Undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering & Computer Science prepare students to enter and continue the practice of engineering. Central to this task are preparation of students to function effectively on multidisciplinary teams and development of proficiency in design of engineering systems, components, and processes. Teamwork and design are prominent in the educational objectives and core student learning outcomes of the College.

Historically, FAU engineering curricula have featured a distributed approach to design instruction. Emphasis on teamwork and engineering design starts in the freshman year, typically with the Fundamentals of Engineering course, and continues throughout the curricula. It culminates in a comprehensive capstone design experience in the senior year.

This model will continue as the backbone for design instruction in the College. However, evolutionary change in the ways engineers work is placing increasing importance on student exposure to realistic projects carried out in interdisciplinary settings. In response, the College is making two fundamental changes to strengthen and update its efforts in design education. These changes, involving creation of an Engineering Design Center and modifications in the capstone design experience, are described in the "Design in Engineering Curricula".

Engineering Design is a sequence of two design project courses that must be taken in two consecutive semesters. The two courses replace traditional departmental Senior Project 1 and 2 and are administered by coordinating faculty from various College of Engineering & Computer Science departments.