Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: GENERAL
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1) What is the difference between a transfer applicant and a frosh applicant?
6) What programs do you currently offer and how are they structured?
7) Does the U of C have an undergraduate program in aeronautical engineering?
10) What is it really like to be a student at the Schulich School of Engineering?
Answers to FAQs
1) Frosh (or high school) applicants are students who apply directly from high school or who have not taken any course at a post-secondary school. Transfer applicants are students who have previously attended a post-secondary institution.
2) The Admission Requirements are applicable to all applicants applying to the School.
However, if a mature student is deficient in some of the required high school subjects, we may be able to accept the student's post-secondary course(s) in lieu of the corresponding high school course(s) if we find that the material of the deficient Grade 12 course(s) has been covered by the completed post-secondary course(s).
3) The Schulich School of Engineering does not permit non-engineering students to register in engineering courses, with the following exceptions:
- Graduates with documentation from APEGA for upgrading
- Graduates seeking professional upgrading
- By special permission only, students who have been required to withdraw from engineering at the U of C and need department courses to demonstrate qualifications for readmission.
Such students will be subject to the following requirements:
- Maximum of two courses will be allowed per session
- Availability in the course(s) as of the first day of classes each fall and winter session, on a first come, first served basis
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses (including all five required grade 12 courses and English Language Proficiency); transcripts and course descriptions may be required
Students who are required to withdraw from any post-secondary institution for any reason, are not permitted to register in any course specified as part of the degree requirements in the Schulich School of Engineering for a period of 12 months from the date of withdrawal.
Normally we will not allow a student to repeat a course if the grade obtained previously is C- or better. Further registration will be refused if the non-engineering student has obtained an F grade or a second D/ D+ grade in an engineering course or has withdrawn from an engineering course.
Non-engineering students must apply in person for engineering courses at the Undergraduate Studies Office (ENC 204) in the Schulich School of Engineering. We begin accepting these applications March 15 for Spring and Summer courses, July 15 for Fall courses, and November 15 for Winter courses. Applications will be accepted up to approximately one week before the first day of classes.
4) You may work toward obtaining some transferable credits by registering in courses equivalent to some of our required courses, as offered by other faculties on campus; see our University of Calgary Courses Transferable to Engineering Programs.
If you would like request registration in restricted engineering courses, please first see Question 3. If you would like to continue to request an engineering restricted course, and are a current University of Calgary student, you would use the Change of Registration form (found on the Forms for Students webpage). If you are not a current University of Calgary student, and would like to register for our courses as an open studies student, please refer to this webpage regarding Open Studies.
5) Work experience is a very valuable asset and will help you progress in some of the required engineering courses. However, it is not possible to assess work experience and equate it to the completion of specific academic courses, so we are unable to grant any advanced credits, and therefore we are also unable to take it into consideration for admission purposes.
6) Our programs are structured so that the first year is common to every engineering student. Programs (majors) such as Civil, Electrical, etc. begin in second year. Information regarding our programs can be found in the University of Calgary Calendar.
7) We regret that the University of Calgary does not have a formal undergraduate program in Aeronautical Engineering. Students who wish to work in that area often study mechanical engineering, which prepares students to deal with the engines and structural components of aircraft. The programs in electrical, software and geomatics engineering prepare students to deal with various aspects of aircraft control and navigation systems.
8) You can find information on engineering programs offered by the U of C on this webpage.
The Canadian Council of Professional Engineers website contains a list of accredited engineering programs.
9)The minimum requirement to be considered a full-time student is three courses per term; therefore, being enrolled in fewer than three courses is considered part-time. However, SSE regulations require students to maintain full-time status (and a certain minimum GPA) to continue in the program.
The normal load in engineering is 10 to 11 courses per academic year. Although it is possible to complete the engineering program successfully with less than this normal course load, the program is unquestionably geared to students able to take the full load. Many courses have labs and tutorial components in addition to lectures, and most components are scheduled in the daytime throughout the weekdays, reducing the flexibility for students wishing to take courses with lighter load in order to maintain employment or participate in sports. Higher priority for selection of an engineering degree program is given to students who successfully complete all first-year courses in one year. Timetables, exam schedules and curricula are designed to avoid conflicts and make sure that prerequisites are covered for students who attend full time and keep their programs "in sync" with their class. Periodic changes in curriculum cause greater problems for students who are not "in sync" with their program. There is also an eight-year limit on completing all courses for the degree, pro-rated if students transfer into the program with partial credit.
Options include:
- Planning courses carefully to address prerequisites and schedule conflicts, and accepting the implications related to program selection and curriculum changes, etc.
- Starting out by taking transferable courses as an open studies student or in another faculty, and transferring into engineering to complete the first-year program
- Starting out by attending a college with a transfer program, completing the first-year program gradually and applying for admission to second year.
10) "Engineering is different from other faculties. We are more of a family." Second-year civil engineering student.
Many of you have probably heard that engineering is highly competitive and cutthroat but this could not be further from the truth. Yes, an engineering education is challenging and demanding, but it is also collaborative and fun! Students collaborate and work in teams to manage their time, complete assignments, and relieve some of their stress.
If you want to enjoy and successfully complete your engineering education follow this advice:
- Take advantage of all the resources that are available to assist you.
- Develop good study habits and time management skills
- Get involved in campus life.
- Make friends.
"Engineering is fun because it is not competitive. We work together as a group." Second-year chemical engineering student.
11) Absolutely! In order to maintain focus throughout your academics you need some time away from studying. The Engineering Students Society (ESS) organizes over 200 events including Frosh Week, the Pie Throw, the Loonie Walk, Eng Week, foosball tournaments and industry activities to help students relieve stress, make friends, raise money for charity and get connected.
Click the calendar for event listings from student clubs, teams and associations.