. In fact, the majority of students in the engineering program choose not to add a minor to an already-intense academic repertoire. Why? Calvin’s engineering program is well known for its academic rigor and excellent preparation for the workplace. This reputation is built on a curriculum that consumes most of its students’ academic schedules. While there’s a bit of wiggle room for an elective here or an interim in India there, Brian spends most of his time in engineering and related science courses. But engineering students aren’t exempt from core classes. The number of core classes Brian has taken is slightly less than the average student, but you’ll still see him in that lit class or tennis course. In fact, he appreciates the chance to take some classes outside of his normal program. “Core classes at Calvin have helped me to become a more well-rounded person. Through classes like English, literature, history and economics … I’ve built a wider base of knowledge.”
FAVORITE CORE COURSE: “Introduction to Film and Media” in communication arts and sciences, which fulfills “The Arts” core requirement. “It’s not related to my major, but we got to watch some good movies.”
HOW HE DEALS WITH THE ACADEMIC WORKLOAD: Good time management and taking summer classes to lighten the normal semester load
DO THE MATH:
26
+
32
42
=
engineering major credit hours
+ 10 VERGE
+
semester hours of technical cognates in math, business, chemistry, computer science and physics
credit hours for the mechanical engineering concentration
31
credit hours for core
131 credits
(+ 8 more if you didn’t take two years of foreign language in high school)