Michigan Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When can I apply to EGL?
If you are interested in EGL, see the undergraduate program advisor in your department. Even if you do not apply to EGL right away, it is important to be aware of the program requirements in order to guide your academic plan. Students will be encouraged to apply after they have 1) declared their major and 2) have taken at least 1-2 semesters of CoE classes. EGL applications are due in October each year. You must have at least a 3.55 cum GPA in order to be eligible to interview with the admissions committee.

2. What if I don't get admitted to EGL when I apply?
You may re-apply for EGL once you have a) met the GPA requirements or b) addressed the issues discussed by the admissions committee.

3. Can I take a different dialect of my native language to fulfill the language requirement?
No. Students must choose a language that has no direct relationship to their native language. Thus, a student who speaks Cantonese cannot choose Mandarin to fulfill the language requirement. The student could however, choose Japanese and use East Asia as the cultural core.

4. Can I study abroad?
Yes. Many EGL students have taken a semester or year to study abroad. Students may also consider study abroad during the summer months. The EGL administrators highly recommend a study or work abroad experience if it can be built into your academic program. If you plan to do so, plan ahead, and get advanced approval for as many of your classes as possible. Contact the International Programs in Engineering Office to go through the course approval process. If your study abroad experience results in transfer of credits back to the UM, up to 3 hours of cultural core credit may be waived. Please look at the IPE Study abroad website for further information.

5. Can I take Business courses to fulfill the cultural core?
No. The cultural core must be humanities or social science courses aimed at learning more about the culture of a student's chosen region of focus.

6. Can I take general courses focusing on international issues to fulfill the cultural core?
Yes, but . . . Students may count at most ONE general international course, such as International Economics, toward the cultural core. All courses must be approved by Stacie Edington for use toward the cultural core. View the list of pre-approved courses or talk to an EGL advisor for approval of additional courses.

7. What if I find a new business course or cultural core course that is not on the approved list?
Great! Submit the course syllabus to Stacie Edington for approval.

8. Can I change my Master's track?
Yes. Students should inform Stacie Edington of a change in Masters track. The Admissions Committee requests this information on the application in order to better guide students in planning courses to fulfill the undergraduate degree and EGL requirements, as well as to satisfy the pre-requisite courses for applying to the Master's portion of the program.

9. If I am admitted to EGL, am I automatically admitted to the Master's program I choose?
No. You must officially apply to the Master's program. Make sure that you have taken all the pre-requisite courses for applying.

10. Can I pursue an undergraduate dual degree?
Yes. In fact, several students have completed additional degrees in subjects such as Economics, or regional studies. Conveniently, the majority of a student's cultural core will satisfy the dual degree's requirements. The remaining course work generally requires one extra semester of study.

Also consider doing an LSA academic minor. Find out more about that at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/saa/minors.html.

11. Can I be dismissed from EGL?
Yes. If any of the following listed events occur in a given semester, you will be issued a warning from the Program Director. If you do not correct the situation by the following semester, you will be dismissed from the EGL program.

         a) cumulative GPA < 3.4 during undergraduate portion of program
         b) you go on academic probation
         c) course load consistently falls below 15 credits per semester without the approval of the EGL program director
         d) no progress toward cultural core over the course of an academic year

12. How can I fulfill my second year language requirement, other than by taking 4 semesters during the regular academic year?
If you have tested out of language classes through AP or departmental testing, this will reduce the actual number of semesters you will need to take on campus. Check out the UM's Summer Language Institute. Talk with the International Programs in Engineering office and consider a semester or summer of study abroad in order to complete your language requirement.

13. Will I be automatically enrolled in Tauber Institute for Global Operations if I become an EGL student?
No. Tauber Institute has a separate admissions process. If you indicate interest in Tauber Institute on your application and you are admitted to EGL, your name will be forwarded to Tauber Institute. You will apply to the Tauber Institute during the Winter semester of your Junior Year. Please refer to the EGL-Tauber Timeline.

14. Are international internships available?
Visit the International Programs in Engineering Office and the Engineering Career Resource Center (both located in the Chrysler Center) to check on possible international internships. The Engineering Career Resource Center (ECRC) works with many global corporations through which an international internship might be arranged. The International Programs in Engineering Office has a host of information on organizations that place interns across the globe.

15. Do I have to work in manufacturing or a factory when I graduate?
Not at all. Many EGL students work in fields that are not tied to manufacturing operations. Several alumni work in areas such as marketing or finance. Others work in consulting, taking on various projects in all areas of industry. However, for those who do wish to pursue a career in manufacturing, factory floor experience is highly valued by many companies.

Engineering Global Leadership Honors Program

Engineering Global Leadership Honors Program

Frequently Asked Questions