Academics

Engineering, B.S.

EAC logo with text Engineers apply science and technology to make a functioning society possible. As a Whitworth engineering major, you will become prepared to create engineering solutions for humanity. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, our interdisciplinary program will provide you a strong grounding in the physics, math and computational skills necessary for engineering analysis, and equip you with the foundational knowledge in electrical, mechanical and materials aspects of engineering on which all emerging technologies are built. You will learn to consider the impacts of these solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts as informed by a Christian perspective.

Why major in engineering at Whitworth?

Learn in a personal, hands-on environment. We keep our class sizes small so students can receive individualized instruction. View enrollment and graduation data for our program.
Work on meaningful projects that parallel real-world research and development, including co-curricular assignments such as CubeSat and stratospheric exploration. The major culminates in a yearlong capstone design project.
Express your creativity. You will enjoy a certain level of freedom with design and lab projects. Professors will offer their assistance but will leave the decisions to you.
Receive holistic mentoring. Whitworth engineering & physics professors are committed to helping you grow both academically and personally.
Benefit from a liberal arts education. Whitworth students become skilled at listening, reading, writing, presenting and collaborating – all crucial abilities for an effective engineer.
Discover your vocation and purpose. You will explore the concept of work from a Christian perspective, considering how you can use your career to contribute to society.
Sharpen your leadership skills by working in the Whitworth Engineering & Physics Department. Students may apply for positions as tutors, teaching assistants and research assistants.
Build community with other students and prepare for your future workplace.
Become who you're meant to be.
Learn more about our program educational objectives and student outcomes.

Ask our faculty

Ask Assistant Professor Schipf

dschipf@whitworth.edu

Assistant Professor David Schipf studied optics and micro-systems while earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Washington.

Ask Professor Sankaran

ksankaran@whitworth.edu

Professor Kamesh Sankaran studied aerospace engineering and plasma physics at Princeton University and now does computational research on next-generation plasma thrusters for space travel.

Ask Associate Professor Ong

mong@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Markus Ong studied materials science and engineering at Stanford University and then worked at Sandia National Laboratories before coming to Whitworth.

Ask Associate Professor Measor

pmeasor@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Philip Measor studied electrical engineering with an emphasis in applied optics.

Our engineering grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Graduates most often land positions in engineering or other technical professions. They work for companies, governments and universities.

Graduates of Whitworth's engineering & physics department* are working in a variety of positions and fields, including:

Caleb Bertolini, spacecraft attitude control engineer, Lockheed Martin, Colorado Springs
Amanda Teblunthuis, family medicine resident physician, Kaiser Permanente, Seattle
Ryan Grady, launch vehicle mechanical systems engineer, Lockheed Martin, Littleton, Colo.

Recent engineering & physics department grads* further their studies in top programs at institutions including:

California Institute of Technology
Princeton University
Stanford University
Texas A&M University
University of California, San Diego
University of Washington
University of Southern California
University of Texas, Austin

Opportunities outside the classroom

Gain job experience through an internship, which is required for all engineering majors. Students have recently interned at Naval Underwater Warfare Center, Lockheed Martin and Advanced IN.
Use our shop facilities to work on your own projects. We have 3D printers, a laser cutter, a CNC mill and more to help transform your designs into reality.
Engage in service-learning. Through the Physics Outreach course, you can help middle school students design experiments and send them to the stratosphere with a weather balloon.
Join the student-led, faculty-advised WhitSat Program available to all Whitworth STEM students.

What related majors can I explore?

Next steps

Academic Information

What Is It Like?

"I have been a part of the Whitworth CubeSat project for about three years. This is a student-led, faculty-advised satellite design project at Whitworth. I have been the microcontroller team leader since fall of 2022. Not only has it given me the experience of working on an aerospace project, but it has also provided me with a great opportunity to develop my professional and leadership skills as a team leader."
Grant McDonald '24

Explore what it's like to major in the areas that interest you through the experiences of Whitworth students.