As I travel to college fairs and conferences, sharing Bryan College with homeschooled students, one of the often requested majors I hear students ask for is engineering. Two years ago when Bryan College announced the addition of an engineering school, I was thrilled. When our department was introduced to Dr. Marshall, the new Chair of the engineering school, I became even more excited about this program. Why? Because Dr. Marshall, being aware that engineers are able to get into places all over the world, even places that are often closed to Christians, has a heart for “missional engineering” (a term he may have coined). His vision for missional engineering is quite contagious.
Bryan College’s engineering school is a biblically based, grounded and personalized academic experience. Bryan is doing something atypical here. The course created entitled “Engineering the Great Commission” is an example of the emphasis on missional engineering. Bryan is integrating everything in a serious and meaningful way as students are being prepared for the kingdom work. Bryan offers a Bachelors of Science in Engineering (BSE) degree which provides flexibility for the student by offering several concentration areas including: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, biological engineering, computor engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering and even business engineering!
Being able to speciate within that program in multiple directions will be advantageous to the engineering students. For now, Bryan College is focusing on civil, mechanical, 
computer science and bio-medical concentrations. Tailoring those concentrations for individual students, Bryan will actually offer course work credit for internship experiences so the students can work with engineering professions in the field in an area that dovetails with their concentration.
Combining an individualized curriculum while working alongside experienced seasoned engineers will enhance the student’s academic coursework. For instance, if students are interested in designing prosthetic devices, they take the bachelors of science engineering core along with bio-medical concentration classes and then they actually work in a bio-medical setting, working on a project to design prostheses. This all comes together in the student’s degree.
The genius of this program is its breadth. The universe is the possibility. We offer the best academic core possible, using the same textbooks as MIT. Recognizing the diverse needs and desires of our students, we work with students to tailor their degree to best fit their individual interests and goals.
Students who enjoy using their knowledge of math and science to solve problems are often successful as engineers. Students involved in robotics, STEM, Lego or Minecraft clubs are also great candidates for an engineering program. For high school students planning to major in engineering, having a strong math and science foundation is recommended. Math up to pre-cal is expected, and going beyond is suggested. In addition, having strong speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills is an advantage.
Here are a few remarks from students currently enrolled in Bryan’s Vogel School of Engineering:
What I appreciate about the engineering department at Bryan College is the relatively small size. I prefer one-on-one relationships and small groups as opposed to large crowds. I also appreciate the biblical approach to engineering. The fact that I am surrounded by like-minded people who truly love God is something incredibly special and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
I love that this is a starting program. Being a part of the first class and getting to help shape the program for the years to come is very exciting and encouraging to me. Then there’s the faculty. The faculty at Bryan College in general, and specifically the engineering program faculty, are so genuinely invested in our education, character as a whole, spiritual life and future that anyone who is a part of it cannot help but feel supported and encouraged. Being in engineering school is intimidating. It is such a demanding field, but knowing I have godly leaders surrounding me that will set me up for my future in the best way they know how, again, brings that peace that only can come from God.
For more information about Bryan College’s School of Engineering, go to this link.
Homeschooled Students for Bryan College 