Resources for Current Students

Engineering follows the MCAS policies around AP placement. In general, this means that AP exams taken in high school (depending on the exam grade) can fulfill math/science requirements for the HCE major or the Core Curriculum.

HCE students should take Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 in their first year and should work with their HCE advisors to determine the appropriate calculus sequence. Regarding advanced placement, students who receive at least a 4 in Calculus AB (or AB sub score) place out of MATH1100/1102. Students who receive at least a 4 in Calculus BC place out of MATH1100/1102 and MATH1101/1103. Students who are exempted from one or both of these calculus requirements due to their advanced placement scores must take an equivalent number of math/science credits and consult with their HCE advisors to identify appropriate course substitutions. 

All HCE majors must fulfill the MCAS Language Requirement to graduate. This means intermediate language proficiency in a modern or classical language, or four semesters of language. There are a number of ways to fulfill this requirement from AB/IB test scores, to coursework, to heritage proficiency. 

Engineers interested in studying abroad should ensure that they will be able to fulfill the first year of their langauge requirement before going abroad.

The HCE major requires at least 32 credits of math/science. This includes 16 credits from math/science co-requisite courses: Calc 1 (4 credits), Calc 2 (4 credits), Gen Chem 1 with Lab (4 credits), and Physics 1 (4 credits). It also includes 16 credits of math/science that are integrated within required engineering courses. 

Students who place out of Calc 1 and/or Calc 2, will need to make up those credits in order to graduate. In consultation with faculty advisors in HCE, students should select math/science courses from the departments of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences as substitutions. Note: Computer Science courses do not count. 

Clarification about Physics 1:

We only accept PHYS2200 for the Physics 1 requirement. We do not currently accept PHYS2100 for this requirement. 

Students should regularly request their Degree Audits on EagleApps to keep track of their degrees. There is a section on the Degree Audit that notes whether Calc 1 and/or Calc 2 have been satisfied by AP exams and documents courses taken in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences that are approved substitutions. 

If there is another course that is either not in one of the previously listed departments that you would like to be considered for approval for math/science credit for the HCE major, then fill out a Degree Audit Course Substitution and Waiver form for the course you would like to be considered for approval. 

BC allows students to take BC courses online or in person during the summer for credit. In addition BC allows students to take summer courses at institutions outside of BC for credit to make up for a credit deficiency (e.g. underload, a "W", or a failing grade) or for enrichment. 

HCE students are able to take summer courses at institutions outside of BC to fulfill their HCE math/science credit requirements even if they do not have a credit deficiency. For example, some students might take Gen Chem I w/Lab at another institution during the summer and then transfer those credits to the HCE major at BC. Summer courses for HCE credit must be approved in advance using the HCE Summer Course Pre-Approval Form. If you take a course at an institution that is not at BC, don't forget to send your transcript to Office of Student Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

Students should start looking for internships in the fall using Handshake and LinkedIn. Make a list of potential internships, including deadlines and whether or not you need letters of reference. It's a great idea to have engineering faculty and the Career Center review your resume and cover letter and help brainstorm potential internship or research opportunities. We suggest applying for a minimum of 7-10 internships and summer research experiences, so it can be helpful to get organized early on in the process.

Don't forget to include that you will be getting a B.S. in Human-Centered Engineering. Students should also indicate why they are interested in the specific internship or opportunity. Include any relevant experiences you have had, which could include skills (software, makerspace, things you've learned in courses) or leadership experiences in student organizations or other activities. Companies often use algorithms to filter through resumes and cover letters, so it can be useful to include keywords and skills from the job ad in your cover letter. 

You could ask any faculty member who has had a chance to get to know you through a course you've taken with them, whose lab or research group you've worked in, or who otherwise knows you in a professional way. Ideally you should ask them if they are willing to be a reference or letter writer in advance of the application and provide them with your resume and/or application materials so that they are prepared to speak to your interests, skills, and abilities.