USU Launches Engineering Program in Response to National Retention Concerns

Addressing a national concern about the retention of engineering students, Utah State University’s College of Engineering is pioneering a new path forward with the creation of a common curriculum for all first-year engineers, beginning fall 2026.

The Engineering Foundations first-year program introduces students to multiple engineering professions to help them choose a degree plan before selecting a major. This means students don’t have to arrive at USU already knowing what kind of engineer they want to be.

“Rather than students having to choose a path sight-unseen, they can explore our different engineering majors before committing to one,” said Cassandra McCall, an engineering associate professor and program co-director. “We hope this will help them find the career path that is most relevant and interesting to them.”

The change means all students take the same courses during their first year, regardless of their desired profession. Engineering Foundations was developed using an evidence-based framework shown to improve student success. The new curriculum will provide the math, science, programming, and problem-solving skills needed for success in all engineering majors.

Engineering Foundations is the first of its kind in Utah and one of few in the Western United States.

“The program was designed by a committee of faculty, staff, and students who examined the needs of first-year engineering students and identified ways the curriculum could better support their success,” said Kristina Glaittli, the director of student success and engagement.

Wade Goodridge, program co-director and associate professor of engineering, outlined three core goals for the program.

The first is to support retention. Goodridge says when students commit to a field only to learn it’s not what they want to pursue, they are at risk of dropping out. By familiarizing students with different engineering fields, they can make an informed decision about their degree path. The common curriculum removes the penalty for students switching their major during their first year.

The second goal is to introduce and apply basic principles to help students understand fundamental engineering problems. Goodridge says classes include assignments that teach skills and instill attributes applicable to all engineering majors.

The third goal is to help students develop collaboration and teamwork skills as they learn to identify engineering needs, problems, and solutions.

Fostering collaboration includes the use of learning assistants who are upperclassmen who mentor first-year students.

“This jump-starts them into engineering by teaming them with peers to increase their confidence and support them from day one,” Goodridge said.

With the strategic curriculum, dedicated educators, and supportive environment, college leaders hope Engineering Foundations will serve as a launch pad for students.

“We want to help students reach academic success, build their identity as engineers, give them technical skills, and build a community,” said Deepak Keshwani, associate dean of academic programs. “With engineering education researchers and skilled instructors working collaboratively with our academic advisers, I think we're going to develop the next set of best practices for first-year engineering.”