Majors & Minors

Biomedical Engineering (BME) applies engineering science to problems in biology and medicine — including the design of medical instruments, artificial organs and tissues, and nanoparticles for drug delivery.

Study Areas

• Biomechanics of blood flow, cells, and hard and soft tissues
• Molecular, cellular and biosurface engineering, including tissue engineering and drug delivery
• Electrobiology of the heart and nervous system
• Medical imaging systems and biomedical optics
• Medical informatics

Major in BME

Civil engineers (CE) plan, design, manage and maintain the construction and operation of systems that support our society — such as bridges, dams, buildings, airports, and wastewater treatment plants.

Study Areas

• Structural engineering and mechanics
• Water resources

Major in CE

Environmental engineers (EnvE) work to balance the needs of growing human populations and the environment, addressing challenges such as pollution, traffic congestion, energy needs, and community planning.

Major in EnvE

Electrical and computer engineers (ECE) encompass the largest engineering workforce in the United States. Duke ECE provides more opportunities and is more flexible and less restrictive than many other ECE programs in the United States.

Students use this flexibility to expand their horizons and explore personal interests more deeply.

Study Areas

• AI and Machine Learning
• Computer Engineering and Digital Systems
• Signal Processing, Communications and Control Systems
• Solid-State Devices and Integrated Circuits
• Electromagnetic Fields
• Photonics

Major in ECE

Mechanical engineering (ME) is a broad and interdisciplinary field integrating all of engineering. The mechanical engineer is involved in biotechnology, nanotechnology, as well as transportation, energy, and communication technologies.

Study Areas

• Thermal and fluids systems
• Mechanics and biomechanics
• Dynamics, including nonlinear dynamics and control
• Special attention is given to the aerospace and transportation vehicle industries

Major in me

Interdisciplinary Engineering & Applied Science (IDEAS)

At Duke, an engineering undergraduate can select an interdisciplinary option for their major. We call it IDEAS.

An IDEAS curriculum is a combination of advanced courses focused on a topic, often one aligned with Duke Engineering's professional master's degree programs. This provides a deep exploration of a topic and focused preparation for a career.

More about IDEAS

The Minor in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence provides undergraduates with an understanding of the core concepts of ML and AI, as well as a rigorous and coherent exposure to both fundamental theories and applications.

Minor in ML/AI

The minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) provides a Duke undergraduate with a broad, fundamental foundation, coupled with the opportunity to explore advanced topics tailored to their specific interests.

Study Areas

• Computer engineering and digital systems
• Signal processing and communications
• Solid-state devices and integrated circuits
• Control systems and robotics

Minor in ECE

Energy poses perhaps the greatest challenges of our time – from meeting demand to minimizing environmental impact. The Minor in Energy Engineering (EE) prepares future leaders to solve these problems. Graduates are well-prepared for careers focused on engineering solutions to energy-related issues.

Study areas

• Energy generation and delivery
• Energy conversion and efficiency
• Energy engineering and the environment

Minor in Energy Eng