Being a capable engineer

By Michael Maxwell

Being a senior, I'm feeling the pull of springtime and graduation. The biggest worry most seniors have right now is counting the number of units they are taking on one hand. There is, however, one group of seniors that gets left out of the carefree springtime days.

This is the group known as the engineers. While the average student only needs about 120 units to complete their major and core curriculum, engineers need about 190 units, which leaves little time to take electives.

I am an engineer, and only now do I realize the ridiculousness of this fact. This university promotes education of "the whole person," and while Santa Clara's core curriculum does much to advance this concept, the fact remains: One ethics class, three religion classes and a handful of history classes definitely do not constitute a more socially aware and enlightened person. It's the 50 units of electives that enhance the core classes and help you become a well-rounded graduate.

Perhaps the engineering school was trying to address this problem with its "Integrated Education Requirement." Engineers must choose between studying abroad, getting an internship, earning a minor, or taking more classes in computer engineering or business. Consequently, obtaining a minor is impossible because most require over 20 units of work, which rivals the 220-unit requirement for a double degree.

Additionally, most Arts and Sciences students have time to double major. Is it fair that there are many students graduating early with two degrees, and I'm struggling to get just one?

Discussing early graduation with engineers is even more of a joke. All engineering students must complete a senior design project that runs during senior year. In contrast, I have not met a single business student who didn't have the option to graduate early in addition to studying abroad during their stay here.

The bottom line is that the well-rounded, socially conscious Jesuit education that most Santa Clara students receive is missing for engineering students. It's the 14 electives between core requirements, major courses and the bachelor's degree minimum that help you look at the world in a new light and truly explore what a Jesuit education means. After all, what good is competence if there's no time to learn conscience and compassion?

* Michael Maxwell's column appears once a month. He can be reached at mmaxwell@scu.edu.