FAQ

Admissions to The University of Akron

What is the admission criterion for the College of Engineering?

• A: Students interested in engineering will be admitted to the University and will be admitted directly to the College of Engineering if they meet certain academic requirements. Ways to apply are explained here.

What is the admission criterion for Corrosion Engineering?

• A: The criteria are the same for Corrosion Engineering as the College of Engineering.

How do I apply?

• A: Submit an application on our admissions webpage.

I’m visiting campus soon; how do I schedule a meeting with a representative from Corrosion Engineering while I’m there?

• A: Contact evanse@uakron.edu or 330-972-6978 to schedule a one-on-one informational session and laboratory tour.

Pre-Orientation and Freshman Year

What should I be doing between now and the start of my freshman year?

• A: After you’ve paid your intent to enroll fee, you are eligible to schedule your New Student Orientation date (this will be the day that you meet with an academic advisor, schedule classes for the Fall, and learn about what to expect at UA).
  • If you are planning to live on campus, work with Residence Life and Housing to file a housing contract; the deadline is usually in May.
  • Continue to apply for College, Department, and outside scholarships.
  • Make sure your FAFSA is filled out and ready to go.

How do I prepare for the COMPASS test?

• A: If you have not scored well enough on the ACT or on the AP Calculus exam to either place you into or out of Calculus I then you will want to take the COMPASS test.  We highly recommend that you learn about the COMPASS test and practice for the test before taking it. 
• You should start by visiting the New Student Orientation website to learn UA specific information and to schedule your COMPASS test.

How do I find out about AP test scores and whether they help me bypass a course?

• A: The College Board typically sends students notice of their scores in July. You should alert your academic advisor to these scores because you may be eligible to bypass a course, and this could affect your class schedule.
  • Scores of 3 or higher in many subjects will equate to at least a general education course at the University of Akron.
  • For additional information on these equivalencies visit UA's alternative credit options.
  • Credits of bypassed classes can be purchased for $5 each. Contact the College Board for a copy of your score: 212-713-8000.

How do I transfer Post Secondary coursework and will it count if I took courses at a community college?

• A: Please contact the College Credit Plus Program webpage to see how post-secondary, dual credit, and transfer coursework will be applied to your University of Akron major.

When do I schedule my classes? Should I look them up ahead of time?

• A: Your academic advisor will assist you in selecting and scheduling classes at your New Student Orientation. There is no need to look classes up ahead of time, but think about what your ideal schedule might look like (days, times, course load, etc.).

When can I take a tour and see where my classes will be?

• A: Tours are available on New Student Orientation day; you will have a schedule of your classes then and are welcome to view buildings and classrooms.

About The University of Akron

What is unique about UA versus other Ohio schools?           

• A: The University of Akron’s College of Engineering is the fourth fastest growing engineering program in the nation, featuring one-of-a-kind programs like Corrosion Engineering and Aerospace Systems Engineering. Our large, urban campus offers diverse opportunities to students, while small academic programs provide a comfortable learning environment with one-on-one attention to students.

How do I get information about living/learning communities?

• A: Visit Learning Communities for more information.

How much does it typically cost in an academic year to attend Akron?

• A: The cost of attendance can vary from student to student and from year to year- here is an average breakdown.

Where can I find out about meal plans?

• A: Students have a wide variety of meal and dining options. Visit the dining services site.

Do I have an academic advisor? When do I have to meet with them?

• A: Every student on campus is assigned to an academic advisor and mentor in their respective department. It is recommended that students meet with their advisor every semester to stay on track.

About the Corrosion Engineering Degree

What is corrosion engineering and how is it different from other engineering disciplines?

• A: Corrosion engineers may design new materials or develop new methods to preserve large assets like military artillery, roads and bridges, and water systems down to small gears and fasteners, medical devices, or microelectronic systems.
• Corrosion Engineering is unique because it is multidisciplinary. Corrosion specialists may interact with Chemical, Mechanical, Polymer, or Civil Engineers on a daily basis, depending on the type of job they have.  Our program is a distinctive mix of Corrosion science, engineering, and management skills wrapped into one degree program.

How many students are there in the Corrosion Engineering program?

• A: The Corrosion Engineering program is growing rapidly, but is still small enough to give students the opportunity to interact on a regular basis with faculty and staff. There are approximately 130 students in the program to-date.
  • The College of Engineering has an estimated 2,700 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students.

How many years will it take to earn my degree?

• A: The Bachelor of Science in Corrosion Engineering typically takes 5 years to complete, including three semesters of applied experience in a Co-Op. Students needing to take developmental courses or who change majors may require additional time.

What is a Co-Op and are they required?

• A: A Co-Op, short for cooperative education, is a chance for students to take classroom lessons and apply them to real-world situations.
• Students in Corrosion Engineering will rotate academic classes on campus with paid, hands-on training in the field.
• The College of Engineering assists with the coordination and placement of students.

What scholarships are available to Corrosion Engineering students?

• A: Corrosion Engineering students have an excellent chance of earning scholarships at the University, College, Department, and Major levels. All students are encouraged to apply for the College of Engineering scholarships (typically due in March).
• Additionally, Corrosion Engineering majors are eligible to apply for major-specific awards. Approximately $45,000 is given out to Corrosion Engineering majors each academic year. Applications for these awards are distributed during the sophomore year.

What is the Corrosion Ambassador program?

• A: Freshmen in the Corrosion Engineering major have the chance to apply to become Corrosion Ambassadors. These students are selected to assist in outreach and recruitment efforts throughout the first year. Activities and responsibilities could include: assisting at admissions visit days, meeting with prospective students, giving lab tours to guests, attending forums and presentations, and doing office work.  Students may earn up to $1,000 by assisting in these efforts. Applications are distributed during the first two weeks of the semester.

Is corrosion engineering a field in which graduate study is required for employment or can students be employed as corrosion engineers with a baccalaureate degree?

• A: Graduate study is not required. Corrosion engineering is a wonderful opportunity for students to progress rapidly within a company, government agency (such as Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, etc.), or many other organizations.

What kind of student organizations should I be involved in?

• A: All Corrosion Engineering majors are invited to participate in the Corrosion Squad, a student organization dedicated to promoting professional development of students interested in corrosion engineering, research, and activities.
• In addition, there are more than 260 student organizations at UA. From athletics to Greek life to honors societies, there is definitely an organization for you. Check out the list of organizations.
• Freshmen have the opportunity to learn more about different clubs and organizations during the Week of Welcome activities. It is best to start off slowly by getting involved in just one or two activities in the fall semester until you decide what your academic work load will be and how much spare time you have available.

About the field of Corrosion Engineering

What is the job outlook for corrosion engineers?

• A: Industry studies indicate that in the next decade, 40% of the workforce with training in corrosion engineering will retire. At the same time, corrosion-related positions are multiplying as regulatory pressures (environmental, health, safety, etc.) and prospects of legal liabilities resulting from asset failures increase.  Furthermore, the federal government has begun to establish laws and policies that are requiring Corrosion Prevention and Control Plan be incorporated into major infrastructure and equipment acquisition projects. Corrosion Engineers can work in almost any economic sector; some popular fields include: water distribution, automotive, chemical and petrochemical processing, energy (fossil and nuclear) and the oil and gas industries. Recent salary surveys indicate that the average yearly salary for Corrosion Engineers is $103,000.

What are typical industries/companies that hire corrosion engineers?

• A: Large industrial sectors like transportation, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, chemical processing, material selection, and water systems hire corrosion engineers. There are a plethora of opportunities located in Northeastern Ohio, and also around the world. Click here to see a list of companies that have partnered with our National Center for Education and Research on Corrosion and Materials Performance (NCERCAMP) at the University of Akron.

Why so little emphasis on corrosion engineering, is it common in other countries?

• A: The trends are the same in other countries. Many have simply taken the attitude that either corrosion is unavoidable and nothing can be done about it, or things are built cheaply and easily replaced.  However, this mindset is beginning to be transformed due to increased regulatory pressures (environmental, health, safety, etc.) and prospects of legal liabilities resulting from asset failures.
• Furthermore, the federal government has begun to establish laws and policies that are establishing the need for Corrosion Prevention and Control Plans to incorporate into major infrastructure and equipment acquisition projects.

Who has been doing work with corrosion in the United States?

• A: Primarily this has been handled by Chemical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Materials Science Engineers/Metallurgists, Civil Engineers and Chemists who have received on-the-job training in corrosion. However, industry surveys have indicated that employers would prefer to hire an engineer with a B.S. in corrosion engineering if one were available.
• Industry studies indicate that in the next decade, 40 percent of the workforce with training in corrosion engineering will retire. Because training is predominantly “on the job” or sponsored by employers, there is no pipeline of candidates ready to take their places. This was confirmed by a survey of six national industry associations completed by The University of Akron in 2007.
• Further, 66 percent of employers perceive that current engineering graduates are not trained to understand and manage the effects of corrosion, and nearly 75 percent experience a shortage of qualified job candidates with corrosion skill sets.