Engineering Pathways for CUC Undergraduate Students
Launch your engineering career with two flexible program options at Concordia University Chicago:
- The 4-Year CUC Degree: Earn your B.A. in Pre-Engineering in four years on CUC's campus, enjoying close faculty advisement and a robust liberal arts foundation.
- The 3+2-Year CUC-Valpo Dual-Degree: Spend three years at CUC taking foundational pre-engineering coursework, followed by two years (and one online summer) at Valparaiso University. You will graduate with two degrees: a B.A. In Pre-Engineering from CUC and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for acceptance into the 3+2 program.
Build your foundation for a career in mechanical engineering through Concordia University Chicago’s B.A. in Pre-Engineering and the 3+2 Mechanical Engineering program with Valparaiso University.
Students begin with three years at CUC, where small class sizes, close faculty advisement, liberal arts coursework and pre-engineering studies provide a strong academic foundation. Students accepted into the 3+2 program then transition to Valparaiso University for two additional years and one summer of online coursework focused on Mechanical Engineering.
Upon successful completion of both programs, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Engineering from Concordia University Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso University.
4-Year Degree Snapshot
Complete your B.A. in Pre-Engineering in four years at CUC while benefiting from personalized faculty support and a strong liberal arts foundation.
3+ 2 Pathway Snapshot
The 3+2 Mechanical Engineering pathway combines the personalized academic experience of CUC with advanced Mechanical Engineering coursework at Valparaiso University.
- B.A. in Pre-Engineering from CUC
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso University
- Three years of study at CUC
- Two additional years at Valparaiso University
- One summer of online coursework
- Small class sizes
- Close faculty advisement
- 3.0 cumulative GPA required for acceptance into the 3+2 program
Build Your Path to Mechanical Engineering
Develop a strong academic foundation at CUC before advancing into specialized Mechanical Engineering coursework through the 3+2 partnership with Valparaiso University.
Build a Strong Pre-Engineering Foundation
Spend your first three years at Concordia University Chicago developing a foundation through pre-engineering and liberal arts coursework. The program is designed to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and the academic preparation needed for advanced engineering study.
Transition into Mechanical Engineering
After completing the required coursework at CUC and meeting program admission requirements, eligible students transition to Valparaiso University for two additional years and one summer online. There, students continue with specialized Mechanical Engineering coursework leading toward the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Benefit from a Personalized Academic Experience
Small class sizes and close faculty advisement give students a tailored academic experience throughout their time at CUC. The pathway also provides flexibility for students to explore related academic interests such as mathematics or computer science while continuing to build toward their engineering goals.
Is the Pre-Engineering Program Right for You?
The pre-engineering degree is designed for students who want a career in engineering but prefer a well-rounded academic foundation, extra time to choose a specialty, or a more supportive transition into rigorous technical coursework. It is an ideal fit for several types of students:
- The Strategy-Minded Student: Perfect for those aiming for a dual-degree (like the 3+2 program), allowing them to earn two degrees—a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.)—in five years, making their resume highly competitive.
- The Specialty Seeker: Great for students who know they love engineering but aren't ready to commit to a specific branch (like mechanical, civil, or electrical) on day one of college.
- The Career-Pivot Planner: Ideal for students who want a broad foundation in math and science to pivot into engineering tech, technical sales, project management, or patent law, rather than traditional research and development.
The "Small School" Learner: Perfect for students who want the close mentorship, smaller class sizes, and tight-knit community of a smaller college before transitioning to a massive engineering university campus.
Is the 3+2 Mechanical Engineering Program Right for You?
The Pre-Engineering program is designed for students who want to begin their college experience in a smaller, closely advised academic environment while preparing to pursue advanced study in Mechanical Engineering.
Incoming students may declare the B.A. in Pre-Engineering when they enter Concordia University Chicago.
The pathway may be a strong fit for students who want to:
- Build a foundation in pre-engineering before specializing in Mechanical Engineering
- Benefit from small classes and close faculty advisement
- Combine liberal arts learning with technical preparation
- Pursue both a B.A. and B.S. through a coordinated academic pathway
- Explore related areas such as mathematics or computer science while progressing toward an engineering degree
How the 3+2 Mechanical Engineering Program Works
Students spend their first three years at Concordia University Chicago completing coursework toward the B.A. in Pre-Engineering. During this period, students build a foundation through liberal arts and pre-engineering coursework while receiving close faculty advisement.
Students who plan to continue into the 3+2 program must satisfy the requirements for admission to Valparaiso University’s Mechanical Engineering program by the end of the spring semester of their third year.
Students accepted into the 3+2 program transition to Valparaiso University to complete two additional years and one summer online of Mechanical Engineering coursework.
This portion of the pathway allows students to move from their broader pre-engineering foundation into specialized Mechanical Engineering study.
Upon successful completion of the applicable degree requirements, students can receive:
Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Engineering
Concordia University Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Valparaiso University
Students who transition to Valparaiso University after completing six semesters at CUC may fulfill the course requirements for CHE 4901 Seminar in Chemistry, three hours of MAT/CHE/PHY 4000 level coursework, and three hours of MAT/CHE/PHY 3000 level coursework by transferring courses from Valparaiso University’s Mechanical Engineering program.
These transferred courses do not need to align directly with CUC’s specific curriculum.
A Collaborative Pathway with Valparaiso University
Concordia University Chicago’s partnership with Valparaiso University creates a coordinated pathway from pre-engineering study into specialized Mechanical Engineering coursework.
Students begin at CUC before transitioning to Valparaiso University to complete the engineering portion of the program. This structure combines the personalized academic environment of CUC with advanced study in Mechanical Engineering.
Admissions & Requirements: Begin Your Engineering Pathway
Students can declare the B.A. in Pre-Engineering when entering Concordia University Chicago. Students interested in the 3+2 Mechanical Engineering pathway should work closely with their academic advisor to understand CUC degree requirements and prepare for the transition to Valparaiso University.
Start Your Path Toward Mechanical Engineering
Begin your engineering education at Concordia University Chicago and build toward advanced Mechanical Engineering study through the 3+2 partnership with Valparaiso University.
Personalized Guidance from the Start
Small class sizes and close faculty advisement are central to the Pre-Engineering experience at CUC. Faculty help students build their academic foundation, navigate program requirements and prepare for the transition into advanced Mechanical Engineering coursework.
