Centers, Institutes, and Special Programs

Center for Nanostructures

The Center for Nanostructures uses state-of-the-art equipment to educate students and to advance the field of nanoscale science and technology. The mission of the center is to conduct, promote, and nurture nanoscale science and technology, interdisciplinary research, and education activities at the University, and to position the University as a national center of innovation in nanoscience education and nanostructures research. Ongoing research projects include On-Chip Interconnect Modeling, Carbon Nanotubes/Nanofibers, and Electrical/Biological System Interfaces. Faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students utilize the center for research projects.

Combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science

Bachelor of science degree programs offered by the Departments of Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering can be combined with master of science degrees. Requirements for the combined degree programs are outlined in the appropriate departmental sections of this chapter.

Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Education Program integrates classroom work with practical experience by providing alternate or parallel periods of college education with periods of training in industry or government. The objective of the program is to provide students the opportunity to enhance their academic knowledge, to further their professional development, and to learn how to work effectively as individual contributors and group members. The industrial training is related to the student's field of study and often is diversified to afford a wide range of experience. To qualify for the program, undergraduate students must have completed at least 90 quarter units and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Credits earned in the program may be used to meet undergraduate degree requirements.

Frugal Innovation Hub

Sponsored by the School of Engineering, the Frugal Innovation Hub (FIH) offers an interdisciplinary platform for the design and implementation of innovative technology for social benefit by fostering collaboration between students and faculty from universities worldwide, multinational corporations, social enterprises, nonprofits, and foundations. Through undergraduate and graduate courses, innovation projects, and immersion experiences, SCU students have the opportunity to develop technologies, products, and solutions to address real-world human needs in underserved markets domestically and internationally. Focus areas include clean energy, global public health, mobile technologies, sustainable livelihood development, and clean water.