Innovate the First-Year Curriculum

Setting the stage with design, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking

When Northwestern Engineering introduced its Engineering First curriculum more than 25 years ago, it jump-started a trend of incorporating design and the process of design thinking into undergraduate engineering education. Through the curriculum's flagship Design Thinking and Communication (DTC) course, first-year students collaborate with industry and nonprofit organizations to address client needs by integrating engineering science and mathematics with design while also building vital writing and communication skills.

Now we are taking the next step. By injecting innovation-based and entrepreneurial-based thinking into the Engineering First curriculum, we will train our students, starting in the first year, to think about how their research and projects can better connect to companies, the marketplace, and policy makers. By doing this, we will prepare our students to make the greatest possible impact.

Design Thinking that Permeates

Weaving design thinking throughout the undergraduate curriculum alongside other newly defined engineering methods

Design thinking has been a focus in the first-year engineering experience for many years at Northwestern Engineering. Now, we will move to more deeply incorporate the design thinking mindset, process, and tools throughout the undergraduate curriculum and into senior-year capstone courses, ensuring that the school's unique approach to design innovation is leveraged alongside other engineering methods.

Flexibility and Innovation in Degree Programs

Adapting our curriculum and degree offerings to match the needs of a rapidly evolving engineering landscape

At all academic levels, Northwestern Engineering will continue to provide a curriculum that's as nimble as it is rigorous. By creating new degree programs and specializations, and expanding existing offerings, we will prepare our students to drive impact and transformation in their chosen fields.