First-Year Engineering
First-Year Engineering is the launchpad for all engineering students at Purdue.
Establishing the basics is a crucial first step toward success, which is why we’ve established and continue to evolve our innovative First-Year Engineering Program in West Lafayette to allow our engineering students to cultivate a strong foundation on which to achieve their vision and make their mark on the world.
Through this program, we educate thousands of students annually, providing them the time and resources to explore the engineering disciplines offered at the college and advising them to follow educational paths that spark something brilliant inside of them. We train, test and challenge our students, encouraging them to identify their strengths, redirect their weaknesses and define their resolve, setting them on course to go beyond what they thought was possible.
Bolstered by a research-based curriculum, we generate better outcomes, better students, better engineers.
There are many pathways through First-Year Engineering. Our core curriculum is mapped out for potential and current students to review.
Academic Advising
Academic Advisors at Purdue are dedicated to helping students engage in meaningful opportunities for active learning, personal growth, and achievement of their goals. Advisors for the First-Year Engineering Program are available for walk-in or scheduled appointments. Appointments can be either in-person or virtual. Visit First-Year Engineering Academic Advising for information on our location, office hours, and a link to our Virtual Assistant.
Courses
Course Syllabi
ENGR 13300 Syllabus (PDF) (EPICS or VIP)
Core Curriculum Map
Required Course Descriptions
Information on all courses at Purdue is available at mypurdue.purdue.edu. You also can review course descriptions or view our map of the FYE curriculum with advising information and latest retention data.
Last Updated March 4, 2022
Career Exploration
First-Year Engineering students learn about the engineering majors at Purdue by viewing the Engineering Career Exploration video series (see one of the videos below). They also engage in out-of-class activities led by the schools and divisions of engineering; talk with students, advisors, and faculty members; and/or participate in activities across the College of Engineering.
Other Student Resources
- Check out the degree areas within the College of Engineering
- Review industries in which you could work with an engineering degree
- Explore opportunities offered by the Office of Professional Practice (OPP)
Alumni Highlight: Making Sense of ENGR 131/132
"I wanted to let you know how helpful ENGR 131/132 has been since I have started my career at UTC Aerospace Systems. A lot of what I have been doing so far involves team dynamics, working with new people (customers), and a lot of Microsoft Excel use. In all honesty, it was hard for me to see the point of some of the lessons being taught both as a student and a peer teacher. However, I just wanted to commend you and your team for all of your hard work in truly preparing me for life in the engineering world."
Michael Davidson, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, May 2015 Graduate