Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for New Students
- What are the requirements for completing First Year Engineering?
- What are the requirements for finishing different Engineering degrees?
- When do I declare my engineering major?
- Can I use my AP scores for credit for FYE courses?
- What computer hardware and software should I bring to campus?
- What learning communities are available to incoming students?
- What should I be doing now to prepare myself for employment opportunities?
- How do I talk to an advisor if I have any other questions?
1. What are the requirements for completing First Year Engineering?
To complete First-Year Engineering, you must earn credit for nine courses with a GPA of at least 2.00, an EAI (Engineering Admissions Index) of at least 2.00, and a grade of at least C- in each of the courses. Complete details are available here. (Students who entered Purdue prior to Fall 2014 have slightly different requirements, and should consult with an FYE advisor.)
2. What are the requirements for finishing different Engineering degrees?
There are 16 different degree programs in Engineering at Purdue. The degree maps and plans of study for each degree are available here.
3. When do I declare my engineering major?
Students are not admitted into a specific engineering degree program, or major, until they have completed all FYE requirements. This usually requires at least two semesters of study. In the final semester in FYE, a student will make a formal request for a degree program through the "Transition to Major" process. Admission into engineering degree programs may be competitive, particularly for programs at or over enrollment capacity.
4. Can I use my AP scores for credit for FYE courses?
Yes, if you take the proper exam and the score is high enough. All AP scores of 3 or higher post as credit to your Purdue transcript, but in many cases, a score of 4 or 5 is required for credit to post as a particular required class (scores of 3 often post as "undistributed credit.") More information is available here. Students are responsible for making sure that their scores are sent directly from AP to Purdue.
5. What computer hardware and software should I bring to campus?
Purdue students have access to computers and a full range of software in ITaP labs around campus. Many students like to bring their own personal computer, but this is not required. If you are bringing your own computer, FYE maintains recommended guidelines and specifications for computer hardware and software.
6. What learning communities are available to incoming students?
Students Success at Purdue manages several Learning Communities, which can help students develop relationships with other students, see connections in course material, and learn more effectively. Many of the learning communities are specifically designed for Engineering students. More information is available on the Student Success at Purdue web page.
7. What should I be doing now to prepare myself for employment opportunities?
It is never too early for students to be thinking about internships and employment, and many students will take a professional internship position in the summer following their first year on campus. More information is available from the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) and the College of Engineering Office of Professional Practice (OPP).
8. How do I talk to an advisor if I have any other questions?
You may email engr-info@purdue.edu with simple questions, or visit the FYE Advisor page for information about a meeting (either scheduled or drop-in) with an FYE Advisor.
Last Updated: March 4, 2022