School of Engineering and Applied Science

Interim Dean: Dr. Jennifer Shepherd 
Associate Deans: Dr. Tim Fitzgerald, Dr. Rhonda Young
Assistant Dean: Joan Sarles

Engineering is the profession in which a knowledge of natural sciences and mathematics is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, sustainably, and with concern for the environment and society, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of humankind. Engineers and scientists pursue a common goal of introducing new knowledge through research. The new knowledge is applied by the engineers to create new devices and systems. Engineers enjoy a unique professional satisfaction: they can usually point to tangible evidence of their efforts. For example, every bridge, skyscraper, television set, computer, robot, airplane, power plant, or automobile is a lasting testimonial to the engineers responsible for it.

It is difficult, maybe impossible, to imagine contemporary civilization without computing machines and the software that brings them to life. The Department of Computer Science trains students to meet the expanding quantitative needs of society and provides them with the theoretical structures from which practical applications derive. Majors in this department are well-prepared for positions in industry and government demanding quantitative techniques or computer science, and for graduate work.

The over-arching goal of the undergraduate programs in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at Gonzaga University is to provide an education that prepares the student with a baccalaureate degree to be a professional engineer or computer scientist. In addition, the programs provide a base both for graduate study and for lifelong learning in support of evolving career objectives, which include being informed, effective, and responsible participants in the profession and society. It is also an education that is designed to challenge the intellect of the student and help him/her learn the value and reward of analytical and logical thinking.

All departments within the School therefore share a common mission of equipping graduates to enter professional practice. This is summarized by our School's Mission Statement:

The School of Engineering and Applied Science at Gonzaga University produces broadly educated and capable engineers and computer scientists ready to contribute innovative solutions for a better world.

This statement is consistent with the University's mission and specifically implements the following section of that mission statement:

• Gonzaga models and expects excellence in academic and professional pursuits and intentionally develops the whole person: intellectually, spiritually, physically, and emotionally
• Through engagement with knowledge, wisdom, and questions informed by classical and contemporary perspectives, Gonzaga cultivates in its students the capacities and dispositions for reflective and critical thought, lifelong learning, spiritual growth, ethical discernment, creativity, and innovation.

In both Engineering and Computer Science

• Develop engineered solutions that are well conceived and carefully implemented to meet public and private sector needs.
• Contribute effectively to organizations as leaders and / or as team members.
• Foster personal and organizational success in a dynamic globalized professional environment.
• Improve society by applying Jesuit, humanistic values to their professional and civic responsibilities.

Additional objectives identified with the Computer Science program

• Earn advanced degrees in computer science of professional credentials.
• Contribute to the development of the next generation of information technology either through research or through practice in a corporate setting.
• Bring a critical intelligence, formed through the University's commitment to liberal humanistic learning, to the development of information technology.

A concerned and well-trained faculty, easy access to faculty outside the classroom, and modern facilities provide Gonzaga University students with the knowledge and skills to become productive engineers or computer scientists and to assume leadership roles in business, industry, and government. A unique feature of the program is the strong emphasis on liberal arts education. A strong and rigorous technical curriculum combined with a broad liberal arts education emphasizing communication skills, critical thinking, and ethics enables Gonzaga graduates to adapt to an ever-changing computing, engineering, social, political, and business environment.

Degree Programs and Accreditation

SEAS offers four-year Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering (BSCE), Computer Engineering (BSCpE) Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Engineering Management (BSEM), Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Computer Science (BSCS) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science and Computational Thinking.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Engineering Management and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs Program Criteria.

Center for Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship

Engineering and computer science are rapidly changing professions. The fast pace of technological advances and new approaches to organizing the work place are requiring engineers and software developers to continually update their training. In addition to having a broad range of technical knowledge, today’s engineers and software developers are expected to possess excellent interpersonal skills. They must be able to deal with open-ended design problems, to work cooperatively in a team environment, to communicate effectively, and to understand the technical, economic, environmental, and managerial aspects of projects.

The diverse skills required of modern engineers and software developers cannot be learned solely in a classroom or from a textbook. These skills are best learned through a combination of observation, emulation, analysis, and experimentation. This demands a high degree of interaction between the student and experienced engineers and computer scientists. Interpersonal skills are best developed through team work. Industry has discovered that the give‐and‐take process that characterizes a well‐motivated team is a key element to a project’s success.

The Center for Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship enhances the experience of students in the engineering and computer science programs at Gonzaga University by promoting interaction between the industrial and academic communities. Student teams, under the guidance of industry engineers and GU faculty, undertake design projects defined by sponsors in both the private and public sectors, or through proposals submitted by student teams. A project team typically consists of three to five students, often from different fields of study in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Team members must make effective use of available resources to perform and manage the project activities. By working on a real‐world problem, each student has the opportunity to make decisions under risk, to work as part of a team, and to interact with professionals in the private and public sectors. Further, working on technical projects that have real value to business, non‐profits, and the government, encourages students to acquire new skills.

Gonzaga faculty members, who advise the student teams, are ideally suited as advisors. A faculty advisor lends knowledge and experience to the project team by guiding and counseling the students in the technical and managerial decisions required by the project.

A liaison from the sponsoring organization provides technical direction and advice to the student team, monitors the project’s progress, and ensures that the project meets the needs of the sponsor. The liaison also assists the team in making the best use of the sponsor’s resources and facilities.

Design projects related to all the SEAS disciplines are sought throughout the year. Sponsors who are supportive of SEAS education provide ideas, resources, and funds for projects. By identifying project topics and the technical areas that are of interest to them, they help direct students to realistic problems that are important to their operations.

At the end of the spring semester, student design teams present their projects and reports, and demonstrate models and prototypes. Industrial sponsors, faculty members, prospective students, and members of the community are invited to attend the event and to interact with the project teams.

Degree requirements for the School of Engineering & Applied Science

In addition to the general degree requirements of the University, including the University Core Curriculum (see below for engineering-specific adaptations to the core), students earning all Bachelor’s degrees offered by the School of Engineering and Applied Science must complete the following requirements:

1. For engineering programs, completion of the following courses: MATH 258, 259, 260, PHYS 121/121L, and CHEM 101/101L. For computer science majors, please see the program description below.
2. Completion of certain program specific requirements.
3. Attainment of an average cumulative grade point of 2.00 in all SEAS course work taken at Gonzaga University

Please note: Every degree requires a minimum of 128 completed semester credits. No core, major, minor, or concentration courses may be taken under the Pass/Fail option.

The University Core for SEAS Engineering Majors

SEAS engineering majors will fulfill the requirements of the University Core through a combination of courses within the regular University Core curriculum combined with specific courses within Engineering. The engineering-specific substitutions for University Core courses are:

• Fine Arts & Design: Fulfilled through ENSC 491 &492

Additionally, engineering majors will be required to complete two of the following three core broadening courses: History, Literature, and/or Social & Behavioral Science. That is, one core broadening course will be waived. Students who enter with Advanced Placement (AP) or other college credits are strongly encouraged to complete all core broadening requirements.

Please note: Other than the waiver of one core broadening course (i.e., History, Literature, or Social & Behavioral Science), no other core course requirements will be waived.

SEAS computer science majors will complete the regular University Core.

Transfer students should consult the General Degree Requirements and Procedures section of this catalog for possible modifications to the Core requirements. Substitutions for discontinued courses are required and must be authorized by the proper University authorities.

Prerequisite to co-requisite override

If a student requires a class in which a prerequisite has been completed but failed, a prerequisite waiver may be available. The requirements for the waiver include:

1. The student must have completed all of the course work for the prerequisite class (yet received an F grade);
2. The prerequisite class is offered in the same semester as the required subsequent class;
3. The student must pass an exam that tests the concepts from the prerequisite class that are required in the subsequent class (this exam is administered by the faculty teaching the subsequent class, and will be completed before the semester in which the subsequent class begins).

If items [1] through [3] are completed, and there is approval from both the Department Chair and Dean, both the prerequisite class and subsequent class may be taken as co-requisites in the same semester. Note that if approved, the prerequisite class cannot be dropped unless the subsequent class is also dropped.