Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

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mccormick.northwestern.edu

The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science is committed to providing leadership for the technological foundation of our society, economy, envi­ron­­­­­ment, and culture. The school’s mission is two­fold: the personal and professional development of its students and faculty and the development and application of new technology, which is increasingly interdisciplinary.

McCormick is dedicated to a high standard of excellence in

  • Teaching fundamentals of science and engineering disciplines and stimulating students to become innovative thinkers and leaders able to cope with complex issues in a changing environment
  • Preparing undergraduate and graduate students capable of understanding, applying, and contributing to technology in whatever areas or careers they pursue

Undergraduate students in McCormick may follow a curriculum leading to a bachelor of science degree in any of the following fields:

The programs in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, manufacturing and design engineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (abet.org).  For further information on ABET standards and course partitioning visit www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/academics/undergraduate/abet/

With the proper use and combination of requirements, options, and electives, students may prepare themselves for graduate work in engineering or for post­bacca­laureate degrees in medicine, law, business, or other areas. Bachelor of science degrees are also awarded in approved ad hoc integrated engineering studies programs.

Graduate programs of study are available in all of the above fields as well as in analytics, applied physics, biotechnology, engineering design and innovation, engineering management, information technology, manufacturing management, product design and development, project management, robotics, technology and social behavior, and theoretical and applied mechanics. Programs leading to degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels are described in detail in publications of the Graduate School and engineering graduate programs.

Excellence in research is a distinguishing characteristic of the engineering faculty. Working at the frontiers of knowledge, faculty members are positioned to maintain currency in courses and curricula and to develop an atmosphere inspiring scholarship, discovery, and originality among students.

McCormick has a student body of approximately 1,850 undergraduates and 2,140 graduate students. It is housed in the Technological Institute complex, which contains nearly 2 million square feet of floor area and provides excellent educational and research facilities.

Academic Requirements

Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science

Students must successfully complete all 48 units of the curriculum or have equivalent academic experience. Students who interrupt their programs of study for an extended time during which degree requirements are changed will normally be held to the new requirements. Those who encounter curricular changes during their period of enrollment may choose to follow any curriculum during that period but must meet its requirements completely.

All curricula leading to a bachelor of science degree in engineering or applied science have the same basic components: mathematics, engineering analysis and computer proficiency, basic sciences, design and communications, basic engineering, social sciences/humanities, unrestricted electives, and the major program. Courses qualifying for these components are listed within each department's program page. 

General requirements for the bachelor of science degree are as follows:

Core Courses (27 units)

​Mathematics (4 units)

  • Standard for all degree programs
Course Title
MATH 220-1Single-Variable Differential Calculus
MATH 220-2Single-Variable Integral Calculus
MATH 228-1Multivariable Differential Calculus for Engineering 1
MATH 228-2Multivariable Integral Calculus for Engineering 1,2
1

ES_APPM 252-1 Honors Calculus for Engineers, ES_APPM 252-2 Honors Calculus for Engineers may substitute for MATH 228-1 Multivariable Differential Calculus for Engineering and MATH 228-2 Multivariable Integral Calculus for Engineering.

2

The computer science degree program requires COMP_SCI 212-0 Math Foundations of CS Part 1: Discrete Math for CS instead of MATH 228-2 Multivariable Integral Calculus for Engineering.

Engineering Analysis and Computer Proficiency (4 units)

  • Standard for all degree programs
Course Title
GEN_ENG 205-1Engineering Analysis I 1
or GEN_ENG 206-1 Honor Engineering Analysis
GEN_ENG 205-2Engineering Analysis II
GEN_ENG 205-3Engineering Analysis III
GEN_ENG 205-4Engineering Analysis IV 1, 2, & 3
or GEN_ENG 206-4 Honors Engineering Analysis IV
1

The Engineering Analysis I and IV requirements may be satisfied by completing either the regular courses GEN_ENG 205-1 Engineering Analysis I and GEN_ENG 205-4 Engineering Analysis IV or the honors courses GEN_ENG 206-1 Honor Engineering Analysis and GEN_ENG 206-4 Honors Engineering Analysis IV.  Engineering Analysis II and III only offer regular courses. 

2

The computer science degree program requires COMP_SCI 111-0 Fundamentals of Computer Programming instead of Engineering Analysis IV.

3

The industrial engineering degree program requires ES_APPM 245-0 Elementary Applied Linear Algebra instead of Engineering Analysis IV

Basic Sciences (4 units)

  • At least 1 course with an associated required laboratory co-registration (.34 units) from the following list of courses is required
  • Eligible courses may vary by degree program; see program for details.
Course Title
At least 1 unit (with required lab) from the options below
BIOL_SCI 202-0
& BIOL_SCI 232-0		Cell Biology
and Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory
CHEM 131-0
& CHEM 141-0		Fundamentals of Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory I
or CHEM 151-0
& CHEM 161-0		 General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
or CHEM 171-0
& CHEM 181-0		 Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry
and Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
PHYSICS 135-2
& PHYSICS 136-2		General Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
or PHYSICS 125-2
& PHYSICS 126-2		 General Physics for ISP
and Physics Laboratory for ISP
or PHYSICS 140-2
& PHYSICS 136-2		 Fundamentals of Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
  • Remaining units can be taken from the courses above or from the approved list of courses below.
Course Title
Biological Sciences
BIOL_SCI 150-0Human Genetics
BIOL_SCI 201-0Molecular Biology
BIOL_SCI 203-0
& BIOL_SCI 233-0		Genetics and Evolution
and Genetics and Molecular Processes Laboratory
BIOL_SCI 234-0Investigative Laboratory
CHEM_ENG 275-0Molecular & Cell Biology for Engineers
CIV_ENV 202-0Biological and Ecological Principles
Chemistry
CHEM 132-0
& CHEM 142-0		Fundamentals of Chemistry II
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory II
or CHEM 152-0
& CHEM 162-0		 General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
or CHEM 172-0
& CHEM 182-0		 Advanced General Physical Chemistry
and Advanced General Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 215-1
& CHEM 235-1		Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 215-2
& CHEM 235-2		Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
Earth and Planetary Sciences/Astronomy
ASTRON 220-1Introduction to Astrophysics I: Life Cycle of Stars and Planets
ASTRON 220-2Introduction to Astrophysics II: Galactic Evolution and Cosmology
CIV_ENV 203-0Earth in the Anthropocene
EARTH 201-0Earth Systems Revealed
EARTH 202-0Earth's Interior
EARTH 203-0Earth System History
Physics
PHYSICS 135-3
& PHYSICS 136-3		General Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
or PHYSICS 125-3
& PHYSICS 126-3		 General Physics for ISP
and Physics Laboratory for ISP
or PHYSICS 140-3
& PHYSICS 136-3		 Fundamentals of Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
PHYSICS 239-0Foundations of Modern Physics
Neuroscience and Cognition
COG_SCI 210-0Language and the Brain
CSD 202-0Neurobiology of Communication
CSD 303-0Brain and Cognition
PSYCH 221-0Introduction to Neuroscience
  • Students must complete 4 units of Basic Science courses, selected from the approved list of courses.
  • Lab courses may count toward basic science requirements only in combination with their corresponding lecture courses.

Design and Communications (3 units)

  • Standard for all degree programs
Course Title
Writing and Design
DSGN 106-1
& DSGN 106-2		Design Thinking and Communication
and Design Thinking and Communication
ENGLISH 106-1
& ENGLISH 106-2		Writing in Special Contexts
and Writing in Special Contexts
Speaking
Select one of the following:
COMM_ST 102-0Public Speaking
PERF_ST 103-0Analysis and Performance of Text
PERF_ST 203-0Performance Culture and Communication
BMD_ENG 390-2Biomedical Engineering Design 1
1

The biomedical engineering degree program requires BMD_ENG 390-2 Biomedical Engineering Design to satisfy the speaking requirement.

Social Sciences/Humanities (Theme) (7 units)

  • Standard for all degree programs
  • Students must submit theme form for approval by winter quarter of their junior year.
  • Following is a partial list of requirements; a complete list is available via the McCormick Advising System.
    • 7 social sciences/humanities courses
    • Maximum of 5 credits from either category
    • At least 3 courses must be thematically related
    • No more than 3 100-level courses
      • Students who transfer from another university or who earn study abroad credit may petition to exceed the 100-level course limit.    
    • AP, IB, and transfer credits are eligible to count toward this requirement

Unrestricted Electives (5 units)

Standard for all degree programs: students may take any credit course in the University to explore or extend technical or nontechnical interests.

Major Program (21 units)

Each degree program in the McCormick School finds its depth in the major program’s 21 units.  These 21 units are made up of departmental sequences that build competency in the field as well as technical electives that allow students to explore areas of interest within the discipline.  Technical electives provide opportunity for individualization, but coherence in the selection of elective courses is still necessary. 

Each department maintains its own set of major program requirements which can be found on the program specific pages of this catalog. Students must meet both the school’s and the major program’s curricular requirements.   

Taking courses regarded as duplicates will increase the number of requirements needed to earn a McCormick degree. For a list of course duplicates visit: www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/students/undergraduate/advising-registration/course-duplicates.html

McCormick students may use no more than 4 units of transfer credit based on work completed elsewhere within the 21-unit Major Program portion of degree requirements. Any such use of transfer credit must be approved by both the department and school.  The 4-unit limit does not apply to transfer credit used to satisfy other categories within McCormick degree requirements, although all McCormick students are required to satisfy the Undergraduate Registration Requirement (URR).

Grade Requirements

A grade point average (GPA) of not less than 2.0 is required for all units presented for the degree. Students must have received a grade of C or higher in any course taken elsewhere and used to fulfill a McCormick degree requirement. The GPA in the 21 units in the major program must also be at least 2.0; no more than 3 of these units may carry grades of D. Grades for courses fulfilling a minor must be C– or higher (unless otherwise noted in the minor requirements), and none of them may be a P.

Every candidate for a degree must file an application for the degree a year in advance of the date of graduation.  This application is submitted directly within the McCormick Advising System.

In addition to and independent of the requirements set by McCormick, all students must satisfy the Undergraduate Registration Requirement.

Integrated Engineering Studies Program

The McCormick Integrated Engineering Studies (MIES) Program provides an alternative for students whose particular interests and goals cannot be satisfied by a regular program in engineering or applied science. To be eligible, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above. They may apply as early as the end of their first year but no later than 3½ quarters before completing the degree. Applicants must prepare a compelling argument for qualifying for this customized degree program. Examples of these ad hoc degrees from recent years include public health, engineering physics, biomedical engineering and molecular biology, analytics, and mechanical design. Students who complete this program are awarded a bachelor of science in integrated engineering studies, and their transcripts specify the themes of their courses of study. For additional details, visit the MIES webpage: www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/academics/undergraduate/programs/integrated-engineering-studies.html

Students must complete 4 units of Basic Science courses, selected from the approved menu of course options.

Academic Policies 

Pass/No Credit Option

The following requirements apply to the pass/no credit (P/N) option:

No more than 8 units taken P/N may be counted toward the 48 units required for the degree.
Only 1 unit per quarter may be taken P/N during the first and second years.

Core courses: Any 300-level course, but no more than 4 100- or 200-level courses, may be taken P/N to satisfy the 7-unit requirement in the social sciences/humanities. No courses may be taken P/N in the required mathematics, engineering analysis and computer proficiency, basic sciences, design and communications, and basic engineering areas.

Major program: Consult the responsible department office or the Undergraduate Engineering Office regarding the regulations for use of P/N in each departmental program.

Credits earned under a P/N grading scheme at another institution may be applied toward McCormick requirements only if the P/N option is permissible for that requirement.

Advanced Placement and Exemptions

Advanced placement and college credit may be granted on the basis of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement tests (or other appropriate international examinations), or special examinations in subject areas. Students may be exempted from certain McCormick requirements (with a corresponding reduction in degree requirements) on the basis of proficiency exams, or analysis of coursework completed elsewhere. These stipulations regarding placement, exemption, and degree requirements may differ from those of other schools of the University. Students receiving credit from AP examinations and other such programs must still meet the Undergraduate Registration Requirement.

Academic Options

Students in the McCormick School have many opportunities to enhance their educational experience by pursuing additional programs and opportunities.

Undergraduate Honors Program

Students with good scholastic records may apply to the Undergraduate Honors Program any time during their junior or pre-senior years. (Students within three quarters of graduation are past this admission point.) At the time of admission to the honors program, they must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. Courses used to meet the honors requirements must also be used toward requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Honors students participating in the program must:

  • Complete at least 3 units of approved advanced study (including courses normally accepted at the graduate level) with an average grade of B or better.
  • Complete an extended independent study project (at least 2 quarters on the same topic) leading to an acceptable report.

Successful completion of the honors program will be noted on the student’s transcript. Recognition also will be given in the Commencement program. If his or her performance is not judged to meet the honors standards, the student will still receive course grades and credits as earned.

Undergraduate Research

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research are made available and encouraged. Each field of study offers independent study courses for research enrollment on an elective basis. Funding of undergraduate research is provided by faculty-directed programs and several McCormick School and University sources.

The McCormick Student Advisory Board holds an annual competition for the Harold B. Gotaas Award, which honors a graduating McCormick senior who has demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research.

Students normally perform undergraduate research projects under the direction of faculty doing research in their department and in laboratories throughout the University, including McCormick research centers. For more on McCormick’s research activities, see www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/research.

Second Field of Specialization

Elective opportunities in McCormick curricula may be used in a departmental program in another school of the University as long as the secondary program also allows doubling counting of credits. Satisfactory completion of the requirements for the second program, verified by the appropriate department, will be noted on the student’s transcript. Carefully planned electives will normally enable students to obtain a second field of specialization within the 48-unit requirement for the BS degree. For a complete list of major, minor, and certificate programs offered at Northwestern visit: www.northwestern.edu/academics/undergraduate-a-to-z.html

Multiple BS Degrees in McCormick

Students with wide-ranging interests may work toward two or more bachelor of science degrees in McCormick by satisfying the full requirements for each degree. At least 6 additional units of credit, or the equivalent, must be presented for each additional degree, and the work in multiple areas does not need to be completed at the same time. Each department or program must approve the course plan for its degree no later than two academic quarters before work for the second degree is completed but no earlier than junior year.  Students pursuing two BS degrees within McCormick are held to the same Undergraduate Registration Requirement (URR) used for single degree seeking undergraduates.

Accelerated Master’s Program

Qualified McCormick undergraduate students may work simultaneously toward the bachelor of science and master of science degrees in engineering. Integrated planning of coursework makes it possible to take graduate-level courses during the third and fourth years. The requirements remain unchanged for the two degrees. The McCormick requirement for the BS is 48 units, and the requirement for the MS is specified by the individual department (9–12 units). No course used for the MS requirement may be counted toward the BS requirement.

Application for admission to concurrent BS/MS study must be approved by the appropriate department and the Graduate School. A department may require that students do additional work beforehand.

For additional information, including how to apply, visit: www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/academics/undergraduate/programs/honors-and-combined-degrees/combined-bachelors-masters-program/

Dual Bachelor's Degree Programs with other NU Undergraduate Schools

Qualified students may earn bachelor's degrees from two different undergraduate schools in Northwestern. Five years of full-time study are usually required. Students may pursue dual bachelor's degree programs between the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the Bienen School of Music, or the School of Communication.

For additional details on these programs see Dual Bachelor's Degrees. For information on applying to one of these programs see Application to Dual Bachelor's Degree Programs.

Minors

McCormick students are able to pursue the following minors in addition to a bachelor’s degree. See the program pages for descriptions and requirements. 

Additional minors are available from other Northwestern schools and may be pursued by engineering students; that information may be found under Minors in the Additional Baccalaureate Options section.

Certificates

McCormick students are able to pursue the following McCormick certificates in addition to a bachelor's degree. See the program pages for descriptions and requirements. Of special note: Guidelines on certificates issued by Northwestern’s Office of the Provost state that "a certificate requires academic course work of at least four units that are not applied to a major or minor." (In McCormick, 'major' refers to the 21-unit Major Program.) Individual certificate programs may set more stringent rules.

  • Curious Life: The Curious Life Certificate (CLC) begins with a foundational experience called PATH. PATH will be taken as a CLC gateway course by first- and second-year students introducing them to a holistic approach to their performance as it relates to both their academic and personal life at Northwestern.
  • Human Computer Interaction: The HCI Certificate allows Northwestern students from all departments to develop their interest and exposure to ideas and research in HCI, including the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them.
  • Segal Design Certificate: This certificate program, administered by the Segal Design Institute, develops a set of design skills valuable across the entire spectrum of careers available to McCormick graduates.

Cooperative Engineering Education Program

The Walter P. Murphy Cooperative Engineering Education Program alternates periods of paid industrial experience with academic studies for full-time students in all departments of engineering and applied science. Students apply theory while gaining practical experience and develop an understanding of the responsibilities of their future professional careers. 

There are two options for completing the Co-op Program:

  • Single Employer Option: Students complete a minimum of 9 months (three quarters) with the same employer.  The schedule must contain at least one six month (two quarter) work term.
  • Two Employer Option: Students complete two six month (two quarter) work terms with two different employers.  This is a minimum of 12 months (4 quarters) of work experience overall.

Students are registered for their work quarters, thus remaining enrolled at Northwestern. No tuition or fees are charged during co-op periods. At the end of each work period, employers are asked to evaluate student performance and progress.

In addition to the academic degree, students who successfully complete the schedule of school and work receive recognition as co-op students upon graduation from McCormick.

Learn more about the co-op program at: www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/career-development/programs/co-op/

Honors Program in Medical Education

The Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME) is designed for exceptionally well-prepared high school students who seek careers in medicine or medical science. Undergraduate students entering Northwestern are admitted simultaneously to the Feinberg School of Medicine. HPME is no longer accepting new students. Details regarding requirements can be found in the 2020-2021 or earlier Undergraduate Catalogs. 

Student Resources

McCormick strives to create an enriching academic environment where students are able to engage with a variety of resources and organizations.

Tutorial Program

Northwestern offers academic support resources in the form of small-group mentoring, coaching, workshops, peer-guided study groups, and tutoring.  For detailed information on available programs, including locations and hours, visit Academic Support and Learning Advancement: www.northwestern.edu/academic-support-learning/

Faculty Advisers

Entering McCormick students are assigned a first-year adviser. By the beginning of the sophomore year most students will have selected a program of study and will be reassigned an adviser in that area. Advisers assist in planning the program of study, but students retain the responsibility of meeting overall graduation requirements.

First-year students can find helpful information and first-year advisers' contact details by visiting www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/students/undergraduate/first-year/. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can find their advisers listed in the McCormick Advising System. Advice on other subjects may be obtained by emailing mccormick-school@northwestern.edu.

McCormick Advising System

All students have access to the McCormick Advising System (MAS), the online service through which they can track their degree progress, document consultations with their faculty advisers, and manage other transactions related to being a McCormick student. MAS can be accessed by visiting mas.mccormick.northwestern.edu. Questions about getting an audit updated, degree requirements, or general issues with MAS should be directed to mccormick-school@northwestern.edu.

Organizations for Engineering Students

The McCormick Student Advisory Board is composed of representatives from each class in engineering and from approved McCormick organizations. It is the recognized representative body of undergraduate engineering students and as such serves as a link between the students and the faculty and administration. It encourages and coordinates the activities of engineering students and student groups.

Student groups at McCormick provide an important opportunity for undergraduates to develop leadership skills and create opportunities to network with faculty, staff, and professionals in the field.  For information on McCormick student groups and honor societies visit: https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/academics/undergraduate/student-groups/