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.
Professor and Chair of Engineering
Science and Engineering Building
P843-863-7128
Eablauch@csuniv.edu
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Charleston Southern University’s accreditation can be found here.
CSU is a member of the Christian Engineering Society.
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.
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:
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.
Charleston Women in Tech celebrate 10 yearsCharleston Women in Tech celebrated its 10-year anniversary October 10th with a serie…
Continue reading: Charleston Women in Tech celebrate 10 years
Biology graduate named Distinguished Alumnus of the YearBernie Mazyck, Class of 1981 in biology, is the 2024 CSU Distinguished Alumnus of the Year…
Continue reading: Biology graduate named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year