Get quick answers about the Schaefer School at Stevens, including what the programs cover and key curriculum areas. For more details, visit our undergraduate or graduate program pages.
FAQ
What factors determine an admissions decision to the Schaefer School?
Admissions decisions for the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science are based on a holistic review of each applicant. The admissions committee considers high school academic performance, the rigor of coursework (especially in math and science), optional SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular involvement, leadership, essays, and recommendations. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong preparation in STEM, curiosity about technology and innovation, and a willingness to engage in challenging academic work.
Can I get an engineering degree in four years?
Yes. Each engineering program within the Schaefer School is built on the Engineering Design Spine, a series of courses that are intended to take a student four years to complete. After consulting with your program’s Academic Advisor, you may have the option to supplement or adjust the traditional 8 Spring/Fall semesters with summer courses, depending on your academic goals and preferred graduation timeline. The 4-year study plan also provides for opportunities to study abroad, work in research or internships, take part in the Cooperative Education program and take some graduate-level courses early as part of the Accelerated Master’s Program or Accelerated Doctoral Program.
How large are the engineering classes?
Courses for Engineering majors vary in size. Core courses (such as Physics, Chemistry and Circuits) will be taught in lecture halls of 100+ students with smaller recitation and lab sections of approximately 30 seats. Department-led courses (used to satisfy requirements for the major program) typically run between 10 and 50 seats per section, depending on the size of the program. Elective courses, such as those used to satisfy technical electives or Humanities electives, are usually 15 to 30 seats per section.
Can first-year students get involved with research?
Yes. Many Stevens professors and graduate students pursuing their master's or doctoral degrees employ undergraduates in the fall and spring semesters to assist with their projects for academic credit or for a stipend. In addition, as a research university, Stevens has long-standing ties with leading corporations that hire undergraduates for summer positions to assist in their labs. Stevens students also enjoy opportunities to apply to federal research labs for summer fellowships.
Several academic departments offer innovative courses and seminars so students may earn academic credit while conducting research. Course requirements and the number of credits earned varies by department. Speak with your department and your faculty advisor about research opportunities available in your field.
What pre-college programs let students explore engineering beyond class?
Stevens offers a wide range of pre-college programs designed to give high school students a hands-on introduction to engineering and related fields. These programs include immersive summer residential experiences where students live on campus and take rigorous, project-based courses, as well as opportunities to earn college credit by enrolling in actual university classes.
Students can also participate in commuter day or virtual research programs, exploring topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and engineering design. Across all pre-college programs, participants work closely with faculty, engage in real-world projects and gain early exposure to college-level academics and STEM careers.
Applications to Pre-College
Are my SATs and high-school grades good enough for the Schaefer School?
Stevens has no minimum GPA or test score requirement. Successful applicants in recent incoming classes had an average GPA of 3.8 (out of 4.0) and SAT scores in the range of 1380 to 1505. GPAs and test scores are only two indicators of your potential success at Stevens. We consider all of your application materials in making our admissions decisions.
I’ve earned some Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Will they be accepted?
Stevens participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students may receive college credit toward their degree for select AP exams, provided they receive the required scores.
Please note: Students may apply a maximum of 30 credits earned prior to their first semester toward degree requirements. This 30-credit limit includes credits from Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge A-Level, and transfer credits, or any combination of these. This policy applies to students entering Stevens directly from high school who have not previously enrolled as matriculated students at another higher education institution.
How many students are there within the engineering programs?
On average, 500 per grade level or 200 per program. All programs vary in size. The largest and oldest, Mechanical Engineering, has 750 active undergraduate students. Our smallest programs have approximately 40 students each.
Do I have to choose a major to be accepted in the engineering program?
No, you do not need to choose a major to be accepted into the engineering program. Many students begin at Stevens in the Engineering and Science Undecided program, a non-degree option that allows students to explore different engineering disciplines during their first several semesters without feeling limited by a specific major. When students arrive on campus, they are asked to select a host department so that a faculty advisor and academic advisor can be assigned from one of the engineering departments. Students have flexibility during their first three semesters to explore courses and learn about the various engineering fields, and many students switch majors during this time as they discover what interests them most. By the end of the third semester, students are required to select a degree program. Throughout this process, students can discuss their interests with peers, professors and advisors to help determine the major that best fits their goals.
How can high school students prepare for engineering and science studies?
As a first-year applicant interested in studying in the Schaefer School, your academic record should reflect strong progress in the following areas:
Four years of English.
Four years of mathematics (one year of algebra, one year of geometry, one year of pre-calculus and one year of calculus).
Three years of lab science (biology, chemistry and physics).
Find all you need to know about applying to the Schaefer School →
Are your graduates able to find engineering jobs?
Nearly all graduates (96.8%) achieved their post-graduation goals within six months, through employment or graduate school.
Which engineering fields best enable me to help people and the environment?
If your goal is to make a meaningful impact on people and the environment, several engineering disciplines offer strong pathways:
Environmental engineering focuses on protecting ecosystems and public health through clean water, pollution control and sustainable systems.
Biomedical engineering improves quality of life by developing medical devices and life-saving technologies.
Electrical engineering supports renewable energy and more efficient power systems.
Civil engineering designs resilient infrastructure and sustainable communities.
Mechanical engineering, especially with a focus on sustainability, advances clean transportation, energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Together, these fields provide meaningful opportunities to improve society and the planet.
What are the requirements for becoming an engineer?
Most engineers begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in a field such as one of those offered at Stevens, including biomedical, civil, mechanical and software engineering. These programs combine coursework in math, science and core engineering topics like calculus, physics, programming and design with hands-on labs and project-based learning. All Schaefer School programs are ABET-accredited, ensuring they meet national standards for engineering education.
In certain fields, particularly civil and environmental engineering, graduates may pursue professional licensure. This process typically includes passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience and then passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. Licensure allows engineers to take legal responsibility for projects and ensure public safety.
Can engineering students pursue a minor?
Yes. Students in the Schaefer School can pursue minors both within the school and across disciplines, including options in the School of Business and the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. While students may explore multiple minors, they can graduate with up to two. There is no penalty for not completing a minor, and many students use them to explore a range of interests.
See a list of minors available at the Schaefer School.
How long does it take to complete an engineering degree?
Schaefer School engineering degrees are designed to be completed over eight semesters, with most students graduating in four years. The structured "Engineering Design Spine" guides students through core concepts and supports the 4-year timeline.
Some students may graduate in three years by bringing in AP credits or taking summer courses, while others may take five or six years due to internships, reduced course loads or personal circumstances. All of these options can be explored in more detail with an Academic Advisor after admission.
When can engineering students apply for internships?
Engineering students can apply for internships at any time, and while they are not required to graduate, many students choose to participate in internships during their second and third summers, often using their first summer for study abroad or introductory research.
The Stevens Career Center offers valuable guidance on internship opportunities and trends, and its Cooperative Education program allows students to gain work experience during the academic year without delaying their progress toward graduation.
What is the job placement rate for engineering students after graduation?
According to our 2025 Undergraduate Career Outcomes Report, 53% of all engineering students are employed when they graduate, and 42% choose to continue on to graduate school.
How do I find a Research Mentor?
To find a research mentor, start by exploring faculty research areas and identifying projects that match your interests. Department websites often highlight current work and lab opportunities. Once you’ve identified potential mentors, send a brief email introducing yourself, outlining your interests, and explaining your interest in their research. Include your resume and any relevant coursework or experience. You can also ask professors you’ve taken classes with about available opportunities or recommendations.
How does undergraduate research mentoring support professional growth?
Undergraduate research allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems while building critical thinking, technical and problem-solving skills. It deepens understanding of their field, prepares them for graduate school or industry careers and contributes to solving meaningful challenges that benefit society.
How do I find a position in a research lab?
Stevens faculty members regularly invite interested students to assist with research projects. Undergraduate students interested in on-campus research opportunities can explore available opportunities and reach out via email to the Primary Research Advisor, introducing themselves and describing their interest in the project. Students should include a resume or CV when contacting faculty. Questions about undergraduate research opportunities can be directed to Andrés Mansisidor at [email protected].
Do you give teaching assistant positions to admitted Ph.D. students?
Teaching assistantship appointments are awarded at the discretion of your department director. If you are selected to become a teaching assistant (TA), you will be assigned to a professor in the department to share their academic and administrative responsibilities, including:
Teaching undergraduate classes.
Leading labs and recitation sessions.
Grading homework, etc.
Learn more about Assistantships here.