B. A. in General Engineering

Engineering Meets the Liberal Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in General Engineering is designed for students who want to understand engineering, innovation, and technology at their intersections with other disciplines. Combining engineering fundamentals with the breadth and flexibility of a liberal arts education, this program prepares graduates to think creatively, solve complex problems, and communicate effectively across disciplines. The program is designed to offer much greater flexibility in course selection than a traditional engineering program, combining engineering with the liberal arts. Students will gain a basic understanding of engineering that will help them become more innovative and conversant with technology, innovation, and design principles. Students with this degree will not have a desire to become a practicing engineer, but rather may pursue careers or education in areas such as management, finance, economics, law or patent law, medicine, humanities, and even the arts. The program will also serve students in other majors seeking a second degree in engineering, enhancing interdisciplinary opportunities. Students develop a strong foundation in design and systems-thinking, scientific and mathematical concepts, and emerging technologies, while maintaining the flexibility to pursue interests in business, law, public policy, medicine, communications, entrepreneurship, and other fields.

This program is not accredited by the EAC of ABET.

Why Charleston?

The College of Charleston offers a distinctive environment for students seeking a broad, interdisciplinary engineering education. Situated in one of the Southeast's fastest-growing innovation and business regions, the College provides opportunities to connect engineering knowledge with real-world challenges through internships, community engagement, and cross-disciplinary learning.

The B.A. in General Engineering reflects the College's commitment to combining rigorous academics with the intellectual breadth of a liberal arts education, preparing graduates to lead in a world where technology touches every industry.

Program Highlights

Flexible Curriculum

The B.A. in General Engineering combines engineering coursework with the freedom to explore complementary interests across the College of Charleston curriculum. Students can tailor their academic experience to support a wide range of professional goals.

Engineering Design and Innovation

Students learn how science and mathematics are applied through the engineering design process, gaining practical knowledge that supports innovation and organizational decision-making about technology.

Liberal Arts Foundation

By integrating engineering with the liberal arts, the program prepares graduates to communicate effectively, think critically and work across disciplines in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

The program also supports students interested in combining engineering with another academic discipline, creating opportunities for double majors and interdisciplinary study.

About the Program

Interested in what you will learn while you are here?
  • Why Study General Engineering

    Employers value professionals who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and broader organizational, social, and economic challenges. The B.A. in General Engineering is built for students who want to understand how engineering shapes the world while pursuing careers as an alternative to traditional engineering practice.

    Unlike highly specialized engineering degrees, the General Engineering program offers greater flexibility in course selection and encourages interdisciplinary study. Students gain an understanding of engineering design, innovation, and technology while developing the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that are hallmarks of a College of Charleston education.

    This degree is ideal for students interested in:

    • Engineering-informed business and management careers
    • Entrepreneurship and innovation
    • Finance and economics
    • Law and patent law
    • Public policy and government
    • Medicine and health professions
    • Technology-related leadership roles
    • Interdisciplinary careers that benefit from engineering knowledge

    Students desiring careers as practicing engineers or to become licensed professional engineers should complete a B.S. degree in one of the engineering disciplines offered by the Department of Engineering.

  • Mission Statement

    The mission of the B.A. in General Engineering is to provide students with a foundational understanding of engineering and design while fostering the intellectual breadth, adaptability, and critical thinking skills characteristic of a liberal arts education. The program empowers students to apply engineering thinking to complex challenges, communicate across disciplines, and pursue innovative careers and graduate study in an increasingly technology-driven world.

  • What Will You Learn

    As a General Engineering major, you'll develop:

    • A foundational understanding of engineering principles
    • Knowledge of engineering design processes
    • Quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills
    • Technical communication abilities
    • Experience working with technology and innovation concepts
    • An understanding of how engineering intersects with business, policy, healthcare, and society
    • Collaborative and multidisciplinary teamwork skills
  • Career Opportunities

    The B.A. in General Engineering prepares graduates for careers that benefit from engineering knowledge but do not necessarily require professional engineering licensure. Graduates may pursue opportunities in:

    • Business and operations management
    • Technical sales
    • Product development
    • Technology consulting
    • Financial services
    • Government and public administration
    • Technical communication
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Healthcare and medicine
    • Law and patent law
    • Graduate and professional education

    Workforce data indicate growing demand for professionals with engineering and technology-related knowledge across industries, including manufacturing, engineering services, technical communications, technology consulting, and scientific sales.