Earn Your Degree in the Lowcountry's Only Christian Engineering Program

The exciting field of engineering offers more career options than any other discipline. It is the profession at the forefront of all modern technological advances. If you are a problem solver who searches for efficient ways to use the forces and materials of nature to meet today’s challenges, then the Charleston Southern engineering program is for you.

Engineers apply mathematics, science, and professional judgment to solve technical problems in industry and society. They design and develop products, processes, services, and systems. They are also expected to contribute more than technical competence. As professionals, engineers are concerned with the impact of their work on society. To effectively deal with the rapid changes in technology, engineers must have a broad undergraduate engineering education firmly based upon the sciences and mathematics and supported with an enriching liberal arts education program.


Choose an Engineering Concentration

Students select their concentration when declaring their major. Students can choose either the BS Engineering Computer Concentration, BS Engineering Electrical Concentration, or BS Engineering Mechanical Concentration.

Don’t know which engineering degree concentration to choose? Select a concentration below to learn more!

If you are interested in how HVAC systems heat and cool, how mechanical systems like cars and aircraft handle harsh environments, how nuclear plants produce electrical power, or how to design the next generation of medical devices, then the mechanical concentration is for you. Take classes in solid mechanics, dynamics, thermal fluids, and more.

What is mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that combines physics and mathematics with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. Mechanical engineering includes tools, engines, machines, generators, refrigeration and heating systems, thermal transport technologies, transportation systems, and mechatronics. Mechanical engineers develop devices and systems ranging from drills, signs, refrigerators, and elevators, to automobiles, aircraft, spacecraft, power plants, and robotic systems.

What courses are included in the mechanical concentration?

Solid Mechanics – Students will apply the concepts of statics and further learn the concepts and theories of deformation (bending, torsion), internal force, stress, strain, strain energy, and failure modes for flexible bodies. These techniques are used in the analysis and design of real mechanical systems such as bridges, buildings, pressurized tanks, and engine components.

Dynamics – Students will learn to apply kinematics, Newton’s Second Law of Motion, the principal of work and energy, and the principal of impulse and momentum to systems undergoing linear acceleration, rotation, impacts, and/or curved motion. These techniques are used in the analysis of almost all moving systems, including flowing fluids, automobiles, planes, launched projectiles, satellites, shuttles, and planetary bodies.

Thermal Fluids – Students will learn the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.  The techniques of this course are applied to systems such as aircraft, gas and diesel engines, gas turbines, jet propulsion systems, refrigeration systems, commercial power plants, and electronics cooling schemes. These principals are also used to analyze and understand natural occurrences such as global weather patterns and radiative emissions from stellar bodies.

To view the full curriculum, visit the CSU’s course catalog.

What jobs can you get as a mechanical engineer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers work in a wide range of industries, from precision tools, heating and air conditioning, to automotive and aerospace. Typical tasks involve the integration of sensors and controllers, structural analysis, safety testing, thermal design and testing, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), quality assurance, operational oversight, and product lifecycle management.

Mechanical engineering companies include:

  • Consumer electronics (Motorola, Siemens)
  • Automotive (General Motors, BMW, Volvo)
  • Appliances (Bosch, Westinghouse)
  • Energy (Duke Power, Dominion Energy)
  • Aerospace (Boeing)
  • Medical devices (Allergan, Masimo Corp.)
  • Amusement park rides (Walt Disney World)
  • Toys (Fisher Price)

What is a mechanical engineer’s average salary?

The average salary for an entry-level mechanical engineer is $65k/year (as of December, 2021).

If you are interested in how turbines and fuel cells generate electricity, how stereo systems and HDTVs operate, or how to design automation and robotic systems, then the electrical concentration is for you. Take classes in electronics, power systems, electromagnetic, and more.

What is electrical engineering?

Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering concerned with the study, design, and application of technology and systems associated with the use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineering includes computer systems, telecommunications, signal processing, instrumentation, electronics, mechatronics, optics, power systems, and renewable energy. Electrical engineers develop devices and systems ranging from toaster ovens, electric motors, GPS devices, radios, and TVs to automobiles, aircraft, and satellites.

What courses are included in the electrical concentration?

Electronics – Students will learn the fundamentals of semiconductor devices and circuits, including items such as diodes, bipolar junction transistors, MOSFETs, and discrete amplifiers. By the end of the course, students will understand the operation and design of advanced electronic systems such as audio amplifiers and DC-to-AC converters.

Power Systems – Students will learn the fundamentals of power signals, systems, and their components.  Topics includes three-phase systems, transmission lines, transformers, generators, and voltage regulators.

Electromagnetics – Students will learn the fundamental principles and applications of electromagnetics.  Electromagnetic waves are the principle form of transmission for wireless signals such as cell phones, Wi-Fi, and satellites.

Communication Systems – Students will learn the fundamentals of analog and digital communication systems, components, and techniques. By the end of the course, students will understand how data signals are transmitted and encoded in various communication systems such as AM, FM, Wi-Fi, and remote controls.

To view the full curriculum, visit the CSU’s course catalog.

What jobs can you get as an electrical engineer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers work in a wide range of industries. Typical tasks involve designing of electronic components, evaluating power consumption, maintaining and inspecting electronic equipment and systems, and developing integrated control systems.

Electrical engineering companies include:

  • Power generation (Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Dominion Energy)
  • Microchip makers (Intel, AMD)
  • Defense contractors (NIWC, Raytheon)
  • Fuel-cell manufacturers (Ballard Power Systems, Delphi Corp.)
  • Automotive (Volvo, BMW)
  • Aerospace (Boeing)
  • Consumer electronics (Sony, Samsung, Toshiba)

What is an electrical engineer’s average salary?

The average salary for an entry-level electrical engineer is $68k/year (as of December, 2021).

If you are interested in how cell phones operate, how to create computer applications, or how your home security and appliances are connected and controlled via Wi-Fi, then the computer concentration is for you. Take classes in object-oriented programming, computer architecture, applied networking, and more.

What is computer engineering?

Computer engineering is a branch of engineering that integrates aspects of computer science and electrical engineering required to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineers design devices and systems ranging from circuit boards, memory devices, microcontrollers, and microprocessors to personal computers, operating systems, routers, and networks. Many modern products incorporate processors and other computer components into their design, such as cars, home appliances, and medical devices. Computer engineers are involved in the development of all these devices.

What courses are included in the computer concentration?

Object-Oriented Programming – Students will learn object-oriented programming using Java. The course includes application and applet development, graphical user interface components, and exception handling.

Computer Architecture – Students will learn the interdependencies among assembly language, computer organization and design with a focus on the concepts that are the basis for current computer technology.

Applied Networking – Students will learn the fundamentals of networking. Hardware components include routers, hubs, switches, Ethernet, fiber optics, and wireless. Software protocols include application layer (HTTP), transport layer (TCP, UDP), network layer (IP), and link layer (Ethernet).

To view the full curriculum, visit the CSU’s course catalog.

What jobs can you get as a computer engineer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer engineers work in a wide range of industries, from home appliances to telecommunication. Typical tasks involve writing software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, integrating analog/digital sensors, and developing operating systems.

Computer engineering companies include:

  • Consumer electronics manufacturers (Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard, General Electric)
  • Telecoms (Verizon, T-Mobile)
  • Software developers (Microsoft, Oracle)
  • Computer-game companies (Electronic Arts)

What is a computer engineer’s average salary?

The average salary for an entry-level computer engineer is $69k/year (as of December, 2021).

*Note that the engineering curriculum for all three concentrations is the same through freshmen and sophomore years. Students can change concentrations up until the beginning of their junior year without affecting their degree progress. For more information, reach out to your academic advisor or Request Information from our admissions team.


Accreditation

Charleston Southern University’s accreditation can be found here.
CSU is a member of the Christian Engineering Society.

A Biblical Perspective on Engineering

Charleston Southern University is one of the only Christian universities in the Southeast focused on faith integration with a BS in engineering program. We provide a unique opportunity to study engineering from a Biblical perspective. As Christians, our faith should guide and direct the choices we make as engineers. In the engineering program at CSU, we have the opportunity to experience God through the study of his creation and the application of His natural laws. If our faith is real, then it must be a part of all we do and in harmony with all that is true. Just as “the heavens declare the glory of God”, so should the engineering we practice declare the wonderful works of God. At CSU, you will experience this declaration first hand and learn how you can make an impact in the workplace and community as a Christian engineer.

Engineering Internships

CSU offers the opportunity for students to participate in co-op internships. Cooperative internships usually require a student to work for a company alongside their studies. A co-op will usually allow the student to take on new responsibilities as they progress through their degree program. Co-ops are a great opportunity for engineering students to get real-world experience, and they are generally a great way to secure a job right out of college.

Engineering students at CSU have participated in co-op internships with the following companies:

Program Information

The mission of CSU’s engineering program is to provide an excellent education through instruction and hands-on application that prepares our engineering graduates for effective leadership and service in their profession and society from a Christian worldview.

To achieve its mission, the following set of program educational objectives have been established. Within three to five years after graduation, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program are expected to achieve the following:

  • Apply their knowledge and skills to succeed in an engineering or technology-related career and/or obtain an advanced degree.
  • Exhibit effective communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Practice their profession ethically and recognize societal and global needs from a Christian worldview perspective.
  • Pursue lifelong learning, leading and serving to include participation in professional organizations.

To achieve its mission and program educational objectives, the following set of program student learning outcomes have been established. Upon graduation, students will have an ability to perform the following:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

2023-2024 Enrolled 72 

2022-2023 Enrolled 52, 4th year of program; First graduates

2021-2022 Enrolled 36, 3rd year of program

2020-2021 Enrolled 34, 2nd year of program

2019-2020 Enrolled 16, 1st year of program

As an engineering major, you’ll take courses like…

  • Engineering Graphics
  • Statics
  • Digital Systems
  • Circuit Analysis
  • Embedded Applications
  • Control Systems

Engineering graduates are equipped for a variety of career paths.

  • Research 
  • Design
  • Development
  • Production
  • Construction 
  • Testing
  • Operations 
  • Sales & Support
  • Management 
  • Consulting
  • Teaching

Students in a lab injecting a chemical into a vile.
Explore Your College

The College of Science and Mathematics

Charleston Southern’s College of Science and Mathematics ensures through its curricula and course offerings that students in all majors demonstrate an understanding of the continuing role of science and mathematics in human progress.

1103 Science Engineering Building Drone
Explore Our Facilities

Science and Engineering Building

The Science and Engineering Building is a 17,500-square-foot space that houses labs, office space, and work rooms for student and faculty use in programs such as cybersecurity, aeronautics, and engineering. CSU plans to expand the building in future to reach a total of 28,000-square-feet.

Related News

CSU’s STEM-program growth prompts building expansion 
College of Science and Mathematics

CSU’s STEM-program growth prompts building expansion 

Charleston Southern University will complete its second construction phase to fill out the…

Continue reading: CSU’s STEM-program growth prompts building expansion 
Charleston Women in Tech celebrate 10 years
College of Science and Mathematics

Charleston Women in Tech celebrate 10 years

Charleston Women in Tech celebrated its 10-year anniversary October 10th with a serie…

Continue reading: Charleston Women in Tech celebrate 10 years