Explore Interdisciplinary Engineering

Welcome to Purdue University's Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies, under the direction of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies Degree Program in the School of Engineering Education. Explore below for the following: 

The Nest

When the Interdisciplinary Engineering Program began in 1969, students did not have a gathering place or a physical location to call “home.” As you can imagine, a student community did not exist and without the same advantages of the schools of discipline, which had entire buildings. In 2015, a space opened up in the Armstrong 1300 suite, home to the School of Engineering Education and the degrees of Multidisciplinary Engineering and Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies.  A student community has naturally grown and on any given day, students can be found in the homeroom, affectionately called “The Nest.”  It is a quiet place to study and only a few paces from the program director and academic advisor. Some say their experience is much like all the great things about high school - experiencing a close-knit community and the support and mentorship of administration located all in one room.

Stop by and see us anytime!

Photos: Right - Commencement Celebration in the Nest. Below - Dr. Mary Pilotte (or "Professsor P") presents a certificate to Malachi Boyd (MDE '16) in recognition of the Nest logo.


Study Abroad

Students in the Acoustical Engineering and Engineering Management concentrations have a new study abroad opportunity. Students in these programs may spend their spring break at the Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. This opportunity was made possible through a competitive Incentive Study Abroad Program grant awarded to IDES/MDE through the generosity of the Global Engineering Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

March 2017 Spring Break Study Abroad Recap


Senior Capstone Design

In 2016, we received our first ever Purdue Alumni gift to help fund classroom related prototypes, field trips, etc. Through the generosity of Stephen W. Pater, a new endowment was created to benefit senior capstone design. The Stephen W. Pater Fund for Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies Capstone Class has already provided an opportunity for students to partner with Juno Lighting, our first industry partner, for their senior project. 


Last Updated November 11, 2018