Minors

To qualify for a minor in structural engineering, coastal engineering, water resources, green engineering, or environmental engineering, students are required to take 6 courses, and at least 2 of these courses in the minor must be overload courses. Completion of a minor indicates proficiency beyond that provided by the Stevens engineering curriculum in the basic material of the selected area. The minor program must be in a discipline other than that of a student’s major program of study and beyond the credit requirements for all other programs being pursued by the student.

Coastal Engineering Minor Curriculum

Description:

Recent disasters have highlighted the vulnerability of coastal areas to extreme weather and climate change. In the coming decades, coastal engineers will play an increasingly important role in protecting communities and natural systems from these violent events. The coastal engineering minor is built around an understanding of the unique characteristics of the marine environment and how this affects the design of traditional and coastal infrastructure. The minor is open to all, but is particularly suited to students with civil and environmental backgrounds that wish to obtain advanced training relevant to working in marine/coastal environments.  


Objectives:

The minor prepares students to:

-Specialize in ocean/coastal engineering-related areas within their own major field

-Enter graduate programs related to ocean/coastal engineering

-Solve globally relevant engineering challenges posed by a changing climate

-Will have a positive impact on their workplace through multidisciplinary collaboration, teamwork and leadership


Outcomes:

By the time of graduation, students will be able to have:

-an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex coastal engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

-an ability to apply coastal 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

-an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

-an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

-an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret coastal/oceanographic data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

-an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies


Required Courses:

CE 304Water Resources Engineering

3

CE 342Fluid Mechanics

4

CE 578Coastal and Flood Plain Engineering

3

OE 501Oceanography

3

OE 589Coastal Engineering

3

OE 535Ocean Measurements and Analysis

3

Environmental Engineering Minor Curriculum

Description:

The environmental engineering minor is relevant for students from other majors who wish to expose themselves to environmental problems, methods, and solutions. Applications of several major fields of study must account for environmental impact and sustainability in modern times. There are a wide range of environmental challenges in developed as well as developing countries. This minor equips students with tools to address such challenges.


Objectives:

The minor prepares students to:

     -Discuss environmental engineering problems

-Develop mass and energy balance equations and reactor models

-Apply unit treatment processes and concepts in environmental chemistry

-Understand environmental challenges and health risks on local and global scales.

-Apply knowledge of environmental regulations, to evaluate current issues in water, soil and air pollution.

     -Quantify fluid flow and contaminant transport in the natural environment.



Outcomes:

By the time of graduation, students will be able to: 

-an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

-an ability to 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

     -an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

-an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

-an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

-an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Required Courses:

CE 342Fluid Mechanics

4

CHE 210Process Analysis

3

EN 377Introduction to Environmental Engineering Systems

3

And any three of the following courses:

EN 541Fate and Transport of Environmental Contaminants

3

EN 570Environmental Chemistry

3

EN 571Physicochemical Processes for Environmental Control

3

EN 573Biological Processes for Environmental Control

3

 

Green Engineering Minor Curriculum

Description:

Issues of sustainability are of increasing concern for the developed and the developing nations of the world. Engineers have to take a central role in providing the needed solutions and associated leadership to address those issues. In the design, implementation and use of products, processes and systems that impact all facets of our lives, fundamental decisions are made by engineers. Those decisions can either contribute to an exacerbation of the negative impact of human endeavors on the environment, or they can be the means to reduce that impact. Engineering decisions are not just technical; they essentially must include economic considerations as well as be influenced by the ethical, social and political dimensions that shape their context.

 

The application of the principles by which engineers can have a positive impact on sustainability is known as Sustainable Engineering or more colloquially as Green Engineering. The latter terminology has found resonance with the general resurgence of interest in the environmental impact of human activity and the associated “green” approaches to mitigating them. While elements of sustainable engineering are permeating the broad-based Stevens undergraduate engineering programs, the scope is relatively limited so far. It is therefore proposed that for the student who wishes to explore sustainable approaches to engineering in some depth, the appropriate vehicle is to pursue a minor program.

 

Objectives:

-Provide a holistic, systems perspective to the impact of human activity on the environment, including the role of engineering.

-Educate students in the concepts of sustainable development and industrial ecology.

-Provide insight into sustainability tools and metrics such as life cycle analysis and ecological footprint.

-Show how engineering decisions, particular with regard to design, can support sustainability goals.

-Develop awareness of the ethical, economic, social and political dimensions that influence sustainability.

 

Content of the Green Engineering Minor:

The Green Engineering Minor consists of six courses, three of which are required. It provides a two-course foundation. This is followed by two technical electives which can also provide a sustainable engineering focus area. Two additional courses are intended to allow students to explore ethical, social, economic and political contextual issues associated with sustainability; one of these courses is part of the core requirement. It should be noted that some of the courses taken towards the minor might also be applicable to meet Humanities/Social Science as well as General Education course requirements where appropriate.

 

Required Courses:

EN 530Introduction to Sustainable Engineering

3

ME 514Sustainable Energy

3

SM 510Perspectives in Environmental Management

3

Total Credit Hours:9

Technical Electives:

Two technical electives are required from the following list. The technical electives could be used to create a focus area as indicated. A Minor technical elective in some circumstances might also be applied to the student’s degree program if it meets the requirements.

Chemical/Biochemical Processes

CHE 580Biofuels Engineering Technology

3

Civil Structures

CE 304Water Resources Engineering

3

CM 560Sustainable Design

3

CM 561Green Construction

3

Environmental Engineering

EN 506Air Pollution Principles and Control

3

Or

ME 532Air Pollution Principles and Control

3

EN 545Environmental Impact Analysis and Planning

3

EN 575Environmental Biology

3

Power and Energy

ME 421Energy Conversion Systems

3

ME 510Power Plant Engineering

3

ME 511Wind Energy-Theory & Application

3

NOTE: A Senior Design project with significant “green” content, can replace one technical elective, must be approved by academic advisor.   

Contextual Elective

One elective is to be selected from the following list:

EN 587Environmental Law and Management

3

Or

SM 587Environmental Law and Management

3

HPL 370Philosophy of Technology

3

HPL 380Environmental Ethics

3

HPL 480Environmental Policy: Philosophical and Economic Issues

3

SM 531Sustainable Development

3

Ocean Engineering Minor Curriculum

 

Required Courses

This minor is not available for General Engineering (with a concentration in Naval Engineering) students.

CE 342Fluid Mechanics

4

Or

CHE 336Fluid Mechanics

3

Or

ME 342Fluid Mechanics

3

CHE 233Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I

3

Or

ENGR 234Thermodynamics

3

Or

ME 234Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics

3

OE 520Ocean Wave Mechanics

3

Elective Courses

Three Technical Electives to be selected from the following list with suggested focus areas in Ship Design and Control (NE 224OE 525OE 527OE 528, OE 531, SYS 581EE 478, ME 483, CPE 521, ME 598) or Marine Energy (OE 501, ME 511, OE 589). At least one must be an OE or NE course.

EE 478Control Systems

3

Or

CPE 521Autonomous Mobile Robotic Systems

3

Or

ME 483Control Systems

3

Or

ME 598Introduction to Robotics

3

ME 511Wind Energy-Theory & Application

3

NE 224Introduction to Ship Design and Ship Building

3

OE 501Oceanography

3

OE 525Principles of Naval Architecture

3

OE 527Laboratory in Naval Architecture

3

OE 528Computer Aided Ship Design

3

OE 589Coastal Engineering

3

SYS 581Introduction to Systems Engineering

3

Structural Engineering Minor Curriculum

Description:

A structural engineering minor offers students the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in the field of structural engineering. This minor program provides a focused curriculum that explores the principles and practices of structural analysis, design, materials, and construction. Students pursuing a structural engineering minor will delve into topics such as structural mechanics, analysis, and design of various structural systems, including steel and concrete structures. 


Through coursework and hands-on experiences, students will develop proficiency in structural engineering software tools, structural analysis techniques, and design principles. They will gain an understanding of how structural components and systems withstand forces, ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability in construction projects.


By completing a structural engineering minor, students can enhance their understanding of structural engineering principles, broaden their career prospects, and be better equipped to contribute to multidisciplinary engineering projects


Objectives:

The minor prepares students to:

-Gain fundamental knowledge and understanding of structural engineering principles, concepts, and theories. This includes topics such as structural analysis, design, materials, and construction techniques.

-Develop practical skills necessary for structural engineering. Students may gain proficiency in using software tools for structural analysis and design, as well as hands-on experience with structural testing and modeling.

-Enhance the ability to analyze and design structural systems, including the selection of appropriate materials, sizing of members, and consideration of safety codes and regulations.

-Develop effective communication and teamwork skills to work collaboratively with architects, civil engineers, and other stakeholders.

-Develop a professional mindset and prepare for future careers in structural engineering.


Overall, the objectives of a structural engineering minor program are to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of structural engineering principles, develop practical skills, and enhance their knowledge in the field of structural engineering.


Outcomes:

By the time of graduation, students will be able to:

-Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, theories, and practices in the field of structural engineering. They will acquire knowledge of structural analysis, design, materials, and construction techniques.

-Obtain practical skills necessary for structural engineering. Students will gain proficiency in using software tools for structural analysis and design. They will also acquire hands-on skills in structural testing, modeling, and construction.

-Ability to analyze and design structural systems, considering factors such as loads, materials, safety codes, and sustainability. They will develop the ability to conceptualize and create effective structural designs.

-Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex structural engineering challenges. They will learn to assess different options, make informed decisions, and propose viable solutions.

-Acquire effective communication and teamwork skills through collaboration with professionals from various disciplines. They will understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in real-world structural engineering projects.



Required Courses:

CE 345Modeling and Simulation

3

CE 373Structural Analysis

3

Elective Courses

Four technical electives must be taken to satisfy the minor from the following two lists of courses. 

At least two of the following:

 
CE 484Reinforced Concrete Design

3

Or

CE 486Structural Steel Design

3

CE 519Advanced Structural Analysis

3

CE 681Introduction to Finite Element Methods

3

At least one of the following:

CE 579Advanced Reinforced Concrete Structures

3

CE 623Structural Dynamics

3

CE 660Advanced Steel Structures

3

Sustainability Minor Curriculum

Description:

Sustainability has become an important strategy component for all business and technology sectors. The minor would be primarily for students interested in the subject matter without any restrictions on their disciplinary background. The curriculum will allow students to explore current thinking with regards to the three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, Prosperity. Completing a sustainability minor can empower students to become informed and engaged global citizens who are equipped to address pressing sustainability challenges and contribute to building a more sustainable and just world for present and future generations.


Objectives:

  1. Students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability, exploring its environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
  2. Students will foundational knowledge in sustainability science, environmental policy, resource management and sustainable business management.
  3. Students will learn to analyze complex sustainability issues from multiple perspectives.
  4. Students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate sustainability challenges, assess the effectiveness of proposed solutions and make recommendations

Outcomes:

  1. Students will have the skills and competencies related to sustainability, such as environmental assessment, impact analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and communication.
  2. They will learn how to design and implement sustainability initiatives, conduct research, and communicate findings effectively.
  3. Students will develop problem-solving skills to identify and address sustainability challenges.
  4. Students will learn to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, towards innovative solutions.

Required courses:

SM 531Sustainable Development

3

SM 510Perspectives in Environmental Management

3

SM 530Sustainable Business Strategies

3

HST 360Humans and the Environment

3

Elective Courses

and two of the following:
HHS 342Indigenous Cultures of North America

3

HSSC 321Modern Urban Policy

3

HST 330Environmental Communication

3

HST 340Global Public Health

3

HST 411Nuclear Energy and Society

3

HPL 380Environmental Ethics

3

HPL 480Environmental Policy: Philosophical and Economic Issues

3

HLI 229Nature Writing: Identity and Place

3

HLI 380Survey of Latin American Literature: Motorcyclists, Writers, and Revolutionaries

3

EN 545Environmental Impact Analysis and Planning

3

ME 514Sustainable Energy

3

SM 501Seminar in Sustainability Management

1

SM 520Environmental Assessment

3

SM 540Sustainability Assessment Tools

3

BT 404Marketing, Society, and Sustainability

3

FIN 540Sustainable Finance

3

FIN 640Renewable Energy Finance

3

SM 515Statistical Methods in Sustainability

3

SM 535Innovation for Sustainable Business

3

SM 587Environmental Law and Management

3

**The two elective courses might also be applied to the student’s degree program if they meet the requirements 
*SM 501 (1 credit course needs to be taken 3 times) 

Water Resources Minor Curriculum

Description:

We have been observing in the last decades an increase in the number of extreme precipitation events in regions like the northeastern US which led to more flooding events and their associated damages. At the same time, other regions in the US like in the southwest have suffered from sustained droughts which put a significant pressure on water consumption and supply. Engineers have to manage water resources under these extreme conditions. It is a challenge especially when we compound these weather events with the aging infrastructure we have and the effect of climate change that exacerbate the weather conditions by making the wet areas wetter and the dry areas wetter. This minor is an opportunity for our students to advance their knowledge in dealing with water-related challenges across the local, regional and global scales. Our students will use software and apply techniques and learn how to solve problems of water management sustainably. 


Objectives:

The minor prepares students to:

-Specialize in water resources engineering-related areas within their own major field

-Enter graduate programs related to water resources engineering

-Solve engineering challenges posed by a changing climate

-Work on case studies from real life projects to advance their knowledge 


Outcomes:

By the time of graduation, students will be able to have:

-an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex water resources engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

- an ability to design and propose the appropriate infrastructure solutions to address water resources challenges

-an ability to apply water resources 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

-an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

-an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

-an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret water-related data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

-an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies


Required courses:

CE 304Water Resources Engineering

3

CE 342Fluid Mechanics

4

CE 535Stormwater Management

3

CE 537Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

3

Or

CE 578Coastal and Flood Plain Engineering

3

CE 652Hydrologic Modeling

3

Or

CE 685Advanced Hydraulics

3

EN 553Groundwater Engineering

3

Or

EN 686Groundwater Hydrology and Pollution

3