It’s bigger than a major. It’s more than an engineering degree.
It’s late-night conversations about changing the world. It’s the set of experiences that turns a job into a lifetime of difference‑making.
Find the best undergraduate program for you
Check out our Undergraduate Programs page to search majors and departments by keywords, career choices, and interests.
Transfer students: We're ready for you!
Our Undergraduate Programs page has information specifically for transfer students and competitive major requirements.
Connect with engineering virtually!
Join us 4 p.m. every Monday and 3 p.m. every Friday for a College Information Session Webinar to learn more about specific academic programs, student life, enrichment opportunities, and more.
One-on-one virtual meetings
Prospective students can schedule a 1-on-1 video chat with a current student from the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering! Appointments are available based on specific programs and majors. Register here.
Our engineering student ambassadors will guide you through an interactive virtual tour of our engineering facilities. Engage with current engineering students and ask questions about their CSU experience.
- 1 p.m. every Saturday: Register here.
- Virtual tours during Monday-Friday one-on-one meetings with student ambassadors. Register here.
TOURS AND VISITS
For future students, there’s nothing like walking up the big staircase in the Scott Building, asking questions during a one-on-one tour with an engineering ambassador, or talking with current students about their engineering project.
In order to facilitate a safe and healthy environment for the entire CSU community and our guests, all prospective student events scheduled for March 16-May 31 are canceled. We will also be unable to accommodate visit requests during that time. For updates on Admissions events, please visit admissions.colostate.edu/covid19.
We're here to answer your questions!
- Schedule a virtual appointment with us and ask us about your future as a Ram! Email us at explore@engr.colostate.edu and we'll set up a time that works for you.
- For updates on Admissions events and tours, please visit admissions.colostate.edu/covid19.
Take advantage of these engineering-specific visit opportunities:
Engineering Tours
We offer undergraduate student-guided tours of engineering facilities from academic buildings to our Engineering Residential Learning Community.
Engineering Exploration Week
A virtual event offered for free each year, the College invites high school students, their parents, and community members to explore engineering majors and careers.
Engineering Days
Although this is not a traditional visit day, the E-Days design showcase features outstanding opportunities across disciplines to interact with undergraduate students and their projects.
Our Student Ambassadors
Our student ambassadors live the engineering life every day, and are the perfect people to answer questions about the engineering experience. The ambassadors give tours of our buildings, offer advice to future students, and are available for any questions about the College.
Why I Decided to Stay In-State for College
November 17, 2020
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Why I Decided to Stay In-State for College
Hi all! My name is Kate, and I am a third-year student studying Chemical and Biological Engineering. Today I’m happy to share with you why I decided to stay in state for college.
First off, I hail from Boulder, Colorado. If you know anything about Colorado schools, you know why most people gasp when I tell them this: Colorado State University and the University of Colorado–Boulder have a bit of a rivalry — I get stares whether I’m in Boulder wearing green and gold or up in Fort Collins hanging pictures of the Flatirons on my walls!
Yet I sport my Ram Pride no matter where I am. In this blog I aim to explain not just why I decided to stay in state, but also why I chose the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University. Here are some of the reasons I chose to stay in state:
Cost
It’s no secret that in-state tuition can be less expensive than traveling out-of-state for university. Plus, travel costs are a lot lower than they could have been – I don’t need to hop on a plane to get home. In fact, getting home is really easy for me: the Flex, part of the Fort Collins bus system, runs from Fort Collins through Loveland and Longmont and ends in Boulder. Plus, it’s free for CSU students with your Ramcard!
Proximity to Home
In my experience, an hour and a half away from home is just enough to really feel like you’ve left. While I don’t go home terribly often (in fact, my first year I didn’t return home at all until Fall break), having the option has turned out to be great. If I forget my shoes, need a home cooked meal, want to visit for birthdays and holidays, or just miss my family, they’re within reach and a welcome break from academic life.
Colorado
Having grown up for most of my life in Colorado, I developed a love for the outdoors pretty early on. I adore hiking, mountain biking, camping, skiing, and pretty much anything to do with the amazing wilderness to be found in Colorado. When it comes down to it, I find leaving the breathtaking beauty of the Front Range behind rather difficult to do! Colorado is a wonderful place to attend university, and offers a bunch of awesome activities to the average CSU student: 14ers, backpacking, hiking, and Horsetooth reservoir are all in Fort Collins’ backyard, waiting for adventure.
Why I chose CSU:
Campus Community
During my college search, I stepped foot on quite a few campuses, took more than a few tours, and talked to my fair share of college representatives. At CSU, the sentiment of campus community swept me away. There is a saying here on campus — “Rams Take Care of Rams” — but it feels less like a saying and more like a way of life. During my visit, every single person I spoke to made it clear they wanted me there, and they were willing to give me the tools to succeed there. It’s a sentiment I’ve felt on campus every day since.
The Engineering Program
CSU’s engineering program is amazing! (Though I might be a little biased at this point…) When I was searching and applying for schools, the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering caught my eye as a top tier research institution with cutting-edge technology, resources, and research on campus. There are 8 different engineering programs of study (you can check them out here). Engineering at CSU is collaborative and hands-on; two factors that are incredibly important upon graduating and moving into industry or research. From your very first semester, you’ll be taking engineering-specific classes and getting experience in labs working with groups and putting together projects. Plus, CSU boasts unique programs like our biomedical engineering dual degree and chemical and biological engineering programs – the first ABET accredited programs of their kind in the nation! In addition, our department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is ranked top 20 in the world!
Engineering at CSU is collaborative and hands-on; two factors that are incredibly important upon graduating and moving into industry or research.”
Besides accolades, the social environment of engineering at CSU is also something to be proud of. In my experience, the overwhelming majority of faculty are very receptive to students and are always willing to put in the extra effort to clarify concepts and applications. The students work together rather than competing and are always there to lift each other up. In fact, we have peer tutoring services just to connect students across years – if the way a professor explained a concept just doesn’t click with you, you can try going to tutoring sessions with a peer who has not only taken your class, but done well in it, too. They might just be able to explain it to you in a way that makes sense!
If you want to learn more about the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, check out the future students page. There are tons of awesome resources like degree maps, one-on-one appointments with student ambassadors (like me!), virtual tours, and webinars to share more about what options we have here at CSU!
Opportunities
CSU has a lot of opportunities for students, from clubs on campus to intramural sports to research positions (check out this blog to read more about how to get involved with research as an undergraduate student). As a prospective student, the seemingly endless possibilities for involvement were attractive, and as a current student, they have not disappointed. In my three years on campus, I’ve been a member of the Honors Program, participated in paid research, been an Engineering Student Ambassador, member of Spanish Club, Algae Club, on the leadership team for Rotaract Club, attended meetings for the American Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers, gone to professional development seminars, played rugby, done trail work on 14ers, lit the A, studied abroad (check out where I went and how I did it here), and generally dug into the CSU community and abundance of opportunities. Whatever you want to get involved in, there’s a community of like-minded people at CSU that want you to get involved.
Scholarships
Finally, scholarships were a major deciding factor for me as May 1st approached. CSU awards automatic academic scholarships to incoming students based on their high school GPA and test scores. (ACT and SAT test scores will be optional for first-year students who graduate from high school in 2021 for admission purposes. More information about how this affects new merit scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year will be forthcoming.) In addition, the University Honors Program offers scholarships for its members as well, so I knew I had a couple small scholarships in the bag, but the real potential comes in the form of the CSUSA. The CSUSA is the Colorado State University Scholarship Application, and it’s where most of CSU’s scholarships are found. There, I was invited to apply for my current scholarship: the Walter Scott, Jr. Undergraduate Scholarship. This is a great scholarship to know about as a prospective engineering student at CSU! If you are eligible, you will receive an email with more information, and you can also check out more here.
Applying to college is hard and applying for scholarships can be even harder. I know, trust me, I’ve been there. But I love to remind students that your work applying now pays off in the future. Try to remember that you’re not just applying for scholarships, but for a community as well. When I came in as a first-year student and recipient of the Walter Scott, Jr. Undergraduate Scholarship, I knew 19 other student recipients of the same scholarship who I knew shared the same interests, passion for engineering, and drive for involvement and I did. There were also past years’ recipients who readily offered their advice and friendship. Being involved in that community helped the transition from high school to university and still plays a big role in my campus involvement today. Go get those scholarships!
Though this obviously is not a comprehensive list or a full guide, I hope it gives you a taste of why one student, at least, chose to stay in-state. I’ve loved my time at CSU so far and look forward to an exciting next year and a half. Fort Collins is a wonderful city to live in, with colorful opportunities and people around every corner (check out this blog for fun things to do in Fort Collins). If you have any questions about my experience, please feel free to email me at explore@engr.colostate.edu and I’d love to chat with you!
Just some more fun opportunities I’ve been able to engage with at CSU:
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(Please note that all photos in this blog were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Author: Kate Boyd
Kate is a third-year student studying Chemical and Biological Engineering with a minor in Spanish. She is a committed Engineering Student Ambassador and member of the Honors program and Algae Club. She hails from Boulder, Colorado.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the engineering ambassador team at explore@engr.colostate.edu!
How to Search For, Apply To, and Get Internships
November 10, 2020
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How to Search For, Apply To, and Get Internships
Probably one of the most common (and stressful) things college students studying engineering encounter is the prospect of an internship. An internship usually is a part-time or full-time opportunity for college students to work in a field they’re interested in, at a company they might want to work for in the future.
At CSU, close to 90% of engineering students complete at least one internship before they graduate.
Internships are usually over the summer, while co-ops allow for a longer period of work time. Co-ops are just like internships, but they are longer in length and may require you to take a couple of semesters off of school. However, co-ops are great for people who aim to pay off tuition quickly, or strongly want to work at a specific company. Internships/co-ops in general are a great way to figure out what you like – and don’t like – in the field of engineering and allow students to gain great experience they can use to further their career. By graduation, I myself will have done 3 completely different internships – and in all seriousness – they have shaped me into the engineer and person I am today! I have had some amazing experiences so far and cannot wait to utilize these new skills in applying for full time positions once I graduate.
Since searching for internships, applying to them, and getting them can be really stressful, I’ve put together this quick guide to help you in the process! I hope these quick tips and tricks help make the process simpler and easier to handle.
Internship Search Process
First and foremost, searching for internships can be pretty dauting. Especially nowadays, most engineering companies have an internship in some form. Below are the steps I took in finding internships with companies I wanted to apply to. Keep in mind that your search depends mainly on your year, experience, and what you’re interested in.
1. Decide what you’re
For instance, are you a mechanical engineer or a civil engineer? Do you want to work for a company that designs bridges and structures, or one that designs medical devices? Identifying your interests and what you think you want to do full-time will be the first criteria to narrow down your search process.
2. Figure out
you want to work
Would you rather work near home or are you open to unfamiliar locations? Many companies (especially the large ones) will ask you to relocate for your summer internship and will usually provide travel and housing when you move. In my opinion, relocating has helped me grow and become more independent. It’s also super fun to live in a different place and meet other interns who are also new to that location! So far, I’ve relocated to Tucson, AZ and San Diego, CA and this summer I will be working in Minneapolis, MN!
3.
I cannot stress this enough. At the career fairs, student organization meetings, with professors, online – it will help so much to have a strong network of people who can connect you to companies and positions you’re interested in. Additionally, these people may introduce you to new positions or fields of engineering you may have never heard of before!
4.
This is where utilizing all your resources comes in. Internship opportunities can be very hidden, so I suggest making sure you look at every position or company you’re interested to find the best opportunity! A quick google search will give you a plethora of results. When you feel comfortable in narrowing down your search more, you can search for internships on LinkedIn, Handshake, and also attend your university’s career fair. If you find a certain company that you really like but cannot find their internship opportunities, I suggest signing up for their talent pool! A lot of companies publish their internship openings at different times in the year, so I suggest doing an internship search every three weeks until you find some that you’re really interested in!
5.
of all the internships you want to apply to
I usually detail where the internship is, with what company, and the deadline when I need to apply. This way I can stay on top of everything I am interested in.
Now that you’ve searched for internships and found some that you’re interested in, it’s time to apply!
Internship Application Process
This is the most time-consuming part of this process because the preparation is a huge part of applying. I hope my list can break the process down for you and help you out! Here are the things that I do before I hit the “Submit My Application” button.
1.
You should have the most up-to-date resume when you’re applying to internships. One large piece of advice I would give is: tailor your resume to the position and include strong action verbs that will stand out against other applications. You can also get help with your resume through the Engineering Success Center and other engineering student organizations, especially in the weeks leading up to the career fair.
2. Write your
While these letters should be specific to the company and highlight your experiences that directly to the position you’re applying for, you can create a template that you can alter when applying to each company. This way, you save time and won’t have to re-write your letter for every single application. Another very important piece of advice: talk about the skills that the job description describes. Your resume and cover letter will be first scanned by a computer, so if you can include the words and skills that match the job description you are applying for, this will get you one step closer to an interview invitation.
3.
with hiring managers and/or HR on LinkedIn
Once you’ve applied, or right before, I suggest connecting with the hiring managers and/or HR on LinkedIn. Make sure to provide a personal note so they know you’re serious about the position.
Get That Internship!
If your application is selected, you may be prompted to go through 1, 2, or more interviews! With each interview, the company may ask harder questions and your interviewer will most likely change from a recruiting manager to the specific technical group manager you would be working under. Engineering interviews are either technical or STAR-format, and you can find more information on those with a quick google search.
Whatever the outcome is of the application or interview process, do not be discouraged! I’ve applied to many internships and have been turned down time and time again. The important thing is to not give up. There will be a job for you, and one where you will thrive and succeed every day! Just be patient, work hard, and you will be fine. Also, if you want any help with anything in this process, my door is always open! My contact info is at the bottom of this blog. Good luck!
Author: Sarah Verderame
Sarah is a fourth-year majoring in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering at CSU. She is passionate about biomaterials, surgical equipment, and improving the lives of others through medical advancements. Sarah plans on working in the manufacturing side of biomedical device production after graduation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the engineering ambassador team at explore@engr.colostate.edu!
Tips for Your First Year on Campus
November 3, 2020
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Tips for Your First Year On Campus
Hi there!
Is this your first year on campus? If so, welcome to Fort Collins! We’re so happy to welcome you to the RAMily and the wonderful city of FoCo! Read on for some handy tips for your first year on CSU’s campus.
9 tips for your first year on campus:
1. Check where your classes are before making your schedule
I made this mistake my first year – it’s hard to anticipate how far away buildings may be from each other before you’re familiar with campus. It is entirely possible to end up with a schedule that has you sprinting across the intramural fields three days a week. Keep a map on hand!
2. Bring a pair of wheels to campus
CSU has a pretty big campus. It’s a good idea to bring some form of commuter transportation: bike, board, scooter, roller blades, whatever you like! Just make sure to dismount in the dismount zones and register your bike with the CSUPD.
3. Get to know the bus system
Seriously, it can take you anywhere. Check it out here.
4. Get involved!
Attend club fairs, career fairs, try joining groups for the fun of it and attend school events! Getting involved takes your college experience to the next level.
5. Extra meal swipes? Stop by Ram’s Horn Express or Durrell Express to stock up on snacks to-go
Try to plan to go before Friday night – swipes for the week expire at midnight and the shelves will be barren.
6. Check out buildings on campus, even if you don’t have any classes in them
Did you know there’s a greenhouse on campus? That the BSB has a balcony with an amazing view of campus? That the Natural Resources building has a “living wall” of plants or that the Biology building has dozens of educational displays? Get to exploring!
7. Know where RAMcash works and how much you need
RAMcash can buy you vending machine snacks and food at any coffee shop and in the LSC. It does not work at the bookstore! You get an allotted amount of RAMcash depending on your meal plan. Most times, you won’t need any more, especially since engineers get printing credits!
8. Get to know your hallmates
Go to meals together, hang out in study rooms, do homework, play card games. The hall is your oyster!
9. Get to know your classmates
These people may very well be by your side for the next few years!
Check out our sister blog about Tips for First Year Engineers for some more fun, engineering-specific advice for first years!
GO RAMS!
Author: Kate Boyd
Kate is a third-year student studying Chemical and Biological Engineering with a minor in Spanish. She is a committed Engineering Student Ambassador and member of the Honors program and Algae Club. She hails from Boulder, Colorado.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the engineering ambassador team at explore@engr.colostate.edu!
Ask me about
- Pre-Med Track
- Honors Program
- On-campus research
- Being an out-of-state student
- Living in Academic Village
- IM Sports
Ethan Barron
Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering
Ask me about
- Living in Academic Village
- Things to do in Colorado
- Research on campus
- Clubs on campus
- Living on campus sophomore year
- Study abroad
Kate Boyd
Chemical and biological engineering
Ask me about
- The CSU Honors Program
- Internships out of state
- Society of Women Engineers
- Alternative Spring Break
- The best coffee shops in town
- CSU outdoor program
Sami Fischer
Civil engineering
Ask me about
- Living in Academic Village
- IM sports
- Biomedical engineering
- Engineering Societies
- Off campus living
- Activities around Fort Collins
Katie Gaughan
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Ask me about
- Being Latinx in Engineering
- Being a transfer student
- Being an out-of-state student
- Diversity Programs in Engineering
- Studying Abroad + Interning Abroad
- Undergraduate research
Michelle Hefner
Biomedical and Chemical & Biological Engineering
Ask me about
- ECE Outreach Group
- Diversity Cultural Centers on campus
- Student clubs and leadership positions
- Being from Hawaii
- Living in Allison Hall and Aggie Village
- On campus jobs
Kailee Mitsuyasu
Computer engineering
Ask me about
- Being an out-of-state student
- On-campus jobs
- Student diversity organizations
- Engineering societies
- Living in Corbett Hall
- Off-campus living/life
Camille Milo
Chemical and biological/biomedical engineering
Ask me about
- A minor in a non-STEM program
- IM sports
- Long and short term study abroad
- How to balance school, work, and fun
- Being an out-of-state student
- Volunteering abroad
- CSU Mexico campus
Katy Rodriguez
Environmental Engineering
Ask me about
- Internships
- Living in AV
- The Fort Collins Culture
- Off-campus living/life
- Being an out of state student
- Student diversity organizations
- Engineering organizations
Sarah Verderame
Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering
Ask me about
- Being an international student
- Honors Track 2 Program
- Honors Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
- On-campus research
- Internships
- On/off-campus life
- On-campus jobs
Ananya Vajapayajula
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Ask me about
- Mountain biking in Fort Collins
- Starting research as a sophomore
- The Honors program
- Living in the Honors Residence Hall
- How photography can help you make connections
- Skiing in Colorado
Connor Witt
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Engineering Residential Learning Community
Imagine living among other students on campus, surrounded by peers building a strong community. Being a part of the College community, at Colorado State University and in Fort Collins, offers an experience like no other.
Edwards Hall
Open to first-year and returning/upper-class engineering students.
Academic Village
Open to first-year engineering students only.
Aspen Hall
Open to returning/upper-class engineering students.
Academic Support Services
Peer mentoring
Nightly tutoring (Sunday-Thursday)
Weekly advising drop-in hours
Live-in “Faculty-in-Residence” and Graduate Academic Coaches
Access to engineering Resident Assistant
RESOURCES
Design studios
Collaborative work rooms
Electronic classroom
Engineering Network Services Help Desk
About Colorado State and Fort Collins
CSU is about community. Whether you live on or off campus, you’ll be an important member. If you’re looking for a college experience with the perfect fusion of culture, opportunity and adventure, Fort Collins is where you’ll find it.
Engineering Success Center
The Engineering Success Center provides undergraduate engineering students with resume reviews, job search advice, salary negotiation tactics, mock interviews, cooperative education partnerships, and the opportunity to engage with diversity organizations.