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Engineering

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In a society faced with increasingly complex technological and humanistic problems, a liberal arts education contributes to the development of engineers.

Partnering with Columbia University in New York and Washington University in St. Louis, Davidson offers cooperative dual degree engineering programs, as well as co-curricular opportunities for students to dive into their engineering interests in the larger community.

In addition to one-on-one advising, students interested in engineering have access to:

  • hands-on research opportunities with real world connections to engineering
  • turnkey engineering independent studies with pre-made curricula, problem sets and more
  • state-of-the-art facilities including the physics department machine shop, Studio M makerspace and quality instrumentation
Two students work inside a workshop on a custom Baja-style vehicle frame, with one pointing inside the chassis while the other positions a metallic racing seat.
Automotive & Mechanical Engineering
Building a Racing Team from the Ground Up

When physics majors wanted hands-on engineering experience, they created their own. Wildcat Motorsports designed, welded, and built a custom single-seat off-road vehicle from scratch—raising over $45,000 and taking their custom buggy to compete against major engineering universities nationwide.

Two smiling male students in blue polo shirts stand proudly beside their solar boat project display titled "Powering the Solar Boat: Electronics and Testing," showcasing their engineering work under a small shelter with campus buildings visible in the background.
Sustainable Marine Design
Repowering Lake Norman with Solar Energy

Partnering with Yamaha Rightwaters, student researchers transformed a standard gas-powered pontoon into a fully sustainable, closed-loop solar vessel. Featuring custom Torqeedo electric outboards and solar arrays, the zero-emission boat underwent successful field testing on nearby Lake Norman.

Student team presenting work in front of tiny house, holding microphone
Renewable Energy & Smart Systems
Off-Grid DIY Living & Automation

Starting from a bare trailer chassis, student researchers designed and constructed an off-grid tiny house. The project integrates custom solar power, automated temperature-regulating windows and blinds, a gray-water filtration system, and a composting toilet.

Academic Goals of the Program
  • Establish a strong foundation in science, mathematics and computer science to facilitate lateral thinking and a deeper approach to engineering problem-solving.
  • Explore diverse dimensions of the human experience for service and leadership in the engineering profession.
  • Develop effective communication skills to support a clear and informative exchange of ideas.
  • Foster an appreciation of the social and ethical context of technological problems so that humane solutions can be identified and implemented.
  • Provide international and cultural experiences to inform multi-cultural teamwork and applications around the world.
  • Cultivate creativity for imaginative engineering design.
Eric Xu '24

I didn’t know much about the engineering program when I was a first year student. After learning more in an email from Dr. Yukich, I became interested. With his help, the application process was pretty smooth. He answered every question in detail, even the minute ones. I find Columbia Engineering School's vision for socially connected engineering attractive. My two majors may seem irrelevant but this program provides a way to combine the two things I like the most. I really want to work in an area where I can utilize my knowledge in both computer science and philosophy.

Yue (Eric) Xu '24

Computer Science & Philosophy Double Major on Engineering Track

Related Departments

Contact

For additional information, please contact our Dual-Degree Liaison, Prof. John Yukich.

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