Engineering

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is rapidly changing human life as we know it—including the way we create, design, predict trends, and solve problems. Amid this societal transformation, there is a need for ethical leaders who can evaluate AI and establish protocols for its use.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the study of the molecular basis of life. Biochemistry uses the principles of chemistry and physics to understand biological molecules, structures, and reactions. Molecular biology focuses on how biological molecules interact to form cells, organisms, and behaviors.

Combining the biology minor with another area of study gives you valuable expertise in cross-disciplinary areas, as well as the opportunity to make your academic preparation distinctive. With a comprehensive, well-rounded education, you may become broader and more expert in your field and more competitive in the job market. There are some fields where the biology minor is particularly desirable. For example, a minor in biology can be beneficial to students in majors that prepare them for health care services, marketing biomedical products, or the management of a biologically based company. A minor in biology can be a good addition to majors like communications, political science, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, agriculture, or engineering.

Biology is the study of life in all its forms—so it’s no wonder that a biology degree can prepare you for any number of careers.

And the B.S. in Biology from Penn State Behrend is as versatile as the field itself. It can position you to enter the workforce or prepare you for further study—including in the high-demand health professions.

The Biomedical Engineering interdisciplinary minor is designed for students interested in the application of engineering principles to medical and biological problems. The minor is particularly suitable for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a different engineering major, physics, or other applied science who are seeking careers in health-related professions.

Are you ready to be at the forefront of the AI revolution? Consider adding a specialty in designing, developing, and refining artificial intelligence systems to your computer science or software engineering degree.

Chemistry is the basis for many fields of engineering, biology, and other sciences. Therefore, it can give you insights into your field at broad and fundamental levels. That can strengthen your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections in your specialization or across disciplines.

Almost anyone can benefit from a minor in Chemistry, but there are some fields where a chemistry minor adds particular strengths. For example, biology-chemistry (major-minor) could prepare you for graduate school or a career in biochemistry or molecular biology. Math-chemistry could be an option for people in applied math. Chemical physics is an important field in physics. Engineering-chemistry could open new possibilities for you (note that this major-minor is not equivalent to chemical engineering).

If you’re naturally curious about the world around you, maybe Chemistry is the major for you. You’ll study why things are the way they are, what they’re made of, and why they react the way they do.

And there’s a reason chemistry is sometimes called “the central science”—it is an incredibly versatile field. That’s why Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Chemistry gives you options for your future career path. You can tailor your Chemistry degree by selecting from the Biochemistry, Environmental, Pre-Health, or Professional Chemist concentrations.

This program of study provides graduates with a strong background in computer engineering. Upon completion of the minor, graduates will have developed an understanding of the operation and design of computers, accomplished through a combination of classroom study, computer-related projects, and laboratory experience. Analysis and design of computer hardware and software systems are stressed. The program requires completion of mandatory courses in analog and digital circuits, microprocessors, transistor logic, and computer programming. Students complete the minor by selecting technical electives in computer hardware and software engineering.

If you enjoy math, science, and engineering, Computer Engineering is for you. As a Computer Engineering student, you’ll research, design, and test the systems and devices that improve our daily lives—smartphones and circuit boards, routers and wifi, even microprocessors and specialized medical devices.

With a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, you’ll study the theories of engineering and develop the skills to analyze, design, and implement electrical and computer systems—giving you a deep understanding of both how and why systems work, and opening a world of career opportunities.

The associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology gives you options: You can use it as a valuable academic credential to develop skills to analyze, design, and implement electrical systems. Or you can choose to make it a foundation for further studies in engineering or another field.

Electrical engineers are essential to designing, developing, and testing the good stuff in our lives—from the smartwatches on our wrists to the appliances in our homes to the lunar explorers on the surface of the moon. With a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, you’ll be prepared to join the ranks of the creative problem-solvers who power our world.

Penn State Behrend offers the innovative interdisciplinary-based Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI) minor to students in any major.

The minor equips students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset; think critically and “outside the box” to sense opportunities; develop value propositions; and create sustainable value in fast-paced socio-technological environments. The minor at Penn State Behrend currently offers the New Ventures Cluster, although additional clusters will be made available.

How does the environment affect humans—and how do we affect our environment? With Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Environmental Science, you’ll apply interdisciplinary knowledge to research those questions and prepare to join an in-demand field.

Our world runs on data, and the people who best understand it—and who can explain it—are essential to any organization. With the B.S. in Functional Data Analytics, you’ll learn to analyze and interpret the numbers, but also discover how to clearly convey that information to others.

This 15-credit interdisciplinary certificate program is designed to prepare students with in-depth knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of people and the application of psychological concepts to the design and safety of products and services; including consumer goods, military products, interactive websites and games, and assistive technologies. This certificate requires that students take introductory psychology as well as the two human factors courses (9 credits). Students will also need to take 1 additional psychology course (3 credits), and one course (3 credits) outside of their major of study in order to foster the interdisciplinary nature of this certificate.

Like all engineers, industrial engineers are problem-solvers. Their specific task? They bring people, resources, and technology together to find ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. Every industry wants to save time and money, so the opportunities for industrial engineers are wide-ranging. Maybe your career will lead you to health care or information systems. Or maybe utilities, transportation, or the financial world appeal to you. You are limited only by your interests and goals.

Science-related companies don’t just hire scientists—they need business-minded employees, too, to manage money, monitor supply chains, handle sales, interpret consumer behavior, and manage marketing.

With the B.S. in Interdisciplinary Science and Business (ISB) from Penn State Behrend, you’ll be uniquely qualified for positions on the business side of science, technology, and healthcare organizations—prepared with a deep understanding of what the company does along with the know-how to help lead it to future success.

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most basic sciences, the foundation on which many other disciplines rely. Mathematical knowledge increases problem-solving skills in many fields.

The associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology is flexible. It can prepare you for a career in any number of industrial operations, including applied product design, tool and die design, quality control, and technical sales. Or, it can be the foundation for further studies—whether in our B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology or another field.

Mechanical Engineering is the most diverse engineering degree program offered by the college. The problem-solving versatility of mechanical engineers means you’ll enjoy tremendous career flexibility. With a foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics and a mastery of mechanical and fluid/thermal systems, you can find a future in research, manufacturing, health care, energy, systems design, the military, and more. A mechanical engineering degree is also an advantage for some careers in business, law, or technical sales!

Plastics devices and materials play a critical role in the growing healthcare industry. A great number of prosthetics, implants, tools, devices, and packaging could not exist without advanced plastics and materials. Furthermore, the use of plastics in medical applications is growing rapidly and the medical plastics market is expected to increase. We offer a Medical Plastics Certificate, taken in conjunction with the Plastics Engineering Technology baccalaureate degree, for students who are interested in careers in medical product development. Topics include advanced materials, new product design, manufacturing, and FDA regulatory issues. All are necessary to have an understanding of how to design and bring new medical products to the market.

The Operations and Supply Chain Management minor is designed primarily for students enrolled in non-business majors, especially those in engineering and engineering technology and in science, who wish to augment their majors with further studies in operations. The objective of the minor is to acquaint these students with the issues and methods associated with managing operations within manufacturing or service industries. Relevant studies include principles of management, operations management, logistics systems, procurement, planning and control, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and project management.

Every organization needs a strong leader—maybe that leader is you. With the graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from Penn State Behrend, you can build a foundation in the essential skills needed to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and lead a team to success.

In this 12-credit program, you’ll study the fundamentals of management theory, learning to make effective decisions and improve your critical thinking skills. You’ll also develop technical skills to analyze problems through hands-on coursework and real-world case studies.

Physics is the fundamental science from which many fields of science and engineering developed. Understanding it gives you insights into your field at broad and fundamental levels. This strengthens your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections in your specialization or across disciplines.

A physics minor can provide you with a cross-disciplinary background that is highly valued by industry and academics.

The fundamental laws of physics govern all matter—from the largest galaxy to the smallest subatomic particle. Does that make physicists masters of the universe? We like to think so. With the B.S. in Physics from Penn State Behrend, you’ll explore energy, motion, and matter in preparation for any number of career fields in the sciences, engineering, research, education, or health care.

Plastics are everywhere. That means a B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology will put you in demand in nearly any industry sector that interests you: automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, consumer products, computers—even toys!

This 16-17 credit program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basics of the materials and processes used to produce plastic parts. Students learn modern processing techniques and testing methods for plastics.

Our unique B.S. in Polymer Engineering and Science prepares you to analyze and design polymers—the fascinating materials that make up our world. You’ll learn to analyze the character and structure of materials, and then use that knowledge to design innovative new products for a variety of fields, including medicine, manufacturing, and sustainability.

Well over half of all activities in modern corporations are project-based—from developing the smallest products to constructing skyscrapers. On top of that, globalization is creating a growing need for professionals who can effectively manage complex supply chains as well as complicated projects.

That’s where Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Project and Supply Chain Management comes in. You’ll learn how to plan, manage, and deliver projects while navigating the complex supply chains that can make or break an organization’s success.

An 18-credit Psychological Science minor is available to students in any major, and it is a valuable addition if one’s career will involve interaction with other people.

This minor is designed to provide undergraduate students with a broad overview of topics and domains within psychology; knowledge and skills related to research methods in psychology; and a deeper knowledge of research, theory, and application in one or two specific content domains. Students completing this minor will find a flexible selection of coursework in psychology.

An 18-credit Sociology minor is available to students in any major, and it is a valuable addition to one’s personal ability to communicate in and outside of the workplace.

This minor is designed to allow undergraduate students to explore the wide range of topics, social groups, and social interactions studied by sociologists. From social inequities and social problems to the familiar institutions of family, school, religion, and government, the diversity of courses available allows sociology minors to explore courses relevant to their interests.

Statistics originated from the simple study of games of chance and grew into one of the most important applications of human knowledge. One cannot read a newspaper or watch the evening news without being exposed to some sort of statistic or graphic used to describe everything from approval ratings to medical studies. A statistical background enables people to critically analyze and interpret this information.

The Intercollege Minor in Sustainability Leadership allows students in any major to incorporate sustainability as a significant theme in their undergraduate degree program. Through a combination of coursework and immersive experiences in sustainability, students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to become sustainability leaders in their respective fields.

This minor is designed to accommodate undergraduates enrolled in engineering and engineering technology and in science who wish to augment their majors with further studies in industrial or technical sales. This minor is designed for non-business majors. The objective of the minor is to acquaint the technical students of these majors with the issues and methods associated with industrial or technical sales. Relevant studies include principles of management, operations management, supply chain management, marketing, logistics systems, procurement, personal selling or business-to-business marketing, and project management. Students who complete the minor will be positioned for career opportunities as direct sales engineers who play a key role in the selection, purchase, installation, and maintenance of technical products by selling technology and engineering solutions, or as manufacturing representatives who independently form contracts in exclusive marketing territories for multiple small manufacturers of compatible but not competing technical products.