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Discover Engineering

Explore Your Undergraduate Engineering Options

In the Discover Engineering program through the School of Engineering at the University of Dayton, you'll explore a wide range of engineering disciplines before committing to a specific major. Through hands-on introductory design courses, specialized lab projects and dedicated faculty advising, you'll test-drive fields like chemical, civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering during your first year — ensuring you choose the right degree path while staying fully on track to graduate on time.

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Fast Fact

5 engineering majors

and 5 co-majors to choose from

About the Discover Engineering Program

Why start in the Discover Engineering program at UD?

The Discover Engineering program is a great way to move toward a four-year degree, even if you are:

  • undecided
  • deciding between multiple majors
  • not quite meeting the benchmarks for the major you applied to
  • in a major, but have decided it's not the right fit

In the Discover Engineering program, you'll be able to explore all engineering academic options at UD. If you're unsure of exactly which major fits you best, we are here to help you find your vocation and success at UD.

Holistic Advising

Our holistic advisors understand the curriculum for all engineering majors at UD. They serve as the primary point of contact for Discover Engineering students for course registration, vocational major exploration and other academic concerns. They work closely with the student's Flight Crew to provide intervention for students who are struggling.

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about Discover Engineering.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

How do I apply to the Discover Engineering program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid
Program Requirements and Curriculum

Discover Engineering Requirements and Information
Requirements

You should be prepared to declare a major by the end of your second year, and will follow the plan for the selected major. An engineering bachelor's degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

See the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

About the Program

Students in the Discover Engineering program work toward a degree and attend Discover Program seminars while deciding their major. Once a major is declared, that will determine the coursework required and degree awarded upon graduation.

Through the Discover Program, students take a seminar acquainting them with the University and the School of Engineering. The seminar will cover the curriculum and careers of each program, as well as complementary minors. With the help of this seminar, along with the assistance of a holistic advisor, students discover the program that best suits their needs and goals.

Program Outcomes
  • Students will articulate the idea of vocation and demonstrate progress in the vocational discernment process.
  • Students will make successful and timely progress toward a degree.
  • Students feel a sense of belonging at the University.
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • CHM 123 – General Chemistry I
    3
  • CHM 123L – General Chemistry Lab
    1
  • EGR 102 – Introduction to the University Experience for Engineers
    0.5
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • MTH 168 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus I
    4
  • EGR 103 – Engineering Innovation
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17.5
Semester 2
  • MTH 169 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus II
    4
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • PHY 206 – General Physics I - Mechanics
    3
  • Choose One of Four Options
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16
* Four options to fill the remaining 4-6 credit hours: CPS 150 (Algorithms & Programming), CHM 124 AND CHM 124L (General Chemistry AND General Chemistry Lab), MEE 105 L AND MEE 104L (Introduction to Experimental Programming AND Solid Modeling in Design), GEO 218 (Geological Site Investigation for Engineers) AND CAP Art

Students should be prepared to declare a major by the end of their first year, and will follow the plan for the selected major.

Note: An engineering bachelor's degree requires a total of 120 credit hours. See the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Discover Engineering Experience

Find Your Home in Engineering

Our Diversity in Engineering Center connects engineering students, faculty, staff, industry and community partners with opportunities for academic success, professional networking and inclusive communities.

Explore the Diversity in Engineering Center

Co-ops and Internships

Take your engineering experience to the next level and find your passion with co-op and internship opportunities. Our Engineering Co-op and Internship office helps students find placements.

Explore Co-ops and Internships

Engineering for the Common Good

UD's ETHOS Center connects students to community partners around the world for community-engaged engineering education, research, partnerships and action. You can participate in immersions or breakouts in the U.S. and abroad for hands-on social impact engineering projects.

Explore the ETHOS Center

Sensors Directorate Internship Program

This program is a unique research collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratories, UD, Wright State University and participating institutions to advance innovative research solutions to difficult and dynamic situations.

Learn More About the Sensors Directorate Internship Program
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support
Community
Experiential Learning
Outcomes
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Ready to Enroll in the Discover Engineering Program at UD?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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