Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in General Engineering

Learn how to apply science and math to design, construct, operate and maintain solutions to technical problems

general engineering student

“General engineering gives me more class options and will stand out when applying to med school.”

Leigh Hardin

General engineering student from Jackson, MS

About this program

A general engineering background provides you with an understanding of the core math, scientific and technical principles needed for engineering. You’ll learn about problem-solving, as well as gain teamwork, leadership and communications skills.

With a bachelor degree in engineering from Ole Miss, you’ll be equipped for many engineering – and non-engineering – career paths. This could be as a project engineer, medical doctor, lawyer, military, business person and many other opportunities.

The perks of a general engineering degree

Broader horizon – you get the core engineering science principles plus the flexibility to widen your course selection outside of engineering.

Tailored program – you can choose an emphasis in business, manufacturing, pre-med, and ROTC studies – or one designed around your personal goals.

Exposure to different disciplines – you can take courses from multiple engineering departments to explore potential career paths.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Major

    Area of Study

    Engineering

    Duration

    4 years

    Degree

    B.S. in Engineering

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Emphases

    Business, Manufacturing, Pre-med, ROTC studies

    Required Credit Hours

    127

    Beyond the classroom

    students working on electrical project

    Co-ops and internships

    Work for a semester or the summer in a company or lab to see what engineers do.

    Real-world experience
    engineering student in lab

    Research

    Help our professors in their research efforts –from advanced manufacturing to complex computing, from health technology to sustainability.

    Explore our research areas
    two students sitting at a table

    Student organizations

    Take part in an engineering club and learn more about your field in one of our professional societies.

    Student orgs

    What to expect

    As a student entering the general engineering program, you’ll be immersed in a blend of mathematics and sciences, along with electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering principles early on. These concepts coalesce to show you how to design, construct, operate, and maintain various structures and materials composing our world. Then, from an intensive core combining mechanics, materials, and thermodynamics, you’ll forge your own path ahead with a related specialization area or design your own degree program based around your personal and career goals.

    General engineering composes a firm foundation for all other disciplines. In considering your studies here and your career, this broad-reaching area gets you envisioning the full process behind designing, developing, building, testing, and maintaining something from a software program to a physical structure. This vast and interlocking understanding benefits individuals seeking a position in product, process, systems, manufacturing, or development engineering or a role where you’ll be expected to guide projects from concept to completion.

    General engineering further reflects the School of Engineering’s mission. Since our start in 1900, we’ve aimed to create well-rounded professionals ready to direct projects, develop advanced ideas, transform thought, and drive advancements in the field.

    Curriculum

    Upon starting the course sequence for your major, you’ll explore:

    • engineering as a problem-solving tool and how to apply scientific principles;
    • structural programming techniques and numerical and graphic engineering applications;
    • engineering-relevant mathematical concepts, including vector algebra, equilibrium, friction, inertia, trusses, machines and frames, linear algebra, probability, and statistical methods;
    • the mechanics of deformable bodies, with emphasis on stress, strain, axial loading, bending, and torsion;
    • materials science, from structures and properties to system design;
    • thermodynamics, including equilibrium, variables, and multi-phase systems;
    • fluid mechanics, from properties and statics to volume approach, system response, and design parameters concerning performance and stability;
    • electric circuit theory concepts and laws;
    • leadership and entrepreneurship in engineering;
    • product design and development tools; and
    • project management concepts, tools, and terminology.

    Aerospace Studies

    Prepare for entry into the U.S. Air Force with a group of courses highlighting U.S. air and space power. Expand your understanding of the field’s history and evolution, existing national security issues, and key leadership and management skills required of today’s officers. Review all required courses for the Aerospace Studies emphasis.

    Business Administration

    Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and general managers, this all-encompassing perspective strives to strengthen your fundamental business skills. Courses cover more technical competencies to leadership and management theories needed to direct teams and projects. Review all required courses for the Business Administration emphasis

    Manufacturing

    Ole Miss’ invigorating collaborative environment replicates what you’ll experience in a manufacturing career. Apply your engineering skills to transform ideas into finished products while exploring other related disciplines through coursework and hands-on experience, including accounting and business. Review all required courses for the Manufacturing emphasis

    Military Science

    Ole Miss’ Army ROTC program helps graduate driven second lieutenants for the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, and the National Guard. Through this emphasis area, you’ll refine what you know about leadership and problem-solving while building off your engineering knowledge. Review all courses for the Military Science emphasis

    Naval Science

    Through Ole Miss’ Naval ROTC program, you’ll learn to lead, take charge, and make challenging decisions as a midshipman, MECEP, or officer candidate in the U.S. Navy. Review all courses for the Naval Science emphasis

    Pre-Med Studies

    Prepare to apply to medical school while gaining an adaptable engineering background. This emphasis area helps you fulfill prerequisite requirements in biology, chemistry, and psychology. Review all courses for the Pre-Med Studies emphasis

    Standard Option

    Shape your own journey. You’ll propose a course of study around a single, coherent theme related to engineering, taking into account your goals and where you’d like to see yourself. Learn more about the Standard Option.

    Careers

    Plot out your own course into engineering or a related field where your skill set will prove to be an asset. Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6 percent upswing across all engineering occupations. For individuals with a general engineering background, opportunities include the following roles:

    1. Project engineer
    2. Military officer
    3. Project manager
    4. Product engineer
    5. Process engineer
    6. Systems engineer
    7. Manufacturing engineer
    8. Development engineer

     

    Career Preparation

    All Engineering Programs

    Find the Ole Miss Engineering program that is right for you.

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?