Half Block Engineering Class

The Physics Department offers a course in half-block each year which provides an introduction to a field of engineering (PC 210). The course is taught by an engineer working in that field.  By taking this course multiple times, students acquire familiarity with a variety of engineering fields.  Many students also use the connections they make in the course to find internships and jobs. 

The January 2024 half-block was on electromechanical design and fabrication.  The course was taught by Tom Edwards, an engineer at defense contractor SARA.  Students designed and built a super-sonic ping pong ball launcher that shot ping pong balls right the paddle!  Here is a video and an article about the course.  (Video credit to students in the course Tyriek Canty and Lucas Jensen).

The January 2023 half-block was on aerospace engineering taught by Erik Daehler '98 (check out an interview with him!)  Students found the course useful to prepare for jobs in engineering.  

Engineering Half Block Prepares Students to Enter Workforce

Liberal Arts Education Prepared Alum to Thrive in Space Industry Following Graduation

The June 2021 half-block was on sustainable building design.  The course was taught by Rois Langner from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).  Check out the photo below of students in the course touring Robson Arena while it was under construction.

Students tour the Robson Arena in June 2021 during the half block engineering course on Sustainable Building Design.

Career in Engineering 

There are multiple paths from CC to an engineering career, including:

• Our 3-2 Program
• Our 4-2 Program
• Graduate school in engineering (usually you will major in the affiliated science)
• Employment in engineering directly from CC (usually you will major in the affiliated science)

CC graduates have followed all of these paths into successful careers. Please visit our CANVAS site and talk to pre-engineering advisor Adam Light at alight@coloradocollege.edu.

Machinery in the the Colorado College physical plant that was toured by students in the June 2021 engineering half-block course.

Affiliated Engineering Schools

Colorado College has cooperative agreements with the following schools. For more information on a particular program check the websites or contact the school representatives listed below.