What Should I do If I’m Interested in Engineering?

Students interested in Engineering fields should consider taking an engineering-related Introsems, or one of several engineering fundamental courses in their first year, in addition to appropriate courses in math and science.

In September, prior to enrolling in courses:

Frosh should consider watching the Academic Planning in Engineering and Computer Science videos that will be posted to the Approaching Stanford Canvas Course. These sessions will provide details on course selection and other things to consider if you are interested in a major within the School of Engineering.

Courses to Consider

Enroll in one of the Introductory Seminars taught by faculty in the School of Engineering. These are small classes with hands-on learning and minimal prerequisites. Check the Introductory Seminar offerings or find the list in the Undergraduate Engineering Handbook.
Check out engineering courses that satisfy the WAYS – there are many.
Introductory Engineering Fundamentals (prefix ENGR) courses offer a rigorous way to explore a specific engineering topic; find the current list on the UGHB website.
You will typically be taking math and either Chemistry or Physics during your first year--very few majors suggest both Chemistry and Physics in the first year. There is flexibility here, depending on your background and when the appropriate courses are offered, so consult with your Academic Advisor.
Take one of the one-unit courses that feature an array of industry and Stanford speakers to introduce you to specific topics and issues in engineering, such as:

ENGR 1: Want to be an Engineer?: Faculty from engineering majors and related fields will present and answer questions about their fields
CHEMENG 10: An overview of careers in chemical engineering and opportunities to develop networks with working professionals in the field
CS 547: Presentations on human-computer interaction (HCI) topics in Computer Science
EE 100: Lectures and discussions on topics of importance to the electrical engineering professional
MATSCI 10: Discussions and guest speaker talks introduce students to materials careers in energy and sustainability, biomaterials, electronics, and nanotechnology
MS&E 472: Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar: Industry leaders share lessons from real-world experience

General Planning

The Undergraduate Engineering Handbook contains sample 4-year plans, program sheets, and many other important details about engineering majors and minors.

The STEM Roadmap to Your First Year is designed to walk you through the questions that help you think about choosing classes and structuring your first year.

The School of Engineering offers a wide range of opportunities to do undergraduate research.

Students interested in engineering-related careers can explore the resources at Stanford Career Education.

Students interested in computer science can find out more about the major requirements here (look at the description of the core courses).

Information Session Recordings

Advising & Engineering Information Sessions, Autumn 2020 (access limited to current Stanford students, staff, and faculty.)

Watch INFORMATION SESSIONS from various engineering programs and departments, held in collaboration between Academic Advising and programs in the School of Engineering.