FAQs

Additional information about why you might choose Integrative Engineering

Q. What is the program?
A. The program provides a broad-based and rigorous engineering curriculum based on systems thinking, and gives you an opportunity to focus your studies in one of three interdisciplinary fields of engineering: bioengineering, environment & energy, or robotics. Students in the program take courses from multiple departments and programs within engineering that are relevant to their particular focus area.

Q. What degree will I get upon graduation?
A. The program results in a B.S. in Integrative Engineering.

Q. Is Integrative Engineering unique to Lafayette?
A. Not really. A growing number of institutions have recognized the need for a more cross-disciplinary approach to engineering education and are offering similar programs, often under the name of “Integrated” or “Integrative” engineering.

Q. What is the systems thinking component?
A. Systems thinking is a holistic approach that emphasizes understanding the connections/interconnections between the various components of a system, and how those interactions may impact the way it behaves.  Systems thinking provides a common language for understanding and modeling diverse applications across various fields both within and outside of engineering. The program includes a sequence of three core courses (ES 103, ES 201, ES 30x) that focus on this approach.

Q. How do the requirements of the program compare with those of the other engineering programs?
A. The total credits (36) and math/science requirements are the same as for the other B.S. engineering degrees. The total number of required STEM courses is 24 rather than 26, with the other two courses being focus area-related courses from any division of the College (i.e., they are not free electives). Given the emphasis on systems thinking, among the required courses are a course in Computer Science and a course in Engineering and Public Policy. The program requires more courses than the Engineering Studies (EGRS) program, which is an A.B. degree program with 19 required courses out of a total of 32.

Q. I am interested in environmental engineering or working in the renewable energy field. How do I choose between Integrative Engineering with a focus area in Environment & Energy and Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Engineering Studies?
A. You can get some exposure to environmental engineering and renewable energy through courses that are offered in any of the engineering programs. You can also work with faculty on related research projects regardless of which degree you chose. Integrative engineering with a focus in environment and energy differs from the other programs in using a systems approach to environmental problems and allowing you more opportunity to develop your background in this area and to focus your coursework and electives in environment & energy systems by selecting relevant courses from multiple departments and programs (both inside and outside engineering). For example, you can pick courses from CE, ChE, ME, and EGRS, and count them toward the degree requirements. You also have the opportunity to take two environment-related courses from Environmental Science & Studies or other social sciences and humanities programs and have them count toward your focus area requirements. This will be done in consultation with your advisor and through lists of approved electives in the environment & energy concentration.

Q. I am interested in environmental problems like flooding and dams and water management but not necessarily water and air pollution. How do I choose between Integrative Engineering with a focus in Environment & Energy and Civil Engineering?
A. Civil Engineering includes water resources engineering as a sub-field and is likely the best choice for you.

Q. I am interested in bioengineering or working in the biomedical engineering field. How do I choose between Integrative Engineering with a focus in Bioengineering and other BS degrees (Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical & Computer Engineering)?
A. You can get some exposure to bioengineering topics through elective courses currently offered, regardless of degree program. For example, some current courses offered in engineering are Drug Delivery, Biomechanics, Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Systems Modeling and Analysis. You can also work with faculty on bioengineering-related research projects regardless of which degree you chose. The program differs in using a systems approach and in allowing you more opportunity to develop a broad background in this area and to focus your coursework and electives in bioengineering systems by selecting relevant courses from multiple departments and programs (both inside and outside engineering). There are two upper-level biology courses required, for example. Additionally, you have the opportunity to take two bioengineering-related courses from the social sciences and humanities and have them count toward your degree requirements. This will be done in consultation with your advisor and through lists of approved electives in the bioengineering concentration.

Q. I am interested in robotics. How do I choose between Integrative Engineering with a focus in robotics and Mechanical Engineering or Electrical & Computer Engineering?
A. You will have the opportunity to work with faculty on robotics-related projects regardless of whether you choose ECE, ME, or Integrative Engineering. However, there are a few key differences between the degrees that may inform your choice. If you aren’t sure whether robotics is really your primary interest, but it is one of a few possible career options you’re considering, you may want to consider either the ECE or ME degrees. An ME or ECE degree will prepare you well for industry in a variety of fields, including robotics, and will also prepare you well for graduate school. You might want to choose ECE if your interests include robotics, but are more broadly centered on electronics or software. If your interests include robotics, but are more broadly centered on mechanisms, manufacturing, or physics, ME might be a better choice. If your interest is primarily in robotics systems, and you are most interested in how robots fit in to fields across and outside of engineering, then integrative engineering with a focus in robotics is probably better suited for you. The degree will allow you to develop a broad background in the fundamentals that make robots “tick,” and you will be able to focus your later coursework on how robots can be integrated into systems that cross the boundaries of ECE, ME, and the other discipline-specific programs. This will be done in consultation with your advisor and through lists of approved electives in the robotics concentration.

Q. What if I change my mind and want to switch out of the program?
A. Switching engineering majors gets progressively more difficult with each passing semester. But if you switch by the start of the sophomore year it is possible – you likely will have to make up one course depending on which major you switch to. You may be able to use ES 103 (Systems 1) as an engineering elective in your new major. Your advisor will help with the transition.

Q. What if I change my mind and want to switch into the program?
A. See the answer to the question above. Yes, it is possible to switch into the program. You would likely have to pick up ES 103 in your sophomore spring and push ES 201 (Systems 2) to fall of your junior year.

Q. How will the program prepare me to find a job or go to graduate school?
A. The program will provide you a solid foundation in your chosen area of focus, so that you are academically well prepared for the next step in your career, whether employment or graduate school. Because integrative engineering is a new program, you may have to work a little harder than your classmates in the more traditional engineering degrees to land your first job – you are strongly encouraged to work with the Gateway Career Center to develop your resume, find internship opportunities, and to take advantage of Lafayette’s network with alumni and potential employers. The fact that Lafayette engineering enjoys strong name recognition will certainly help, but it is up to you to make the most of the opportunities available here to distinguish yourself to employers and graduate schools.

Q. Is the Integrative Engineering degree ABET-accredited?
A. Not yet. Like any new engineering degree program, the program is not eligible for accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) until the year after its first cohort of graduates, which happened in spring 2023. We are currently in the process of obtaining our accreditation (see Accreditation page)