Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering

Rudolph Buchheit, Ph.D., is Dean of the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering; Michael T. Johnson, Ph.D., is Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Student Success; John Balk, Ph.D., is Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies; Michael Renfro, Ph.D., is Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Facilities; Johne’ Parker, Ph.D., is Acting Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering offers programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following disciplines - aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, biosystems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer engineering technology, computer science, electrical engineering, lean systems engineering technology, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, and mining engineering. The College also offers many academic enhancement opportunities, including participating in the Honors College, earning credit through undergraduate research or the engineering co-op program, or earning dual credit towards a B.S. and M.S. simultaneously through the University Scholars Program.

Creative accomplishment in the career of an engineer or computer scientist depends upon an education that stresses major ideas and fundamental concepts of engineering rather than specific technologies. The academic programs in engineering provide a sound background in the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities to ensure both a thorough education in engineering and a liberal arts education. Such an approach provides the best preparation for the engineer or computer scientist who must envisage and develop the technologies of the future and deal with scientific advances at present unknown.

The curricula in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering are broad, so that no student is limited to a narrow field of specialized knowledge but receives sufficient technical depth to provide a sound preparation for a professional career.

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering produces over 600 graduates per year. Among the alumni of the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering are those who have distinguished themselves in the major fields of industry, government and education.

Concern for the individual is a most important feature of education in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Close faculty-student relationships are a meaningful part of the educational process. The faculty, in addition to their duties related to instruction and research, serve as mentors to the student in the preparation of the academic program best matched to the student’s needs and intellectual capabilities. Students are also assigned a professional advisor who works with them on course selection and progress to degree.

Accreditation and Program Assessment

The undergraduate program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

The undergraduate programs in Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Mining Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. Aerospace Engineering and Biomedical Engineering will apply for accreditation through the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET following the first graduating class. If awarded, the accreditation will be retroactive. Lean Systems Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology will apply for accreditation through the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET following the first graduating class. If awarded, the accreditation will be retroactive.

In addition, the University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and therefore all degree programs and certificates including those in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering are governed by the rules associated with that accrediting body. All programs are assessed periodically based on achievement of their self-proclaimed student learning outcomes and the results are used in the improvement of those programs and certificates.

Undergraduate Programs in Engineering

The University of Kentucky grants the following degrees in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering:

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Lean Systems Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

While these are the official degrees granted at the bachelor’s level in the college, the prospective student is encouraged to study the wide variety of options available through technical electives, some of which are listed following the degree requirements of each department. Electives are included in each curriculum to allow the student to apply the fundamentals of a particular discipline to an area of special interest.

Students in a number of our engineering programs have the option to complete pre-medical requirements while pursuing the engineering degree. Interested students should contact their academic advisor.

Graduate programs in the engineering fields of study are listed in The Graduate School section of this Catalog.

Minor and Certificate Programs

Minors and certificate programs offer opportunities to specialize undergraduate degrees. The College offers minors in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science and a wide range of undergraduate certificates, as well as both in-person and online graduate certificate programs.

The University of Kentucky grants the following undergraduate certificates in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering:

Aerospace Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Biopharmaceutical Engineering
Cybersecurity
Environmental Engineering
Power and Energy
Production Engineering

Information and requirements for the undergraduate certificates are listed after the Bachelor degree requirements.

Student certification in Lean Systems is also available.

Admission Policy

To be accepted to the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, high school students must have both:

An ACT math score of 25 or higher, or the SAT equivalent of 590 or higher.
An unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For students who meet the high school GPA requirement but not the ACT or SAT requirement, alternative admission routes include:

3 or above on the Calculus AB portion of the Advanced Placement Exam, or
A score of 61 percent on the proctored ALEKS Placement Exam.

Additionally, students must meet the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) minimum statewide Academic Readiness Requirements for Reading and Writing to be admitted to the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Students who do not meet these requirements will need to take the designated Academic Preparation and Placement (APP) courses for Reading and Writing and can be reconsidered for admission to the College after successful completion of these courses.

NOTE: As noted under Undergraduate Admissions, the University of Kentucky is currently test optional. Students who do not submit ACT or SAT scores or do not meet the required scores for admissions will be considered based on the above alternate admissions requirements. Students are encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores for consideration for College scholarships.

Students who are not initially admitted into the College may apply at a later date as a transfer student.

Transfer Admission

To be accepted to the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, all transfer students must have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5 and have completed MA 110 or its equivalent (or MA 109 and MA 112 or their equivalencies) with a grade of B or higher. Students who do not receive a B in these courses but who have completed calculus courses required in the Engineering curricula will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International Admission

Freshmen:

In addition to meeting the above requirements, international students must meet the university admission requirements for international applicants.

In addition to meeting the requirements above, international freshman applicants must also obtain a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 71 or above or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or above. Students who received a TOEFL score of 71 but less than 100 (IELTS score of 6.0 but less than 7.5) will be admitted to the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering but will be required to participate in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

If students do not meet the IELTS/TOEFL (6.0 or 71) or ACT/SAT requirements, they will be admitted to the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering after meeting the following criteria: attend ESL, meet EAP requirements, and complete the appropriate math class. They must retake the TOEFL and earn a minimum score of 71 or the IELTS and earn a minimum score of 6.0. Then they would apply for a change of major to Engineering.

NOTE: For the 2024-25 admission cycle, test optional admission will be utilized. Students who do not submit ACT or SAT scores or do not meet the required scores for admission will be considered based on a holistic review. Students are encouraged to submit scores for consideration for Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering scholarships.

Transfer:

In addition to the requirements listed above, international transfer applicants must obtain a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 71 or above (527 paper-based); an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or above; or completion of the first and second English composition classes (e.g., ENG 101 and ENG 102 ) from another US college, i.e., institution upon review. If students do not meet these requirements once they have completed UK’s ESL program, they must retake the TOEFL and earn a minimum score of 71 or the IELTS and earn a minimum score of 6.0.

First-Year Engineering Program

All newly admitted students participate in the First-Year Engineering Program for their first two semesters. During the first year, students engage in computer programming and hands-on engineering design activities, and explore the undergraduate engineering and computer science majors offered in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Based on this experience, students have the option to declare their major or change their major according to their interests.

Upon declaring a major, students will be designated as pre-major until they meet engineering standing requirements. Every student must be admitted to engineering standing in a specific program prior to taking engineering upper level courses that require engineering standing as a prerequisite.

Engineering Standing Admission

Admission to engineering standing in a degree program is necessary in order to continue in upper level courses and to be granted a baccalaureate degree in engineering or computer science. Specific departmental requirements for admission to engineering standing are noted below and engineering standing applies to a specific program. Hence, receiving engineering standing in one program does not grant engineering standing in another. Students can request admission to engineering standing after completing the required set of pre-major courses in the first three semesters of the published curriculum in their chosen program. In addition to the requirements described below, each program may specify specific procedures for applying for engineering standing, submitting appeals, etc. Students should refer to the departmental handbook or their undergraduate advisor in their program of choice to identify these specific procedures.

For Transfer Students: The same criteria are applied to transfer students with the equivalence of courses reviewed by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. It is important to note if a student receives acceptance of transfer credit for one or more of the below listed courses, the grades earned will be used in the calculation for engineering standing. Transfer students who have not completed all courses listed below may be considered for admission into courses that require engineering standing on a case-by-case basis.

Aerospace Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CHE 105 , CIS 111 / WRD 111 , EGR 101 , EGR 102 , EGR 103 (or for transfer students, EGR 215 in lieu of EGR 101 and EGR 103 ), EM 221 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , PHY 231 , PHY 232 PHY 241 , PHY 232 , and PHY 242 and a C or better in each course. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Biomedical Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: BIO 148 , BIO 152 , BME 201 , CHE 105 , CIS 110 / WRD 110 , CIS 111 / WRD 111 , EGR 101 , EGR 102 , EGR 103 , (or for transfer students, EGR 215 in lieu of EGR 101 and EGR 103 ), MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , PHY 231 , PHY 241 , PHY 232 and PHY 242 . Completion of BME 201 with a grade of C or better. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Biosystems Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CHE 105 , CIS 110 /WRD 110 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , and PHY 231 . Completion of BAE 200 with a grade of C or better. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Chemical Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CHE 105 , CHE 107 , CHE 111 , CHE 113 , CIS 110 /WRD 110 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , and PHY 231 . Completion of CME 200 with a grade of C or better. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Civil Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all premajor courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CE 106 , CE 211 , CHE 105 , CHE 107 , CIS 110 /WRD 110 , EGR 103 (or for transfer students, EGR 215 in lieu of EGR 103 ), EM 221 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , PHY 231 , and PHY 241 and a C or better in each course. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Computer Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CHE 105 , CIS 110 /WRD 110 , CS 215 , CS 216 , EE 282 /CPE 282 , and PHY 231 . If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Computer Science: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all premajor courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CS 215 , CS 217 , CS 218 , CS 275 , and MA 114 . If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Electrical Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CIS 110 /WRD 110 , CHE 105 , CS 215 , EE 211 , EE 282 /CPE 282 , and PHY 231 . If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Materials Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CHE 105 , CHE 107 , CHE 111 , CHE 113 , CIS 110 /WRD 110 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , PHY 231 , and PHY 241 . Completion of MSE 201 with a grade of C or better. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Mechanical Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all pre-major courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CHE 105 , CIS 111 /WRD 111 , EGR 101 , EGR 102 , EGR 103 (or for transfer students, EGR 215 in lieu of EGR 101 and EGR 103 ), EM 221 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , PHY 231 , PHY 241 , PHY 232 , and PHY 242 and a C or better in each course. If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Mining Engineering: A cumulative UK GPA of at least 2.5 and successful completion of all premajor courses. Successful completion of the following courses with at least a 2.5 GPA: CIS 110 /WRD 110 , CHE 105 , MA 113 , MA 114 , MA 213 , and PHY 231 . If a course is repeated, the best grade will be used for calculation of GPA in the above listed courses.

Combined Degree Program

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering has transfer agreements with other institutions. These programs enable students to enroll in a pre-engineering curriculum at their respective schools and then transfer to the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Upon completion, they can receive two degrees, one from the school at which they originally enrolled and the other a Bachelor of Science in the appropriate field of engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Cooperative Education Program

The nationally recognized engineering co-op program provides students the opportunity to gain practical work experience prior to graduation. By choosing to combine semesters of academic study with semesters of paid, full-time career-related employment, participants can gain a full year of engineering work experience. Students who wish to participate in the Cooperative Education program in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering should contact the Engineering Career and Co-Op Office or its co-op director.

To be eligible for a co-op, students should have a minimum grade-point average of 2.50. In addition, students should be making sufficient progress in their curriculum prior to the first work tour, which typically begins at the end of the sophomore year. Students will remain on a full-time, continuing student status while they are at work by registering for a one hour, pass/fail course. The grade, assigned by the co-op director, is based on a self-evaluation, a work report written by the student, and an evaluation completed by the immediate supervisor. In some states, co-op experience counts towards the practical experience requirement to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

Gaining experience through the Cooperative Education program along with opportunities of summer internships and undergraduate research contributes significantly to the student’s academic motivation, career preparation, and success with job offers upon graduation. Over 80 percent of UK engineering students gain experience in industry and/or research in their intended field prior to graduation, and over 350 companies participate in career development activities and employ our students within co-ops and internships nationwide.

Academic Enhancements

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering offers numerous academic enhancements that allow students to specialize in their area of interest, study in other countries, conduct research with engineering faculty as an undergraduate student, blend engineering with leadership or business and more.

The Engineering Living Learning Program is the largest residential program at UK, offering a unique opportunity to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in engineering or computer science to live together in a community focused on one goal - academic success. This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and enhancement of the classroom experience.

The University Scholars Program (USP) offers motivated students the chance to integrate undergraduate and graduate courses of study in a single, continuous program that culminates in both a bachelor’s and a master’s or doctoral degree. As a University Scholar, students can apply up to 12 hours of graduate course work toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Engineering/MBA Dual Degree program unites technology and business, awarding both the Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. The Engineering/MBA Dual Degree program supplements technical background in engineering or computer science with leadership, communication, problem-solving and team-building skills while increasing knowledge in economics, finance, marketing, management and much more. An undergraduate degree in engineering coupled with an MBA gives graduates the technical, analytical and business skills necessary to lead strategic initiatives in high-tech, global business.

Many students in the Pigman College of Engineering are also a part of the Lewis Honors College, earning the University Honors designation on their final transcript and diploma. Honors students may follow the traditional Honors curriculum or apply to be a part of the Scholars in Engineering and Management (SEAM) Honors pathway. A joint program between the UK College of Engineering and the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the SEAM honors program integrates business and engineering at the undergraduate level. Cross-functional classes and activities produce entrepreneurial-minded graduates well-equipped for today’s global economy.

The College offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to join with world-class faculty and graduate students in cutting edge research projects. Students can make significant contributions to faculty research as early as the spring semester of their freshman year. Undergraduate research experiences complement classroom education and give students a competitive advantage.

The Engineering Leadership Program and its associated course EGR 490 , offer unique opportunities to meet personally with individuals whose responsibilities impact engineering in Kentucky and beyond. Students may apply to join the ELP in their junior or senior years, and participants interact closely with successful alumni and industry leaders to learn about what it means to be a successful leader in today’s global economy.

The College encourages undergraduate students to consider expanding their knowledge globally through the Study Abroad program. We have partnerships with a wide range of programs and countries, including both short-term and longer-term experiences.

Scholarships

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering awards merit- and need-based scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students as well as to students already enrolled in the College. Full details including scholarship application deadlines are posted on the Pigman College of Engineering webpage at https://www.engr.uky.edu/students/undergraduate/scholarships.

Engineering Dean’s List

Students enrolled in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering can make the Engineering Dean’s List for a fall or spring semester by meeting the following requirements during the semester:

3.6 or better semester GPA;
12 or more credit hours (not including duplicate credit or pass/fail grades);
no E, I or F grades;
no grades out; and
no more than 3 hours pass/fail.

Common Graduation Requirements for All Majors

In addition to the University graduation requirements listed in the Graduation Requirements section of the Catalog, each major within the Pigman College of Engineering has the following common graduation requirements:

Students must complete a minimum of at least 127 credit hours.
Students in Engineering disciplines^1, ² must meet the Engineering Standing requirements for their major, listed above under “Engineering Standing Admission”.
Students must complete subject-matter courses for their major³ with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Students must complete all individual program requirements for their major, as described below and on the curriculum pages for each major.

¹ Engineering disciplines include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mining Engineering.

² Engineering Technology disciplines include Computer Engineering Technology and Lean Systems Engineering Technology. These disciplines do not have an Engineering Standing requirement.

³ Subject-matter courses include all specified prefix courses and program electives which are used to fulfill degree requirements, as follows:

Aerospace Engineering: AER-prefix, EM-prefix and Technical Electives
Biomedical Engineering: BME-prefix and Technical Electives
Biosystems Engineering: BAE-prefix and Technical Electives
Chemical Engineering: CME-prefix and Engineering/Science Electives
Civil Engineering: CE-prefix and Technical Electives
Computer Engineering: CPE-prefix, CS-prefix, EE-prefix, and Technical Electives
Computer Engineering Technology: CPT-prefix and Technical Electives
Computer Science: CS-prefix and Technical Electives
Electrical Engineering: EE-prefix and Technical Electives
Lean Systems Engineering Technology: LST-prefix and Technical Electives
Materials Engineering: MSE-prefix and Technical Electives
Mechanical Engineering: EM-prefix, ME-prefix, and Technical Electives
Mining Engineering: MNG-prefix and Technical Electives

Additional Departmental Graduation Requirements

In the B.S. in Biomedical Engineering program, students must earn a grade of C or better in each BME prefix course and in each BME engineering and science elective, except that a maximum of one D is permitted. Students must also have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in these courses.

In the B.S. in Civil Engineering program, students must earn a grade of C or better in each CE prefix course, except that a maximum of one D is permitted in a CE prefix course numbered 400 or higher. In addition, a C or better must be earned in EM 302 .

In the B.S. in Mining Engineering program, students must earn a grade of C or better in the following courses: MNG 441 ; MNG 551 ; MNG 591 ; and MNG 592 .

Minimum Grade of C Requirement

Some engineering majors require a minimum grade of C on certain courses that represent foundational core material for those majors. There are several types of such requirements:

Some majors have an explicit graduation requirement that students must have a minimum grade of C in certain courses. See the “Additional Departmental Graduation Requirements” section for full details.
Some majors have a requirement that students must have a minimum grade of C in either all courses or a subset of courses that are part of the engineering standing requirement. See the “Engineering Standing Admissions” section for full details
Some courses include a prerequisite that students have a minimum grade of C in specific prerequisite courses before enrolling. Prerequisite requirements for each course are listed in this Catalog, and your academic advisor will be able to provide information about which courses in your major require a minimum grade of C to enroll in future required courses.

NOTE: The chair of a department may refuse to allow a student to register in a course a third time. A withdrawal from the course shall not be counted as a registration for these purposes if a student can demonstrate that the withdrawal was for urgent non-academic reasons.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering may earn a second bachelor’s degree by meeting the following three conditions on the work applicable to the second degree:

The student must have been admitted to engineering standing in the program leading to the second degree at least for the final semester, or equivalent terms, prior to the completion of the degree requirements, and must be enrolled as a student in that degree program during the final semester or term.
The student must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of departmentally approved courses at or above the 300 level.
To earn a second degree, a student must complete all degree requirements in that program.

Additional Bachelor’s Degrees

A student is eligible to qualify for additional Bachelor’s degrees in different majors. The student must complete all university, college, and departmental requirements for all degrees. Courses taken towards fulfilling one degree may also count towards fulfilling parallel requirements in another degree, but the student must complete at least 24 additional hours for each degree. The student may elect to receive the degrees simultaneously if college and departmental requirements can be met simultaneously.

Academic Advising

Professional staff provide academic advising and support services to entering freshman students through the James and Gay Hardymon Center for Student Success. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are advised by professional advisors and faculty mentors in the department of the student’s major.

It is the students’ responsibility to satisfy University and College requirements with consultation from their advisor.

Probation and Academic Suspension

Students should refer to the General Regulations for Undergraduate Students in the Academic Requirements section of this Catalog for information concerning probation and suspension rules.