In the fall of 2026, Brandeis will formally launch an engineering major as part of the Interdepartmental Program in Engineering Science. Since spring of 2023, the University has offered several classes relating to engineering, teaching a combined total of between 60 and 80 students. The major, like many others at Brandeis, will be built upon an interdisciplinary background with the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, which means making the world a better place. Engineering majors will be required to take classes outside the sciences, and students from other majors will be able to enroll in engineering classes. The program is meant to foster engineering sympathy, or the ability to take the skills learned from engineering classes and bring them back to the community, said Vincent Calia-Bogan ’25, the undergraduate department representative for the Engineering Major in a March 19 interview with The Justice. 

The degree requirements are not yet finalized, but they are subject to the requirements of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. These include taking math up until differential equations, a variety of introductory and laboratory courses in engineering and cross-listed courses with other majors. So far, four courses are being offered: ENGR 11A: Intro to Design Methodology; ENGR 12B: Engineering Instrumentation & Experimentation; ENGR 13A: Modeling and Simulation and ENGR 22b: Engineering a Circular Economy. In the newly designed lab on the fourth floor of Ableson-Bass, the department has machines such as three dimensional printers, laser cutters, a Tormach for cutting metals, plastics and wood as well as snorkels designed for soldering.

Recruitment is primarily done by word of mouth, and the barrier for entry is low, says Calia-Bogan. To differentiate itself from other universities, the Brandeis engineering program will emphasize the value of Tikkun Olam and engineering sympathy. In addition, students will be able to double major, take cross-listed classes and register for classes outside of the Division of Science. The admissions department will start leading outreach for the major next fall when the class of 2030 applies to Brandeis. They will be the first class to be eligible for the major. 

The program, according to Calia-Bogan, is entirely donor-funded. Money was not taken from any other departments or capital projects to support its creation. 

Despite these realities, there have been mixed reactions from students. Many said they were unaware that Brandeis was establishing an engineering program, while others expressed reservations about the program. Jessica Walsh ’25 explained to The Justice in a March 20 interview that she is worried that this new program will be made at the expense of other programs such as the humanities programs. Lucia Jin ’25 expressed similar concerns, adding to the University's announcement of reallocating the programs in music and in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. John Mauro ’25 also expressed concerns about housing, facilities and a decrease in humanities graduate students and said they should prioritize them and provide greater financial transparency. 

Despite concerns from some university students, Brandeis continues its planning and fundraising for a new engineering department.