ANN ARBOR—A new minor at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering is designed to help prepare engineering graduates to succeed in a global society.

“Today’s engineers work in multinational teams, create products for a global marketplace and solve problems that cross national borders and cultures. The international minor for engineers will prepare graduates to work across cultures and adapt to these diverse work environments,” said James Holloway, associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Engineering.

This is the first minor to be offered by the college. Engineering students could previously choose other minors such as foreign languages offered by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. But the new minor will officially recognize not just foreign language proficiency, but also understanding of other cultures, study of engineering in a global context, and the experience of living and working abroad.

The 17-20 credit-hour minor requires:

? Four semesters of college-level foreign language study (Two semesters are prerequisites.).

? Two elective courses that focus on non-U.S. cultures or societies.

? One course that offers a comparative or global perspective in business, the humanities or the social sciences.

? The International Engineering Seminar, which will teach global trends in engineering and business as well as strategies for working in multinational teams.

? At least six weeks of study, work, research, or organized volunteer work abroad.

Students can elect the minor starting in fall 2008.

This offering builds on the college’s Program in Global Engineering, which allowed students to add an international component to their engineering education without the official recognition of a minor. The global engineering program currently enrolls 110 undergraduates.

Holloway is also an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and a professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences.

Mechanical engineering professor Volker Sick will be the program advisor for the new minor, which will be administered through the College of Engineering’s International Programs in Engineering Office.

The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. Michigan Engineering boasts one of the largest engineering research budgets of any public university, at more than $130 million annually. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The College plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute. Within the College, there is a special emphasis on research in three emerging areas: nanotechnology and integrated microsystems; cellular and molecular biotechnology; and information technology. Michigan Engineering is raising $300 million for capital projects and program support in these and other areas to continue fostering breakthrough scholarly advances, an unparalleled scope of student opportunities and contributions that improve the quality of life on an international scale.

International Minor for Engineers