NKU, in conjunction with the University of Kentucky, offers students the opportunity to pursue a degree in biosystems, chemical/materials, civil, computer/electrical, mechanical, or mining engineering and computer science. Similar arrangements exist with the JB Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. At University of Louisville, there are programs leading to degrees in Bio, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering as well an integrated five-year program leading to the Master of Engineering degree.
Pre-engineering students may elect to follow a three/two agreement that leads to the award of a degree in physics from NKU and the award of a degree in a field of engineering from the program and institution of choice. Alternatively, a student may elect to study at NKU for two years of coursework then transfer to another institution to complete the requirements for the B.S. in a field of engineering in two years without a physics degree from NKU.
Pre-engineers must contact the Department of Physics and Geology to obtain an academic advisor. Most pre-engineering students will be expected to complete at least this group of courses at NKU before transfer to a degree program in engineering:
One year of English composition.
Three semesters of calculus-based physics with lab.
Two years of calculus and differential equations.
One year of chemistry.
Courses in computer graphics, general education, and introduction to engineering and design.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
Steely Library, Suite 410,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, United States
Students should have completed secondary school coursework and any appropriate examination (if applicable).
English proficiency required for admission can be satisfied by any one of the following:
An official and satisfactory score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. The minimum TOEFL scores to be considered for admission are a 500 on the paper-based exam or a 61 on the internet-based (iBT) exam.
Documentation of having satisfactorily completed freshman-level English composition at an American regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. and an overall acceptable GPA. Non-native speakers of English may still be asked to take the TOEFL if it has been several years since taking the English courses or if the student has returned to his or her home country for several years since taking the course.
A satisfactory score on the verbal portion of the ACT or SAT taken within the last two years. The minimum scores to be considered for admission are an ACT of 18 or SAT of 430 (through 3/15/16) or 25 (effective 3/16/16).
An official and satisfactory score from the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) taken within the last two years. The minimum IELTS scores to be considered for admission must include a cumulative band of 5.5 and sub-scores in reading and writing of 5.0 or better.
Successful completion of NKU’s American English Language Program with at least an 80% in each AELP class.
Priority deadline: For Fall Semester: April 15; Spring Semester: October 15
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
NKU has a focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning, and graduates develop versatile skill sets in preparation for employment.