Challenges in Engineering

Engineering a better tomorrow starts today

Engineering problems rarely stay within neat boundaries. At Elon, you’ll learn to approach complex challenges by asking questions, testing ideas and considering the people and communities your work can affect.

Beginning in your first year, you’ll put engineering principles into practice through hands-on projects inspired by some of the world’s most significant challenges, from clean water and sustainable energy to health, infrastructure and scientific discovery.

Put engineering into practice

You won't have to wait until your junior or senior year to start designing. During your first year, engineering courses introduce you to the process of turning ideas into something you can build, test and improve.

Introduction to Engineering

Explore engineering design, professional practice, project management, ethics and the engineer’s responsibility to society. Team projects have challenged students to work on problems involving health informatics, infrastructure and access to clean water.

This course culminates in a team-designed and built remotely operated vehicle (ROV) created to perform specific tasks, putting design decisions to the test in the real world.

Student sits at work bench with computers, electrician's tools and various wires and boxes.

Engineering Graphical Communication

Take your ideas from concept to model as you develop skills in engineering graphics, fabrication and computer-aided design. After learning engineering schematics and SolidWorks, you’ll work with a team on a hands-on design project.

Past projects have included 3D-printed model rockets and solar-tracking water distillers built with Arduino devices.

Start your journey

Get to know the school and meet the people who will challenge, guide and collaborate with you. Explore the classrooms, labs and collaborative spaces where ideas take shape. Plan your visit or start your application.

Take Your Next Step