Engineering

Explore all Loras has to offer in becoming a Biomedical, Computer, Electromechanical or Mechanical Engineer. 

The Loras College Engineering program provides students the opportunity to develop strong technical and design skills. The engineering program offers two Bachelor of Science degrees: Mechanical Engineering and General Engineering.

Within the ABET accredited General Engineering major, students can choose among three areas of concentration: Biomedical, Computer, and Electromechanical. Each of these concentrations incorporates both theory and design, preparing students for professional careers after graduation. Students pursuing the Biomedical track are prepared to design and test electrical and mechanical systems that interface with biological systems. Students pursuing the Computer track focus on the development of computer controlled electrical and mechanical systems. Finally, students pursuing the Electromechanical track emphasize the design, development and testing of mechanical systems with electronic controls.

COD Best College

Learn About Our Major in Engineering

ABETThe Loras College General Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Our ABET accreditation ensures our Engineering program meets the highest quality standards. We are one of only a few Engineering programs in Iowa accredited by ABET. We are able to seek ABET accreditation for our Mechanical Engineering degree in 2024.

Student Experience

The student experience is a vital component to college success. Loras Engineering students have engaged in activities such as; building solar panels, designing a gaming console, placed at regional design contests, and much more. Students engage in design projects starting during the first year and continuing to the major senior design project. Most Engineering majors apply classroom concepts during internships. The close proximity to employers means that students can also work at an internship part-time while still in school.

Learn More

ENGINEERING STUDENT EXPERIENCE EXAMPLES

  • Building solar panels at our adopted Catholic high school in Haiti which allowed students to apply their engineering knowledge, advance their commitment to sustainability and provide service to those who are truly in need.
  • Introducing the “E-Walk” so that Loras personnel from the Provost to Campus Safety staff can traverse the campus in sustainable, affordable and efficient ways.
  • Creating the Loras logo for entry signs to the College as a senior capstone to demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and provide a lasting gift to their alma mater.
  • Serving a Dubuque Stamp and Manufacturing Internship whereby our students designed the entire 40,000 square foot facility expansion.
  • Designing a functional, programmable, and user-friendly gaming console (e.g., Wii, Xbox) or green board that was selected as the first place winner at a prestigious regional competition.
  • For the past two years 100% of Loras Engineering graduates have passed a mock assessment of the national Fundamental of Engineering exam (50% is the national average).

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Student Learning Outcomes – Engineering 
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. 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.
3 An ability to communicate effectively with a rang of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which  must consider the impact of engineering solution in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, pan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Curriculum

View Highlighted Courses

NASA Astronautics
Hands-on, engineering-based activities and with data collection technology integration for real-world analysis. Project-based learning that includes sustainable habitat construction, strategic scientific planning and investigations, a two-stage rocket launch, heat shield design, cryogenics chamber design, robotics underwater “astronaut training,” collaborative teaming and global awareness development. Behind-the-scenes access to including tours of actual astronaut training and work facilities, such as NASA Johnson Space Center, Rocket Park and the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. Hear from guest speakers about what it takes to work at NASA and the projects that prepare humans for space exploration.

Thermodynamics
The laws of thermodynamics. Topics include: properties of substances and phase equilibrium, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, power cycles and refrigeration cycles.

Engineering Prototyping
This course serves as an introduction to engineering design prototypes. The primary focus will be on the design, prototype, and test processes associated with creating a prototype. These prototypes will target designing electromechanical or biomedical systems. Skills practiced include teaming, project and time management, locating materials and services, conflict resolution, experimental design, oral and written reports. Students will complete self-reflection and self-assessment exercises.

Manufacturing Processes & Design
Method of commercial manufacturing. Includes topics of casting, forging, forming, joining, cutting, drilling, milling, and lathe work. Also includes: designing parts to make them easy to manufacture, workshop laboratories where students learn basic use and safety of metal and wood working equipment; completion of a project where students design and construct a project of their choosing; and tours of local manufacturing facilities. There are no prerequisites although a CAD background may be helpful.

Properties & Mechanics of Materials
Introduction to materials and solid mechanics of typical engineering materials. Introduces basic theory of deformable bodies by analyzing stress/strain relationships in objects. Topics in solid mechanics include strains, stresses, Mohr’s Circle, deflections of beams, and simple structural members.

View All Engineering Courses

ABET Accreditation

ABETThe Loras College Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. Our ABET accreditation ensures our Engineering program meets the highest quality standards. We are one of only a few Engineering programs in Iowa accredited by ABET.

Loras Engineering Program Mission
The engineering program engages students in a rigorous, challenging, and comprehensive study of the fundamentals in engineering, mathematics, and science required to analyze, design, build, test and operate engineered systems in a manner that emphasizes interdisciplinary leadership that contributes to the profession and to society.

Program Educational Objectives:
Within 3 to 5 years after graduation, graduates of the engineering program at Loras College will demonstrate the following:

  • The ability to employ their knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of engineering in one or more of the following pursuits:
    • Demonstrating proficiency in the engineering profession performing one or more of the following: research and development activities of design, build, test, verification, and documentation.
    • Studying in a graduate school program in engineering or a closely related field.
    • Using their problem solving and analytical skills to benefit society in a positive way through volunteer work or in a nonprofit organization.
  • Strong ethical standards and a sense of stewardship with economic and ecological resources consistent with Catholic Social Teaching.

Upon graduation from the Loras Engineering Program a student will have demonstrated the following:

  • 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 recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • 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.

Enrollment:

Year Declared Engineering Majors Graduating Class
2018 27 9
2019 40 6

Major & Minor Requirements

The engineering program offers two Bachelor of Science degrees: Mechanical Engineering and General Engineering. Within the General Engineering major, students can choose among three areas of concentration: Biomedical, Computer, and Electromechanical.

Students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major or minor in Engineering. 

Degree Requirements

Career Opportunities

“What can you do with an Engineering degree?”

As an Engineering major, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.

  • Process Engineer
  • Medical Doctor
  • Systems Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Work Designer
  • Design Engineer
  • Robotics
  • Quality Engineer

Supporting Your Investment 

Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

How much is tuition?

At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. Scholarships, grants and special awards are offered to all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

How do I apply for schlarships and financial aid?

Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and review our financial aid resources for detailed information, scholarship opportunities and much more.

Meet Our Professors

Robert Keller, Ph.D.
Chair, Division of Mathematics, Engineering, & Computer Science
Professor of Mathematics
Applied Analytics Program Director
563.588.7015 | Robert.Keller@loras.edu
Full Profile

Devayan Bir, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Engineering and Computer Science
563.588.7186 | devayan.bir@loras.edu
Full Profile

Aaron Joy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
563.588.7786 | aaron.joy@loras.edu
Full Profile

Kenneth McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics and Engineering
Heitkamp Planetarium Director
563.588.7581 | Kenneth.McLaughlin@loras.edu
Full Profile

Danial Neebel, Ph.D., PE
Professor of Engineering and Computer Science
563.588.7815 | Danial.Neebel@loras.edu
Full Profile

Kristen Stauffer-Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Engineering
563.588.7122 | Kristen.Thompson@loras.edu
Full Profile