Program Details
Recommended Courses |
The following courses are recommended:
- Calculus I & II
- Multivariable Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- General Physics I & II (Cal-based)
- Statics and Properties of Materials
- General Chemistry
- General education courses to fulfill requirements at Grand View and transfer institution
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Frequently Asked Questions
How high should my GPA be in order to go to engineering school?
A minimum cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 is competitive for most engineering programs.
When should I begin my pre-engineering coursework?
All students should begin their basic pre-engineering course work as early as possible in their college career.
Are there any organizations at Grand View available for pre-engineering students?
Pre-engineering students are encouraged to join the Math & Computer Science Club.
How long does it take to get through engineering school?
After taking the courses Grand View has to offer for Pre-Engineering, most students take an additional 5 semesters at their Engineering school to complete their degree.
What resources are available at Grand View to help me learn more about engineering school?
If you are interested in learning more about pre-engineering at Grand View, please contact the chair of the Mathematics & Computer Science Department.
Alumni Spotlight

Alex Amadeo is currently a civil engineer working at ISG, an engineering firm located in downtown Des Moines. While attending Grand View, Alex majored in applied mathematics in the pre-engineering program. In his own words, Alex says, "Grand View did a great job preparing me as I continued onto school for engineering, as well as for my career."
The applied mathematics degree allowed Alex to take classes that he would have to eventually take at Iowa State University's engineering school, but with a much smaller class size, giving him an advantage in the classroom. Plus, Grand View offered a vast amount of interdisciplinary studies that helped him become more of a well-rounded engineer in his career.
Alex chose to attend engineering school at Iowa State University in Ames and got a bachelor's of science degree in Civil Engineering. Working closely with his advisor, he decided to attend Iowa State and was able to customize and tailor a transfer program specifically with Iowa State's engineering program in mind. Known for one of the best engineering schools in the Midwest, Alex knew that he was going to get the best education available and the fact that Ames was close to Des Moines was an added bonus.
Alex recommends Grand View to future students interested in engineering. "Grand View allows students to attend a university where they are part of a small school environment while in a growing city that has endless career opportunities," Alex says. "For people who want to play sports at the college level while pursuing engineering, Grand View offers a competitive atmosphere where each sport is constantly vying for championships." In 2013, Alex was fortunate enough to be part of the football team that won the NAIA National Championship and he recalls "...that was one of the most outstanding things I've ever been a part of."
In the next four years, Alex plans on passing his Professional Engineer’s exam so that he can be a fully licensed civil engineer and eventually manage projects to further his career. His advice to current students: "Get involved as much as you can while you’re in college. The more involvement you have in activities, the more you’ll learn how to work in teams, manage your time wisely, and meet friends."