The interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum at the University of Denver

As part of an innovative approach to interdisciplinary engineering education, undergraduate students in the Department of Engineering at the University of Denver complete a four-year sequence of specialized courses. In the first two years of the program, students develop team working and communication skills, are exposed to engineering concepts, and apply knowledge and skills in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. In addition to developing fundamental skills in engineering and the sciences, students complete courses in technical writing and public speaking that are closely integrated into the first year engineering sequence. After two years of experience with the three disciplines offered by the department, each student declares a disciplinary focus. The delay in the selection of a program is designed to allow students to have a better understanding of each discipline in order to achieve a broad educational base, and to improve persistence in the freshman and sophomore years. During the remaining two years, interdisciplinary skills are further developed through two design experiences in the junior and senior years. Assessment strategies for the integrated sequence of courses are covered to show how success is measured.