Common First Year
Michigan Tech has a common first-year engineering program.
Within this program, every engineering student takes the same foundational courses:
- math
- engineering
- chemistry
- physics
- composition
- global issues
Two Math-based Pathways
A student’s mathematics placement is determined by the Department of Mathematics. Based on math placement, there are two course pathways through first-year engineering.
Two-semester Sequence for Calculus-ready
Students are considered calculus-ready if they are placed upon enrollment into MA 1160 Calculus with Technology I or MA 1161 Calculus Plus with Technology I or higher. Calculus-ready students have a two-semester sequence in which to complete the first-year engineering program.
Here is a sample plan for your first two semesters.
Fall 15–17 Credits
Spring 15–18 Credits
- Take MA 1160 or MA 1161 in fall.
- A learning community is scheduled for MA 1160, MA 1161, ENG 1101, CH 1150, and CH 1151.
- Students with AP or transfer credits for math will be placed into the next appropriate math course.
Three-semester Sequence for Not Calculus-ready
Students are considered not calculus-ready if they are placed upon enrollment into MA 1032 Precalculus. Students who are not calculus-ready have a three-semester sequence, or 1.5 years, in which to complete the first-year engineering program.
Here is a sample plan for your first three semesters.
Fall One 15–17 Credits
- Take CH 1000 or CH 1150/1.
- A learning community is scheduled for MA 1032 and ENG 1101.
Spring One 15–18 Credits
- Take CH 1150/1 if not taken in Fall 1 or General Education/HASS.
Fall Two 14–17 Credits
Other Placements
Students placed into MA 1030 College Algebra I will start the three semester sequence when they begin MA 1031 College Algebra II with Trigonometry.
