Can I apply online?

Yes, you can complete an On-line Application provided by SFA's Office of Admissions.   There are no additional admissions requirements for pre-engineering students beyond SFA's admissions requirements.   Once you are admitted to SFA and have been advised by one of our advisors you can Register for Classes.

What about campus tours and orientation?

You can Sign-up for a Campus Tour or take a Virtual Tour of the Campus. We encourage you to meet with us during Orientation to help you map out a semester-by-semester plan. If you are not familiar with SFA or Nacogdoches, then you might want to check out these Campus and City Maps.

Are there scholarships or other funds available?

You can apply online for a Physics and Astronomy Freshman Scholarship if you are in the dual degree program.   The department also awards Junior Scholarships, the Eleanor Jane Gruebel Memorial Scholarship, and the Brian Patrick Hanson Memorial Scholarship.  

SFA also offers online applications for SFA scholarships and financial aid.   SFA also hires students through the Student Employment Center.   The department hires sophomores, juniors, and seniors to teach introductory labs.   See the Chair of the department for more information about these opportunities.

What courses should I be taking?

Engineering students are encouraged to take a math course in high school every semester. If you are planning to attend a community college or another university, then it would be a good idea to also take a math course such as trigonometry, algebra or geometry every semester. To see what courses will transfer to SFA, check out this Course Equivalency Matrix for Community/Junior Colleges or the TCCN Online Matrix for university transfers.

At SFA students will meet with an advisor before each semester and complete an Advising Form. In short, pre-engineering students should be taking at least one math and one physics or engineering course each semester. For a semester-by-semester plan check out the pre-engineering and dual degree curricula.

What courses are being offered?

To find out what courses are being offered during a give semester, check out SFA's Schedule of Classes.   Here are the Registration Dates.

What branch of engineering is right for me?

There are at least a dozen different branches of engineering.   Fortunately, the first few semesters are the same for almost all of these branches.   This means that you do not have to select your branch of engineering right away.   Engineering 111 and 112 are courses that are designed to give you a flavor of each of the engineering disciplines.  

What engineering school is right for me?

Students wishing to major in any of the many branches of engineering may take their first two years in pre-engineering at Stephen F. Austin State University and transfer to a college of engineering for their final two years to complete their course of study.   SFA has an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University. After attending SFA for 2-3 years you may consider one of these Engineering Schools in the State of Texas.

What kind of events does the department host?

The department has student-faculty socials, weekly seminars, observatory tours, and several other events each semester.   To find out the dates and times of these events check out the latest Department Newsletter. Send a message to astro@sfasu.edu if you want to be on the department newsletter email list.   Pre-engineering and physics majors are encouraged to join the Society of Physics Students at SFA.

Are there tutoring or study areas on campus?

Yes, the AARC is located in the library and offers tutoring in math, physics, and other areas.   The department has a study room for physics and engineering students.   It is called the Physics Resource Center (PRC) and is located in room 318A of the Miller Science Building.

What kinds of jobs are available after graduation? How much will I make after graduation?

Maybe the best way to answer that is to look at some of the jobs that our graduates have.   I have compiled a list of SFA alumni from our department.   You may also want to check out a few job links and begin putting your resume together if graduation is near.   For the latest average annual earnings check out the statistics provided by the US Department of Labor.

Where can I get more information about Engineering at SFA?

There are answers to lots of questions ranging from using the campus pipeline, to registering for classes, to academic success in this Student Advising Handbook.

The engineering program is administered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stephen F. Austin State University. Send your inquiries to Dr. Dan Bruton.

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