Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field have two paths into engineering at Portland State: completing a second bachelor's degree, or completing preparatory coursework that leads into a graduate program. Program structure, requirements, and eligibility vary by department.
Programs by Department
- Civil & Environmental Engineering — Post-baccalaureate pathways into the Civil Engineering BS and Environmental Engineering BS, with guidance on choosing between a second bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Includes transfer credit agreements with local community colleges and the transfer evaluation process.
- Electrical & Computer Engineering — A second BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or the ECE Bridge Program, which prepares students for admission to the ECE Master of Science program through a sequence of undergraduate courses in one of five focus areas.
Choosing a Path
A second bachelor's degree is typically the shorter path for students whose prior degree is outside engineering or a closely related field. It is also the appropriate path for students pursuing licensure as a professional engineer, which is generally required for careers in civil and environmental engineering.
Bridge and preparatory programs lead to a master's degree rather than a second undergraduate degree. Requirements and timelines are individualized based on prior coursework and chosen area of specialization.
Tuition and Transfer Credit
Post-baccalaureate students are charged undergraduate tuition rates for 100-400 level courses and graduate tuition rates for 500 level courses.
Portland State does not automatically conduct a transfer analysis on transcripts from a prior degree. Students who plan to transfer credits request an evaluation through an advisor after admission and provide syllabi for all courses under review.
General education requirements are generally waived for post-baccalaureate students, with exceptions that vary by department.
Eligibility requirements differ by program. International students requiring F-1 visas are not eligible for the ECE Bridge Program.
Advising
Students with questions about which path fits their background, prior coursework, or career goals should contact an academic advisor in MCECS Student Services.