Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is this program in Rock County?
A: 22% of our workforce is in the manufacturing field.  To remain competitive, we must educate our workforce. To secure additional business investment in Rock County, we need to assure employers that engineering talent is readily available.  To retain our status as a world class manufacturing center, we must develop world class talent.  Providing access to an engineering program of UW-Platteville's quality will help us achieve these goals.

Q: What types of engineering degrees are offered?
A: Based on receiving the most response in a UW System survey, Electrical Engineering is the first major offered. We hope to also offer a Mechanical Engineering major in the near future. Regardless, students can complete the pre-engineering course requirements at UW-Rock County for all engineering majors before transferring to another campus or completing the degree here.

Q: Which school awards the degree & is the program accredited?
A: This is a four-year bachelor’s degree conferred by UW-Platteville, even if the student never sets foot on that campus. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology, Inc (ABET).

Q: Can I complete this entire degree on the UW-Rock County campus?
A: Yes, but not in a typical 4-5 year time period expected to complete a bachelor’s degree. Pre-engineering courses may be taken on a full-time basis, but the program is most beneficial to those wanting to attend on a part-time basis. Professional engineering courses are all offered late afternoon/evening.

Q: How long will the degree take to complete?
A: Time to complete the degree varies depending on credits transferred, math placement, number of credits each semester, number of sessions attended each year (fall, spring, summer, winter) and internship/co-op experience participation. It is possible for students to take 5-10 years to complete the degree.

Q: What time of day will classes be offered?
A: To accommodate employees, the majority of core courses will be offered in the evening. Weekend classes will be considered if demand dictates.

Q: Will full-time non-employed students be able to attend classes & receive the degree?
A: Yes. In fact, with the addition of the Project Lead the Way engineering curriculum in the Janesville, Beloit & Clinton schools, it is likely that many local students will take advantage of this opportunity as well.

Q: Will my technical college credits transfer into the program?
A: A maximum of 30 credits will transfer from a technical college program IF the courses are listed on the Transfer Information System. Technical college credits not listed on the TIS website are not transferable into UW-Platteville engineering programs. Math, Natural Science, & Social Science courses have the best chance for transfer from technical colleges.

Q: I am employed in an engineering position & have years of work experience. Can I test out of classes?
A: Yes, it is possible to obtain an equivalent for certain courses in the program as well as test-out options. See the Transfer & Test Out information (this should be a link to the Rock website with this info).

Q: Will out-of-state students have to pay full tuition to attend classes?
A: No. Thanks to a special consideration from the UW System, up to 10 Illinois residents will receive a deep discount on the normal out-of-state tuition rates.

Q: Does the program have internship or co-op placement services?
A: Yes! There are intern/co-op opportunities available to qualified students who register with the UW-Platteville Career Center.

Q: What sort of help is available for those balancing school with other life priorities?
A: Jack Champeau, the manager of this program, has worked with adult students for many years. He, along with a strong support network at UW-Rock County’s Student Services office, can advise and assist with many issues. You’ll develop an educational plan that takes advantage of the scheduling of needed courses and find out more about tuition and financial aid.

This page was updated on June 21, 2006 8:33 AM